Jessica Gardiner, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media
For Australia’s Jessica Gardiner, this year’s 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations marks her thirteenth time competing in the event. Now thirty-two years old, Gardiner is one of Enduro’s most decorated riders in the history of the event, with six Women’s World Trophy titles to her name.
From securing Australia’s very first 6DAYS® victory in Sardinia, Italy, in 2013, she has helped pave the way for countless young female riders to follow in her wheel tracks.
Rolling off the start ramp in Bergamo for the 6DAYS® Italia, Gardiner still feels the same honour and pride representing her country on the biggest stage of Enduro as she did back in 2013.
“My thirteenth start in the 6DAYS® is beginning to sound like a big number, and it makes me feel old,” Gardiner laughs humbly. “But it’s always a pleasure to be here.”
“I love the 6DAYS®, it’s the biggest offroad event of the year. To wear the green and gold for Australia is always special, and it is something I feel every young rider should aspire to do in their lifetime.”
Jessica Gardiner, 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations Bergamo, Italy © Future7media
Still as competitive as ever, Gardiner is also mindful of her younger teammates and is eager to guide them in their young 6DAYS® careers.
“To come into these events uninjured for the last thirteen years has taken a lot,” tells Gardiner. “I’m thirty-two years of age now, and happy to pass my knowledge and experience on to the younger generation and be a mentor to them. Danielle McDonald is only eighteen years old. Madison Healey is twenty-one years old and this is her first 6DAYS®.”
Gardiner also feels that through good home support, it has enabled Australia to remain at the forefront of the MOTOREX Women’s World Trophy competition.
“At home, we’ve got good programmes to support the girls and develop the talent coming through, so we’re fast from get-go. We also have the Australian Four-Day Enduro, which essentially mimics the 6DAYS®, but over a shorter period.
“We are here to fight for the win with the United States, we want that top step of the podium and will give it everything this week!”