Women’s Cup – France lead the way

Reinforcing the FIM ‘Women Ride’ campaign, the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) Women’s Cup was first introduced in 2007, with the USA initially claiming the title. Although female riders had successfully participated in the ISDE for many years prior to this, 2007 marked the first time they had competed within their own dedicated category. Since America’s brief period of glory the French Women’s World Trophy team have dominated the Women’s Cup taking three consecutive titles to date. Arriving in the portside town of Kotka, Finland the French squad were once again clear favourites to take top honours. However the technically demanding terrain and tougher than expected opening two days of competition looked as if it could level the playing field for the other nations and allow them to step forward from France’s shadow. In spite of the challenging course, by the end of the second day the French team had pulled out a sizable fifty-two minute advantage over their nearest rival, once again proving their calibre within this intense discipline. With only two days of the eighty-sixth edition of the ISDE remaining, the French team is positioned at the top of the general standings within touching distance of victory. Spearheading France’s attack in Finland is Ludivine Puy – Gas Gas. No stranger to the rigorous strains of life in the saddle of an off-road motorcycle, the hardened Frenchwomen nicknamed ‘LuLu’ is currently leading the 2011 FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship and is on course to lead her team-mates to ISDE glory. It has not all been plain sailing for Puy though. After injuring her foot during the second day of competition she underwent minor surgery at the end of day three, but will continue to ride in the remainder of the competition. Backed by experienced enduro campaigners Blandine Dufrene – Gas Gas and Juliette Berrez – TM, it is plain to see why the French Woman’s World Trophy team remains such a powerful force within this spirited class. With a clear hour plus advantage over second placed host nation Finland, France certainly remain the dominant force in this eagerly anticipated battle. When questioned about her week so far twenty-three year old Blandine said, “I started a little afraid to race here, it is very different from France and there is much more sand. I have been injured since Easter time so I couldn’t train as much as I wanted. Maybe my physical condition this year has not been the best although I am doing fine at the moment. The whole team knows each other quite well so we are helping each other sometimes. We just want to make sure we get to the finish as a team.” 2011 marks the first ISDE for Berrez, “I feel a lot of pressure, this is my first time at the ISDE, but as soon as the competition starts the pressure lifts a little. We have a brilliant service team who help to make sure everything is ready. We have a good lead however anything can happen in the six days. We will continue to ride in the same manner as we already have, we don’t want to lose any time but we won’t push too hard either.”