Centenary edition of the world’s oldest off-road motorcycle competition

For Metzeler and Italy, this result confirms the success achieved in the 2025 edition, when the nation also triumphed in both the World Trophy and Junior World Trophy, while Josep García secured the overall individual classification for the fifth consecutive time.

This year’s competition took place in the Alentejo region, with the town of Grândola, located one hour south of Lisbon, hosting the enduro paddock. The event’s logistical hub and main paddock were based in Grândola, while local coordination was handled by the Portuguese Motorcycle Federation (FMP) together with the local organising club, Moto Clube Natureza Alternativa.
A total of 500 riders from more than 30 nations and six continents competed over a 1,500-kilometre route, including world-renowned professionals representing their national teams and amateur riders taking part in the club competition.

Each day of competition generally featured six special tests on sandy, dusty terrain running through the Alentejo’s characteristic cork forests, hills and dirt tracks, extending towards the Atlantic coast and areas such as Santiago do Cacém and Sines.
As usual, the final day concluded with the Final Cross Test and the official prize-giving ceremony, which for this edition took place on the spectacular coastline of Sines, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, providing the traditional scenic beach setting for the finale.

Over the first two days, starting from the paddock in Grândola, the route passed through the towns of Odemira and Santiago do Cacém, with three spectacular special tests completed twice and a total distance of 287 kilometres. Metzeler-equipped riders dominated the opening day: Andrea Verona (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was fastest, followed by Josep Garcia (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Morgan Lesiardo (Triumph Italia Racing). On day two, however, Josep Garcia prevailed over Verona. Thanks also to strong performances from Morgan Lesiardo and Samuele Bernardini (Honda RedMoto Racing Enduro Team), Italy immediately moved into the lead in the World Trophy. In the Junior World Trophy, the Italian national team topped the standings on the first day, but on day two France, led by Metzeler rider Thibault Giraudon (Fantic Racing Enduro), temporarily took the lead.

On day three, two of the six scheduled special tests were cancelled because of excessive dust and logistical issues. The route included one Cross Test near the paddock in Grândola and another in Santiago do Cacém, each completed twice, over a total distance of 186 kilometres. Josep Garcia once again proved fastest in the individual standings, followed by Andrea Verona, who led a strong Italian team to first place alongside fellow Metzeler-equipped riders Morgan Lesiardo and Samuele Bernardini. In the Junior World Trophy, Italy temporarily lost the lead after Kevin Cristino suffered a shoulder injury, allowing France, led by an outstanding Thibault Giraudon, to move ahead.

The route was also shortened on day four, with the riders completing just one lap and three special tests. The individual duel between Garcia and Verona continued, while Italy extended its lead in the provisional national team standings, ahead of France and the Swedish quartet of Max Ahlin, Axel Semb, Albin Norrbin and Mikael Persson, all equipped with Metzeler tyres. There was a dramatic turn in the Junior World Trophy when Giraudon was forced to retire with a motorcycle problem, clearing the way for the Italian national team to take the provisional lead.

Sun, sand and dust also characterised the penultimate day, prompting the organisers to shorten the route and cancel the first special test. Josep Garcia made a mistake in the third special test and finished second, while Brad Freeman (Beta Factory Enduro) took third place. The Italian national team remained at the top of both the World Trophy and Junior Trophy standings.

The motocross final brought the sixth day of competition to a close against the magnificent backdrop of Sines beach. At the end of an exciting day of racing, Italy, represented by Andrea Verona, Samuele Bernardini, Morgan Lesiardo and Matteo Cavallo, claimed the World Trophy for the second consecutive year. In the Junior category, the Italian national team riders, led by Metzeler-equipped Kevin Cristino, also retained their title following their victory at the 2025 edition in Bergamo.

In the World Trophy, the French riders finished second, with Metzeler representative Léo Joyon (Triumph Racing) delivering some excellent individual performances. Sweden took third place with Metzeler-equipped riders Albin Norrbin, Mikael Persson, Max Ahlin and Axel Semb, who produced a consistent Six Days performance without making any mistakes.

Metzeler MCE 6 Days Extreme tyres are specialist off-road competition products developed in collaboration with factory riders competing in the FIM Enduro World Championship, in which Metzeler has won 72 world titles since 2005.
FIM-approved, they are designed to deliver high performance in the most demanding and varied enduro competitions, such as the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations.
The robust cross-ply polyester carcass provides flexibility, shock absorption and high puncture resistance. The tread pattern, featuring widely spaced knobs, also promotes self-cleaning from mud and debris.
The rounded profile of the rear tyre increases the contact area and improves traction on all types of terrain, while the advanced compounds, formulated with high-performance carbon black, provide resistance to overheating and tearing.
Metzeler MCE 6 Days Extreme tyres are available in a range of compound options — Standard, Medium, Soft, Supersoft and Extra Soft — to suit different types of terrain and varying chemical and mechanical grip requirements in dry and wet conditions, and on rocky and slippery surfaces.

Thanks to their versatility, reliability and grip, Metzeler MCE 6 Days Extreme tyres are particularly well suited to the demands of the 6DAYS® FIM Enduro of Nations, a six-day competition that subjects motorcycles and riders to long, challenging and constantly changing routes. Their characteristics enable riders to transition rapidly from rocks and mud to faster sections while maintaining riding precision and consistent performance.