When it comes to this year’s 6DAYS®FIM Enduro of Nations in Bergamo, Italy, Francesca Nocera (Honda) is as local as it gets. Born and bred in Bergamo, the Italian leads her nation’s hopes in the MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy competition for the ninety-ninth edition of this legendary Enduro.
Heading Italy’s trio of riders alongside Sara Traini (RIEJU) and Asia Volpi (Beta), Nocera is anticipating a memorable week of racing.
“The atmosphere will be awesome,” she feels. “I’m from Bergamo and I’m sure many people are coming to support us. The Final Cross Test on Day Six will only be five minutes from my home. It’s a great venue, and for sure will mark a special ending to this race.”
Italians are world-renowned for their Enduro passion. They live and breathe it, always fully supporting their riders. With the opportunity to wear the iconic blue, Maglia Azzurra Italian jersey for only the second time in her career, what are her emotions like leading into the 6DAYS® Italia?
“I would say this race brings some added pressure, but I have more confidence. Having the 6DAYS® on terrain I’m more familiar with can help me, as well as having the support of the home crowd!
“I definitely owe thanks to the Italian federation for making this possible. This season, I’m running my own team, so I also must thank HRC Honda and all my sponsors. We will have some special graphics for the event, so my Honda will look awesome, too!”
No matter how familiar a rider may be with the terrain faced, a race like the 6DAYS® Italia is a daunting challenge. Racing for six days straight, covering up to thirteen-hundred kilometres, while managing both body and machine, is no easy task.
While only having one 6DAYS® under her belt, the current FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship points leader feels she is as prepared as she can be, despite also managing a recent knee injury.
“It’s been quite a roller coaster in the last months,” admits Nocera. “With my knee injury, I can’t prepare how I would’ve liked, but I will be ready to race and support the team come the start.
“Last year was my first 6DAYS® and I learnt a lot. The challenge of keeping my body and bike going was no easy task. You have to keep in mind that if something happens and you damage the bike, you are the only one that can work on it, and you have limited time to repair it.
“For preparing your body, it’s equally important. The race is long and it’s like racing three FIM EnduroGP races back-to-back. You must conserve energy where you can but still push in the special tests where you need to.”
With the possibility of her knee injury preventing her from reaching her true potential in the 6DAYS® Italia, what are her personal goals for the race?
“Yes, this year has been a real mix of emotions. I know I’m one of the fastest women riders out there and I have the speed and technique to fight for the win, it’s just managing my knee now. I can’t be one hundred per cent.
“My plan was to fight for the 6DAYS® Italia win, but after the injury I needed to change my plan and only have one goal for this season. I honestly don’t want to take any risk as my main goal is to win the world championship. I managed to get a couple of top three test times at last year’s 6DAYS® in Spain, where I was also coming back from an injury. So, if I can better that and get a couple of test wins or top three, I’ll be happy!
“Importantly, as a team, our goal for the 6DAYS® is to enjoy it and to reach the finish line together after the Final Cross Test. We will give our best to represent the Maglia Azzurra in the best way possible in Bergamo!”
The 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations takes place in Bergamo, Italy, from 24-29 August.
Can’t be at the 6DAYS® Italia in person?
Details of how to register for the free highlights and 6DAYS® Morning Shows plus other paid for packages can be found here.
