When the ninety-sixth edition of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) gets underway in France, the race for victory in the FIM Women’s Trophy class will be exciting to watch.

For 2022, nine nations will take to the start line in Le Puy-En-Velay, all looking to deliver their best. For some it will be their first foray onto the world stage of the FIM ISDE, while for others the end goal is victory.

In total, only three nations have etched their names on to the FIM Women’s Trophy silverware, with the United States getting there first in 2007, before France and Australia dominated from 2008 to 2018. The United States returned to the top step of the podium in 2019 and 2021. They enter this year’s FIM ISDE hoping to make it a hat trick of wins (there was no race in 2020 due to Covid-19).

In both those years, Brandy Richards (KTM) was part of the winning team and she returns again for 2022. Rachel Gutish (GASGAS) helped steer the United States to victory last year and will take to the start this year. The winning duo are joined by Korie Steede (KTM) in France.

Runner-up to the United States in 2021, the United Kingdom are relative newcomers to the FIM ISDE, but are already proving themselves as fast leaners. They have a strong trio of riders competing in France and are led by Jane Daniels (Fantic), who currently leads the way in the FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship. Daniels has shown to be a dominant force this year claiming six wins from six starts. She has also got a wealth of world championship level competition behind her, indicating she’ll be the rider to beat.

But it takes three riders to make a team work in the FIM Women’s Trophy category. Thankfully, backed up by Rosie Rowett (KTM) and Nieve Holmes ensures the United Kingdom are on paper at least the ones to beat. Rowett is third in the world championship and Holmes has FIM ISDE experience.

Third in 2021, Spain will provide strong opposition to the Unites States and the United Kingdom. Mireia Badia (Rieju) will serve as team leader. Badia has consistently finished as runner-up to Daniels in each world championship race this year and so will look to be her biggest threat for individual honours too.

Of course, France would love to make it a home win too. It has been ten years since they last tasted glory in the FIM ISDE. Marine Lemoine (Sherco), Elodie Chaplot (Sherco), and Justine Martel (KTM) will ride for the pride of their nation in Le Puy-En-Velay.