New Zealand Junior World Trophy, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media
 

Ambitions are high in the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations paddock. For some nations, the 6DAYS® Italia is about fighting for medal positions, while for others it is about building for the future.

For 2025, New Zealand are focused on the latter, with a promising young Junior World Trophy line-up.

Following their debut Women’s World Trophy entry at the 2024 6DAYS® in Spain, this year’s participation in the Junior category marks another step toward re-establishing New Zealand at the highest levels of the sport.

“Last year, we had our first Women’s team compete in the 6DAYS®, but we were unable to make a full team for Italy, so we decided to focus on bringing a Junior team instead,” tells team manager Kylie Dorr.

“I raced last year, so I took on the role of team manager here. It’s exciting to bring it all together. The goal is to have New Zealand represented across all three World Trophy categories in the near future.”

Simply reaching the start line in Bergamo proved a major challenge, as Dorr explains.

“Our major hurdle to overcome is the distance. It took thirty hours of flying just to get here. We can’t bring our own bikes, so everything needs to be hired or borrowed.

“It’s not cost effective, but we’re raising funds to give our riders the best chance of success possible.”

Blake Affleck, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media
 

From a snowy New Zealand winter to the heat of Italy, Blake Affleck (Honda) is enjoying his first taste of competition abroad.

“This is totally different from what I’m used to. I’ve never competed against this many riders before, and the tests are so much rougher than at home. But I’m loving it so far.

“I’ve had some good tests, but then some crashes too. I feel like I’m riding fast, but just doing silly little things that lead to crashes. I will try to calm it down a bit.”

Currently leading the FIM Enduro3 World Championship, Hamish Macdonald is New Zealand’s fastest export, and a notable 6DAYS® absentee. Dorr hopes they can soon provide him with a World Trophy team.

“Hamish Macdonald is New Zealand’s best rider, but we don’t have a World Trophy team to support him,” says Dorr. “We’d love to see that happen.

“He’s here supporting the Juniors from the sidelines, coaching them through the race. But ultimately, we all want this to be the start of something bigger.”

From inside the New Zealand team camp, it is clear the passion is there to make it happen very soon.