International Six Day Enduro - Press Release [Archive]

Joni

10th September 2006, 22:06

This email came through to KB... should be a goodie for off road fans. :yes:

NZ TAKES ON THE WORLD ELITE

New Zealand's six-man No.1 team to contest November's “Olympic Games of motorcycling” has a distinctly motocross flavour and they fancy their chances of bringing home gold.

The annual International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) kicks off near Taupo on November 14 with Taranaki-born and bred brothers Darryll and Shayne King spearheading the Kiwi campaign.

They will be joined in New Zealand's elite six-rider “Trophy Team” by fellow motocross international Scott Columb (Queenstown) and by enduro guns Kevin Archer (Te Awamutu), Chris Birch (Waimauku) and Paul Whibley (Pahiatua).

Whibley will return from racing in the United States -- he's currently fifth in the national series there -- especially for the ISDE.

The Trophy Team is New Zealand's No.1 squad to tackle the big event in the Kinleith Forest, between Taupo and Tokoroa.

The No.2 squad, the four-man Junior Trophy Team, comprises Jason Davis (Whangamata), Karl Power (Hamilton), Adrian Smith (Thames) and Michael Phillips (Rotorua).

In addition, New Zealand has more than 28 separate three-rider Club Teams entered.

In all, 94 New Zealand riders are entered, not surprisingly the largest contingent of any of the 29 countries represented at the Taupo event. It is the first time the ISDE has been staged in New Zealand and therefore offers the Kiwi elite their best opportunity to win gold because they may be more familiar with the typical New Zealand pine forest course and huge support is expected from the Kiwi public.

The sport of enduro racing can be compared to rally car racing, with riders setting off in groups of three, one minute apart, over marked courses that include anything nasty that nature can throw up -- logs, tree roots, rocks, mud, creek beds, gorse-strewn hills and ravines, rolling grass farmland, sandhills and swamp -- most of which the riders have no chance to preview before they come across it.

And they're on their own, with no outside assistance allowed. Flat tyre? Broken engine? Bent handlebars? Lost? Run out of fuel? Gashed arm? Riders must deal with these emergencies and reach the next check-point, or they're out.

This year's ISDE involves more than 600 of the world's best dirt bike racers. A strong representation is due from Europe and Australia with riders competing in national teams (Trophy Teams) and also competing as individuals for personal glory.

The 78th ISDE was held in Brazil in 2003 and was won by Belgian motocross legend Stefan Everts, the 79th was held in Poland in 2004 and was won by New Zealand's Stefan Merriman and the 80th was held in Slovakia in 2005 and won by British rider David Knight.

Although originally from Tauranga, Merriman has raced under an Australian licence for a number of years and he will again be a part of Australia's Trophy Team.

Merriman, a four-time former world enduro champion (2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004) and defending world enduro champion Samuli Aro (Finland) will go head-to-head at the Taupo event, along with former 500cc motocross world champion Joel Smets (Belgium).

It sounds like, for at least one week in November, New Zealand is going to be crawling with motorcycle world champions past and present, and the Kiwi team is determined it will be among the medals.

Joni

10th September 2006, 22:08

Schedule of the 2006 ISDE: 29 Nations, 6 days, 600 riders - 1 winner.

Pre-event
9 November All 600 + motorcycles impounded in Parc Ferme until Day One.

12 November Opening Ceremony, 1.00pm. Olympic-style with riders representing 29 countries parading in uniform along Horomatangi Street, in Taupo.

The 2006 ISDE runs from Tuesday, November 14, until Sunday, November 19.

14 – 18 November Days One to Five, Special stages held in and around Kinleith Forest.

19 November Day Six, Motocross Special Stage at Digger McEwen Park, Taupo.

19 November Awards ceremony and dinner, Taupo Events Centre, from 7.30pm.

For further information, rider interviews or high resolution photographs contact:

2006 ISDE Media Manager Terry Stevenson on 021 999-160

Email terry@isde06.com or visit www.isde06.com

Crasherfromwayback

10th September 2006, 22:21

Show....thanks for that!

Joni

12th September 2006, 11:00

Some more stuff that was sent though :yes:

A PROUD NZ HISTORY IN THE OLYMPICS OF MOTORCYCLING

New Zealand has a proud history in the International Six Days Enduro.

This November the ISDE, considered the “Olympic Games of Motorcycling”, comes to New Zealand for the first time and this brings enormous smiles to the faces of many Kiwi dirt bikers.

New Zealanders have achieved much in the world of motorcycling but have only rarely been able to strut their stuff within view of their adoring public, their supporters, fans and a wider Kiwi audience.

But, from November 14 to 19, in forestry north of Taupo, nearly 100 Kiwi riders from all parts of New Zealand will take on the world on their own turf in this year’s Yamaha and Maxxis-sponsored 81st edition of the big event.

There are also many people in this country, brought up on a steady diet of rugby and cricket and perhaps uninitiated in the ways of off-road motorcycle racing, who will be surprised, and no doubt impressed, when more than 600 riders from 29 countries descend on the central North Island tourism hot spot.

When Tokoroa motorcycling legend Sean Clarke, himself a gold medal winner at this elite level of endurance cross-country racing, was given the task of organising this year’s ISDE, he jumped at the chance.

Clarke assembled a crew of experienced former racers and tapped into New Zealand’s vast network of motorcycle event organisers, officials and club volunteers.

The fruits of their labour will no doubt be tasted long after the last bike has been crated up and taken to the international departures terminal.

New Zealand is in for a busy time in November with the economic impact predicted to reach about $15 million as each of the visiting riders brings with them a crew of support personnel, and international journalists, television crews and officials arrive for the week-long spectacle.

Though usually a long way from the enduro hotbed of central Europe, New Zealanders have been among the leading competitors at previous ISDE events.

New Zealand won the six-man team bronze at the ISDE in 1983 in Wales and the four-man and six-man teams won the Watling Trophy for Most Improved Team in 1992 in NSW, Australia.

New Zealand finished seventh in the six-man event and fifth in the Junior Trophy in 1998, in Victoria, Australia.

Kiwi internationals Stefan Merriman and Paul Whibley are at least two of the New Zealanders expected to feature at the front this November.

Merriman, from Tauranga, is a four-time world enduro champion.

Whibley, from Pahiatua, is currently racing in the United States Grand National Cross-country Championships and is among the leaders there.

The figures at Clarke’s fingertips make for impressive reading.

“This year we have 94 New Zealand riders at this event and 73 from Australia, 49 from Britain, 43 from the United States, 28 from Mexico and 25 from Canada, to identify just a few of the larger contingents,” he said.

He said the team from Finland is one of the favourites with big names enduro riders Mika Ahola (Honda), Samuli Aro (KTM), Jari Mattila (Honda), Petri Pohjamo (TM), Juha Salminen (KTM) and Marko Tarkkala (KTM) forming the Finn’s official “Trophy Team”, the No.1 line-up nominated to represent Finland.

New Zealand, too, has a powerful squad for the 2006 ISDE.

The No.1 team, six-rider New Zealand Trophy Team, comprises former world motocross champion Shayne King (New Plymouth), three-time former Australian motocross champion and former motocross world No.2 Darryll King (Hamilton), current Grand Prix motocross star Scott Columb (Queenstown), and international enduro riders Chris Birch (Waimauku), Kevin Archer (Te Awamutu) and Paul Whibley (Pahiatua).

The No.2 squad, the four-man Junior Trophy Team, comprises Jason Davis (Whangamata), Karl Power (Hamilton), Adrian Smith (Thames) and Michael Phillips (Rotorua).

29 Nations, 6 days, 600 riders - 1 winner.

:spudwave:

Crasherfromwayback

13th September 2006, 16:02

I was a flatmate of Stefans when I was in Brisbane, and I can assure you all he's a down to earth typical Kiwi bloke!

Go the Kiwis!!!

cowpoos

13th September 2006, 18:51

I wish I was still that fit....would be a blast competing in that sort of feild!!! argh!

SDU

13th September 2006, 19:16

Thanks Joni :rockon:
Would be awesome to be there. Pity its all happening up North. I hope they show some decent TV coverage.

Motu

13th September 2006, 20:09

It's on the same weekend as the WRC.....I don't know what I'll be doing around then,but I'd like to see a day of each.

Joni

26th September 2006, 09:06

Latest "teaser" that was sent through to KB:

SCOTTY BEAMS HOME IN BID FOR GOLD MEDAL

He has never raced an International Six Days Enduro before, but Queenstown's Scott Columb is brimming with confidence as he looks ahead to this year's edition.

The ISDE, widely regarded as the “Olympic Games of Motorcycling”, will happen in New Zealand for the first time in the event's 93-year history this November and presents New Zealand's best chance of taking home a handful of gold medals.

This year's ISDE is to be run in the Kinleith Forest, just north of Taupo, from November 14 to 19.

More than 600 of the world's best dirt bike racers, from 29 countries, have entered. Included in that number are a number of current and former world champions, many of them big-salary riders under contracts to the major bike manufacturers and household names in their own countries.

“I have never raced an ISDE but I have raced two Australian four-day enduro events,” said Columb, speaking from his base in Belgium. The 22-year-old is currently racing the World Motocross Championships.

“My first Australian four-day event was when I was 17. I finished seventh in the 400cc class and won a gold medal,” he recalled.

“The other time I raced the Australian event was in 2003. I rode a Suzuki RM125 and I was second in class and sixth outright. I was the fastest Kiwi.

“I have grown up riding trail bikes. That is what my whole family does and what I love most. I want to be the fastest Kiwi at the ISDE and get a gold medal too.”

“I don't know about the riders I'll be facing. All I know is these guys go fast on any condition. As long as I ride well, I will be happy, it will be fantastic experience and it will be good just to represent New Zealand.”

Columb has been chosen in New Zealand's elite six-rider Trophy Team, considered this country's top contenders. Other members of the Trophy Team are Shayne King (New Plymouth), Darryll King (Hamilton), Paul Whibley (Pahiatua), Kevin Archer (Te Awamutu) and Chris Birch (Waimauku).

The No.2 squad, the Junior Trophy Team, comprises Jason Davis (Whangamata), Karl Power (Hamilton), Adrian Smith (Thames) and Michael Phillips (Rotorua).

In addition, New Zealand has more than 28 separate three-rider Club Teams entered.

The ISDE is an event that draws in riders from all corners of the planet.

Columb has been based in Europe this season. He is working hard to cement a spot in a Grand Prix motocross team for 2007. Having arrived this year as a GP rookie (riding for the Czech Republic's Delta Suzuki team) it was hard work getting his speed up to the pace of the Grand Prix riders, but slowly he is making headway.

In international motocross races in Belgium, England and Czech Republic he has managed to finish inside the top 10.

Now he's aiming to achieve similarly impressive results in the long-distance, cross-country branch of the sport and they don't get any bigger than the ISDE.

:scooter:

Joni

10th October 2006, 13:51

Latest ionformation that was sent through to KB:

AXEMAN SHARP FOR ISDE

His nickname is The Axeman and that should make Pahiatua's Paul Whibley more comfortable than most when the going gets tough in the Kinleith Forest from November 14 to 19.

The forest, just north of Taupo, will host more than 600 of the world's elite off-road motorcyclists when the 81st annual International Six Days Enduro is staged in New Zealand for the first time.

The Yamaha and Maxxis-sponsored event, a gruelling test of man and machine, plays right into the hands of a hard-as-nails man like Whibley.

His background in the forestry industry and his undoubted skills on a motorcycle combine to make the 28-year-old Whibley one of New Zealand's leading contenders for gold medal honours at the ISDE.

Whibley spent five years a logger, based in the central North Island town of Marton, and that's where the catchy “Axeman” moniker became his trademark.

In recent years he has changed jobs -- he's now a professional motorcycle racer, based in the United States -- and he ranks high among the world elite.

“I started riding when I was five-years-old, on the family farm. My first bike was a Yamaha PW50. My first race was a Bush Riders Motorcycle Club (Pahiatua) motocross on a Honda XR200. That was when I was aged 15.”

Whibley has packed an awful lot into his racing career.

He is currently fifth in the United States Grand National Cross-Country series and, riding in the E3 class, he finished fourth and fifth on the two days of the World Enduro Championships round in Canada recently.

“Obviously, I'm aiming for a gold medal at Taupo's ISDE,” he said.

Whibley will race a Honda CR250 at Taupo.

“I want to finish top five in the E2 class. I will be aiming to win but it would be a big ask with the depth of riders entered in the E2 class.

“I raced the ISDE in Australia in 1998 and Slovakia last year, on that occasion in a club team with Sean Clarke and Kelly Paterson. At both those ISDEs, I received a gold medal.”

It would not be unreasonable to expect that, when “the Axeman” emerges from the Kinleith Forest at the end of this year's ISDE, he might just collect a third gold medal.

Whibley's roll of honour:
Two-time ISDE gold medallist.
Two-time Australian Enduro champion.
Three-time New Zealand Enduro champion.
Two-time New Zealand Cross-Country champion.
2005 - 12th World Enduro Championship (WEC), E2 class
2004 - 6th World Enduro Championship, E2 class
2003 - 8th World Enduro Championship, E2 class

:wari:

Wellyman

10th October 2006, 18:05

:wari::wari::wari::wari::wari::wari::
How many KB'ers going down to spectate this one.
I would be keen on catching up with some of you guys down their, as im going to specate.
WM

not tooo long now
WM

and some more, just coz its so exciting

:wari::wari::wari::wari:

Joni

19th October 2006, 11:22

I'm starting to feel like their press release officer... however here you go for the people who are interested.

Merriman Set for Third ISDE Victory

One of New Zealand’s most successful off-road riders arrived ‘home’ last week to prepare for the ‘Ironman’ of world-level motorcycling, the Maxxis International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). The ISDE, the toughest off-road motorcycle endurance event in the world, will be held in the Taupo area from November 14 –19, and Stefan Merriman is getting ready for victory number three.

With huge fields of riders from 31 nations around the globe, Merriman has incredibly won the ISDE twice outright - his first victory came in 2000 in Spain, adding his second crown four years later in Poland. Amongst his many prizes, no less than four World Enduro and six straight Italian Enduro titles adorn Merriman’s trophy cabinet.

With such a remarkable pedigree, the only problem for the New Zealand six rider Trophy team is - Merriman will be riding for the Australian Trophy team! “The reason behind the Australian team is I lived over there for seven years before I went to Europe. In that time I managed to get an Australian passport and my first Enduro event was in Australia. They sponsored me to go over to my first ISDE in ’98, in Italy, I got a good result and that’s how I started my career. So I stay loyal to them.”

Merriman grew up in Tauranga and calls himself a Kiwi, but he doesn’t have a home to speak of. “The last eight years I’ve been based in Europe and I really don’t have a home over there, we’re travelling around in a caravan from race to race,” Merriman said between training runs on his Yamaha YZ250.

The key to winning the ISDE is experience, according to Merriman. Experience in pacing himself throughout the event and in machine maintenance, as each rider must perform their own work during limited timed sessions at the beginning and end of each day. “There are a couple of young guys that can go out and win a couple of tests, but six days is pretty long and not getting injured early in the race is important, because if you get an injury you suffer for the rest of the week. It’s definitely important that you are on a good reliable bike and that’s why I stay with Yamaha.”

“Anything can happen and you’ve got to be able to change a piston or something in a very short time. You can change each tyre in about six minutes, plus change a filter. Hopefully that’s all I’ll be doing - changing filters and tyres!” Merriman says, knowing he already has an advantage over the European riders by arriving in New Zealand earlier than his competitors to fully recover from jet-lag. The Finnish riders will be very fast for the Taupo to Tokoroa event’s pumice, sandy and loamy soil conditions, however Merriman surprisingly expects his main competition for individual honours will come from NZ Trophy team members Darryll King, Shane King and Paul Whibley. “I’m sure they’ll be the biggest opposition for me.”

Merriman hopes to announce his plans for 2007 at the conclusion of the ISDE.

Tickets to the Day Six Motocross Special Stage available at Ticketek now!

:sunny:

Joni

1st November 2006, 10:38

Anyone actually reading these? :mellow: Ah well, heres another release...

New Zealand Greats (August Rides Again)

New Zealand has a rich vein of talent and experience when it comes to racing dirt bikes.

And that's something the organisers of this year's International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) near Taupo have been happy to tap in to.

Men who competed as far back as the late 1950s, right through to Kiwi competitors at last year's ISDE event in Slovakia, have all rallied to the cry for help as the build-up continues towards the November 14-19 marathon.

This year's ISDE event director, Tokoroa's Sean Clarke, is himself no stranger to racing at this elite level.

Clarke is a two-time ISDE gold medal winner (in 1992 and 1998) and the 39-year-old even added a silver medal to that when he raced at last year's ISDE in Slovakia.

That makes him ideally qualified to arrange and manage this year's big event, often referred to as the “Olympic Games of motorcycling”.

“Wait until some of the Kiwis see the speed of these Europeans. Our riders will seem slow. The Europeans are supermen,” said Clarke.

And New Zealand has produced some supermen of its own in past ISDE events.

Palmerston North's Tim Gibbes (73) is a six-time former ISDE gold medal winner (taking glory between the years 1956 and 1963) and, in later years, he became a team manager. He is still heavily involved in the sport and is highly regarded, often seen operating an electronic timing and lap-scoring system at many of the country's motorcycle championship events.

Gibbes' experience, in all facets of the sport, has been invaluable to Clarke and his team of more than 200 volunteer ISDE staff.

“I was team manager when New Zealand first sent riders to an ISDE, in Czechoslovakia in 1982,” said Gibbes.

“The men who are organising this year’s event haven’t needed much from me,” said a modest Gibbes. “I think they have more than enough experience without calling on me. From what I’ve seen so far they’re doing a bloody good job of it and you couldn’t get better people to set up and run an ISDE than the Kiwis we’ve got.”

Another “old timer” this year’s ISDE organisers have “plugged into” is Taupo motorcycle shop owner Darryl August. The 47-year-old is a rare ISDE veteran and has again entered this year’s event.

“It’s right on my back door. How could I not ride this one?” he smiled.

When he wheels his Kawasaki KX250 to the start line on November 14, it will be the fifth time he’s started in an ISDE. He’s previously raced the ISDE when it was staged in Czechoslovakia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Australia, so he knows more than most about what’s in store.

But it has been 15 years since he last raced an ISDE.

“I’ve lost touch with some of the rule changes, so that’s where I’ve talked to the guys who have done it in more recent times,” he said.

“The ISDE is bigger than big – not only on the riding side (with more than 1200 kilometres to cover during the six days), but on the tourism side of things too.”

“The Europeans are going to be blown away by what we’ve got to offer over here.”

August is also a director on the management board for this year’s ISDE.

November’s event is being staged in the Kinleith Forest, stretching from just north of Taupo to within 10 kilometres of Tokoroa and west to Atiamuri and Lake Whakamaru.

Clarke believes that, while the course will push riders to the limits of their skill and endurance, the picturesque terrain will do wonders for New Zealand tourism.

“There are more than 2400 people booked for accommodation just through our nominated travel agent alone,” Clarke said. “There's not a spare bed to be had in Taupo from November 14 to 19.”

“We've had requests already for accreditation from more that 100 international journalists and photographers. It's going to be huge.”

:done:

charles23

1st November 2006, 11:14

can we expect to see any TV coverage of the race?

Ghost Lemur

1st November 2006, 12:09

This is bollocks.

Oh ah, 100 international journalists and photographers. How about some NZ ones? How about even the smallest amount of TV coverage here.

I'm sorry but we get a world renowned international event and there's zero support. All the "organisers" can do is wank on about their own performance. How about doing you jobs and selling this event to the wider New Zealand public.

This bugs the hell out of me, and has done since I discovered (via wikeipdia) the this event was being held in NZ. I've been in awe of the 6 Day since seeing On Any Sunday as a kid.

Is half hour/1 hour highlights coverage each night too much to ask. A bit of advertising in mainstream media. Look how successful the rally of NZ has been. All it takes is compitent organisers.

Shame that David Knight is passing on this event this year in order to defend his Las Vegas title.

/continues ranting as he crawls back under rock.

chris

1st November 2006, 13:20

charles23

1st November 2006, 14:56

can we expect to see any TV coverage of the race?

I've just checked with Sky TV and they have confirmed that they won't be showing any coverage of the 6 day or the international motocross as they don't have the rights to cover it. Guess we'll have to hope for TV1 or TV3 to show something. There is however coverage of the national motocross series later this month on Sky, check your Skywatch for details.

MikeJ

1st November 2006, 21:09

There are some ISDE preview interviews of the NZ junior team, Stefan Merriman and Sean Clarke plus some highlights of this years World Enduro Championships Italian round on
Speedweek ...
Sky Sport 2 on 2nd Nov @ 7:30pm and Sky Sport 1 on Nov 3 @ 4:30 pm

Speedmachine...
Prime TV on 4th Nov @ 4:00pm

SDU

2nd November 2006, 12:29

Thanks for the updates Joni :rockon: will keep an eye on those programmes Mikej

Joni

7th November 2006, 13:41

Well its almost time for the event to take place... for those who who are interested, herewith a final list of all the riders who will be participating..:sunny:

rogson

7th November 2006, 15:39

Joni,

I'm interested going for a look and am wondering how to get information to help determine which are the best days and best spots for spectators.

I realise the last day (Sunday) includes a MX at Taupo which obviously will be accessible to spectators, but what about accessibility and viewing spots on the other days in the forest.

The website indicates a programme with maps and route sheets will be available from the event office in Taupo from Nov 8. Will it also indicate good viewing/spectator spots and, given I'm not in Taupo, how can I get one in advance?

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Joni

7th November 2006, 15:46

My suggestion would be to email the person who's email addy they provided in the first post:
terry@isde06.com
Im sure they will be able to answer any questions you may have :yes:

Danger

7th November 2006, 22:22

Just volunteered my time for six days of work helping out KTM riders during the six days. Looking forward to it!:Punk:

clint640

10th November 2006, 10:17

There's a bit of a buzz growing in Taupo, heaps of vans & people covered in motorcycle related logos crusing around, dirt bikes fanging round the streets doing wheelies (apart from me:shifty: ) I'm planning to go out for a look on the Friday, I'll gather some info on spectating before then & post it up.

Cheers
Clint

chris

10th November 2006, 11:00

We'll be there all week and I'll be there Wednesday and Thursday. Don't miss it!

clint640

10th November 2006, 11:25

Might catch ya for a beer on thurs night, Oscar & 4skins are coming to town so I suspect we might be up for a coupla' quiet pints.

Hey Danger, if any of the KTM's need stuff welded or made, go see Mike Connor at 17 Totara St, He's a bit of a grumpy bugger at times but he can weld anything & is a genius at fixing the unfixable. Take some Steinlager for best results.

Cheers
Clint

Danger

10th November 2006, 11:34

Thanks, will do.
Driving a truck down Monday, staying until the following Monday, after the party.

Joni

10th November 2006, 11:35

Toughest Sporting Event on the Planet

It does not get any bigger or tougher than this. The kick-off to the 81st edition of the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) near Taupo is just days away and the 620 riders entered, from 31 countries, are bracing themselves for the ultimate test of speed, skill and endurance. The ISDE is the ‘Ironman’ of motorcycling.

New Zealanders rate highly in the world of off-road motorcycling but never before have they had the chance to strut their stuff in front of a home crowd, until now.

This year's Yamaha and Maxxis-sponsored ISDE, in the Kinleith Forest from November 14-19, is the first time it has been held in New Zealand but that does not make it any easier for the home town heroes with the ISDE one of the most physically demanding sports events on the planet.

The riders are on their own for six gruelling days. They are against the clock, against the terrain and against the cream of motorcycling talent from around the world, like five-times World Motocross champion, Joel Smets, of Belgium, and New Zealand’s own 1996 World 500cc Motocross champ, Shayne King. Not to mention four-time World Enduro champion and twice individual ISDE winner Stefan Merriman, who is a New Zealander - riding for the Australian team.

So how does one person do it all, for six days straight? “Your arms feel like jelly after a day on the bike ... and then you've still got a 15-minute work period ahead of you, to make repairs or change tyres and air filters. It can be pretty daunting,” said event organiser and former gold medal winner Sean Clarke (Tokoroa).

Riders will spend up to eight hours hard riding each day, wrestling their bikes through the bush. They are restricted to just 15 minutes at the end of each day where, unassisted, they must maintain or repair their bikes. There is an additional 10-minute allocation to complete such work as dawn breaks the next morning and time lost in the pits could be very costly.

“I think New Zealand would have to be thrilled with either of its teams finishing top-five. I'd expect Finland, Sweden and Italy to be the top nations,” said Clarke.

Never mind luck, a lot will depend on how quickly the visiting riders adapt to New Zealand conditions. The forest floor is carpeted with pine-needles but they disguise the perils of treacherous shifting sand and they lay a covering blanket over tree roots and stumps.

Dust may hang in the air for all but the first riders away each day from 7.00am, creating visibility problems that will only add to the dangers already inherent in high speed motorsport. Wet weather could bring mayhem.

Even with the home advantage, and Kiwi fans cheering them on as they weave through the pine trees north of Taupo, New Zealand's six-man Trophy Team and four-man Junior Trophy Team riders will need to be at their best to feature near the front.

New Zealand's Trophy Team comprises motocross brothers Darryll King (Hamilton) and Shayne King (New Plymouth), enduro guns Cameron Negus (Rotorua), Chris Birch (Waimauku) and Paul Whibley (Pahiatua), and new team member, Lachie Columb (Queenstown).

The No 2 squad, the four-man Junior Trophy Team, comprises Jason Davis (Whangamata), Karl Power (Hamilton), Adrian Smith (Thames) and Michael Phillips (Rotorua).

In addition, New Zealand has more than 28 separate three-rider club teams entered.

The biggest challenge facing each rider will be to make it to the Day Six start line - a special motocross stage held at Digger McEwen Park on Sunday November 19. Tickets to Day Six are available now from Ticketek, while programmes can be purchased from the free to public Parc Ferme from November 10, which is at the Taupo Motorsport Park.

Note from Joni: For the guys who are going to watch and help out, have a super time! :yes: :sunny:

Goblin

10th November 2006, 11:52

This is HUGE!

GO Michael Phillips!!! :rockon: and the rest of the NZ Teams!

Hope all the organizers, sweepers and helpers have a fantastic week!

denill

12th November 2006, 17:57

See that <a href=http://www.bikesportnz.com/articles/?p=768>Some Arseholes Pinched This Poor Buggers Bike:</A>

Arsehole doesn't describe the type of Pricks that they are and maybe someone can do it better??

Off to Taupo tomorrow and back on Sunday. See ya!

merv

12th November 2006, 18:04

Stealing a competitors bike that does suck big time.

oldguy

12th November 2006, 18:18

That sux, if I had a bike I would offer it to him to use, coming all the way over here and then have your bike stolen sux, makes NZ look bad be bloody hard flogg of a Husaberg 450T wouldn't be many around, so keep an eye out for it peps

Brian d marge

12th November 2006, 18:38

It would be a great call from a bike shop to lend the poor fella a bike to use ... Gives NZ a really bad name ,,as this Is a big event !"!

My work mate who is from CHCH has just come back from a holiday in NZ said that she had noticed an increase in theft ,,,,

Why do I keep thinking of the line from Clerks ,,,bunch of savages in this town !

Stephen

denill

12th November 2006, 19:07

It would be a great call from a bike shop to lend the poor fella a bike to use ... Gives NZ a really bad name ,,as this Is a big event !"! Stephen

Yeah, it would be a great gesture but it won,'t happen cos the poor Bugger's missed the Sign In deadline.

And yeah, A Husaberg set up for the Six Days should stand out??

Guess it's being used for doing the cannabis crop rounds..............???

denill

13th November 2006, 05:49

Yeah, it would be a great gesture but it won,'t happen cos the poor Bugger's missed the Sign In deadline.

Great News! <a href=http://www.bikesportnz.com/articles/?p=776#more-776>I Was Wrong:</A>

Ghost Lemur

13th November 2006, 07:24

Good to see that for every arsehole theiving barstard there's a few good sorts who come to the party.

Hopefully it goes some way to restoring his view of NZ and NZers.

Goblin

13th November 2006, 07:35

That is great news! Good on KTM Imports!

Hope someone finds his bike before he leaves NZ and the theiving mongrel bastards get what's coming to them.

Juan

13th November 2006, 08:45

Have fun Guys and Galls.... give a cheer for the Manx team for me please......

Oh and look out for The Purple Helmets as I belive they have shipped out a container full of Shite:shit:

http://www.thepurplehelmets.com/

clint640

13th November 2006, 09:11

Great News! <a href=http://www.bikesportnz.com/articles/?p=776#more-776>I Was Wrong:</A>

Awesome! Huge ups to KTM NZ & co, If I didn't already own one, I'd go out out & buy one! :Punk:

Cheers
Clint

NordieBoy

13th November 2006, 09:27

Good on Karl Power (New Zealand Junior Trophy rider), who loaned his practice bike, a Husaberg FE450T.

sedge

13th November 2006, 20:54

Heh heh... I read the title as 'sick day enduro'... I'd compete in that one ;)

Sedge.

oldguy

13th November 2006, 21:46

Great News! <a href=http://www.bikesportnz.com/articles/?p=776#more-776>I Was Wrong:</A>That's great news.

Oscar

14th November 2006, 16:06

Awesome! Huge ups to KTM NZ & co, If I didn't already own one, I'd go out out & buy one! :Punk:

Cheers
Clint

Hurmph.
Try getting yer feckin' KTM approved for a bloody warranty claim.
Sufficed to say, I will be riding my LC4, not my LC8 on Thursday....

trumpy

14th November 2006, 16:17

Shut the factory down for the morning and took the boy's (they're all dirt bike nuts) out to see the first morning of the ISDE. What a show, these guys are seriously fast and they have to keep this up for six days. True hard men.
Was great to see riders we have only ever seen on TV before. A chance not to be missed.
If you have given any consideration to coming down to see some of this, stop considering and do it. There are plenty of good viewing points both on the grass areas and in the forest.

SDU

15th November 2006, 11:36

Shut the factory down for the morning and took the boy's (they're all dirt bike nuts) out to see the first morning of the ISDE.

:rockon: I'll work for you, but only if you take the girls too!

Dazza

15th November 2006, 11:43

Hurmph.
Try getting yer feckin' KTM approved for a bloody warranty claim.
Sufficed to say, I will be riding my LC4, not my LC8 on Thursday....

I got the call from AMPS yesterday morning, my warranty claim has been approved for my LC8, yeah !!:dodge:

charles23

15th November 2006, 12:50

check out the live results at
http://www.rally-vysledky.com/rallysport/2006/6d/prehled/9.html

Oscar

15th November 2006, 12:56

I got the call from AMPS yesterday morning, my warranty claim has been approved for my LC8, yeah !!:dodge:

What was wrong wid yours?

Joni

15th November 2006, 13:51

Official Results for ISDE Day One

The official International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) results for Day One are:

World Trophy Team Positions
1. France; 2. Finland, 34 seconds behind the leader; 3. Spain, 2m32s; 4. Australia, 3m25s; 5. Italy, 3m29s; 6. Sweden, 3m52s; 7. New Zealand, 4m19s; 8. Netherlands, 7m41s; 9. Poland, 8m23s; 10. Great Britain 9m15s.

Junior Trophy Team Positions (under 23 years)
1. France; 2. USA, 16 seconds behind the leader; 3. Australia, 56s; 4. Germany, 1m04s; 5. Finland, 1m05s; 6. Spain, 1m51s; 7. Italy, 2m02s; 8. Great Britain, 2m07s; 9. Netherlands, 3m25s; 10. New Zealand, 4m25s.

11 riders, including New Zealand Club Team rider Wayne Neilson, retired from the event on the first day of competition.

:scooter:

oldguy

15th November 2006, 18:56

Thanks for the updates Joni, will keep an eye on this thread, hope to get down to the MX track on sunday, fingers crossed.

trumpy

15th November 2006, 19:22

:rockon: I'll work for you, but only if you take the girls too!

I'm sure the boys would love it if you did!!

Rescued one of the Czech riders today on my way back from Hamilton. They were going to have to tow him all the way back from Upper Atiamuri back to the Taupo circuit. Would have taken them an hour and a half. Chucked the bike in the back of the van (big van) and hooned it back to Taupo. Unfortunately for him I think his day is done thanks to a sizeable hole in the crankcase.

Spent some time in the pit area watching the guys (and Gals) come in. It was late in the day so these were the tail enders coming in knackered and then still having to service the bikes themselves (generally both tyres and a filter) then off to Parc Ferme.

Thanks to heavy overnight rain here things were pretty slippery out on the course. When I drove past some of the grass area special tests late this morning the tracks were looking pretty rutted.

Spoke to one of the Australian riders just after he finished the last special test (right next door to the Taupo Track) and he said they had one rut in the forest too deep to keep your feet on the pegs which measured nearly 5 kms on his computer!

Anyone who finishes this event is a bloody legend!

Joni

16th November 2006, 08:04

Kiwis Charging Forward

The Kiwis are on the move at the International Six Days Enduro near Taupo.

Heavy rain overnight on Tuesday had been expected to change the complexion of the meeting, from being hot, dry and dusty in the Kinleith Forest on the opening day of racing to being cold, wet and slippery today.

However, the pumice soil drained rapidly and the sun soon baked the volcanic terrain back to conditions very similar to day one, only now the ruts had dug out to trench-like proportions.

Regardless of what the weather was dealing, the New Zealand representative senior and junior Trophy Teams set about the business of clawing their way up their respective standings.

The Trophy Team remains seventh, with Finland firmly in front, the French second, with Spain third and Sweden fourth but the New Zealanders have consolidated their position.

The Netherlands and Poland are the first major casualties, because of injuries and machine failure, and they have dropped out of the 31-nation event.

Most impressive of the Kiwis were the King brothers, Darryll (Hamilton) and Shayne (New Plymouth), who pushed themselves to the front of the leaderboard in two of today’s stages.

Darryll King (37), riding a Yamaha WR250F, won the day’s eighth stage, while Shayne King (36), riding a Honda CRF450X, won the next stage.

In the individual rating, Darryll King is now up from ninth to seventh overall in his E1 class and Shayne moved up one place to sixth overall in the E2 category.

The other riders in New Zealand’s Trophy Team are Cameron Negus (Rotorua), Paul Whibley (Pahiatua) and Lachie Columb (Queenstown).

New Zealand’s Junior Trophy Team, for riders aged under 23, also showed its fighting spirit today.

Rotorua’s Michael Phillips (Kawasaki KX250) lost nearly an hour in the bush yesterday when his drive chain became tangled in his sprocket.

That ruined any chance of an E2 class win for the 20-year-old but he continued to battle for the Junior Trophy Team and, today, rocketed through the field to go from 268th at the end of day one to 102nd today.

Other riders in this four-man junior representative squad are Jason Davis (Whangamata), Adrian Smith (Thames) and Hamilton’s Karl Power.

The youngest rider at the event, Hokianga’s Damon Nield (16), continued to impress. Riding for the three-man Maungatoroto club team, Nield went from 105th after day one to 87th today and completed two tyre changes and cleaned the air filter and replaced the engine oil all within his allotted 15-minute post-race work period.

“It’s the first time I’ve done a multi-day event like this and I’m feeling okay at the moment,” he said, though keenly aware that he is only one-third of the way through the event.

Unofficial Trophy Team standings after Day Two of the ISDE:
1. Finland; 2. France, 3m54s behind the leaders; 3. Spain, 6m12s; 4. Sweden, 7m56s; 5. Italy, 8m32s; 6. Australia,8m.53s; 7. New Zealand, 10m36s; 8. Great Britain, 21m01s; 9. Slovakia, 24m29s; 10. USA, 24m54s.

Unofficial Junior Trophy Team Positions (under 23 years)
1. USA; 2. France, 1m21s behind the leaders; 3. Germany, 3m27s; 4. Australia, 3m35s; 5. Finland, 3m38s; 6. Italy, 4m24s; 7. Great Britain, 6m44s; 8. Netherlands, 8m24s; 9. Spain, 9m31s; 10. New Zealand, 11m32s.

:innocent:

rogson

16th November 2006, 09:05

I went yesterday (Wednesday) for a look.

The "special tests" (short timed stages) comprised two open paddock (called MX) stages and three forest (called enduro) stages.
They are very accessible to spectators - being along-side or close-to main/paved roads. I managed to get to see the first 150 or so riders go through each stage without having to rush (to-much) between stages.

The last stage is a wide-open and very viewable MX stage in the quarry next to the event base/headquarters at the Taupo car track. This stage is being run every day except the last (Sunday), when there is a MX at the Taupo MX track.

It is also well worth stopping at the service area at the end of the day, where you get to see them change tyres (sometimes both front and rear), oil/filter, airfilter, etc,. all within the allowed 15minute service period.

I"m pleased I went (had to get-up at 4am in order to get there in time for the first special stage which started at 7.40am), and recommend it.

clint640

16th November 2006, 11:40

For those coming to watch, you can get a program for $5 from the HQ - north gate at the Taupo track - Or just follow the signs. There are quite a few stages right on the side of SH1 between Taupo & Tokoroa. I'm off for a look tomorrow.

Cheers
Clint

rogson

16th November 2006, 13:17

There was a mobile coffee and snacks vendor at the first stage (and, I sure needed the coffee) who had programmes for sale - particularly handy if you are arriving from the north (saves round-tripping into Taupo).

See viewing map/schedule of special stages below

oldguy

16th November 2006, 16:09

Thanks for all the updates people, keep it up.:niceone: anyone got any pics of some of the action.

Joni

16th November 2006, 16:34

Czech Riders ISDE Husaberg Recovered

International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) competitor Vaclav Danek today feels the luckiest man in New Zealand after an emotional roller coaster ride since Sunday. NZ Police last night recovered Danek’s stolen Husaberg FE450 4T enduro bike in a forest just south of Taupo, following an anonymous phone call.

Taupo Police Constable Russell O’Brien caught the 15 year old offender red-handed, who, because of his age, has now been referred to a family group conference.

O’Brien said, “We knew how much it meant to the people who lost it, so we were really happy about it.”

Danek wasn’t made aware of the recovery until waking this morning so he wouldn’t lose any of his important sleep, as he prepared for Day Three of the ISDE.

On hearing the news, Police permitted the Czech Republic rider to view his bike at the Taupo Police Station, but Danek wasn’t confident it was his machine until setting his own eyes on it. The distinctive Husaberg was found in good but dirty condition, with all identification stickers removed.

Through interpreter Milan Jurica, Danek said, “It is much better now than the first day, and before the bike was stolen. We are surprised you have helped us, in my country it is not usual for police to help. I was hoping for the good people of NZ to come forward, and I thank the person who came forward.”

Danek is riding in the ISDE on a Husabeg loaned by KTM and Husaberg importer, KTM New Zealand, “I am riding slower because I have been troubled the past few days. I am riding it carefully because the bike is Karl Powers.”

“Thanks to NZ for everything, from Vaclav!” Danek specifically wishes to thank the ISDE organisers and the NZ Police for recovering his bike.

Team co-ordinator Jurica collected NZs most wanted Husaberg from the Taupo Police Station today, although ISDE rules prevent Danek from reverting to his original machine.

The ISDE is the most gruelling motorcycle event in the world and concludes with a Day Six motocross test at Digger McEwen Park in Taupo on Sunday.

Organisers are very happy with Ticketek pre-sales ahead of Day Six of the 31 nation event, where spectators can follow Danek and his now famous number 528 Husaberg.

Confirmed Trophy Team standings after Day Two of the ISDE:
1. Finland; 2. France, 3m25s behind the leaders; 3. Spain, 6m59s; 4. Australia, 8m34s; 5. Sweden, 8m42s; 6. Italy, 9m12s; 7. New Zealand, 10m15s; 8. Great Britain, 21m48s; 9. Slovakia, 23m34s; 10. USA, 25m07s.

Confirmed Junior Trophy Team Positions (under 23 years)
1. USA; 2. France, 1m21s behind the leaders; 3. Germany, 3m27s; 4. Australia, 3m35s; 5. Finland, 3m38s; 6. Italy, 4m24s; 7. Great Britain, 6m44s; 8. Netherlands, 8m24s; 9. Spain, 9m31s; 10. New Zealand, 11m32s.

:done:

Yes there are lots of pics oldrider, but they are damned big, and right now its a big hassle to re-size them.

oldguy

16th November 2006, 17:35

Thats, great news getting the stolen bike back,:yes: I know what you mean about resizing pics, I find it a pain in the butt.

I have heaps from the Taupo MX . but got sick of resizng them.

cheers John (oldguy)

scott411

17th November 2006, 07:20

well i went down for a look at the ISDE yesterday, their are some very fast boys down their, the Aussie teams look very well organised and the NZ support crews are doing a good job, talked to some of the kiwi riders i new and they all seem to be going well, bad luck for Jason Davis yesterday with the bike stopping, he was going well,

talked to someone who saw one of the Neild boys do 2 tyres, a airfilter and a gearbox oil change in a 15 minutes????

a lot of the boys were starting to look pretty tired yesterday and the track was rutting up badly

trumpy

17th November 2006, 07:43

These guys (and gals) are seriously tough dudes. 250ks of road, forest and special tests and then you have to come back to the pits and you have 15 minutes to change your own tyres, filters etc yourself (pit crew can only hand you tools etc but not help) before your bike is locked away in parc ferme for the night. Then for good measure you do it all again the next day, and the next, and the next....................
Anyone who has the chance, come to Taupo and see this event. There are plenty of good viewing spots for the special tests.

rogson

17th November 2006, 08:30

Yeah, what they manage to get done in their 15minute maintenance time is impressive, but I think some of the things they do are a bit excessive.

For example I was there on day two and saw one of the front runners, who was riding a KTM300 (which is a 2 stroke), changing his gearbox oil. I have a KTM300 and my manual recommends changing the gearbox oil every 4000km or once a year. I find it difficult to believe a fresh oil change at the beginning of the event wouldn't be sufficient to get you to the end (note, I'm referring to 2 strokes here - 4 strokes are an entirely different proposition).

scott411

17th November 2006, 09:24

thier is no way i would run 2 stroke gearbox oil for 1 year, i change mine every 10 hours, 4000km is pretty long when you have bits of clutch floating around in their

Crasherfromwayback

17th November 2006, 09:38

Joni

17th November 2006, 10:39

Unofficial ISDE Results, Day Three

Riding in difficult and at times wet conditions, Finland extend their lead by over two minutes from nearest rival France, at the half way stage of the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). The final three days will be more difficult and will decide who is the toughest nation on turf. The weather forecast for Day Four is for rain.

Unofficial Trophy Team standings after Day Two of the ISDE:

Positions remain unchanged from Day Two. New Zealand holds a strong seventh position.
1. Finland; 2. France, 6m19s behind the leaders; 3. Spain, 11m28s; 4. Australia, 12m50s; 5. Sweden, 13m49s; 6. Italy, 13m52s; 7. New Zealand, 19m18s; 8. Great Britain, 35m7s; 9. Slovakia, 35m16s; 10. USA, 38m34s.

Unofficial Junior Trophy Team Positions (under 23 years)

From Day Two Australia has overtaken Germany for third position, while Finland has dropped a place, allowing Italy into fifth.
1. USA; 2. France, 3m32s behind the leaders; 3. Australia, 4m16s; 4.Germany, 6m26s; 5. Italy, 6m55s; 6. Finland, 7m11s; 7. Great Britain, 8m53s; 8. Netherlands, 11m13s; 9. Spain, 14m43s; 10. New Zealand, 17m43s.

:sunny:

Sparky Bills

17th November 2006, 10:46

I know of a few people who have gone up to race.
Would have been great to head up. Oh well.. maybe next year.

GO THE KIWIS!!

Goblin

17th November 2006, 16:22

I took my boys to see this yesterday. It's an incredibly huge event and our very own krash69 is there supporting Gio Sala,(I think...I still dont get her spelling, hehehe) Gold #1. He's using this as training for the Paris/Dakar :gob:
I was so impressed with the skills and stamina of these men and women...and to keep at it for six days! Would love to be there for the last day....but Coro8 beckons.

I was quite surprised by the lengh of the road ride back to Centenial park. A good stretch of SH1 where slower traffic was being passed on the left by all these dirty dirtbikes.:headbang:

Was a great day out for me anyway. :2thumbsup to all the competitors and organisers and all who have made it possible. Fantastic event and I recommend going along for a look.:yes:

Joni

18th November 2006, 09:56

Finland Dominates ISDE Day Four Results

Finland continues to dominate recent days of the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). With France and Spain completing the leader board.

Italy has charged into fourth position from sixth place the previous day, narrowly edging out Australia, who are now fifth. Team New Zealand remain seventh, only 18 seconds ahead of an improving Slovakia, whom hosted the 2005 ISDE.

Day Five on Saturday is the final full day enduro, leading into the special motocross test on Sunday at Taupo’s Digger McEwen Park, where motocross specialists are expected to make up valuable time. And team positions.

Unofficial Trophy Team standings after Day Four of the ISDE:
1. Finland; 2. France, 9m8s behind the leaders; 3. Spain, 14m11s; 4. Italy, 18m14s; 5. Australia, 18m31s; 6. Sweden, 19m43s; 7. New Zealand, 30m20s; 8. Slovakia, 48m17s; 9. Great Britain, 48m18s; 10. USA, 53m46s.

Unofficial Junior Trophy Team Positions (under 23 years)
1. USA; 2. France, 4m31s behind the leaders; 3. Australia, 6m27s; 4.Italy, 8m43s; 5. Germany, 8m46s; 6. Finland, 9m44s; 7. Great Britain, 10m40s; 8. Netherlands, 15m12s; 9. Spain, 19m48s; 10. New Zealand, 26m01s.

denill

19th November 2006, 06:52

I have been most fortunate to have been in Taupo since Monday, (And been off line) NOT for the crap weather but to see the likes of Salminen, Ahola (what an agressive rider!) Merriman, Shayne King (who has excelled!) etc.

Has it been reported here that vitually all of yesterday was canned? I was at Tar Hill when it all hit the fan and saw class riders having REAL difficulty! Heartbreaking for organisers and riders - but the rain was probably always a high possibility. There were a number of cases of hypothermia (including my son) and there could well have been very serious consequences for riders.

So was it an IFDE?

Joni

19th November 2006, 08:19

ISDE Day Five Results

The organisers of the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) called off Day Five early following an unexpected and very heavy downpour within the Kinleith Forest late this morning. The poor weather conditions made competing on the slippery trails very difficult.

Sunday’s weather forecast is for clearing skies for tomorrows final day, the tough motocross test at Taupo's Digger McEwen Park where spectators can see five-time world motocross champion Joel Smets last international ride.

Positions remain unchanged for the Trophy Teams, although Finland have pulled ahead of France by more than 5 minutes from day four.

The New Zealand Junior Trophy Team will need all the local support they can get to maintain their tenth spot at tomorrows motocross test, as eleventh place holders Sweden trail by only 6 seconds.

Unofficial Trophy Team standings after Day Five of the ISDE:
1. Finland; 2. France, 11m51s behind the leaders; 3. Spain, 15m57s; 4. Italy, 20m16s; 5. Australia, 21m04s; 6. Sweden, 22m01s; 7. New Zealand, 36m19s; 8. Slovakia, 53m39s; 9. Great Britain, 54m46s; 10. USA, no time given at time of release.

Unofficial Junior Trophy Team Positions (under 23 years)
1. USA; 2. France, 5m24s behind the leaders; 3. Australia, 8m21s; 4.Italy, 10m27s; 5. Germany, 10m48s; 6. Great Britain, 12m20s; 7. Netherlands, 17m35s; 8. Finland, 18m25s; 9. Spain, 23m06s; 10. New Zealand, 31m29s.

From Joni ==>Lets hope fo some :sunny: so the event can finish on a high note.
GO THE KIWI'S

denill

19th November 2006, 09:26

If you're interested - check out <a href=http://endurouk.com:80/content/view/310/80/>EnduroUK.com:</A> for some good ISDE updates.

oldguy

19th November 2006, 13:32

Joni stop teasing me, I can,t handle it, need more pics lol

oldguy

19th November 2006, 13:44

Happy now, no worries Joni, denill thanks for the link great pictures there, feeling better now.

denill

19th November 2006, 14:15

Some pics.

Juha - The Man, pensive at Maroa.

And

Muddy at Tar Hill on Saturday.

And

Before 7am on Tuesday.

denill

19th November 2006, 14:23

And here's a brilliant Merriman shot by Andy McGechan, No guessing the nationality of the supporters - of the Kiwi born rider????

Brian d marge

19th November 2006, 18:42

This is what they used to use !!! ,,,Them were men in dem days .....

Stephen

denill

19th November 2006, 19:44

Some may find this to be an interesting background (and preview) of the ISDE by <a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Six_Days_Enduro>Wikepedia:</A>

denill

19th November 2006, 20:00

This is what they used to use !!! ,,,Them were men in dem days .....
Stephen

Not quite, Stephen, but close - the ISDT (like the current ISDE bikes) had to be road legal. Your very nice pic is an Observed Trials Beeza.

You might find this link to the <a href=http://www.speedtracktales.co.uk/6857.html>1950 ISDT</A> interesting?
Cos as you say that was when men were men.

Another interesting link is to <a href=http://www.motorcyclesport.co.nz/?id=3463>Tim Gibbes:</A> memories.

And <a href=http://www.bikesportnz.com/articles/?p=804#more-804>BikeSports.com:</A> updates.

Wellyman

19th November 2006, 20:05

Well im back from the slime of Taupo.It was a very muddy saturday, and the MX today was very good! congrats to Chris Birch and The Waitemata MC club. all but one rider finished, the two ladies in the team finished which is awsome. shall add some more of a report and some pics tomorrow, off to sit and rest for a while.
WM

oldguy

19th November 2006, 21:23

Some pics.

Juha - The Man, pensive at Maroa.

And

Muddy at Tar Hill on Saturday.

And

Before 7am on Tuesday.Until you see that line up of bikes, and the flags flying in the background you don't realize how big this event is,
Its pretty sad that an event of this size and stature does not even get any coverage here in the country that is hosting it. will it get any TV coverage here or will it only get on the late night news.

denill

20th November 2006, 06:29

<a href=http://www.rally-vysledky.com/rallysport/2006/6d/6.html>The Official Six Days Results:</A>

For PDF total results of the 6 Days times, click on 'AFTER'

For PDF class results, click on 'IN'

Joni

20th November 2006, 12:26

Thanks Denill - here is the email they sent through to us.

Finland Wins 2006 ISDE, New Zealand Seventh

The excited jabber of the Finland team riders and their supporters punctuated the air as the 81st International Six Days Enduro wrapped up near Taupo today.

As expected, there was little any of the 31 nations competing could do to peg back the flying Finns as the theme of the event transformed on the sixth and final day from a battle of endurance in the mud and slush to a test of high speed riding on the volcanic sand and ash of the local motocross track.

Finland won the event from France and Spain, with New Zealand holding on to seventh spot in the overall Trophy Team standings.

In the junior Trophy Team (for riders under age 23) standings, the United States team won, ahead of France and Australia, with New Zealand maintaining their grip on 10th overall position.

The Kiwis fancied themselves on the volcanic ash surface of the popular digger McEwen Motorcycle Park circuit on the outskirts of Taupo, the venue for many of their domestic motocross battles.

With senior Trophy Team riders Shayne King, Cam Negus, Paul Whibley, Chris Birch and Lachie Columb each showing top motocross form today, it was never in doubt they’d retain their hold on the No.7 spot in the battle of the nations between the Trophy Teams.

Likewise with the junior squad of Michael Phillips, Adrian Smith and Karl Power – they also shone in the motocross action.

New Zealand team manager Shaun Stanbridge said he was very happy with the result.

“Sweden was 15 minutes behind the New Zealand junior team but, when the FIM (sport’s governing body) jury decided to cancel one of the stages yesterday (because of timing problems in the torrential rain), this allowed them to close right up and they were only six seconds behind us at the start of today’s motocross,” Stanbridge explained.

“I was sweating bricks all day,” he said.

New Zealand had earlier been on the brink of elimination with its two teams reduced to the bare minimum number of riders, the senior squad down to five members after Darryll King’s withdrawal because of injury and the junior line-up down to three riders after Jason Davis suffered mechanical problems on day four.

The five remaining Senior Trophy Team riders and three surviving Junior Trophy Team riders ran hot in the motocross today, perhaps none more so that Rotorua’s Phillips, who simply ran away with his E2 race.

“Phillips was the third fastest of any individual at the event today,” said Stanbridge.

“Him winning his race gave the junior team a huge boost in the standings. The New Zealand Junior Trophy Team’s combined times today were 46 minutes 11 seconds. Sweden’s team tally today was 47 minutes plus.

“It’s a fantastic result for us considering we don’t field a team every year. Fifth or higher would have been great but the pedigree of the Europeans is akin to our pedigree for rugby. We were racing against the All Blacks of the enduro world this week.”

Next year’s ISDE will be held in Chile.

denill

20th November 2006, 14:04

Next year’s ISDE will be held in Chile.

Thanks Joni. And the following year, Greece.

Cheers
Bill

SDU

21st November 2006, 12:52

Thanks for all the updates Joni.:2thumbsup

A pity there wasn't much info on the news while the event was running.

I hope they make a DVD on it.

oldguy

21st November 2006, 19:43

Thanks Joni/denill for all the up dates, can't wait for the movie to come out, of this event hehehe don,t think that will happen lol

Joni

28th November 2006, 13:58

Successful ISDE Adds Millions to NZ Economy

The International Six Days Enduro blew through New Zealand like a benign whirlwind.

For one mad week in November, New Zealand hosted a world motorcycling event the likes of which it has never seen before and is unlikely to see again.

Not since the World Superbikes were hosted at Feilding’s Manfeild circuit in the early 1990s has this country seen so much international motorcycling talent assembled in the one place and, in fact, the ISDE superseded that.

With more than 600 riders from 31 nations converging on the lakeside tourist town of Taupo between November 14 and 19, the Bay of Plenty region became the centre of the dirt biking universe as international motorcycling media turned its focus on New Zealand.

In addition, more than $15 million poured into the region as motel beds filled, camp sites overflowed and bars and nightclubs rocked through the night.

The sports event itself received praise from far and wide, with four-time former world champion and two-time former ISDE outright winner Stefan Merriman describing it as one of the best ISDE events ever.

“As far as a Six Days goes, I reckon it’s one of the best we’ve had for several years,” said the Kiwi international.

ISDE event director Sean Clarke, an international racer in his own right, said it was a dream come true to stage an event of such magnitude so close to his home.

“It was hard work though. It was a lot bigger that even I thought it would be,” said Clarke.

Clarke and his largely volunteer team of about 200 personnel also hit all the right notes with Motorcycling New Zealand’s chief executive officer, Paul Pavletich.

“I was really overwhelmed by the number of volunteers. I always know it was going to be a success because of all the work put in by these people but I was blown away by the enthusiasm of them all.

“We at MNZ have received massive positive feedback from the FIM (the sport’s governing body) and I’m quietly confident we’ll get to stage more international motorsports events, possibly even a MotoGP,” he said.

He said the success of this year’s ISDE proves New Zealand, though a long way from the European hotbed of world championship motorcycling, is both willing and very capable of staging world-class events.

:sunny: