Thad DuVall roost out of a turn on Day Five at the ISDE in Argentina. Photo Courtesy Future 7 Media
The US World Trophy team led the way for the second day in a row, finishing on top of the World Trophy Class for Day Five and cutting into France’s lead in the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in San Juan, Argentina.
Now just over 10 minutes behind the French team, the US squad still needs a lot of luck to fall their way on day six’s final motocross to capture their debut ISDE crown, however, anything can happen and the US riders continue to push hard.
In the meantime Spain has cemented their position of third overall, although they are out of contention for the overall.
Answering the challenge put forward by France, the United States moved one day closer to winning the FIM Junior
World Trophy category by placing as the fastest nation on day five, extending their advantage over the French to just over one-minute and forty-five seconds. If they win, it would be their first junior victory since 2006.
Unable to close the gap on the USA on day five, France will need everything to go their way on day six to successfully defend their crown. Not wanting to accept defeat, day one leaders Australia have moved back into podium contention and sit third. Sweden and Germany round out the top five.
In the Women’s division, USA’s lone survivor, Mandi Mastin, was fifth overall individually, although the US squad is out of contention with its other two riders, Rachel Gutish and Sarah Baldwin, out of the event.
In individual standings, Kailub Russell turned in another strong ride today, finishing second in the E2 class to France’s Pierre-Alexandre Renet. Russell is also second in the E2 overall standings.
US Junior Team member Justin Jones was sixth today in the E2 class, with Thad DuVall and Charlie Mullins eighth and 10th, respectively.
In the E3 division, Taylor Robert was fastest in the class, beating out Australia’s Toby Price and US team captain Mike Brown.
In Club competition, Gary Sutherlin and Andrew DeLong were second and third in the C2 class and hold the same position in the overall standings. Meanwhile factory Beta rider Cory Buttrick maintained his lead in the C3 class after topping today’s round.
With just the final motocross on day six remaining, the end of one of the toughest ISDE’s in recent history is almost in sight for the competitors still left in the race.