Friday November 10, 2006 at 12:00am
The 78th ISDE was held in Brazil 2003 and was won by Stefan Everts, the 79th was held in Poland 13-18 September 2004 and was won by our own Stefan Merriman, the 80th is to be held in Slovakia 2005 with the 81st coming to New Zealand in 2006.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the ISDE is the amount of people involved. For every rider, there is an average of 3 support persons. So if the event attracts 500 riders, then 2000 people will attend the event which is going to make for a great atmosphere in Taupo!
The event will start and end in or near Taupo each day with riders riding in the Kinleith forest that lies between Taupo and Tokoroa. Riders will also compete in special tests based in or near Taupo. Track construction has begun with a goal of making challenging trails that will stand up to the punishment of a large volume of riders. Whilst the event is primarily designed for riders, the organisers will ensure that the event is attractive to spectators by providing viewing opportunities of special tests each day.
It is hoped that the NZ ISDE will be stacked with top names like 2004 World MX2 Champion, Ben Townley, MX legend Stefan Everts, Stefan Merriman, Paul Whibley, Darryll King and Shayne King. The NZ Senior and Junior Trophy teams should be very strong on their home turf. The event creates a large amount of national and international media including television, magazine and website coverage. NZ Organisers will work with ABC Ltd the International Promoter to maximise the exposure.
The event is organised by ‘ISDE NZ 2006 Incorporated’, a subsidiary of Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ), the official governing body for motorcycle sport in New Zealand recognised by SPARC. Arthur Klap is the Chairman of the ISDE 2006 Board. Arthur has considerable international event management experience including his recent organisation of the World Triathlon in Queenstown. Arthur is also organising the World Mountain running and World Mountain biking Championships in 2005 and 2006. The Event Director - Sean Clarke is a multi national Enduro champion, has competed in 3 ISDE’s, is the New Zealand Enduro Coordinator and has organised the Australian Four Day Enduro held in New Zealand 2001. Sean has well and truly earned the title of ‘Mr Enduro’ in New Zealand. The rest of the ISDE Board has considerable experience in motorcycling and international events and consists of; Daryl August (Ridden 3 ISDE events and owner of Daryl August Motorcycles), Neil Boyd (MNZ Board link), Geoff Hall (President for many years of the very successful Taupo Motorcycle Club), Warwick Hall (Destination Lake Taupo Sponsor representative, experienced with events including the Taupo Ironman) and Vicky Simm (Acting CEO of MNZ). Me, Nick Reader, I have the job of Sponsorship and Promotion. This means do what Sean tells me, do it well, do it quick and come in under budget. Actually it means organise most of the promotion, sponsorship and special events, leaving Sean to focus on the actual event.
Venture Travel is doing all bookings for accommodation in Taupo as well bookings for rental vehicles most of which will be hired out of Auckland. Kim Herd, owner of Venture travel has extensive experience with ISDE events and International travel group bookings. Katie Street works for Venture Travel and has a major focus on the ISDE 2006. And then there is the small army of people required to run the six day. From making trails with quads and chain saws to timing special tests with the latest computer and transponder systems, it will take around 200 people to create and run an ISDE NZ can be proud of. The ISDE has a website up and running. Go to www.ISDE06.com and check out the event.
This website will be updated as new information arises. The ISDE should be one of the most exciting international motorcycle events to come to NZ this decade. ISDE 2006 Ltd will be holding seminars and training courses in the near future promoting and explaining the ISDE to all keen riders and supporters. Contacts; Event Director Sean Clarke 021 996045 sean@isde06.com Sponsorship and Promotion Nick Reader 021 983766 nick@isde06.com Accommodation Katie Street 09 4491402 katie@venturetravel.co.nz » Categories:
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