It’s been 69 years since GB won ISDE, could 2022 be their year?

ISDE 2022 – Group GB

Sixty-nine years is a long time, but it’s hard to believe it’s been a while since the UK last won the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE).

A lot has happened since then, the FIM ISDE is no longer known as the International Six-Day Test as it was in 1953.

However, the drought in the UK continues. However, Steve Holcombe (Beta), Jamie McCanney (Husqvarna), Nathan Watson (Honda) and Jed Etchells (Fantic) are hoping to set this record.

Although as a team the UK remains undefeated in the modern era of FIM ISDE, their talent pool is said to be as deep and good as ever.

Steve Holcombe is a seven-time FIM Enduro world champion, Nathan Watson is arguably one of the best riders in the world having succeeded in enduro, motocross, hard enduro and beach races.

Jamie McCanney is similarly talented from his successful Dakar Rally to his Enduro1 victory at FIM ISDE 2015.

“Personally, it’s been a while since I’ve been racing but this is an event that brings back a lot of good memories‘, Jamie recalls. “I’ve had some solid results as an individual, and winning the E1 category in 2015 is still a career highlight. My pace has been good this year and if I can bring that to France I can deliver an individual strong result that will help the whole team.. “

Absence from the race in 2021 means the UK will have a late start for the race’s opening day. Juggling traffic in special tests, while also raising the rankings will be very difficult to manage, something that is not lost on Jamie.

“The first day is always the hardest. There’s a lot of nerve and excitement to get off to a good start. Everyone is eager to go. With a late start figure, the UK is also at a slight disadvantage. We can get a lot of traffic in special tests and it will be a big claim to fight for victory on day one.“

“But hopefully we can put a solid footing and give ourselves a better start to day two and try to build from there. FIM ISDE is a long race – you can’t win it on day one, but you can certainly lose it. So we will need to play smart and play the long game! “

FIM International Six Days of Enduro takes place in Le Puy-en-Velay, France from August 29 to September 3.

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