Often it takes a small army of people for any nation to take part in the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE).
From team managers keeping on top of the rider’s immediate needs, to support crew members manning service areas out on course and in the paddock, helping spot lines on special tests, to daily tasks of cooking and shopping for groceries, there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes.
With her son Korey McMahon (GASGAS) competing on the Junior World Trophy team in Spain, Lea-Ann McMahon has joined the Australian support crew in Galicia.
“This is my first time as support crew for Australia,” tells McMahon, during Tuesday morning work service in the NOCO Parc Fermé. “My son has raced it a couple of times, France in 2022 and now here he is on the Junior World Trophy team again.
“I love to follow my son around when I can, but being based in Australia makes that hard. But the 6DAYS® is a big event, so I really wanted to come and experience it. So far it has lived up to its expectations.”
Unlike the many European nations competing in Spain, Australia is always challenged by logistics in their preparation.
Machinery, material and everything they need to compete at the highest level requires months of planning and shipping.
“It’s a massive logistics operation for Australia to even get here,” continues McMahon. “Planning starts months in advance. A container takes all our bikes and supplies, but it’s never enough.
“Riders will take their own stuff, which means extra baggage and expense to fly. Just to get to the start line is huge, but this is the 6DAYS®. We can’t miss a race like this!”
