Posted November 17, 2006   Email   Print

Jimmy Jarrett, in 16th place in the E2 class, is the top-placed rider from the U.S. World Trophy Team.

U.S. Junior Team adds to lead in Day Three at ISDE

By Steve Berkner

The U.S. Junior Trophy Team added more than 2 minutes to its lead over France during Day Three of the FIM Maxxis International Six Days Enduro. The U.S. Junior Trophy Team now has a 3:32.36 lead over France. Spain is in third, 4:16.24 back.

The U.S. Junior Team, made up of riders Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Russell Bobbitt and David Pearson, was again led by Caselli and Dietrich, who finished fourth and eighth in their classes respectively.

"I had a couple of falls during my first enduro test and that took me out of it. I'm kinda mad at myself," said Caselli, who is riding in the E2 class. "I'm always talking about riding consistent and not letting one bad test get to you. I guess I was just a little too excited (about the team being in first). I know better, but the rest of my tests went OK."

Scoring glitches made it appear Caselli was in first place in E2 after Day Two, but the FIM scoring, still unofficial, now shows him in fourth place after the completion of Day Three.

Dietrich, who is riding in the E1 class in his first ISDE, said he was learning quickly.

"Yesterday, things really started to come together for me," Dietrich said. "I guess I'm a slow starter. Now that I've figured out the routine here, my tests are starting to go better."

U.S. Junior Trophy Team Manager Lindsay Pirie had nothing but praise for the team.

"These guys are getting the job done," said Pirie. "All we ask of them is to stay focused. Yesterday, when we moved into first, we all got caught up in the moment. Today we went back to work."

The U.S. World Trophy Team remained in 10th place. Jimmy Jarrett, riding in the E2 class, remained the top U.S. rider on the six-rider Trophy team where he finished 16th in class.

"I fell a couple of times in the first cross test but my enduro tests are what I do the best," said Jarrett. "All of the tests are great. A lot like the GNCC and OMA (Eastern off-road) courses back in the U.S."

The U.S. now has four teams in the top 10 of the three-rider club team division. The Trail Riders of Houston remained in fourth place, followed by Team Oregon, GoFasters.com and the Merced Dirt riders in sixth, seventh and 10th, respectively.

Mike Monroe (left) was the first American to retire after he crashed in a transfer section and hurt his knee. Monroe was able to ride back to the Parc Ferme and was in good spirits. That leaves 39 American riders to start Day Four.

For complete results, visit the official ISDE website.

 © 2006, American Motorcyclist Association