There is nothing quite like an FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) on home soil. As a rider, the opportunity to put on the national jersey and compete for your country in front of family, friends and spectators is special. As a former racer and now team manager for the Spanish World Trophy teams, Cristobal Guerrero is a man who is eagerly anticipating the arrival of this year’s NOCO FIM 6DAYS® in Galicia, Spain.
With many years of professional competition under his belt, Guerrero has experienced the emotional highs and lows of the NOCO FIM 6DAYS®. Finishing as FIM World Trophy vice-champions in the 2021 NOCO FIM 6DAYS®, a best-ever result for Spain, ranks highly among his list of accomplishments.
Now, as team manager, the focus is passing on the baton, building for the future, and helping Spain finally reach the top step of the FIM World Trophy podium. With FIM world champions Josep Garcia (KTM) and Mireia Badia (Rieju) on the FIM World Trophy and FIM Women’s World Trophy teams, Guerrero is remaining quietly optimistic about Spain’s chances at the NOCO FIM 6DAYS®.
“It’s very special to have two world champions on the team,” says Guerrero. “To have both Josep and Mireia on board is good for the team, for the Spanish federation and the public. I hope we can deliver some good results on home soil.”
For any team manager selecting a line-up for this year’s NOCO FIM 6DAYS®, having a rider of Garcia’s calibre would be top of their wish list. So for Guerrero, does having the fastest man in enduro add to the pressure of building a team around him?
“For sure Josep is on another level. It’s a great opportunity to have him on our team,” considers Guerrero. “I know he will give it his all and fight for the overall victory. But I feel confident in our three riders backing him up. If everyone can finish inside the top ten each day, anything is possible.”
Although as this conservation continues, it is clear Guerrero has his eyes on the long game too. Building for the future is a priority. He wants more riders of Garcia’s stature in Spanish enduro in the years to come, ready to step up whenever Garcia decides to step down.
“With the Spanish RFME federation, we are looking to the future. We are trying to prepare our younger riders by giving them opportunities to race on the international stage at the NOCO FIM 6DAYS® and the FIM Enduro World Championship.
“We take a team of junior riders to the world championship, support them and show them the level they need to reach. Without pressure for results, it gives them experience and opportunities to improve. This in turn strengthens us for competition in the NOCO FIM 6DAYS®.”
Time will tell if this year’s NOCO FIM 6DAYS® becomes a winning one for Spain in the FIM World Trophy, however one thing for certain is that Spain are closing in on it, step by step.
