In the FIM Junior World Trophy classification France are poised to claim victory. Ending the day two minutes and forty-one seconds clear of their closest rivals Great Britain, they are one step closer to successfully defending their FIM ISDE title. Great Britain ended day five as runner up to France and increased their lead over third placed USA. With just one more day left, they look capable of recording their best finish in the FIM ISDE in recent memory. USA holds a commanding advantage over Australia in fourth, while Portugal complete the top five.
World Trophy Team classfication:
1. France - 26:39:21.04
Barring any unforeseen catastrophes France have got this race won. They’re over 35 minutes clear of Australia and can cruise their way to the finish. But that’s something they’re not going to do. Bragging rights for the individual overall honours are at stake and with 11 seconds separating Christophe Nambotin (KTM) and Antoine Meo (KTM), both of them are determined to be the fastest Frenchman this week.
2. Australia – 27:14:24.24 +35:03.20
Australia are pretty much set in second. Ten minutes in front of Italy and with two of their main guys hurting, expect them to take day six easy.
3. Italy – 27:25:01.34 +45:40.30
Italy end day five in third position overall. It’s been a strong week for the Italian squad especially after losing one rider early on.
4. Finland - 27:33:30.32 +54:09.28
Finland have worked hard to recover to fourth place but they’re not safe yet. It’s not likely that they’ll catch Italy but being only two minutes clear of Spain means a mistake by the Finnish team could change the pecking order.
5. Spain – 27:35:48.11 +56:27.07
Spain fought hard to claw back some time on Finland and now sit only two-minutes behind them. Another good day at the office for the Spaniards may help them grab one more spot.
6. USA 27:36:32.93 +57:11.89
USA haven’t given up yet. On day five they worked their way past the Swedes and are now back to sixth spot. They need to find another 40 seconds to end the week inside the top five.
7. Sweden - 27:37:36.85 +58:15.81
Sweden are still fuming from the one-minute time penalty that Husaberg’s Joakim Ljunggren sustained on day three. It may cost them a top five result. At the moment they’re seventh.
8. Great Britain – 28:06:03.14 +1:26:42.10
Great Britain have pretty much maintained a steady pace all week. All six riders remain in the race and all six are pushing for a gold medal result.
9. Germany – 28:18:48.95 +1:39:27.91
The mud and ruts of day four were kind to Germany and after another solid ride on day five they have consolidated their ninth place in the ISDE.
10. Netherlands – 28:31:08.32 +1:51:47.28
After five tough days the Netherlands complete the top ten in the World Trophy team standings.
