For the first time in history, an American rider topped all Times at the historic event
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]istory was made at the 90th International Six Days Enduro in Kosice, Slovakia, Sept. 7-12 as Team USA/MSR rider Ryan Sipes became the first American to ever win the overall title. Originally Six Days was known as the International Six Day Trial, aptly named for six days of the toughest off-road event in the world. ISDT later became ISDE for “Enduro” – but no.
less demanding!
“Everything just went my way this week,” said an elated Sipes. “It’s an incredible feeling.” The motocross racer turned off-roader made it through Six Days with a combination of speed, no mechanical issues and a bit of luck. “It’s unbelievable, to be honest,” Sipes said. “I didn’t expect to be here, let alone at the top for most of the week. Everything about this week has been awesome.” Well, awesome for Sipes but not so good for the other 32 riders from America competing on the U.S. World Trophy Team, U.S. Junior Trophy Team, Women’s World Trophy Team and various club teams.
In a fitting tribute to Malcolm Smith’s own gold medal-winning legacy in ISDE competition, Sipes made history wearing his MSR gear. “What an accomplishment for Ryan,” said Malcolm Smith. “Winning the ISDE overall? That is really a big deal!”
In the 101-year history, no American has ever achieved Sipes’ success in Six Days. “I rode 9 Six Days starting in 1966 and I can tell you it is really a tough event just to even finish… but to win overall against the best off-road riders in the world means something,” adds Malcolm. High praise from the man who built the brand based on being able to survive the Six Days. “We named our gear ‘Gold Medal’ products since I had won 8 gold medals in Six Days competition,” he says. “But I never finished first overall!”
Australia’s David Milner by 43 seconds for the best time overall.
“We can’t even begin to explain how proud we are of Ryan and his amazing ride in Slovakia,” said MSR Brand Manager Nick McBride. “To have him continue Malcolm Smith’s Gold
Medal legacy by becoming the first American to win the overall is like a Hollywood script!”
Despite Sipes’ triumph, U.S. team results fell short of their early potential. Injuries, mechanical failures and even a provisional disqualification marred the team’s efforts. Of the four U.S. riders to retire before the end of this year’s Six Days, two were on the U.S. World Trophy Team and two were on the U.S. Junior Trophy Team.
In the final tally, the U.S. Trophy Team finished 22nd, and the U.S. Junior Trophy Team finished 13th. The U.S. Women’s World Trophy Team was fifth overall. The highest-placing U.S. club team was the GoFasters.com team, which finished fourth in the club division.
A U.S. team has never won the World Trophy, but has brought home the Junior Trophy five times.
