Day three of the ISDE saw a new lap and a new set of tests for the riders to enjoy, and they did just that! After the heat and difficulties of the opening couple of days, day three brought the sense of a new beginning and with it the ACU British World Trophy and Junior riders seized the day and brought home strong and consistent results to move up in both world categories, the British World Trophy team are now placed fifth and the Junior World Trophy team are fourth.
Despite threats of thunderstorms and heavy rain the weather remained mostly dry, with dust becoming a problem once again on the final two tests. Despite being tucked away in the countryside, the tests attracted vast numbers of fans, providing a great atmosphere for all the riders to enjoy as they reached the mid-way point.
The stand-out performance of the day came from Junior team rider
Dan Mundell as he regularly posted times in the top 10 and finished the day 12th outright
(ahead of the 2016 EnduroGP world champion) – not bad for an 18 year old in only his third season of enduro!
Dan Mundell (#26, Junior Trophy Team): “I only had one silly crash today, the front end just washed out on the final test of the day. But the bike is going well and I’m feeling good. I’m really happy with 12th, especially as I’m at a slight disadvantage on the 125 when it comes to road sections. I’m hoping to continue posting times in the top 10 as the week goes on!”
World Trophy rider
Nathan Watson also came into peak form, going fastest in the third test and placing fifth overall for the day.
Nathan Watson (#20, Trophy Team): “I had a normal day today finally, not a strange one! It’s been an improvement on the last couple of days and hopefully things will keep going in the right direction and I can continue like this.”
The next Brit in the standings on day three was
Joe Wootton, who is settling into the race and keeping up a strong pace, placing an impressive 25th outright today. And although his team-mate
Tom Ellwood admitted to a lack of rhythm and feeling today, the youngsters are looking competitive in the extremely close Junior category.
ACU British ISDE Team Manager,
Andy Martin:
“The way that all our riders have kept going, being sensible as well as being able to post strong test times, says a lot about their strength of character. I’m really happy with how they’ve all performed, not only today but throughout the week so far. They’re all carrying out the work on their bikes and taking good care of themselves and their machines, which of course is made easier by all the great people we have helping us out in the pits and behind the scenes with things like catering and physio. Both teams are moving up the standings now and the hope is that we’ll just keep calm and carry on!” Day 4 will consist of another new round of tests – three new cross tests will be added alongside the usual end of day run through the cross test close to the paddock. The second and third tests on the lap will be held around the town of Uzerche – well known for its enduro heritage and regularly used in the French championship. The lap is 223km in total. 2017 International Six Day Enduro - Brive-la-Gaillarde, France. Day Three, Provisional Result
FIM WORLD TROPHY:
1 France 7:20:27.82
2 Australia 7:25:46.89 +5:19.07
3 Finland 7:27:54.74 +7:26.92
6 Great Britain 7:42:25.04 +21:57.22
INDIVIDUAL:
22 Nathan Watson KTM 1:52:26.60 45 Lee Sealey Yamaha 1:54:12.46 52 Fraser Flockhart KTM 1:44:48.85 79 Kevin Murray Beta 1:59:58.13
FIM JUNIOR WORLD TROPHY
1 France 5:37:38.66
2 Italy 5:38:18.39 +39.73
3 USA 5:39:38.15 +1:59.49
4 Great Britain 5:42:26.10 +4:47.44
INDIVIDUAL:
30 Dan Mundell KTM 1:52:57.61 40 Joe Wootton Husqvarna 1:53:38.30 53 Tom Ellwood Sherco 1:55:50.19