The dry and dusty terrain in San Juan, Argentina made for one of the most difficult International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) events in recent memory, but the American riders, including Factory Husqvarna’s Mike Brown and Andrew DeLong, were eager to let the desert-like conditions play to their favor. Both riders were able to put forth exceptional efforts at the 89th running of the FIM ISDE, and did their part in leading the US teams to their best. In doing so, both Brown and DeLong also brought home individual gold medals!

US Trophy Team captain Mike Brown contested the ISDE aboard his Factory Husqvarna FE 501 in the E3 division. Brown put his extensive racing experience to good use in Argentina, and was able to put forth a solid performance, not faltering once during six consecutive days of intense off-road racing.

“It’s been a consistent week,” Brown said. “My focus was on putting in strong times during each test and to avoid making mistakes. I managed to do that and it showed in my results.”

Brown was able to punctuate his strong effort with an overall win on Day 6 in the final motocross test. Brown took the win ahead of fellow American Trophy Team riders Kailub Russell and Taylor Robert, making for an all-American podium for the day.

“It was fun to also go out and win the final motocross – I enjoyed that,” Brown said. Brown also enjoyed taking home another gold medal, but as a true team player, is more dedicated to earning a win for the US than for himself. “As a nation we did have some bad luck this year. It cost us the chance of taking the victory but it only fuels the fire to return stronger next year.”

On the club team front, Andrew DeLong piloted his Factory Husqvarna FE 350 to a gold medal, and a second overall finish in the Club ranks. The current National Enduro Champion was happy to end his week on a high note, but missed the chance to land a Club Team win with his Wellard teammates.

“I had an awesome time here in at the Argentina Six Days,” DeLong said. “I’ve been battling with my teammate Gary Sutherlin all week on test scores and it was so much fun. I was also was battling my teammate Chris Bach in the beginning of the week until his bike broke on Day 3. I’ve learned a lot and had a blast in San Juan. I want to thank everyone for all the great support that helped me get to Six Days this year.”