The 2027 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) is heading to Wales after winning support in Westminster

For a brief moment at least, motorcycles were welcome in the corridors of power in Westminster, as the House of Commons played host to the Parliamentary launch of the 2027 FIM International Six Days Enduro. 

The event saw MPs, government representatives and industry figures gathering to celebrate the return of one of the biggest events in world motorcycling to British shores. It's a reception Britain's 1.4 million riders could probably get used to.

The ISDE, often referred to as the Olympics of Enduro, returns to the UK for the first time since 1983 and will be held in Wales in 2027. Around 600 riders from more than 30 nations are expected to tackle roughly 900 miles of Welsh terrain over six days of competition, making it one of the toughest tests of rider and machine in motorcycle sport.

Organised by the Auto-Cycle Union under the authority of the FIM, the event traces its roots back to 1913 when the very first edition was held in Carlisle.

FIM President Jorge Viegas described the return to Britain as a "special milestone", particularly given the country's place in the event's history and Wales' long-standing association with Enduro competition.

But while the ISDE itself was the headline act, organisers and the National Motorcyclists Council used the occasion to make a wider point about motorcycling's contribution to British society.

NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch highlighted the motorcycle sector's £7 billion contribution to the UK economy and the role motorcycles play in transport, tourism, sport and local communities. He also called for motorcycles to receive greater recognition within transport and mobility policy, saying.

"The FIM International Six Days Enduro showcases everything that is great about motorcycle sport while shining a positive light on the UK's £7 billion motorcycle sector and its 1.4 million riders.

 "Motorcycling has enormous potential to help deliver wider transport, mobility and economic objectives. That potential can be unlocked through greater recognition within national and local transport policy and by ensuring motorcycling is properly considered as part of future mobility planning.

"UK motorcycle sport enjoys an outstanding international reputation and is one of this country's great sporting success stories, although it is not always recognised as such within the wider sporting landscape. We look forward to working with Government to develop initiatives that support the sport's important contribution to youth engagement, sustainability, environmental stewardship and road safety."

It's difficult to argue with the sentiment.

For years, riders have fought battles over access, emissions policy, parking charges and transport strategies that often appear to overlook powered two-wheelers entirely. Yet when one of the world's biggest motorcycle events arrives on British soil, Westminster is more than happy to celebrate the sport's heritage, economic impact and international standing. 

Perhaps the return of the ISDE to Wales can do more than deliver six days of world-class racing. It might also remind policymakers that motorcycles matter for the other 51 weeks of the year too.

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