2015 brought the ISDE to Europe and the eastern country of Slovakia. It was 10 years since the previous event in this country and we were looking forward to see how things had changed.
We were not disappointed as it appeared to be an up and coming country that was able to organise a good event.
The week before the start of the event the weather was hot and sunny which made preparations even more enjoyable and walking tests in the beutifull countryside was good, they had layed out a number of very good special tests and all riders seemed to enjoy them.
Race day started with the weather cooling down and the riders seemed to enjoy the course and the special tests with a minimum of roadwork it was going to be a very good event.
We were not disappointed as it appeared to be an up and coming country that was able to organise a good event.
The week before the start of the event the weather was hot and sunny which made preparations even more enjoyable and walking tests in the beutifull countryside was good, they had layed out a number of very good special tests and all riders seemed to enjoy them.
Race day started with the weather cooling down and the riders seemed to enjoy the course and the special tests with a minimum of roadwork it was going to be a very good event.
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The week before any six days is always filled with frantic activity with riders preparing and testing bikes and walking the special tests, and all of the support crew spend their time organising the support equipment and working out where all of the service area's around the course will be.
This is followed by sign on and scrutineering, where all of the riders have to complete the necessary paperwork then get their bikes checked over. The bikes are then locked away in a secure area (Parc Ferme) and then everyone waits for the event proper to begin.
This is followed by sign on and scrutineering, where all of the riders have to complete the necessary paperwork then get their bikes checked over. The bikes are then locked away in a secure area (Parc Ferme) and then everyone waits for the event proper to begin.
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Next comes the Opening Ceremony Parade. Everyone gets involved in this and this year was no exception. All of the teams parade through the streets finishing with a presentation involving the local dignitaries.
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Race Day 1, 4 Enduro tests and 2 cross tests over 2 laps and 275km
The day started bright and sunny with everyone in good spirits. the first test was in the woods and it was quite dark in places then it started to rain which made it more interesting.
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DAY 2
Day 2 started with bright sunshine and the weather kept up all day. There was a lot of fettling of the bikes in the morning work area but everyone got to start O.k. The route was the same as day 1 and some of the tests were starting to rut up a bit and the tree roots were starting to show on the woodland tests.. Photo's are from the third test of the day at Kosicka Bella.
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Day 3
Day 3 started with glorious sunshine and the weather continued right through the day. today they added some new tests which included a fast M X test and a tight woodland test.
Day 4
Day 4 started sunny with an almost clear blue sky but this changed as the day progressed and by the end of the day it had turned to rain. Although the riders followed a similar route to previous days there were new tests thrown in to keep the riders on their toes. The Enduro test at Baska was left out for the first time and the new tests were at Kojsov and Jahodna. Kojsov was on a steep hill and Jahodna was mainly woodland.
Video from test 3 on day 4
Day 5
Day 5 started overcast and dull and continued like this for most of the day. Because of the overnight rain it was decided to cut out the steep hill on test 2 at Kojsov (this did not stop a couple of riders having a go though) so the riders were aloud to ride this test on lap one without being timed.
Sorry no pictures today but some video instead..
Sorry no pictures today but some video instead..
Day 6 Final Motocross
Day 6 started dull and grey and the riders rode a short loop to the Moto Cross test. by lunchtime the weather had improved and everyone had a great afternoon
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And that brings the 2015 event to a close
We now look forward to the event in Spain in 2016
We now look forward to the event in Spain in 2016
