Team USA’s Fred Hoess is no stranger to the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy (EVT), or international enduro competition for that matter. The outright fastest rider at the EVT last year in Portugal, Fred is back in Europe and hoping for more success together with his Team USA teammates Michael Sheetz and Lendon Smith.
“I’m racing the same bike as I raced last year, my Husqvarna WR250, and I can’t wait,” enthused Fred ahead of the event’s start. “It would be great to repeat last year’s result, but as we all know every event is different. I do feel like there’s a little pressure on my shoulders but as a team we’re just looking to do the best we can. We’re all super motivated.”
Focused on a good team and personal result in Spain, Fred knows that for a rider that’s close to his sixth decade, the FIM Enduro Vintage trophy allows him to compete against riders of his own age, riders that still want to be competitive.
“One thing I really like about this event is that you can be competitive on the track and really get on well with one another off the track. It’s not racing to win at all costs. I raced against some of the riders here thirty-five years ago, so it’s great to still have the competitive spirit alive, but also to be able to enjoy the event, enjoy the country, enjoy it all.
“What’s cool is that here I’m competing against riders that are the same age as me. I’m fifty-seven now. If I go to the ISDE now I could be riding against teenagers. Giving your all to be competitive but remembering that you’re not as young as you once were, and having fun, that’s what it’s all about.”