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The International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) came to an end on the weekend in Taupo, New Zealand where KTM claimed the top podium position in all three enduro classes, plus the outright win, and the overall manufacturer win.
Ten-time World Enduro Champion, Juha Salminen, claimed the outright victory and a win in the Enduro 1 (E1) class on board the KTM 250 EXC-F, while Samuli Aro won the Enduro 2 (E2) class riding the KTM 450 EXC and Marko Tarkkala took out the Enduro 3 (E3) class on board the KTM 525 EXC.
The trio from Finland also took home the outright win for their country, with France in second and Spain in third. When combining all manufacturer’s racing teams, KTM also took out first and second with the two factory teams they entered.
Juha Salminen continued his usual form as a stand out rider throughout the event, securing the fastest times across the rugged New Zealand terrain. The KTM 250 EXC-F - has now claimed the E1 World Championship twice, the ISDE, and the Australian Four Day Enduro to become KTM’s dominant force in enduro racing.
While the European teams basked in their glory, the New Zealand senior team also celebrated with an impressive 7th outright placing. Contributing to the New Zealand team points was Motorex KTM racer, Chris Birch who entered on board the KTM 300 EXC in the E3 class placing 18th.
Commenting on his entry into the ISDE, Chris Birch from Auckland said, “With 31 nations entered New Zealand did really well to come home 7th outright. We had a great group of riders in each class and I was pleased to be the first Kiwi home in the E3 class placing 18th.
“The last time I rode at the ISDE was in 2003 on a KTM 250 EXC. Although this event was on home soil it didn’t make it any easier. Some of the stages were so tough they had to be cancelled because hundreds of riders were getting into trouble. On day five I pushed through hard mud for two hours and still got in on time, but that day ended up being one of the those cancelled. This was disappointing for my points, especially when I had put in the hard yards.
“Enduro riding is all the more rewarding when you really have to challenge yourself in deep ruts, and long slogs through the rugged bushland. All riders who finished within ten percent of the winners time received a gold medal and I was one of them, so I’m satisfied with my achievement and I hope to be selected again to ride for New Zealand when the ISDE heads to Chile in November 07”.
Birch finished the year on a high for KTM after claiming the outright 2006 New Zealand Enduro Championship in the E2 class plus the Central Enduro Championship also in the E2 class on board a KTM 250 EXC.
Full results on the ISDE can be downloaded at www.isde06.com further updates on KTM racing can be viewed at www.ktm.co.nz
