The 87th FIM ISDE is open

The 87th edition of the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Saxony, Germany has officially begun as the 473 competitors from the 36 nations entered took to the stage for the opening ceremony yesterday afternoon. Under a beautiful blue sky the ISDE competitors gathered at the Sachsenring race circuit to enjoy the evening's parade, embracing the festival atmosphere before the racing begins in earnest on Monday morning. Expected to figure heavily in the Junior World Trophy team, the young quartet from Argentina were first onto the main stage. As all countries filtered through, the parade was drawn to a close with host nation Germany last to greet the large audience that turned out to witness the opening event. While talk centred on those favourites for top honours, the parade also welcomed the first ever competitor from Guatemala. An individual competitor, Francisco Arredondo (KTM) is excited about the week ahead. "This is the first time someone from my country has raced in the ISDE," confirmed Arredondo. "I've never been in an event with so many people before - this race is bigger than I ever imagined. My goal is to try and finish - if I can do that and win a medal it will be a dream come true." The first day of competition in the 2012 FIM International Six Days Enduro begins on Monday September 24.