Team USA were dealt an early blow at this year’s FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) which got underway in San Juan, Argentina yesterday morning when they lost the services of Zach Osborne – Husqvarna on day one.
Osborne, who was seventh fastest on the opening test of the almost weeklong competition, suffered a mechanical problem in the very next test and whilst the initial fault was rectified it was to return later in the day and force his absolute retirement.
A dejected Osborne explained. “Today was tough, I started off well with a good time in the first test and then in the second test we had a little bit of a mechanical malfunction. I then got it fixed, but the same kind of thing happened again, so it’s over.”
“We are not totally sure of what the second issue is, but the first time it was a malfunction of the stator. It’s out of my control and I am really gutted, especially after my first test as I felt good and was ready to go, so what can I say?”
“It’s over for me, so I suppose I will now be a professional cheer person for the rest of the week. I plan to stick around to cheer the boys on and to help the team as much as possible.”
“It’s tough as I don’t think it has totally sunk in yet. I shed a few tears when I was sat there at first, and then I was like yeah when we got it going and now I am totally gutted and can’t even believe it.”
“It was awesome out there,” ended Osborne “the three tests I got to ride were really good and I am super gutted as I wanted to ride this week and do good for my team, but now its all over.”