In 2022 Great Britain won the World Trophy team competition at the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) for the first time in almost seventy years. After six incredible days of racing in Le Puy-en-Velay, France, Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna), Steve Holcombe (Beta), Nathan Watson (Honda), and Jed Etchells (Fantic) put Great Britain back on the top step of the World Trophy podium.
It was a momentous day for all involved and now team Great Britain will arrive at this year’s 6DAYS® in San Juan, Argentina hoping to win again.
Taking the winner’s trophy with him, Jamie McCanney knows in racing that nothing is guaranteed, although is ready to give his all once more. However, that winning feeling still fills him with pride. More importantly it also motivates him to try and succeed again.
“We are all athletes, and we all want to win, so to achieve what we did last year was brilliant,” says McCanney. “But having had time to process it all there’s a lot more to it.
“When you consider the quality of riders that Great Britain has had over the years and we still weren’t able to win for more than sixty years, it shows that our victory was something special.
“For modern Enduro in Great Britain it will go down in history. To be one of those riders who helped the team to victory will always stand as an incredible moment in my career.”
The victorious scenes from Le Puy-en-Velay remain fresh in everyone’s minds as we head towards another 6DAYS®, though at home and at grassroots level, how much did this victory mean to the British Enduro public?
“The reaction from the public, both young and old, has been huge. When you see the smile on people’s faces and when you’re at a race paddock and people want to talk about it, it shows how much it means to everyone. It shows it’s more than just a race result.”
Although arriving in Argentina with a new bike, McCanney is experienced enough to know that preparation is key to a successful week.
“For a race like this, preparation is everything. You’ve got to be ready before you start,” he tells. “No small detail can be overlooked. You check everything and then double check everything before the bike goes into the parc ferme. After that you’re on your own!”
After a season competing in the Enduro1 class of the Enduro World Championship, McCanney is switching things up for the 6DAYS® by moving to Enduro2 and racing a 450F. It is a fresh challenge he is excited for.
“I’m feeling competitive. I’ve enjoyed a strong end to this year’s world championship. I’ve fought well in every test and want to carry that form to Argentina. I’ll be switching to a 450F for the race having raced a 250F all year, but I think it should go ok.
“I’ve raced a 450F in the past and done well. Despite little time on the bike, I’m adaptable and will settle in pretty quickly.”
“I tend not to stress out too much about the details of a race. I just enjoy my racing and take it as it comes. Ultimately, what we find in Argentina will be the same for everyone!”
