The FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) stands proud as the longest running off road motorcycle competition. Soon to enter its ninety-seventh edition in San Juan, Argentina, the event has been running for close to one hundred and ten years, attracting nations and riders from all over the world.
Incredibly though, Spain have never won the FIM World Trophy category. Hoping to change all that in Argentina, Josep Garcia (KTM) leads his team to the 6DAYS® with only victory on their minds.
“For Spain to win the 6DAYS® would be a dream come true,” tells Garcia. “We’ve been trying for so long as a nation to do it. When I’ve been on the World Trophy team, we’ve finished in second and third, but not yet on the top step of the podium.”
Regarded as one of the fastest Enduro riders in the world, Garcia will arrive at this year’s 6DAYS® as the newly crowned FIM Enduro1 World Champion, having won the final four days of the FIM EnduroGP World Championship outright. Without a doubt, he is on top form and would love to take the overall individual win for the third time.
“For sure this year in Argentina the goal is to aim for the overall individual win again. I’ve been able to do that for the last two years and to make it three-in-a-row would be incredible.
“I feel like I’m reaching my peak at just the right time. With four victories in a row in EnduroGP, it’s given me a huge boost of confidence. My fitness is good and I’m healthy too. That’s so important leading into a big, long race like this.
Much-loved for his all-out, aggressive, and action-packed riding style, Josep’s excited to see the special tests in San Juan. Competing on a 250F motorcycle, he does not feel disadvantaged over his rivals.
“I think the conditions should suit me. It will be a mixture of everything. Hard pack with stones, but soft fesh-fesh and sandy tests too.
“I’ve shown in EnduroGP that the 250F can be competitive and can win in all conditions including sand, so I will do my best to bring that energy to the 6DAYS®.”
Returning to the topic of the World Trophy, it’s the sense of team spirit, racing for your nation, that makes the 6DAYS® so loved by many. And with Spain yet to win, could history be made in 2023?
“To see Great Britain do it last year is motivating. I feel like with the team we have going to Argentina that it’s possible for us to win too. If we all stay healthy and one hundred per cent focused on fighting for victory from the first special test, then we can be contenders.
“Of course, winning would be historic,I think for an Enduro loving nation like Spain it would mean so much. For the public and the fans to see us on the top step of the podium would be everything. I want to be a part of that. It would be incredible and for sure we will give it our all.”