The second day of the 97th running of the ISDE in Argentina saw Team USA extend its lead. Dante Oliveira, Taylor Robert, Cole Martinez, and Johnny Girroir have consistently performed well in each test, keeping their team at the top of the standings. The standout performers in the individual competition are Josep Garcia from Spain and Andrea Verona from Italy, who have won every test between them. In the team competition, Great Britain is Team USA’s closest rival. In the Junior Trophy competition for younger riders, the U.S. moved up to second place, while the American Women’s team took first place.
WORLD TROPHY TEAM (WT)
Dante Oliveira from FMF KTM Factory Racing was the top performer for Team USA’s World Trophy effort. He finished third overall and second in the E2 class on his 450 XC-F, repeating his performance from the previous day. Taylor Robert, Oliveira’s teammate, finished fifth overall on Day 2 and moved up to fourth in the individual classification. Johnny Girroir also had a strong performance, securing eighth place on his 350 XC-F and placing within the top 10. Together with Cole Martinez on a Honda, they now hold a +5:02.26 advantage with four days remaining.
Dante Oliveira: “Today was a better day for the team and for myself. I felt more comfortable as the terrain got rougher, and I warmed up to the bike. I started well and closed the gap a little bit between the top two. I’m happy with that and will keep pushing to get closer to them. As a team, we’re doing great, so we need to stay strong, keep the bikes in good condition, and take care of ourselves.”
Taylor Robert: “It was another good day for Team USA and myself. We have a really solid group of guys, and everyone is riding really well. We may not be winning individually, but having four guys in the top 10 is just amazing for us. I’ve always hoped for that, and we’ve achieved it two days in a row now. Everyone is riding consistently and avoiding major mistakes. I think everyone is having a good time. We’ve overcome the challenges of the first two tough days and are looking forward to new special tests and transfers tomorrow.”
Johnny Girroir: “It was a good day. Actually, it’s been a good couple of days. We’re riding well, consistently, and avoiding many mistakes. It’s a good way to start the week before new transfers and tests tomorrow. We’ll smooth things out a bit, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.”
JUNIOR WORLD TROPHY TEAM (JWT)
Mateo Oliveira maintained consistency in the Junior World Trophy division, securing the fourth position on Day 2 and maintaining the same position overall in the category. Grant Davis, riding a KTM 250 XC-F, moved into the top 10 overall with an eighth-place finish, while Kai Aiello on a Husqvarna finished directly behind him in ninth.
Mateo Oliveira: “Today was much easier than day one. They eliminated some transfers and put us on roads, which allowed me to push harder in the special tests. I performed well in the first test. Tomorrow, we’ll have some fresh tracks, and I just have to keep pushing. I feel very comfortable on the bike now after two days of getting used to it, so I’m excited. Three more challenging days are ahead, and I’m looking forward to keeping up the momentum.”
Grant Davis: “Today was definitely easier than day one. The transfers were cut, and I think the weather wasn’t as hot with less wind. I also felt more comfortable with the dirt. I rode better, improved my timing, and I’m closing the gap. It’s better than yesterday.”
WOMEN’S WORLD TROPHY TEAM (WWT)
The United States Women’s World Trophy Team is now leading the overall standings after Day 2. Brandy Richards, supported by KTM, secured the top position in the WWT for the second consecutive day. Rachel Gutish on a GASGAS finished second, and Korie Steede on a KTM took fourth place on the day. The U.S. team now holds a +4:26.10 advantage in the Team classification.
Brandy Richards: “It was a great day today! The transfers were much better, and the tests were in good shape. They were not super-rough but still challenging. It was also not as hot as yesterday, so it was a much better day. I’m looking forward to some new transfers tomorrow.”
World Trophy Classification (After Day 2 of 6)
1. USA, 5:48:43.29
2. Great Britain, +5:02.26
3. France, +6:47.38
4. Spain, +9:00.12
5. Italy, +10:14.11
Junior World Trophy Classification (After Day 2 of 6)
1. Sweden, 4:26:28.78
2. USA, +7:10.30
3. France, +7:16.25
4. Great Britain, +20:19.67
5. Argentina, +24:30.50
Women’s World Trophy Classification (After Day 2 of 6)
1. USA, 5:04:53.47
2. Australia, +4:26.10
3. FIM LA, +1:00:21.07
4. France, +2:36:04.50
5. Argentina, +4:46:15.62