Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1533377
off-road racing—a grueling test of speed, endurance and mental toughness. Riders must not only navigate six consecutive days of intense competition but also maintain their own bikes without outside assistance. Italy's ter - rain promises to be a punishing mix of technical rocky climbs, deep ruts and high-speed tests, demanding a level of preparation few races can provide. That's why this year's West Qualifier was so telling: the slick, muddy course in Wilseyville mirrored the kind of unpredictable condi - tions racers will face abroad. Wilseyville has long been considered a proving ground for some of the toughest riders, and this year's conditions only reinforced that reputation. Race officials and the NorCal Motor - cycle Club faced their own set of challenges, scrambling to adjust the course after heavy rain and snow left large sections water - logged and slower than they would have liked for the ISDE Qualifier. The chilly temperatures only added another layer of dif- ficulty, creating unpredictable traction that demanded peak concentration from competitors. But adversity breeds champions, and for those with ISDE dreams, overcoming these obstacles was just another part of proving they belong on the world stage. Despite being a relatively small club, the NorCal Motor - cycle Club has built a reputa- tion for hosting national events, thanks to its deep ties within the off-road racing community. Their dedicated network of volunteers and partner organizations played a crucial role in ensuring the race could go on despite the weather challenges. Among them, the Women Off-Road Riders stood out, providing key logistical sup - port and course assistance to keep the event running smoothly. This collective commitment to the sport has made Wilseyville not just a qualifier, but a proving ground for riders aspiring to compete at the highest level. "The course was diverse and challenging," said Anson Malo - ney. "It wasn't just about who was the fastest—it was about who could keep their head in it all weekend long." "ISDE isn't just about speed," said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Michael Jolly. "It's about mental stamina. That's what we saw tested this week - end, and the riders who made it through cleanly are showing they're ready for the challenge ahead." The challenges in Wilseyville serve as a fitting preview of what awaits in Bergamo, Italy. The Valli Bergamasche region has a storied history in enduro racing, first hosting the ISDE in 1968. Its terrain varies from high mountains and steep, rocky sections to long, fast cross tests, offering one of the most complete tests of enduro skill anywhere in the world. With over 600 riders from more than 30 nations expected to compete, the U.S. qualifiers will face a true international battlefield. Jenny Keller OVERALL 1. Layton Smail (Kaw) 1:49:12 2. Jaden Dahners (KTM) 1:49:43 3. Lane Lorenzo (GG) 1:51:06 4. Anson Maloney (KTM) 1:52:32 5. Max Gerston (Bet) 1:53:14 6. Ryder Thomaselli (Hus) 1:55:31 7. Zane Roberts (Bet) 1:56:47 8. Nolan Cate (Hon) 1:58:02 9. Anthony Ferrante (KTM) 1:58:55 10. Zachary Kerling (GG) 2:06:46 WIND IN THE P54 Jaden Dahners matched Smail on test wins but wasn't quite as consistent. Dahners was a close second overall. Ava Silvestri dominated the Women's division, winning all 15 tests.