Ending a ten-year winless streak, Italy raced into the FIM record books as the 2018 FIM Junior World Trophy champions. Previously winning the category in Greece in 2008, Italy were overjoyed to return to the top step of the podium once more. In what’s been an outstanding week of racing for the Italian trio of Andrea Verona (TM), Matteo Cavallo (Beta) and Davide Soreca (TM) they also secured their fifth day win in this year’s race.

“It’s just an unbelievable feeling,” said Verona. “We knew coming into Chile that we could fight for the win, but we never imagined the entire week would go as well as it has. Last year we were just fifteen seconds behind France at the finish, so to win this year is great. Every day we pushed hard and never settled for position and I think that showed by only losing one day. It’s been ten years since Italy last won this class so that’s special too.” 

Finishing just under four minutes behind, the United States capped off a memorable week in Chile to take the runner-up result. In the battle for third, France fended off the challenge from host nation Chile to take third. Despite ending their week fourth, Chile proved that they are becoming an Enduro nation to be reckoned with and will no doubt push to secure a debut FIM ISDE podium in the years to come. Australia and Sweden were fifth and sixth respectively.

Remaining the dominant force in women’s Enduro, Australia firmly stamped their authority on this year’s FIM Women’s World Trophy class. Securing their sixth consecutive day win, they rode into the record books as six-time champions, now unbeaten since Italy in 2013.

Behind them, the United States claimed the runner-up result, becoming the only nation to secure a podium result in all three categories in the 2018 FIM ISDE. Spain joined Australia and the United States on the podium for third. France and Sweden round out the top five.

The FIM Vintage Trophy category was won by Germany. Jens Oestreich (DEU - SWM) topped the ‘76 class, Jens Bossdorf (DEU - SWM) won the ’79 category, while Roth Sven (DEU - Kramer) was best in the ’88 class. The Evo 86 class victory went to Swen Schiller (DEU - Kram-It).

At the end of the 2018 FIM ISDE, Motoclub Italy won the Club Team Award from Somerpalu MK, with Team Ostra Enduro Sweden third.

With the 2018 FIM ISDE now complete, competitors can now begin to look forward to the ninety-fourth edition of the race in Portugal in 2019.

Source: FIM