In a few days, the 2011 International Six Day Enduro will take off from Kotko, Finland. The best riders from around the world are heading to the small Finnish town for the start of the 1500km (932 mile) race.
Riders from more than 20 countries will be competing in the ISDE this year, which is being held in Finland for the first time since 1996. Finland won the last time the ISDE was held within its borders, but it's been France who has been the most dominant as of late. France has taken the trophy the last three years, winning in Portugal, Mexico, and Greece. But the French riders could have some competition from the Fins this year.
Finland is one of the most successful teams in ISDE history, with 7 wins over the last 20 ISDE races. The Finnish team will also have the experience of Juha Salminen, who has 6 ISDE titles to his name.
Spain will also be a strong contender this year. Spain has won the Junior Trophy for the last two years, but they have never held the ISDE Championship trophy. But with ex-FIM Enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes in their corner, along with Cristobal Guerrero and reigning Enduro Junior champion Oriol Mena, Spain could be looking at their first ISDE championship.
The American team will also be looking for their first ISDE World Trophy. Team USA has won a couple of Junior championships, its last was in 2006, but they've never been at the top of the premier class. Destry Abbott, Russell Bobbitt, Kurt Caselli, Jimmy Jarrett, Nathan Kanney, and Kyle Summers will look to change that this weekend. The 2011 ISDE will start on August 8th in the Kotka-Hamina region of Southern Finland. The ISDE riders will travel approximately 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) over 6 days before crossing the finish line on August 13th.
