Marking the midway point in this year’s FIM ISDE in Chile, the third day of racing saw competitors face a new course and a fresh set of special tests. Moving inland to the Limache region, a one-hundred and fifty kilometre loop of rocky terrain awaited all riders. With the lap ridden twice, it would prove yet another long and demanding day in the saddle for all, as high temperatures and increasing dust took their toll on riders.
ISDE 2018
There was no change at the head of the FIM World Trophy team competition with Australia once again leading the way. Proving extremely comfortable in the loose and rocky terrain, they were comfortably fastest on day three.
Josh Strang
Claiming his second consecutive overall day win, team captain Daniel Milner (KTM) is pleased with how things are going.
ISDE 2018 – Team Australia
Daniel Milner
“It’s been another good day for Australia,” told Milner. “To reach the midway point in the race with more than a three-minute lead is a big confidence booster – despite losing Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM) as a retirement yesterday. I’m enjoying it out there, myself and teammate Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna) are pushing the pace and along with Taylor Robert (USA – KTM) it’s proving a close battle for the individual result.”
Daniel Milner
Although losing more ground to Australia, the United States hold station in second, while Italy remain third.
Defending champions France, in fourth place, picked up their pace on day three to move to within one-minute and twenty seconds of Italy. Highlighted by Christophe Nambotin (FRA – Gas Gas) in fifth, three of the nation’s riders ended day three inside the top twelve.
With Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic fifth, sixth and seventh respectively, it was a difficult day for Chile who slipped to eighth after losing team captain Benjamin Herrera (Beta).
ISDE 2018 – Charlier
The FIM Junior World Trophy class was once again the Italian show as the trio of Andrea Verona (TM), Matteo Cavallo (Beta) and Davide Soreca (TM) secured their third consecutive day win. Italy now lead by one-minute and twenty-seven seconds over the United States.
In the battle for the final step of the podium, France are third, but face a new challenge from host nation Chile. Finishing third fastest on day three, Chile jump to fourth overall and are now within striking distance of the French.
“I think we are beginning to find our pace now,” said Chile’s Ruy Barbosa (Husqvarna). “We’ve pushed really hard today and it showed in the results. With lots of support from our home fans we will try to close the gap to France tomorrow.”
Claiming their third day win in Chile, Australia continue their relentless pace in this year’s FIM Women’s World Trophy. Comfortably faster than their rivals, they enter the second half of the race looking favourite to collect their sixth consecutive victory.
Unable to answer the pace of the leaders, the United States are six minutes behind the Australians, but enjoy a six-minute cushion over Spain in third. France are fourth, with Sweden completing the top five.
Day four will see competitors complete the same course and special tests as day three, along with the start of competition for the Vintage Trophy.
The second day of competition in the 2018 FIM ISDE saw competitors repeat the same dusty course as day one. However, with the dry conditions deteriorating it was a physically tough and demanding day for all competitors.
ISDE 2018
At the head of the field, the leading riders were able to avoid the majority of the heavy dust kicked up by the four-hundred and forty-six competitors from the twenty-five competing nations. Those competing towards the rear of the entry certainly had a tough time during day two of the ninety-third edition of the FIM ISDE.
Daniel Sanders
Finishing a close second to the United States on day one, Australia upped their pace considerably on day two. Fastest in the majority of the tests, they turned their four-second deficit into a ninety-one second advantage by the end of the day’s sixth and final special test.
However, there was little reason to celebrate as the team also saw Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM) drop out of the competition. With all remaining rider’s scores counting, Australia can no longer afford another mistake as overall day two winner Daniel Milner (KTM) explains.
Daniel Milner
“It’s been a great day for Australia by taking the overall lead in the FIM ISDE, but we weren’t without trouble either as Lyndon dropped out. With all our scores now to count, we can’t afford another mistake for the next four days.”
Daniel Milner
“Personally, today was my day and I’m happy to take the win,” continued Milner. “I was one of the first riders to start, so that made the tests a little bit easier with no dust and or slower guys to overtake. Tomorrow the plan is to remain smooth and consistent, but most importantly trouble free.”
Daniel Milner
Unable to find an answer to Australia’s relentless pace, the United States were forced to play second fiddle to their close rivals on day two. With day three offering a new course and a fresh set of special tests, they aim to regroup and continue pushing hard.
Josh Strang
Putting in a consistently strong day, Italy moved up one position in the overall standings to third, but are almost two minutes behind the Unites States, with defending champions France yet to find their form in fourth. It was not a good day for Spain as they slipped from third to fifth, while host nation Chile maintain their position of sixth in the overall classification.
In the FIM Junior World Trophy class there was no stopping Italy as they powered their way to another day win. Setting the pace in this year’s race, both Andrea Verona (TM) and Matteo Cavallo (Beta) placed inside the top ten overall, with Verona an impressive fifth.
“Fifth today is a really big result for me,” confirmed Verona. “I pushed hard from the first special test and was able to improve my speed over the previous day. Now, with the team we’ve also increased our lead in the standings and we look forward to what day three will bring.”
The United States hold onto the runner-up result, but are almost three minutes behind the Italians. Nearly a further three minutes back, France end day two in third, while Australia and Chile complete the top five.
Feeling at home in the dry and dusty conditions, Australia were able to build on their lead in the FIM Women’s World Trophy competition. The trio of Tayla Jones (Husqvarna) – fastest overall – Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) and Mackenzie Tricker (KTM) now enjoy a three-minute and fourteen-second advantage over the United States as they approach the midway point in this year’s race. Spain maintain third overall but slip six minutes behind the United States, while France and Sweden round out the top five.
Tayla Jones
In the individual classification, Taylor Robert (KTM) from the USA maintains his overall lead in the FIM ISDE by three seconds from Milner. Claiming his second consecutive Enduro 2 day win, Taylor is one-minute and fifty-two seconds ahead of Italy’s Alex Salvini (Husqvarna), with Grant Baylor (USA-KTM) thirteen seconds behind Salvini in third.
With his winning ride on day two, Milner also moves to the top of the Enduro 3 category. He holds a seventeen-second advantage over teammate Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna), while Cavallo is third.
Daniel Sanders
The Enduro 1 class is hotly contested with Italy’s Davide Guarneri (Honda) taking a seven-tenth of a second win over compatriot Verona. Guarneri now leads the category by fourteen seconds from American Ryan Sipes (Husqvarna), with Verona third.
Day three of the FIM ISDE will take competitors inland on a new course offering a mixture of hard packed and rocky, mountainous terrain. The proposed two laps and six special tests will total three-hundred kilometres of riding.
The 2018 edition of the FIM International Six Day Enduro has gotten underway in Viña del Mar, with an early start to the day, as the four-hundred and forty-six competitors from twenty-five nations tentatively rolled off the start line to begin six days of world-class Enduro racing.
2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by G2F Media
The opening day’s course took riders north of the city, offering breathtaking views along the Pacific Ocean. On a route known as the Pacific Challenge, competitors completed two demanding laps and a total of six sandy and technical special tests, traveling a total of 284km.
2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by Dario Agrati
Day one saw Team Australia remain a strong and dominant force in all classes, with the Aussie World Trophy Team finishing the day in second overall, behind the USA. In the Women’s class, the trio of Gardiner, Jones and Tricker taking a clear lead. The Australian Juniors also finished Day 1 in fifth position overall.
World Trophy Team
At the conclusion of day one the Australian World Trophy Team has finished an undeniable high, sitting in second position overall in the World Trophy Class underneath Team USA who have taken out top position, with less than five seconds separating the two teams.
Joshua Strang – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Day one also saw Team Australia score three positions in the top 15 with Daniel Sanders finishing the day with a fastest time of 54:42.00, winning the first test of the event which earned him second place overall. Sanders sits just under 22 seconds behind the current leader, Robert Taylor from Team USA.
Teammate Daniel Milner took out the third and last podium position, with a fastest time of 54:49.82 and winning the second and fourth test of the day. Milner sits just over seven seconds behind Sanders and will no doubt use tomorrow to put the heat on Team USA and close in on the current time different.
Team Australia at 2018 ISDE Day 1 in Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Rounding the top 15 was Joshua Strang, who locked in a fastest time of 55:42.62. Lyndon Snodgrass came up against challenges throughout day one, earning 26th position overall with a fastest time of 56:03.17.
Daniel Sanders
“I started off day one really well, getting the first overall test win. Personally, I did some good test times but struggled in the dust especially with it being the first day and there being a lot of traffic. Milner and I fought through that though, and the two of us rode really well individually as well, leading the team to second position. We have a clean run tomorrow so hopefully we can make up some time on the Americans!”
Unofficial Day 1 – World Trophy Classification
Team USA – 2:45:10.30
Team Australia – 2:45:14.44
Team Spain – 2:46:17.90
Team Italy – 2:46:42.93
Team France – 2:47:07.06
Women’s World Trophy Team
Making a resounding mark on the competition was the Australian Women’s World Trophy Team, who dominated throughout the day to maintain a stronghold on first place overall.
Australia is followed by Team USA, but thanks to the three riders Australia has produced a substantial 90 second lead. Fastest time for the team and the class was Tayla Jones, who clocked in the fastest time of 1:01:11.25 winning five out of the six tests.
Mackenzie Tricker – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Coming in hot on Jones’ heels was debutant Mackenzie Tricker, who scored third place overall, clocking in a fastest time of 1:02:17.17 and coming in second in four of the six tests. Jessica Gardiner scored 8th position overall in the class, with a fastest time of 1:04:08.46.
Tayla Jones
“I had a pretty good day overall! The tracks are very dry and dusty and they dug out really quick – a lot quicker than I thought – so it made it really challenging. Today I crashed and lost a fair bit of time but all in all it went pretty well! Overall I’m pretty happy to hold the lead and hopefully we can stay upright tomorrow!”
Unofficial Day 1 – Women’s World Trophy Classification
Team Australia – 2:03:28.42
Team USA – 2:04:39.38
Team Spain – 2:06:54.93
Team France – 2:08:45.50
Team Sweden – 2:14:57.15
Junior World Trophy Team
The Australian Junior World Trophy Team proved that they can hold their own, with all three team members scoring a place in the top 50 which has scored Australia fifth place.
Australia now sits roughly three seconds off fourth position, which is currently held by the hosting nation, Chile. Australia’s juniors will use day two to diminish the distance with Chile, and work to climb the leader board currently held by Italy, France and USA respectively.
Fraser Higlett – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
Fraser Higlett leads the charge for the Juniors, clocking a fastest time of 56:26.19 and scoring 41st position overall. Tom Mason earnt 43rd position overall with a fastest time of 57:11.96, and Andrew Wilksch rounding out the team’s efforts with a fastest time of 57:07.31 and landing 47th position.
Fraser Higlett
“It was a pretty good day today but the tracks were super dusty. It was tough starting back behind other riders but I made up some positions and the team came home strong by the end of the day. We’re all really consistent, so we’re hoping to maintain it over the remaining five days. Tomorrow should be easier – with hopefully less dust – and I shouldn’t have to pass as many riders to climb the leader board!”
Unofficial Day 1 – Junior World Trophy Classification
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What Went Down Last Weekend?
AUS-X Open – Sydney
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race
AMA World Off-Road Championships (WORCS) – Primm, NV
Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
Villopoto Misses AUS-X
2019 AORC Dates Announced
Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
What Racing is Left for 2018?
AUS-X Open – Sydney
From all accounts Sydney’s fourth annual Monster Energy AUS-X Open was a cracker with current AMA Supercross Champion Jason Anderson taking the SX1 class win while fellow Yank Cameron McAdoo won the SX2 class overall on the same night that Justin Brayton and Jay Wilson wrapped up there SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.
AUS-X Open
Anderson was in a class of his own to dominate the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty for using the Joker lane twice.
Jason Anderson
“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come.”
Dean Wilson late inclusion bore fruit with the likeable Scotsman finishing a more than credible second overall ahead of Dan Reardon, Brayton, Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe.
SX1 Overall Jason Anderon 75 Dean Wilson 62 Daniel Reardon 60
SX1 Final 1
Jason Anderson
Justin Brayton +3.724
Dean Wilson +7.364
Dan Reardon +11.788
Luke Clout +11.887
Brett Metcalfe +13.134
Chad Reed +20.359
Jace Owen +25.250
Lawson Bopping +28.480
Dylan Long +30.505
SX1 Final 2
Jason Anderson
Dan Reardon +3.353
Dean Wilson +4.015
Chad Reed +8.670
Brett Metcalfe +14.420
Justin Brayton +16.270
Luke Clout +19.227
Lawson Bopping +23.333
Jace Owen +23.776
Dylan Long +25.272
SX1 Final 3
Jason Anderson
Dean Wilson +2.014
Dan Reardon +9.058
Dylan Long +14.071
Justin Brayton +18.705
Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
Jace Owen +21.064
Brett Metcalfe +22.203
Luke Clout +36.894
Robbie Marshall +1 lap
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderson – 75
Dean Wilson – 62
Daniel Reardon – 60
Justin Brayton – 53
Chad Reed – 47
Brett Metcalfe – 44
Luke Clout – 42
Dylan Long – 40
Jace Owen – 39
Lawson Bopping – 35
SX1 Australian Supercross Championship
The SX1 Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship this time ahead of his teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon on his privateer Yamaha.
Justin Brayton
“I’m stoked to win this championship, I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe celebrate on the podium
Final SX1 Championship Points
Justin Brayton – 115
Brett Metcalfe – 106
Dan Reardon – 90
Jace Owen – 84
Dylan Long – 77
Luke Clout – 72
Robbie Marshall – 57
Lawson Bopping – 53
Jesse Dobson – 41
Nicholas Sutherland – 39
AUS-X Open – SX2
The AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night with three second places to take the overall ahead of defending champion Jackson Richardson who won the final two races after finishing sixth in the opening final while Hayden Mellross ended the night in third to end up just 6 points shy of championship winner Jay Wilson who overcame a heavy crash to come home in 6th overall.
SX2 Final 1
Jy Roberts
Cameron McAdoo +0.837
Dylan Wills +2.506
Jacob Hayes +3.404
Hayden Mellross +4.526
Jay Wilson
SX2 Final 2
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +3.821
Hayden Mellross +5.505
Dylan Wills +7.762
Jay Wilson +8.879
SX2 Final 3
Jackson Richardson
Cameron McAdoo +0.534
Hayden Mellross +1.435
Josh Osby +2.681
Jacob Hayes +3.510
SX2 Overall
Cameron McAdoo – 66
Jackson Richardson – 65
Hayden Mellross – 56
Dylan Wills – 53
Jacob Hayes – 45
Jay Wilson – 43
Josh Osby – 42
Aaron Tanti – 39
Tomas Ravenhorst – 37
Kaleb Barham – 36
SX2 Australian Supercross Championship
Jay Wilson has won the 2018 Australian SX2 Supercross Championship after a nail-biting weekend thanks to a heavy crash during Saturday’s qualifying that saw the former Australian Motocross Champion almost miss the final before battling tooth and nail to win the championship by just six points over Hayden Mellross.
The Yamalube Yamaha Racing rider carried an 11 point lead in the championship over Mellross and only 13 points separated the top four riders but with the final round in the tight confines of Qudos Bank Arena and the triple final format, it was anything but a foregone conclusion as it went all the way down to the wire in an epic nights’ racing.
Aaron Tanti – SX2
Despite a poor grid pick in each final Wilson went 8-5-7 over the three moto format to earn 6th overall while his championship rival in Mellross managed 5-3-3 finishes for third overall.
Jay Wilson
“I’m not going to lie, that was just terrible riding and the worst I have raced for in so long, but we got through the night, got the championship done and I just couldn’t be happier. I was nervous all weekend and then that crash yesterday really took it out of me but I was determined to be strong and win my first supercross championship. Last year at the same venue was where I got my career back on track so it’s awesome that I was able to win a championship here and I have so many people to thank that have helped me get back to this point. Everyone at Yamaha who supported in me and believed in me when I was down and out, our team that does an amazing job each week, especially Mike Ward and Josh Coppins, who always have my back and have always played a part in my success. Finally, I want to thank my wife and daughter for allowing me to do this and my family who were here tonight. It feels amazing to finally win this championship and it’s something I will remember for a long time. It was a stressful weekend and things got heated at times. but it was great racing with Hayden, Jacob and Wilson Todd and I want to also congratulate them on some great racing over the five rounds. I have really enjoyed racing them and we have kept it clean at each round and it’s been a lot of fun.”
SX2 Final Championship Points
Jay Wilson 103
Hayden Mellross 97
Jacob Hayes 91
Wilson Todd 75
Jackson Richardson 74
Josh Osby 68
Aaron Tanti 62
Dakota Alix 61
Dylan Wills 60
Bradley Taft 50
The Junior Lites 250cc Class was taken out by Jake Cuka, who put in a consistent season to claim the championship while in the 85cc Class it was Brad West who rode a calculated and conservative ride at the final round in Sydney, coming home in fourth place overall to seal the championship.
The two-stroke cup class was taken out by Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney as the two spent most of the race duelling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.
Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini while in Best Trick Blake Williams took gold, with Harry Bink getting the silver and Rob Adelberg with bronze.
In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans while in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliff-hanger backflip to claim the trophy.
The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks’ time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.
World Enduro Super Series (WESS) Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race – The Netherlands
History has been made as Billy Bolt is crowned the inaugural World Enduro Super Series at the eighth and final round, Red Bull Knock Out in The Netherlands which was won by Nathan Watson who got the better of MXGP star Glen Coldenhoff and Belgium’s Yentel Martens.
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
The Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race saw 1000 competitors taking to the start line for the one-hour morning qualifier which was won by Watson before 750 riders earned their place in the two-hour Final.
In the battle at the head of the World Enduro Super Series, all eyes were on title contenders Bolt and Lettenbichler, who were inside the top 20 of the 750 competitors. Positioning themselves out of trouble early on, the duo were closely matched with Bolt holding an important advantage.
Manuel Lettenbichler – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
However, two crashes by Bolt put him on the back foot during the closing stages of the race. Needing a lap to regroup he began to make headway, using the technical X-Loop to his advantage. Pushing clear of Lettenbichler and working his way up to 12th, the Husqvarna rider crossed the finish line as the newly-crowned champion.
Billy Bolt
“To become the ultimate enduro champion is huge – I can’t believe it yet and it’s going to take a while for this moment to sink in. The race itself was crazy. I had two huge crashes and hit the ground hard, but apart from that I enjoyed it. It was tough making your way past all the other competitors – there were bikes everywhere. Also, the track conditions changed so much every lap and then the tide came in on the start straight, reducing it to half its width. I knew I needed to stay out of trouble as much as possible. And despite two crashes of my own making I pretty much did that. Overall, it’s been such a long season, with so many different races. Winning round one at Extreme XL Lagares feels a life time ago. To race everything from Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro, Cross-Country and now Beach Racing and come out of it all as the ultimate enduro champion is amazing.”
Billy Bolt claims the 2018 WESS title in the Netherlands – Image by Future7Media
Results – Red Bull Knock Out, WESS Round 8
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 24 laps, 2:01:43.785
Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM – NED) 2:03:14.001
Yentel Martens (Husqvarna – BEL) 2:07:35.255
Camille Chapeliere (KTM – FRA) 23 laps 2:03:48.396
Todd Kellet (Husqvarna – GBR) 2:05:51.526
Jamie McCanney (Yamaha – GBR) 2:06:02.401
Lars van Berkel (KTM – NED) 2:06:57.553
Axel van de Sande (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:19.272
Jeffrey DeWulf (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:57.178
Sven van der Mierden (Husqvarna – NED) 22 laps 2:04:34.56
WESS Championship Podium – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series Final Championship Standings
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GBR) 4800 points
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4470 points
Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 4103 points
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4010 points
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3675 points
Paul Bolton (KTM – GBR) 3377 points
Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 3220 points
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GBR) 3010 points
Jonny Walker (KTM – GBR) 2900 points
Lars Enockl 2272 points
Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
Cole Martinez has been crowned the “King of Stuttgart” at the 36th ADAC Stuttgart Supercross after winning the main event on Friday and took out the overall victory with a fourth place in the second race on Saturday while last year’s winner Cédric Soubeyras of France won Saturday’s main event ahead of compatriot Gregory Aranda, who also finished second in the overall standings ahead Soubeyras.
Cole Martinez, the 26-year-old Suzuki rider from Rimrock, Arizona, was overjoyed at the award ceremony: “After much bad luck in recent years, I am grateful that I was able to come back to Stuttgart and that it has worked so well this year. ”
Villopoto Misses AUS-X
Ryan Villopoto elected to withdraw from last weekend’s AUS-X Open after his father, Dan passed away last week while riding with friends at Cahulla Creek in Southern California. Ryan wrote a heartfelt message on his social media account explaining the decision.
Ryan Villopoto
Ryan Villopoto
‘I just want to share a note with the @sxopensupercross fans to sincerely apologize as I will not be there today. As you all know the last week has been incredibly difficult on myself and my family. I was super excited to race in Sydney and have been working hard to be in the best shape I’ve been in years. I really wanted to race down there, but with all that happened as well as an unforeseen issue, I have to remain home with my family. I realize a lot of people put tons of work into helping me get there and to make it super special therefore I deeply want to express my appreciation. I promise to make it up to everyone down under. Thank you for all your ongoing support see you soon’
Yamaha AORC 2019 Calendar Released
The 2019 calendar for the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) has been officially revealed, confirming dates, locations and states for the highly anticipated National Championships.
Next year’s Championship will continue to use a double-header format, except for Round 7 as the series will return to Broken Hill NSW, for a 4-hour desert Cross Country.
AORC Dungog
Kicking off the season will be Rounds 1 & 2 in Gympie QLD, taking place 9 – 10 March 2019. The Championship will then move to NSW for an Enduro in Dungog on 6-7 April. Round 5 & 6 will see the series then return to Kyogle, NSW after a successful event in 2017, NSW on July 20-21. Broken Hill, NSW will again feature on 10-11 August and, then it’s off to SA from 31 August – 1 September. The championship finale will conclude at Victoria as it returns to Penshurst since being there last in 2016 on 14-15 September. Specific locations of the South Australian rounds will be released in due time.
2018 saw a number of firsts for the Championship with a Desert Cross Country along with several new support classes with the Amateur 125 cup, Vintage Cup and Pony Express. AORC will reveal what will be in store for 2019 in the coming weeks.
2019 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar
Round 1 & 2: Gympie, QLD; 9 – 10 March 2019
Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW; 6 – 7 April 2019
Round 5 & 6: Kyogle, NSW; 20 – 21 July 2019
Round 7: Broken Hill, NSW; 10 – 11 August 2019
Round 8 & 9: SA; 31 August – 1 September 2019
Round 10 & 11: Penshurst, VIC; 14 –15 September 2019
Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
At the time of writing Australia is taking to the track for day one of the 93rd FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and Australia’s World, Junior and Women’s Trophy Teams are in good stead after spending time in reconnaissance over the past week to prepare for a hot and dusty six days ahead.
Australia 2018 ISDE riders
Located two hours west of the Chile’s capital, Santiago, the city of Vina del Mar will play home to the world’s best Enduro riders over six days of adrenaline pulsing action. Organisers have planned three unique and challenging routes to test this year’s competitors, with the opening two days seeing riders tackle the aptly named ‘Pacific Challenge’.
Days three and four move our riders inland to see how well they handle rocky terrains, alongside dust and high heat. The second last day will find riders navigate a forestry course at Penuelas Lake and Wood, before competitors head into the sixth and final day with traditional a Motocross test in front of the Pacific Ocean in Vina del Mar.
Leading Australia out down the streets along Vina del Mar beach as the Flag Bearer was Australia’s World Trophy Team member, Josh Strang while Australia’s Women’s World Trophy Team received a very warm welcome during the Opening Ceremony, as they bid for a record-breaking sixth consecutive win.
Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker
Scoring their first trophy back in 2013 in Sardinia, Italy, Australia’s three ladies, Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker, are set to once again bring the fire to their international counterparts, serving unstoppable and unrivalled skills. Reflecting on arriving in Chile and the past week of testing and familiarising with the tracks.
Jessica Gardiner
“We’ve done a lot of walking here in Chile. It’s been quite hilly and therefore quite difficult to walk. It’s also been quite hot, and even though the metre says its only 22 degrees it really feels like 32! We’ve learnt that it’s going to be far more technical than the standard fast and flowing grass tracks usually seen at the ISDE. So there’s going to be more technique involved, which should make it interesting to decipher all the riders quickly! It’s been great to be with the girls in our Women’s World Trophy Team! We’ve found a new teammate in Mackenzie Tricker, so hopefully us Aussie girls can keep the ball rolling and stay strong. We’re preparing for a long, hot event, so we are going to have to really rely on our air filters changes and keeping our coolers up to date. So, fingers crossed for a good event!”
Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders, Lyndon Snodgrass and Joshua Strang
The class with arguably the most intense competition is the World Trophy, and Team Australia has already been coined as a strong and dominant force for 2018, with the potential to take out the trophy. Strang reflected on the team’s hunger and drive.
Josh Strang
“The conditions and terrain here in Chile are somewhat different to what I’m used to. But I think once the race starts today, I’ll no doubt just on into it and be good to go! The next six days should be pretty great, and all the Aussies are in good spirits!”
Fraser Higlett, Tom Mason and Andrew Wilksch
Australia’s Junior World Trophy Team member, Tom Mason, wrapped up the team’s experience so far in the lead up to today’s first race.
Tom Mason
“We’ve just finished up walking and testing out the tacks, and it’s been an awesome couple of days! The tracks here are the same as back home in Australia so we’re feeling pretty comfortable. All the bikes are ready and tested, and everyone feels ready! What we’ve found out from testing the tracks is that we just need to survive it, so the next six days will be pretty rough, but we’ll see how we go!”
World Trophy Team
Daniel Milner
Daniel Sanders
Lyndon Snodgrass
Joshua Strang
Women’s World Trophy Team
Jessica Gardiner
Tayla Jones
Mackenzie Tricker
Junior World Trophy Team
Fraser Higlett
Tom Mason
Andrew Wilksch
Team Manager – Don Atkins
There will be a full report on the ISDE in next week’s Moto News.
What Racing is Left for 2018?
Last weekend’s AUS-X was a dead-set cracker as was the final rounds of the WESS and we can look forward to seeing how our Aussie team fare at the ISDE next week – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:
Australasia
New Zealand Supercross Championships
24 – SX Open – Auckland
1 – South Waikato
15 – Southland
America
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Nov. 17 – Hamilton
2018 THOR Mini Olympics – Nov. 19-24 – Gainesville, FL
2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
Europe
ISDE – Nov. 12-17 – Chile
2018 Paris Supercross – Nov. 17-18 – Paris, France
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