Stepping things up a notch, day three of the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in San Juan, Argentina, proved a challenging one for all.

With temperatures rising, the extremely dry and dusty terrain took its toll on many competitors and their machinery, resulting in a high rate of attrition across the field.

Remaining strong at the head of the race, France continues to lead the FIM World Trophy classification. Claiming his third consecutive overall individual day win, Pierre-Alexandre Renet helped France to extend their advantage to over 16 minutes.

Now entering the second half of this demanding 89th edition of the ISDE, France are focused on maintaining that buffer as the difficulty level is expected to rise.

Despite not enjoying one of their best days at the ISDE, the United States have fought their way back into contention and once again hold second position. Just under 75 seconds behind the USA, Spain remain third overall.

But with Lorenzo Santolino dropping out of the race, they cannot afford any more losses. Up one position, Germany end day three in fourth while host nation Argentina move inside the top five to fifth. Effectively losing any chance of finishing on the podium in this year’s ISDE, Australia are down to three riders and sit seventh overall.

With Daniel Milner previously ruled out with a hand injury, the gruelling conditions on day three saw Jarrod Bewley and Josh Green exit proceedings with mechanical dramas.

Growing stronger and stronger as conditions become tougher and tougher, the United States now lead the FIM Junior World Trophy category. However, with Sweden also gaining strength in the demanding terrain, the fight for top honours is as competitive as ever. Only 26 seconds separate them in the battle for victory.

Just over one minute behind the leading two nations, France are third overall. Australia – now down to three riders after Tom McCormack was forced out – fall to fourth while Chile complete the top five.

In the FIM Women’s World Trophy class there was no change at the top of the standings. Comfortably placed in first, defending champions Australia now lead Canada in second by 82 minutes. The United States are third overall.

Although crashing on more than one occasion, France’s Christophe Nambotin still managed to top the Enduro 1 class for the third time this week. Repeating their finishing order from day two, France’s Marc Bourgeois and Jeremy Tarroux placed second and third.

Continuing to prove himself as the best performing rider in this year’s ISDE, Renet won the Enduro 2 category along with being fastest in the overall individual standings. Delivering his best performance of the week, Australia’s Josh Strang chased Renet home for second while USA’s Kailub Russell completed the top three.

In the Enduro 3 ranks, Australia’s Toby Price recorded his second victory. Putting his vast experience to use in the harsh terrain, USA’s Michael Brown placed second with Spain’s Ivan Cervantes finishing third.

With conditions showing no signs of letting up, riders face a tough start to the second half of their race on day four, with the same course as today being used once again.

Click here for detailed results