2008 ISDE: Team USA Finishes Strong
Story and photo by Steve Berkner

After starting day six of the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in fourth place, 2.44 seconds behind Finland, the U.S. Trophy Team overcame the narrow footing the Finn's had with five solid final moto tests to field Team USA's best finish since 1982.

Led by the efforts of Ricky Dietrich, who finished second overall in the final E1 motocross test, as well as second in the ISDE overall, Team USA regained its third-place position that it had held all week until Finland narrowly edged them off the podium on day five.

Dietrich started the day in third overall behind Finland's Juha Salminen and Spain's Ivan Cervantes, who had 40.17-second lead on Dietrich.

"I really wanted Cervantes in the final moto," Dietrich said. "We were running one and two and I was pushing real hard. Then on the third lap (of seven) I clipped a post (on a jump) with my rear tire and I decided it was best to settle for second."

Standout U.S. Trophy Team rider Kurt Caselli, who retired on day three with a concussion, was proud of the U.S. Trophy Team's third-place finish.

"Well, we got what we set out to do," Caselli said. "We wanted to make the podium, and we did. It was so cool to see Ricky have a shot at the overall. But, hey, second overall is not bad. I'm so happy for him. And what about Jimmy (Jarrett)? He gets MVP for day six. He just smoked 'em in that final moto."

Caselli's remarks about Jarrett, Woods and Abbott made reference to them beating the Finn's two Trophy Team E2 riders, Salminen and Valterri Solenon, in their final moto. Salminen crashed out of the final motocross, effectively eliminating Finland as a threat to the U.S. Trophy Team's third-place finish.

Jarrett (right), who hails from Ohio where he specializes in cross-country style off-road racing said, "I was surprised as anyone about my final moto. I got a good start, somewhere around eighth, and was able to move up a couple of spots and hang on. I knew we had a chance to beat (Finland) in that moto, and when I didn't see any of them in front of me I just rode as hard as I could.

"This week been a lot of fun, it's what we've been working for," Jarrett added. "This year we had a great team and together we made the podium. This is my fifth Six Days, and it feels good to finally get one."

Another U.S. Trophy team standout is rookie U.S. Trophy Team rider Nathan Woods, who won seven special tests during this year's Six Days.

"Coming here, I never thought I would accomplish that," Woods said. "They asked me to be on the team this year, and I was able to work it into my schedule. I'm so glad I did. A couple times, like on day one, when I lost 10 minutes in one of the tests, I was wondering what I was doing here. But after putting it together on day two, when I won my first test, I started to have fun. Count me in for next year."

In the Women's World Cup, the United States team of Maria Forsburg (left), Nicole Bradford and Amanda Mastin finished second behind France. Last year, in that ISDE competition's inaugural year, that role was reversed where the U.S. won.

"It's kind of hard to give up the (World Cup)," Bradford said. "But the French were so strong this year. (Mastin and I) are so proud of Maria's second place (women's overall) finish. She rode hard all week and more than deserves her gold medal."

Riders who finish within 10% of their class's winner receive gold medals. Riders finishing with 40% of that score receive a silver medal. Riders finishing the event with never being more then one hour late for any check get a bronze medal.

In the three-rider club team division, the Team Oregon club team of Rory Sullivan, Dennis Sweeten and Mason Harrison ended up in 14th place.

The U.S. Junior Trophy team of Ryan Powell, Joe Giordano, David Kamo and Ben Smith finished in 12th place. Powell went out on day one with a dislocated shoulder.

Sean Sullivan was the other U.S. standout who finished second overall in the C3 club team division.

For complete results, visit www.isde2008-live.gr.