Lone American

Fred Hoess put up a golden performance in Portugal while representing the Red, White and Blue

BY KEATON MAISANO PHOTOS BY PH24, NB3 DESIGN & FIM-PHOTOS

When Fred Hoess arrived in Portugal at the end of September to participate in the 2022 FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy (EVT), he did so as the lone bannerman for the United States.

A 19-time gold medalist at the FIM International Six Days Enduro, and the gold medalist at the inaugural EVT in 2016, Hoess has proudly represented his country time and time again. However, his experience this past fall stands above the rest as he and his Husqvarna WR250 took the top individual spot following the four- day competition.

“It’s hard to articulate the feeling of having a great result as the only American rider,” Hoess said, “but to also feel supported by the other riders there and by those back home. Even if I won the next 10 events, this one couldn’t be topped.”

Hoess participated in his first ISDE in 1984 — his first gold coming a year later. Hoess said he was drawn to the newly formed vintage competition in 2016 as it presented him a chance to compete on the same model bike — a 1986 Husqvarna WR250 — that he claimed his gold on in ’85.

“I just thought this would be phenomenal to be in Spain and to ride the same motorcycle I rode 31 years ago in Spain,” Hoess said. “I thought that would just be magical, and it was.”

Six years later the vintage scene delivered another unforgettable moment for the 56-year-old rider, as he finished atop the overall standings.

Despite being the only rider representing the United States — a position Hoess described as both awesome and daunting — Hoess said the vintage community made him feel anything but lonely.

“It’s the experience you are going for,” Hoess said. “You can race with these guys now and we can talk after the event. Even if you didn’t win racing-wise, you won with the experience. That’s what makes vintage racing cool.”