Plans for the 2027 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE - also known as the 6DAYS), the biggest standalone motorcycle event in the world, were presented at the House of Commons in London today (7 July), ahead of its return to the UK for the first time in 44 years.
The 6DAYS event will be held in Wales next year and will bring together 600 of the world's leading male and female Enduro riders, competing together as teams in their respective national and club categories, from 30 countries, including Great Britain. They will compete across six days and complete a route of around 900 miles.
Guests from Government, motorcycle sport and the UK motorcycling industry attended the presentation.
Permitted under the authority of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and organised by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), the UK's national governing body for motorcycle sport, the 6DAYS are the world's oldest off-road motorcycle competition.
Jorge Viegas, FIM President, said:
“Bringing the 6DAYS back to Great Britain next year is a truly special milestone for this historic event, as the very first edition was held in Carlisle in 1913. Since then, the competition has grown immensely and is now recognised as one of the most prestigious events on the FIM calendar.
"The 6DAYS last visited Great Britain in 1983 when it was hosted in Wales, so it is especially fitting that the 101st edition will return to a nation and a region with such a deep-rooted and proud Enduro heritage.
"On behalf of the FIM, I would like to thank the ACU, the entire organising team and all the relevant stakeholders for their commitment and support. I am confident that 6DAYS Wales 2027 will be an outstanding event and a memorable celebration of our sport for competitors, teams, fans and everyone involved.”
The event was hosted at the House of Commons by John Slinger MP. He said: “I was delighted to help host the presentation of the FIM Six Days Enduro of Nations alongside the Auto-Cycle Union, based in my constituency of Rugby.
“It is fantastic to see this prestigious event returning to the UK for the first time in over 40 years, with its 101st edition set against the stunning backdrop of the Welsh countryside. The UK has long been a global leader and pioneer in this sport, so events like this are a brilliant opportunity to showcase that heritage and inspire the next generation. While I may be new to Enduro, there’s always a first time for everything – and I will certainly be cheering on the British teams in 2027.”
The event – the date of which will be confirmed this autumn – will be delivered by Welsh motorcycle clubs with support from volunteers across Britain.
Volunteers will take on a wide range of roles, including marshalling and supporting the set-up of the event. Their support will be central to delivering six days of world-class competition and showcasing the expertise and commitment of the UK's off-road motorcycling community.
“As the national governing body of motorcycle sport in the UK, we’re proud and excited to welcome the ISDE to the UK in 2027,” Matthew Edwards-Wear, Auto-Cycle Union Chief Executive Officer, explained. “We thank our local Labour MP, John Slinger, for his support and the opportunity to present the event at the House of Commons and to showcase what our 2027 event will entail and the positive effect it will have on our sport, communities, and the economy.
“The UK has a rich heritage when it comes to the Enduro discipline and, for the ACU, Wales is the perfect region to host the best riders and teams in the world. The organising team we have in place is talented and experienced, and I know the FIM 6DAYS WALES 2027 will be an event the FIM, ACU and other stakeholders will be extremely proud of.”
Wales will host the ISDE because of the country’s experience in organising major international events, motorsport heritage and natural terrain. Its forests, mountains and valleys will provide the setting for six days of competition, while the event will support tourism, rural economies and community engagement.
The event will also give the motorcycle industry opportunities to engage with competitors and spectators, showcase products and help newcomers discover how they can try the sport. Activities for children will form part of efforts to introduce a new generation to motorcycling and motorcycle sport.
For the British riders and teams taking part, competing on home ground will bring national and international attention. The event has the potential to turn any British competitor into a household name and inspire more people to follow the sport.
Steve Hall, ISDE Director of Operations, said: “Around 100,000 spectators are expected to join competitors, support crews, and officials in Wales. Hotels, hospitality businesses, retailers, suppliers and tourism operators are expected to benefit, while international coverage will showcase Wales as a destination for sport and adventure tourism.
Craig Carey-Clinch, NMC Executive Director, said: “The FIM Enduro of Nations showcases all that is great about motorcycle sport and shines a positive light on the wider world of the UK’s £7 billion motorcycle sector.
“In addition to drawing positive attention to the UK’s vibrant motorcycle sport sector, the lead-up to the 6DAYS will see a range of activities highlighting the benefits of motorcycling to society, particularly in personal transport and mobility, leisure, tourism, the economy and heritage.
“The benefits of motorcycling as an enabler of wider transport policy objectives will also be highlighted – benefits that can be unlocked through greater recognition of motorcycling in transport policies both national and local.
“UK motorcycle sport is hugely respected internationally and is a great success story for the nation, although it is not always fully recognised in the wider UK sporting ecosystem. We look forward to working with the Government to develop initiatives that support the key role the sport plays, particularly in youth engagement, sustainability, environmental protection and safety.”
Organisers want the event to leave a legacy beyond the six days of competition. Plans will focus on inspiring future riders, including children and young people, as well as the next generation of volunteers and fans.
The event will highlight the opportunities motorcycle sport creates to develop skills, support active lifestyles and build careers. It will celebrate a sport in which people from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups can compete, volunteer and work.
Through the leadership of the FIM and ACU, 6DAYS WALES 2027 will also showcase progress across sustainability, clean fuels, rider safety and equality.