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| 12.09.2008 |
| KTM celebrates the ISDE 2008 |
| The International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) is always a milestone in the KTM year but in 2008, the company celebrated success that goes a long way towards indicating that it was the KTM offroad machines that shared hero status in this annual classic. |
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The ISDE is the oldest 'off road' motorcycle event on the FIM calendar. Except for interruptions during the two world wars it has been held on an annual basis since 1913 and because it also rewards teams, it is often called the Olympics of motorcycle racing. Up until 1973 the ISDE was always held in Europe but since then it has been held in North and South America, Australia and New Zealand.
Taking to the mountains around Serres
Serres, in Northern Greece, an area that offered riders spectacular and challenging offroad terrain, was the host of the 2008 edition, one that saw 454 riders from 32 countries on the start of day one, about half of which were onboard Austrian-made KTM machines. The line-up was a real tribute to the enduring popularity of offroad motorcycle sport and indicates that it now draws on enthusiasts from all over the globe.
ISDE and “Ready to Race” KTM spirit
The Austrian manufacturer is among the leading manufacturers of sports motorcycles. The company considers participation in the ISDE, both with its own factory team and by supporting the many privateers who test themselves against the world’s best as an absolute obligation and pleasure. The figures speak for themselves. KTM factory team members raked in victories in the overall individual class (Ivan Cervantes, Spain), and made a clean sweep of the E1 (Cervantes), E2 (Alessandro Belometti, Italy) and E3 (Marko Tarkkala, Finland). KTM team members were also on hand to console the unluckiest man at the ISDE 2008, teammate Juha Salminen. The Finn had dominated the event right from the outset and looked a certain winner at the close of Day Five. With just the final motocross test to absolve, Salminen had a fall in a race that had been restarted because of a rider accident and the resulting damage to his machine made it impossible to continue. It was a sever blow for the multi world champion from Finland, especially as he concluded the event on the top of the list of stage winners with 10 to his name.
Top teams
KTM also topped the Manufacturer’s Team Trophy with KTM 1 (Salminen, Tarkkala, Cervantes) dominating the result right from day one while KTM 3 (Oldrati, Cominotto, Kanney) finished fifth. Team KTM 2 was bumped down the order after American Kurt Caselli was forced to retire on day three.
Overall success
KTM also made an impression in other classes. Five of the top six riders in the Women’s event rode KTMs, while KTM riders were second, fourth, eighth and tenth in C1; took the first three and seven of the top ten places in C2 and first, third and fifth in C3.
Full range of customer services
KTM, working closely with KTM Hellas were on hand for the entire duration of the 2008 ISDE. They provided a full range of on-site customer services that included everything from the lease of the latest Enduro model to some 50 riders, to full service packages and the supply of a comprehensive range of spare parts. The KTM service team was also on hand for mental training and coaching, underlining that KTM is the company that is always “Ready to Race” and is also prepared to go the extra mile to make sure that major world events like the ISDE can be enjoyed by motorcycle enthusiasts at every level. All this meant KTM riders were able to concentrate on the task at hand - conquering all of the challenges that the organisers of the 2008 ISDE placed in their paths during these memorable six days.
Continuing the tradition
For KTM, the ISDE is more than an annual competition. It is part of its own tradition and a mainstay in the FIM calendar. The six days of competition go far beyond showcasing the skills of the world’s best; the ISDE is also a unique week in the calendar year where riders who share skills and passion for offroad riding get together in an atmosphere of camaraderie and competition. In short, it is the stuff of dreams and this year, 454 riders from all over the world made their dream come true by being on the start at Serres. And many, along with KTM, will now look forward to returning to meet offroad soul mates and test themselves against the terrain in the 2009 ISDE in Figueira da Foz, on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. |
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| E1 and Individual Overall winner Ivan Cervantes
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| E2 winner Alessandro Belometti
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| E3 winner Marko Tarkkala
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| Salminen won 10 stages
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| KTM Junior Thomas Oldrati
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| Official KTM Support Team and Customers |
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