Saturday night heralded the ceremonial start of the 2015 ISDE, with teams being presented in front of an enthusiast crowd as well as the FIM president Vito Ippolito, the Mayor of Kosice, and the world’s media.
The event began in the afternoon as the teams met just outside Kosice’s stunning old town, before walking through the streets en masse with their flags flying high. Once the 500 strong field arrived in the main square it was time to take to the stage and be presented in full. Great Britain’s riders enjoyed a warm welcome from the assembled crowd and the team were laughing, smiling, and in good spirits.
On Saturday morning the riders put themselves and their bikes through Administrative and Technical Controls. Several days of preparation and organisation ensured that everything went smoothly for the team, and the bikes are now safely stowed in Parc Ferme ahead of Day 1.
After almost a week of walking the tests in all weathers - from 35 degree heat to pouring rain – the riders are feeling confident, and all are eagerly awaiting Monday morning’s event start.