Using the occasion of the Portuguese round of the FIM Superbike World Championship at Portimao, the FIM President Jorge Viegas was joined by Federação de Motociclismo de Portugal President Manuel Marinheiro; Autódromo Internacional do Algarve & FIM ISDE 2019 Local Organiser CEO, Paulo Pinheiro ; Tourism Board – Promotion Director André Gomes – and Portimão Municipality Mayor, Isilda Gomes – as details of the 94th edition of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) were shared to the assembled national and international media.

In just sixty-five days – 11 to 16 November – the Portimao circuit will welcome over seven hundred and fifty riders from thirty-four countries to compete in what remains the oldest event in the FIM calendar. The beautiful Algarve region will provide the perfect stage for professional and amateur riders to do battle over the same course, with each day of competition starting and finishing at the paddock based at the fantastic facilities at the Portimao circuit. The Tourism Board Promotion Director André Gomes explained how important it is for the region for the hotels, restaurants to host such a big competition, which will put the region in the spotlight at international level.

As well as remaining the ultimate test of man and modern machine, the event in November will also incorporate the fourth edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage trophy. This year sees the introduction of a new category – The Vintage Veterans Trophy Team which will comprise of one team per nation, with each team consisting of three riders aged at least fifty years old.

Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and FIM ISDE 2019 Local Organiser CEO Paulo Pinheiro added his comments:

“For the race track it is important to host such a different event from those we are used to having. The 6 Days is going to be the biggest event sporting wise we have held with around 750 riders already registered. We believe that this event will involve 6000 people on the participant side plus 1000 more on the operational side from staff members. It will have a huge impact on the circuit and for the region especially because the event will be held in November which is our goal to attract tourism in our region all year long.”

The Portimão Municipality Mayor, Isilda Gomes stated:

“2019 is a special year for Portimão, which is the 2019 European city of sport. We are very proud to welcome the FIM ISDE, it is very important for Portimão to host such a big competition that will be seen by many people living around here. They will have the opportunity to enjoy watching the competitors racing in different parts of the region. The 6 Days will bring amazing exposure to our city and we hope that many people will discover Portugal and in particular Portimão and the region and will come back again in the future.”

Her comments were reinforced by the Federação de Motociclismo de Portugal President, Manuel Marinheiro:

“It will be the third time for the FMP to organise the FIM ISDE and we are confident that our experience will help us to organise an unforgettable event for the participants, for the fans and for the region. The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve offers an amazing facilities for the many riders coming from all over the World.”

Explaining the importance of this unique and historic competition being hosted at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, the FIM President Jorge Viegas concluded:

“It is important for the FIM to use circuits at different occasions and have diverse competitions. It is important for the circuit, but also it offers good facilities for the participants and also for the media. The FIM Six Days of Enduro always marks a special moment in the season with so many national federations involved, and I am confident that this edition will be one to be remembered for all involved and wish both the riders and the organisers the best of luck.”