The FIM Junior Trophy class in the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) is always a difficult one to predict. A major stepping-stone on to the world stage, many riders entered have yet to make their mark in enduro. They often do not deliver their true promise until they roll off that start line wearing their nation’s colours.

The entry list for the ninety-sixth FIM ISDE follows a similar pattern, albeit with a few notable exceptions.

Italy start as defending champions and look to replicate that win they enjoyed on home soil last year. They enter this year’s FIM ISDE as the defending champions of both the FIM World Trophy and FIM Junior Trophy and so dream of another repeat result.

With riders like Enrico Rinaldi (GASGAS) performing strongly on the world circuit, and supported by a well-versed FIM ISDE nation like Italy, ensures they can not be ruled out.

However, digging deeper into the entry list, past Spain and the United States who placed second and third in 2021, and outside the top ten nations, is France. With home pride on their side, they are capable of winning.

Leading the way will be the newly crowned FIM Enduro Junior World Champion Zach Pichon (Sherco). A relative rookie to enduro, the Frenchman jumped onto the scene in spectacular fashion this season.

Of motocross dynasty – his father Mikael is a two-time FIM Motocross World Champion – Zach switched to enduro for 2021 and success came instantly. From the opening round of the world championship, Pichon hit the ground running taking seven consecutive race wins.

Backing it up with a double victory at the penultimate round in Hungary has seen the Sherco rider claim the title with one round to spare. And while the FIM ISDE is a different animal of sorts, Pichon will want to impress no doubt.

Adding further fuel to the French fire, Pichon is joined by Luc Fargier (Beta). Fargier is currently third overall in the Junior championship, while also leading the Junior2 category. With Antoine Alix (Husqvarna) onboard to back them up, it looks like they have got the speed to win.

But, as is always the case with the FIM ISDE, there are six incredibly tough and demanding days of racing to get through first before the trophies are handed out. Nothing is ever certain in sport.

The FIM International Six Days of Enduro takes place in Le Puy-en-Velay, France from 29 August to 3 September.