The 2011 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) is only a few days away as the world’s greatest riders and their respective teams arrive in the coastal town of Kotka, southern Finland.

Located approximately one hundred and fifty kilometres east of Helsinki, Kantasatama harbour will act as the main paddock area for riders and teams from over 25 countries.

Spain and Finland are perhaps the favourites to take the World Trophy title as both countries have put forward strong squads for 2011. Finland share a long and illustrious history with the ISDE having claimed seven wins over the last 20 years.

In stark contrast to this, despite experiencing high levels of success in the Junior Trophy category, Spain has never lifted the World Trophy award and will be looking to claim their first title this time around.

The Finnish World Trophy squad will be lead into action by seasoned ISDE campaigner Juha Salminen (Husqvarna). Having been a member of six previous winning ISDE teams, Juha brings a wealth of knowledge rivalled by few others.

At the helm of Spain’s challenge is ex-FIM Enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes (Gas Gas), who currently sits ninth in the E2 category of the World series.

With the likes of the highly experienced Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) and reigning Enduro Junior champion Oriol Mena (Husaberg) included in the team, Spain are in a prominent position to fight for their first victory.

Australia’s World Trophy team will consist of Geoff Braico, Toby Price, Glenn Kearney, Kirk Hutton, Matthew Phillips and Daniel Milner. The Junior team will be made up of Ben Burrell, Mitcham Harper, Josh Ballard and Mitchell Bowen.

The 2011 International Six days Enduro will commence on Monday, 8 August and finish on Saturday, 13 August. The event will be situated in and around the region of Kotka-Hamina in southern Finland with a total course length of approximately 1500 kilometres.

Days one and two will run over the same course and will consist of two laps per day, with two time checks and four special tests per lap. Day three’s route will only be used once and will feature one lap covering 300 kilometres, including three time checks and six special tests.

Days four and five, again will share the same course, and will be made up of two laps per day and will include two time checks and three special tests per lap. As is tradition the final day of the competition will see the riders take part in a motocross test situated at Karhula motocross track.