Defending champions Italy in confident spirits ahead of 6DAYS® Portugal

Riders, teams and spectators gather in Sines, Portugal, for the opening ceremony of the hundredth edition of the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations, with Italy taking to the stage as defending World Trophy champions.

“It’s nice to carry the trophy in the nations’ parade, but it will be even nicer to bring it home again,” says Italy’s Andrea Verona (KTM) during the evening of celebration in Sines.

As the defending World Trophy champions, Italy look strong, composed and very focused on the task ahead of them.

Winning last year on home soil in Bergamo was a dream outcome, but retaining their title in what will be a historic centenary edition of the 6DAYS® is now their top priority.

“Of course, this year is a special one. It’s the hundredth edition and we are here as the World Trophy and the Junior World Trophy champions.

“We will give it our maximum, for sure. We’re motivated and we know we can do it; so the goal is simply to do what we know we can do.”

With a busy week of preparation complete, the opening ceremony offers Verona an opportunity to soak up the social occasion and enjoy these important moments with his teammates.

“I’m happy to be back in the 6DAYS® paddock. This race is always an important one in the season, and one that I look forward to a lot.

“From racing together as a team against all of the other nations, to the format and atmosphere, it’s a race I will always jump at the opportunity to come and do.”

Racing for the hundredth edition of the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations begins on Monday, 12 October.