Rachael Archer has her sights set on the women’s individual crown as New Zealand prepares for six days of racing at the 100th FIM International Six Days Enduro in Portugal.
- The 100th ISDE runs from October 12–17 in Grândola, Portugal.
- Archer targets the women’s individual win after finishing second in 2024.
- Kiwi trophy and development riders face dusty, rocky and sandy conditions.
The Kiwi squad has arrived in Grândola ahead of the October 12–17 event, with riders contesting the Women’s Trophy, Junior Trophy and Junior Development Club competitions.
For Archer, the goal is to go one better than her second-place women’s individual finish at the 2024 ISDE in Spain, where New Zealand made its Women’s World Trophy debut.
ARCHER READY TO RACE
The Waikato rider brings plenty of international experience, including multiple GNCC WXC titles in the United States and a run of strong performances in Australia’s AusEnduro competition. Having recently become a mum, she heads into another major international challenge feeling ready to race.
“We got here a week ago and my bike was in a crate in the Aussie container, so we’ve spent the last two days putting those back together, getting everything dialled and I’m feeling good,” Archer says.
“We’ve walked all the tests bar one. It looks like it will be very dusty and rocky, but a bit sandy as well. That’s going to make it a good race and I’m feeling excited and feeling ready.”
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Joining Archer in the Women’s Trophy Team are Charlotte Knight and Bailey Newbould.
Originally from Whakatāne, Knight is now based in the UK, where she works as a mechatronics engineer for Triumph Motorcycles. South Wairarapa’s Newbould turned 16 just weeks before heading to Portugal to represent New Zealand.
The women’s team will also document its campaign through the daily Beyond Six Days video blog competition, with updates available on Motorcycling New Zealand’s YouTube channel.
JUNIORS TAKE ON PORTUGAL
In the Junior Trophy Team, newly crowned 2026 New Zealand Enduro Champion Blake Affleck lines up alongside Paeroa’s Ashton Whyte and Rakaia’s Thomas Easton.
Affleck, from Owaka in the Catlins, says the dry Portuguese terrain has some familiar characteristics.
“The heat is definitely a factor – it’s a bit hotter than home, but it’s not too bad – mid 20°C, so still comfortable riding in it,” he says.
“It is so incredibly dry with lots of sand and rocks. It’s just like riding on the beach at home. Racing starts on Monday and I’m super excited for the week ahead – let’s go.”
Whyte brings international hard enduro experience from competing at Red Bull Romaniacs in 2023. After walking the tests in Portugal, he expects the dust to make bike preparation particularly important.
“It’s going to be a matter of keeping the air filters clean that’s for sure,” he says.
“We’re all looking forward to getting into racing on Monday. I have a bit of testing to do on the bike today, to get it all sorted, but really looking forward to seeing the pace that these boys have.”
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION
Ōtorohanga’s Jayden McAloon and Christchurch’s James Purdie are named in the Junior Development Club Team, adding another opportunity for young Kiwi riders to gain international experience.
Team manager Kylie Dorr says developing that experience is a key part of the campaign.
“This is the 100th edition of the ISDE, so it is a huge moment for the sport and for New Zealand,” she says.
“We have a team with real international potential, but we are also continuing to build a pathway for young riders who can carry New Zealand enduro forward for years to come.”
Known as the “Olympics of Motorcycling”, the ISDE tests speed, endurance, consistency and mechanical skill over six demanding days.
For Archer, the ambition is straightforward.
“I’m excited to see if I can put New Zealand on the map.”
