Big three for Salvini?

“The ISDE is such an important race on the calendar – it’s the one that everybody wants to try and win in their career. Winning the E2 World Championship and also the Italian Enduro Championship has been incredible, but to end 2013 with victory in the ISDE would be beyond my expectations. It really would be the perfect end to an extraordinary season.”
Salvini’s journey up through the enduro ranks has been a rapid rise to the top. In 2008, while still competing full time in motocross, he acted as a last minute substitute for an injured Simone Albergoni when the ISDE visited Chile. A tough week, which was littered with crashes, made for an intense introduction to enduro. However perseverance was the key and by capping off his week with victory on day six he helped Italy to World Trophy team victory.
“That was a crazy time – I knew nothing about enduro then,” laughed Salvini. “I wasn’t supposed to race, Simone Albergoni was injured and they needed a replacement rider. At first I said no, but finally I agreed. I crashed six or seven times on the first day. As the week wore on I got better – won some tests – and won the last day. Also Italy won. It was an amazing time and a very big learning experience.”
Now five years on, Salvini has risen to the very top of enduro sport and is ready to lead Italy to what he hopes will be a home win for their World Trophy team.