Team Australia second in 2023 ISDE
Aussie girls shine in Argentina amid blistering conditionsDanielle McDonald and Jess Gardiner also claimed second and third in the individual standings over a gruelling six days in Argentina.
No strangers to success in world enduro’s premier event, Australia’s women’s team climbed the podium once again, finishing second to the USA in the Women’s World Trophy at the 2023 International Six Days Enduro, held in San Juan over November 6 to 11.
The uber-experienced Jess Gardiner (Yamaha) and Tayla Jones (Husqvarna) combined with 16-year-old sensation Danielle McDonald (Yamaha) to fly the flag for the green and gold in an event marked by searing temperatures and a high rate of attrition.
US onslaught
After six days of competition, Australia finished seven hours behind the USA team of Brandy Richards (KTM), Korie Steele (KTM) and Rachel Gutish (GasGas). Team FIM Latin America was third, four hours behind Australia.
Despite the tough conditions, the Australians stuck with the Americans from the start until a crash and subsequent dislocated shoulder forced Jones out on day three. One rider down, Gardiner and McDonald pushed even harder to keep Australia in the game.
Teen tyro McDonald really hit her straps as the event progressed, winning day five and pushing US veteran Richards all the way in a ferocious final motocross test. With Team Latin America also losing a rider to injury, the Aussie girls’ gutsy performances enabled them to hang on to second place overall.
“What a bloody hard race it was. I definitely learnt a lot and enjoyed every moment of it, even through the rough days,” McDonald said of her first ISDE experience.
“It was a great honour to represent my country this year in Argentina and we gave it our all. Big thanks to the whole Team Australia crew, my family and everyone back home for all the support – we couldn’t have done it without you.”
Solid result
Multiple ISDE and Australian champion Gardiner was in the running for individual second place honours until McDonald’s barnstorming finish relegated her to third, but she was stoked with the team’s result.
“We did it! Thank you to everyone for believing in us. What a crazy week. So proud of my teammates, and we had the best vibes the whole time. What a pleasure to be here and represent our country,” she said.
The 2023 victory was the fourth for Team USA’s women, while its men’s team took out the FIM World Trophy for the third time ahead of France and Great Britain. France won the Junior World Trophy event from the USA and Sweden.
Gardiner, Jones and McDonald were Australia’s only representatives at the 2023 ISDE after funding issues forced Motorcycling Australia to cut the men’s and junior teams. MA hopes all three teams will be able to attend the 2024 ISDE in Spain.
Head to the FIM's 2023 ISDE webpage for full results.
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