When it comes to the Junior World Trophy class in the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations, it is always difficult to select a pre-race favourite.
As with any edition of the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations, the Junior World Trophy competition is brimming with young talent, all eager and determined to make their mark on the world stage of Enduro.
For this year’s 6DAYS® Italia in Bergamo, seventeen teams have entered the Junior World Trophy class. Sweden start as defending champions, but with France, the United States, Spain and host nation Italy among those vying for the podium, the pressure will be on to retain their title.
Ending the 2024 6DAYS® in Spain in fourth, Australia are another nation with podium hopes and visions of glory on their mind.
Last year, Australia fell short of the silverware by less than four minutes after almost eleven hours of timed special test racing – an outcome that has left them highly motivated heading into Bergamo.
Angus Riordan (KTM) and Korey McMahon (KTM) remain on the Junior World Trophy team for 2024, while Kyron Bacon (Kawasaki) steps down from the World Trophy team to join them in their hunt for victory in 2025.
All three riders are on top of their game in their respective championships. Bacon has won in the Junior Enduro category in EnduroGP this year, McMahon is winning at home in Australia, and Riordan has topped the podium at GNCC Racing in the United States. On paper, it is hard to deny that Australia are looking very strong indeed.
“I think for this year, we have a really good team and stand a good chance of doing well,” tells Riordan. “Between myself, Kyron, who is living in Italy and racing EnduroGP, and Korey, we’ve got a solid team.
“For sure, we know it’s going to be hard, especially against some of the European-based teams, but we are focused on fighting for the win.”
The 6DAYS® Italia will mark Riordan’s second time representing Australia. What has he learned from last year in Spain to help him hit the ground running in Italy?
“Last year in Spain was my first 6DAYS®, so I’m limited in experience, but what I learned is that bike setup is so important.
“I’m based in the United States and mostly ride GNCC, which are three-hour cross-country races. With that style of riding, you tend to adapt and get used to how a bike rides and handles.
“But in a six-to-eight-minute special test, if the bike isn’t working exactly how you want it to, you are losing time. So, you really do need to get the bike right, for sure.”
It has been six years since an Australian team last stood on the top step of the Junior World Trophy podium at a 6DAYS®. Time will tell if it becomes a wash of green and gold on 29 August.
Can’t be at the 6DAYS® Italia in person?
Then you need to tune into FIM-MOTO.TV where you will be able to watch daily live streaming from the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations being held in Bergamo. Each day live action from the Final Special Test will be brought to you on FIM-MOTO.TV, with full coverage of the World Trophy, Junior Trophy, Women’s Trophy, and Club Teams. In addition, following the huge success of last year’s inaugural edition, the FIM 6DAYS® Studio Show will again include daily unfiltered interviews, post-race reactions and insider stories brought to you from Enduro’s most stylish living room with its views across the 6DAYS® Parc Ferme. There will also be live coverage of the Final Day Cross Test and podium ceremonies too.
Details of how to register for the free highlights and 6DAYS® Morning Shows plus other paid for packages can be found here.