Josep Garcia: "Six Days? There's no strategy to win it. You have to give 100% every time."
A four-time overall winner of the Six Days Enduro, he knows what it means to tackle, and dominate, the overall standings of one of the toughest competitions in off-road motorcycling. Josep Garcia, a talented Spanish rider from the Farioli team, was a guest at the Airoh headquarters in Almenno San Salvatore for the presentation of the limited-edition Aviator III helmet dedicated to the 99th edition of the ISDE, the 2025 Six Days Enduro, which will start in Bergamo on August 24th. A special event, in the homeland of enduro, where tradition meets innovation. During the interview conducted inside the Airoh showroom, Garcia shared the behind-the-scenes story of a particularly challenging season, hindered by a long series of injuries that are reshuffling the cards in the race for the overall title. He himself was stopped at the beginning of the year by a fractured collarbone, an obstacle that, however, has not weakened his determination. "It's a strange season, where even the strongest riders are facing physical challenges. But in the World Championship, every detail can make a difference. You have to be ready at all times." Speaking of technique and mechanical choices, Garcia addresses an often-debated topic: is there a single engine size or type (2-stroke or 4-stroke) that's truly more successful? His answer is clear and concrete: "No, there's no perfect bike. The terrain, the climate, the special stages all change. There are days when you need more torque, others when you need a lighter bike. In the end, every rider has to find the bike that best suits their style and physique. And know how to use it to its fullest, always." A question about the race that has shaped his career the most couldn't be missed: what's the secret to winning a Six Days? And here, Josep surprises with his honesty: "There's no strategy. You have to give 100% every day. Because if you even just once leave yourself a little margin, someone else will push you. And then you're out." Regarding the new Airoh helmet, dedicated to the Six Days, Garcia reveals he had a major say in the development of the special version of the Aviator III: "I helped design the peak and the front padding. They are two key elements for safety and visibility, and Airoh is always very attentive to the riders." Finally, a question that many have wondered: how did he learn Italian so well? The answer is simple, like all real things: "I've been racing with the Farioli team for ten years. It was natural for me to learn it. And I tried to do it in the best way possible." It's a bit like how he rides his bike: with seriousness, style, and unwavering determination.
La Gazzetta dello Sport
