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In an event that very closely rivals the Olympics, Kiwi Stefan Merriman, riding a 400cc Four stroke Husky, was the overall winner.
The 75th International Six Day Enduro took place in Granada between 31st Oct & 5th Nov against the dramatic backdrop of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains. 530 riders (motolanero) competed over a course that covered 214kms on days 1,2,5 & 243 kms on days 3,4. Day one began with Stefan Merriman recording the first test of that day 7 seconds faster than the next rider.
Meanwhile on the highest point of the whole course - 2000m. above sea level between control 1 & 2 - problems started to build up as motolanero 220 onwards queued on a blocked climb which began to resemble a smouldering hill fire with steam rising into the thin Sierra Nevada air. The same loop Day 2 was less of a problem. On Day 3&4 the course went northeast of Granada over some sceinic landscape. Between control points 3 & 4, 2 switchback climbs which had become greasy after overnight rain proved to be a challenge for the field. After No 1 Juha Salminen cleared the top of the 2nd climb 10 minutes passed before a trickle of muddy motolaneros appeared including some tough British trial masters. The rest of the controls although ridden were wiped from the results.
As with the 1999 ISDE in Portugal, the final day was cancelled as dust on the MX tests was considered to be dangerous.
For more info you can try the official site at www.isdegranada2000.com. As well as all the results, their web gallery has some great photos.
Cycle News Online also has a small piece.
