Everts ends dream year with ISDE win.

Stefan Everts has added yet another major achievement to his record-breaking 2003 season by taking victory in the International Six Day Enduro, held in and around the Brazilian tourist resort of Fortaleza.

Everts set the fastest accumulated time in his 400cc four-stroke class which also gave him the overall victory (scratch) in the event.

The 30-year-old had never entered a competitive enduro prior to this, the most prestigious event on the calendar, but after leading Belgium to victory at the Motocross des Nations last month, he jumped at the chance to represent his country in the gruelling 1386 km event.

Pre-event he might have played down any chances of victory but Everts and his Yamaha WR450F were never headed in the 400cc four-stroke class, although 250cc two-stroke riding enduro world champion Stefan Merriman led the overall standings for the first three days.

Australian Merriman had something of a disastrous final day but was able to retain second in the final standings, ahead of another world champion, Finland's Juha Salminen.

"I am really proud I won my first enduro race, especially as it was the Six Days," declared Everts. "I like riding in Brazil. I've had success when I've raced motocross here and I have really enjoyed this event. It's been interesting riding among dogs, horses, goats, and the kids that cheer a lot on the sides of the tracks. The landscape has been really beautiful and the weather hot, around 40 degrees.

"The big difference between motocross and enduro is that at cross I need to be focussed for 40 minutes; but at enduro we ride for five hours," added the Belgian. "I haven't really made any special preparations for this event. I came here to enjoy myself but after a few days I realised that I would have a chance for the victory.

"The only thing I made sure I practiced was changing a tyre. That's something you don't have to do for yourself as a factory motocross rider, but in enduro the rider must also be a mechanic. I didn't want the enduro guys to have a laugh because I couldn't change a tyre! It's been a great end to what has been my best ever season."

The team event was won by favourites Finland ahead of Italy and France. Despite Everts' efforts, the Belgian team could only manage 11th in the overall standings.

The ISDE win caps a dream 2003 season in which Everts claimed a record seventh world motocross title and 72nd Grand Prix victory.