The FIM International Six Day’s Enduro (ISDE) is underway in San Juan, Argentina. The pinnacle of enduro sport, it is a momentous race for all those who travel to compete and for those who watch on with excitement.
For Argentina’s Nicolas Kutulas (KTM), rolling off the start ramp at the Villicum Circuit in San Juan for day one was a special moment.
Excited for his home race, and motivated by the pride of his nation, he was eager to put his best foot forward and set a tone to follow for the remainder of the week.
Helping the FIM World Trophy Team to seventh overall, he was their best-placed rider in twenty-third overall.
“It was a tough first day,” told a tired and dusty looking Kutulas from the park ferme. “I had to pass a lot of riders in the special tests, and it wasn’t easy with the dust.
“But I think tomorrow will be better when the starting order is adjusted to let the fastest guys go first. I hope to gain some more places.”
No stranger to the 6DAYS®, this is now his third time competing in the event. His first was back in 2014 when the race last visited San Juan and since then he has also raced in Chile.
“It’s been quite the journey for me coming back here since 2014. This is my first-time home to race in six years. But it’s an honour and pleasure to be here racing.
“There’s nothing quite like an ISDE. It’s an incredible race, with so many people from different nations all in one place to race enduro.
“I’ve raced in EnduroGP, but it doesn’t quite compare to a race like this. The ISDE is so long that it wears you out both physically and mentally. You have to look after yourself and your bike to make it. A lot can happen in six days.”
Ending day one in seventh overall, Argentina are already sitting comfortably inside the top ten. But as Kutulas knows, there’s still a very long way to go in this race.
“As a team our goal is to reach the finish line on Saturday. Right now, that’s a long way away. But I know if we can do that with all four riders then for sure we can have a good result here this week!”
