Alberto Elgari: Returning to the 6DAYS® with Italy as defending Junior World Trophy champions

The Junior World Trophy class is often the most difficult category to predict in the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations, but with defending champions Italy fielding an unchanged line-up, they clearly start as favourites.

In 2025, Italy enjoyed a dream 6DAYS® by winning both the World Trophy and Junior World Trophy categories on home soil. For 2026, they favour their chances once more in the Junior World Trophy class with Alberto Elgari (TM MOTO), Kevin Cristino (Husqvarna) and Manuel Verzeroli (TM MOTO).

Arguably stronger than ever, it is Elgari who leads the team into battle. The last twelve months have seen the young Italian come to the fore. From winning the 6DAYS® Italia at his first attempt, he went on to become the 2026 FIM Junior Enduro World Champion in his rookie season, claiming six victories and finishing on the podium eleven times.

An obvious selection for Italy, he is determined to carry that momentum into the hundredth edition of the 6DAYS® in Grândola, Portugal, with teammates Cristino and Verzeroli.

“Yes, we are ready and motivated to defend our Junior World Trophy title,” says Elgari. “It’s a good thing to have the same line-up as last year. We know each other very well, and now we know that we can all manage the pressure day by day.”

“Personally, I want to do my best too. I think I can be fast in Portugal and in these sandy conditions. I want to show all of my potential in the Junior World Trophy, but also in the overall standings.”

Speaking with Elgari it is easy to forget that he is still a relative newcomer to the 6DAYS®, even though he won in his very first attempt.

“Last year was my first time racing a 6DAYS®. I feel that I learned a lot from it as a rider,” he says.

“It's a team event, so you have to think about the team and how we can do our best. It’s important to remain as calm as possible and be patient. It’s a long race and during these six days anything can happen.”

The opening day of racing is always a tricky one for the top riders to manage. Often, top riders find themselves with a late start time and lots of traffic to navigate on the special tests. This is something Elgari knows he needs to be cautious of and feels there can be more to lose than gain.

“The aim is to try and keep a gap between the riders around you on the special tests,” he says regarding Day One. “This way you can manage any possible mistakes or unlucky things that might happen that are out of your control.”

Naturally, the goal for Italy is to defend their Junior World Trophy title. But Elgari feels that while the primary focus is giving his best on track, he needs to soak in the atmosphere of the event. After all, the 6DAYS® is a race that only comes around once a year, if you are lucky enough to get selected.

“The 6DAYS® is a special time,” he concludes. “It’s such a big event, it’s like the Olympics of our sport. From having all of the best riders competing, to doing the nations’ parade and seeing all of the riders in their country’s jersey is really cool. Getting to go there and represent my country is a very special feeling.”