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Photo - Stefan Merriman,
UFO Corse Yamaha #84:
We are very fortunate that Anita Merriman is taking the time to bring us up to date on the 2004 ISDE, Poland and particularly on Stefan's progress. The multi talented kiwi born rider is drawing on his background of skills and proving to be one of the top contenders at the '04 ISDE.
Hi Silver-Bullet:
Finally - rain!!!!
I was incorrect yesterday with my idea that E2 started first on day 3. Again E1 were the first group away at 8.31 with E2 at the start gates at 8.55.
The course today was 2 laps of 123km each. The route is the same for days 3 and 4 with 8TC and 2CT and 4ET.
You will have read that Day 3 was marked with tragedy. A mechanic from Holland was riding to a check point on the road and was hit by a car. He died at the scene. Two other people in the car were also killed on the impact. Another passenger in the car is seriously injured in hospital.
In another incident a German enduro rider hit a tree whilst travelling between two TC stages. A British rider following tried to revive him but to no avail. The German Junior Trophy Team is pulling out of the ISDE in respect for their rider.
Unfortunately there are huge risks whilst travelling either on or off the course. The organisers take every precaution to avoid such tragic events as the riders do need to do some road riding to get to check points. It is generally well sign posted so the public do know there are riders on the road.This is a mother's worst nightmare and my thoughts go to the families involved in this incident.
Day 3 also saw a change in the third test. The riders were not informed of this change. As Stefan walks all stages several times this is something he (and others) don't need.!!!
The top 5 riders today were Aro, Salminen, Knight, Albergonie and Merriman. They 'piggy-backed' each other around the intire course.There was only ever 2seconds between any one rider. It takes a lot of concentration and Stefan finally took a fall in the 4th stage. This allowed Salminen to take the lead in E2 for the day.
Aro, from Finland was the man to watch most of the day as he became 'the flying Fin'.
Results Day 3
E1
1 Albergonie 23.56.98
2 Oblucki 24.01.71
3 Edmondson 24.15.66
E2
1 Salminen 23.32.61
2 MERRIMAN 23.44.08
3 Pohjamo Fin Gas Gas 24.09.87
E3
1 Aro 23.43.54
2 Knight 23.49.10
3 Zannii 23.56.35
Overall Day 3
1 Salminen 23.32.61
2 Aro 23.43.54
3 MERRIMAN 23.44.08
4 Knight 23.49.10
As you can see there are mere seconds separating these riders after 6 hours of racing!!!!
Standings after Day 3
E1
1 Albergonie 1.32.48.10
2 Oblucki 1.33.09.30
3 Edmondson 1.33.42.01
E2
1 MERRIMAN 1.31.26.93
2 Vilanova 1.33.52.84
3 Pohjamo 1.34.01.67
Salminen is in (about 149) place with a time of 2.27.22.23 after his late checkin earlier in the week.
E3
1 Aro 1.31.55.08
2 Knight 1.32.25.12
3 Zannii 1.33.54.91
Overall after Day 3
1 MERRIMAN 1.31.26.93
2 Aro 1.31.55.08
3 Knight 1.32.25.12
4 Albergonie 1.32.48.10
World Trophy standings after day 3
Finland
Italy
France
Sweden
G
Australia
Manufacturers
UFO Yamaha
KTM Fariolia
Honda HM
Husaberg 1
Hope I have that right, it takes a bit of working out!!!!
As you can see Stefan conceded some valuable time to Aro today. It will be a big day for him tomorrow as he likes to have some sort of a lead before going into the final motox on day 6. Sometimes you can ride well all week and then everything is determined on that last race of the week.
Regards
Anita
