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The 2024 FIM International Six Day Enduro in Spain presented a unique opportunity for Sean Heidenreich, a key official from South Australia, to not only support Team Australia but also advance his professional development by accepting an invitation from Motorcycling Australia to attend an exclusive FIM Training Seminar. 

Reviewing his experience, Sean said, “The opportunity in Spain arose from my role as series Clerk of Course for the AORC and as an enduro commissioner. My main role was assistant team manager for Team Australia, working alongside Trent Lean (team manager) and Chris Gray (jury representative).

The lead-up week was busy, setting up the paddock area with all essentials—tool boards, tyre changers, and equipment for race week. On Saturday, Team Australia riders completed sign-on and inspections, including sound testing, where I learned about new testing equipment. After passing, bikes were secured in Parc Fermé for the week.

Saturday night’s opening ceremony, similar to an Olympics ceremony, was followed by a team rest day on Sunday. Each of the next six days was packed with early starts, helping riders prepare for daily work periods, assisting with tools and maintenance, and handling refuelling and support at midday and evening intervals. Evenings were spent resetting for the next day, often finishing by 7:30 pm. Saturday’s final moto was challenging, with nonstop rain turning the track into a mud fest. Afterwards, we stripped down and packed everything for Italy next year.

Adding to my time in Spain supporting team Australia, I also took on a development opportunity to attend a FIM course for jury representatives. This involved completing 4 hours of online study before attending the 3-hour classroom module and an exam, which I passed with a perfect score. Whilst this course did not hold any “official” accreditation and was a requirement to be a team jury representative for one event, this course is required for team jury reps for one event, and I gained valuable insights from senior FIM officials and insights into official jury proceedings.

Overall, it was an intense but rewarding experience, and I’d gladly do it again to represent Team Australia!”

Motorcycling officials not only play a vital role in the sport but also gain valuable development opportunities and rewarding experiences. If you’re ready to begin your journey as a motorcycling official, Motorcycling SA offers regular training sessions across the SA, including a Steward & Race Secretary course in December. Click here to learn more about upcoming seminars and how to get started.

South Australia’s Cooper Sheidow recently completed his debut with Team Australia at the 2024 FIM International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) from October 14th to 19th. Competing alongside elite riders like Josh Strang, Jonte Reynolds, and Kyron Bacon in the prestigious World Trophy Challenge, the young South Australian poured everything into tackling the unique demands of the ISDE.

Despite an early day 1 crash that slowed his initial momentum, Cooper fought back, advancing 18 positions on Days 2 and 3. With his teammates keeping pace, Team Australia held onto 4th place against fierce competition from France, Spain, and defending Champions, the USA.

As the rain intensified, Day 3 tested the riders with a gruelling 106km loop, initially scheduled for Day 4. The team completed the loop twice, rounding out the day 17 minutes behind leaders France, with Spain and America in second and third.

Cooper continued to push through slick conditions on Days 4 and 5, finishing 54th and 62nd individually, as Team Australia held onto 4th place overall. The final day brought torrential rain and mud during the Day 6 motocross test, but the team locked in their 4th-place finish.

Reflecting on his ISDE experience, Cooper shared, “It’s been a dream of mine to race for Australia in this event…I never backed down and am happy to have finished. After six days, 29 special tests, and over 1300km, I moved from 123rd to 65th in the world. It’s not where I wanted to be, but I’m fired up to come back with better results.”

In other results, Team Australia’s Women’s World Trophy team took 2nd behind the USA, while the Junior World Trophy Team placed 4th behind Sweden, France, and the United States.

In less than a week, Australia will compete alongside top enduro talents from over 30 nations at the 2024 FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) in Silleda, Spain from the 14th to 19th of October. Among the team is SA’s Cooper Sheidow ready to don the green and gold against the world’s elite. 

Known as the ‘Olympics of Motorcycling’ the ISDE is a true test of endurance, as teams cover approximately 1300km as the difficulty ramps up each day, culminating in the traditional motocross test finale. 

Cooper’s track record speaks volumes about his talent, including: 

• Claiming the E1 Championship in the 2024 Australian Off-Road Championship.
• Finishing 4th outright and 2nd in class at the 2023 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE).
• Securing 6th outright in the 2023 Hattah Desert Race. 
• Taking 1st place in the SA Off Road Championship Pro Field. 
• Winning the 2023 Hardi 24 Hour on his first attempt, with an unprecedented 20-minute lead. 

Cooper won’t be alone in his quest for success. He’ll be joined by a powerhouse lineup of Australian talent in the Senior World Trophy team, including Josh Strang, Jonte Reynolds, and Kyron Bacon. Adding to Australia’s strong push for ISDE success in 2024, the Junior World Trophy team will feature Korey McMahon, Angus Riordan, and William Dennett, while Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones, and Danielle McDonald will represent Australia in the Women’s World Trophy team. 

With Australia claiming multiple previous Senior World Trophy victories and Cooper teaming up with proven champion Josh Strang, returning from his 2018 win, Team Australia is primed for a glorious return in 2024. As they finalize preparations, we wish them the best of luck!

To keep up to date with the 2024 ISDE action, follow Motorcycling Australia through their website, Facebook and Instagram.