THE ULTIMATE ENDURO WEAPON. SERIOUSLY.
SHERCO 250ST Factory LOUISE FORSLEY
• Endurocross Racer
• 2020 Queen of The Motos
• 2020 AMA Extreme Off Road runner up
• X-Games Silver Medalist
• 6 Time US Trials Champion
The best Enduro riders in the world cross train with trial motorcycles.
Trial bikes develop better balance while fine tuning clutch and throttle control giving riders the edge they need to land on the podium. Trials motorcycles sharpen riding skills to a razors edge while being so much fun you won’t even realize you’re training.
Sherco offers 7 trial models with the high performance that you would expect from one of the top brands in trial motorcycles. Choose your weapon.
250 ST FACTORY
Trials Champion Louise Forsley’s Weapon of Choice
The Big Picture
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Repsol Honda’s Takahisa Fujinami picks his way through a rock garden at the opening round of the 2020 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship at the Alpine ski resort of Imola 2000 in France.
PHOTO COURTESY PEP SEGALES
The Big Picture
AND GAM SILENT RUNNING
Hometown hero Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion) was the rider to beat in the FIM TrialE Cup during the opening round of the FIM Hertz Trial GP in Isola, France.Chatagno won both days. PHOTO COURTESY PEP SEGALES
The Big Picture
AND GAM
INTO THE LIGHT
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Craig DeLong emerges from the shadows en route to the win in the NE Pro2 division at the Lead Belt National Enduro in Missouri.
PHOTO BY SHAN MOORE
The Big Picture
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Awwww, outdoor images of any kind are good for the soul during these times. An unidentified test rider puts the new 2021 Beta EVO through its paces in the great outdoors.
PHOTOS COURESTY BETA
WEBB GETS KNARLY
AMA East Extreme Off-Road Champion
Cody Webb
KENDA KNARLY
ENGINEERED IN GREEN, OHIO
SUPERIOR TRACTION FOR EXTREME TERRAIN.
THE NEW TXT RACING 2020 model range accumulates years of evolution and experience with a careful balance of adjustments that have been giving shape and temper to the flagship bike – the TXT RACING 300. Offering a potent combination of linear power and massive torque on demand, the TXT RACING 300 delivers maximum performance as the clear choice of champions who are faced with the most demanding terrain.
Visit your authorized dealer to learn more.
SMAGE RIDING TECHNIQUE PAT
FOR THE NEXT YEAR, 11-TIME US MOTOTRIALS CHAMPION PAT SMAGE WILL BE BRINGING US MONTHLY RIDING TIPS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU A BETTER RIDER. AND WHO DOESN’T WANT TO BE A BETTER RIDER? WHETHER YOU’RE A TRIALS RIDER OR AN OFFROAD ENTHUSIAST, WE’RE CERTAIN YOU’LL BENEFIT FROM PAT’S TIPS, SO SIT BACK AND TAKE IT ALL IN. BE SAFE AND DON’T FORGET TO PRACTICE WITH A BUDDY!
THE LOOP
News and Culture From The World Of Trials, Offroad and Extreme Racing
GASGAS ANNOUNCES GLOBAL AVAILABILITY OF 2021 MODELS
GASGAS Motorcycles announced in September the global availability of all its new generation 2021 motocross, enduro and cross country models together with updated trial machines. From the smallest 2-stroke motocross bike, the MC 50, to the largest 4-stroke cross country model, the EX 450F, all GASGAS bikes will be available from GASGAS dealers worldwide.
In addition to this rollout, GASGAS also announced its intention to go racing in the United States. GASGAS will join forces with a hugely respected name in the supercross/motocross paddock, the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing Team, which will contest the 2021 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships in the 250cc and 450cc divisions.
DAVIS TO VERTIGO
Vertigo USA recently announced the signed of Karl Davis Jr. to their US trials team for the 2021 season. Davis joins Vertigo fresh off a win at the inaugural California Trials Invitational, adding that event to a growing list of prestigious victories including 2019’s UTE Cup and the 49th El Trial de España. The former Trial des Nations team member, brings with him the experience necessary to be successful at the highest levels. He will be campaigning the AMA/NATC Pro class on his 300cc Vertical R2, where he finished third overall last season.
Known for his dedication to trials, Davis is looking forward to traveling the country, providing instruction and helping to grow the sport in the US. Davis will be a great ambassador for vertigo and the sport of trials in general.
“I’m excited to join the team and really looking forward to posting some great results,” said Davis. n
JARVIS TAKES SEA TO SKY VICTORY
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Graham Jarvis secured yet another extreme enduro victory, this time topping the 2020 edition of Sea to Sky. Delivering a winning performance on the final day’s Mountain Race, Graham notched up his sixth victory at the Turkish event. Graham’s teammate Billy Bolt dominated the event’s first three races, but a navigational error on the final day relegated him to third overall.
As always at Sea to Sky, Jarvis made a solid, but cautious start to the event. Claiming an impressive fifth in the hectic Beach Race, the 45-year-old then began to put on the pressure in the Forest Race, taking third and staying within touch of race leader Bolt. Despite a heavy impact with a rock damaging his bike, Jarvis was able to come home in fourth on the technically demanding Sky Race.
Going into Saturday’s Mountain Race, Jarvis was lying third overall, a minute down on second place and close to four minutes down on his teammate Bolt in first. In typical Jarvis style, the Brit kept his nerve and maintained a strong pace throughout the 55-kilometre course. Making no mistakes, the extreme enduro expert crested the final hill in first place and with enough of an advantage over his rivals to claim the overall win.
Photos Courtesy Husqvarna and Sherco
GRAHAM JARVIS
“It was a great race today and I was lucky if I’m honest, especially after damaging the bike earlier in the event,” said Jarvis. “I went into the Mountain Race about four minutes down on Billy and as all the top guys ended up riding together, I thought there was no chance for me today. Billy took a wrong turn and I managed to get out in front and for that last 20 minutes I just pushed as hard as I could to the finish. It feels nice to get another win here in Turkey, it really is an amazing event.”
After running third early in the race, Sherco’s Wade Young was able to widen the gap at the most extreme portion of the race and moved up to the second step of the podium at the top of Mount Olympos at an altitude of 2375m.
2020 Sea to Sky, Kemer, Turkey
Overall Results
1. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 4:48:37
2. Wade Young (Sherco) 4:51:12
3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 4:52:12
4. Mario Roman (Sherco) 4:56:23
5. Teodor Kabakchiev (KTM) 5:14:59
MARIO ROMAN
MADDIE HOOVER INJURED, PULLS OUT OF WORLD TRIALS
Maddie Hoover has announced on Instagram that she is ending her World campaign due to injuries she suffered the last few weeks. We spoke to Maddie and are honoring her request to wait on an annoucement from her on the nature of her injuries, but there is a look at what she posted:
“Sadly, my season has come to an end. After sustaining an in jury from earlier in the year, and now another this past weekend (Italian round)... my family, my team and myself have decided it’s best for me to head home and heal. I am so thankful for the opportunity to compete this year, especially with everything going on in the world. Thank you to all my friends and family that have made this past year possible with support and caren through my injuries. I am disappointed to not be finishing the World Championship season but motivated to make a full recovery and come back stronger next year! n
Photos Courtesy
The perfect balance.
DOHC engine
Carbon composite subframe
Switchable engine maps
With its finely balanced mix of power and agility, the 2021 FE 350 opens up boundless off–road possibilities. A unique opportunity to traverse epic natural landscapes, intuitively merging speed, traction and technical abilities into the ultimate synergy of man, machine and terrain.
HUSQVARNA FACTORY REPLICA COLLECTION BY SHOT
The Factory Replica Collection 2020 by SHOT is a durable and lightweight set of three high-quality items that transmit a true factory look, as worn by the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing enduro team. Consisting of shirt, pants and gloves, the gear is designed and manufactured exclusively by French clothing company SHOT.
Delivering effective ventilation, hardwearing microfibre fabric, UV-resistant and fade-proof sublimation printing, as well as maximum levels of moisture transport away from the skin, all items assure Husqvarna Motorcycles’ enduro and motocross fans can benefit from the best possible protection.
Factory Replica Shirt
Lightweight and breathable thanks to its mesh panels and finely ventilated PE fabric construction, the Factory Replica Shirt is made from numerous fabric panels for optimum comfort. An intelligent material mix for maximum moisture transport away from the body helps keep riders cool on hotter riding days.
Factory Replica Pants
The Factory Replica Pants offer durable mesh panel construction for optimum ventilation. Generously sized knee and shin areas and flexible, elasticated panels in the calf area allow for perfect fitting when worn with knee braces. With heatproof and abrasion-resistant leather knee reinforcement the Factory Replica Pants ensure breathability, flexibility and protection.
Factory Replica Gloves
Providing maximum levels of comfort, the Factory Replica Gloves keep weight to a minimum while guaranteeing highly effective ventilation. Made with a perforated palm and featuring hardwearing microfibre fabric on the back of the gloves, they deliver great design while giving riders complete control.
The new Husqvarna Motorcycles Factory Replica Collection 2020 is now available at all authorised Husqvarna Motorcycles dealers. Availability may differ from country to country. For further details on pricing and availability, please refer to your national Husqvarna Motorcycles subsidiary or importer. n
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
TM Designworks Rear Disc Guard
Company: TM Designworks
Product: Rear Disc Guard
Price: $174.95
Contact: (541) 772-4161
TM Designworks is redefining rear disc guard protection with the Rear Disc Protector Kit. Complete with a heat treated Billet 6061 Alloy backing plate, Caliper Guard, and Disc Guard, superior strength and stylish looks stand out. Return Memory Plastic absorbs the impact keeping the disc safe while air slots offer better cooling and reduces weight. Rail ruts and bash through rocks with ease knowing TM Designworks has you protected. Available for most make and model bikes, the Rear Disc Guard Protector Kit is a must have for any bike.
2021 BETA EVO
ANOTHER YEAR, MORE IMPROVEMENTS
2021 BETA TWO-STROKE
Following a path of continuous improvement and fine-tuning, the 2021 EVO has been updated with various modifications resulting in even better performance and ease of use. Beta technicians worked along side factory riders James Dabill, Benoit Bincaz, Matteo Grattarola, and Luca Petrella to keep development activity going.
The 2-stroke version is available in the following sizes: 125, 200, 250, 300, and 300 SS. “SS” stands for “Super Smooth”. Additional weight on the flywheel has increased inertia and other small measures have made this version more manageable at medium-low revs than the Standard version, but the SS maintains the Standard version’s racing nature at higher revs. This makes the SS extremely easy and entertaining to ride.
The 4-stroke EVO returns for 2021, which combines performance and manageability in a quiet smooth package.
CHASSIS
With a completely renewed look, the 2021 EVO looks more modern and aggressive. Breaking down the technical improvements, technicians improved the suspension settings in both the front fork and rear shock. For the fork, updated internal valving provides a more balanced feel while also providing more plushness over the small rollers. In addition, the shock valving has also been revised to work in conjunction with the new front fork settings.
2021 BETA 300 4T
ENGINE
Carburetion has been revised on all 2-stroke and 4-stroke versions, including the 300 SS, thus ensuring better Rideability in all conditions. Consequently, the ignition mapping has also been improved, resulting in a more linear and predictable throttle response.
AVAILABILITY
The first shipments are scheduled for late October. Riders are encouraged to reach out to their local Beta dealer and leave a deposit to insure delivery as the first productions generally sell out swiftly.
125 EVO 2 - Stroke
200 EVO 2 - Stroke
250 EVO 2 - Stroke
300 EVO 2 - Stroke
300 SS EVO 2 - Stroke
300 EVO 4 - Stroke
Not included are professional dealer setup, taxes, license, or other required fees. Log onto www.betausa.com for more information and to locate a dealer near you. n
2021 KTM 300 XC-W
TPI ERZBERGRODEO LIMITED EDITION
KTM North America, Inc. recently announced details of the 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI ERZBERGRODEO, a limited-edition machine designed to conquer the toughest trails and most demanding races.
Paying a special tribute to the iconic ErzbergRodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble and drawing from KTM’s extreme offroad expertise and experience from the WESS Enduro World Championship, the evolving shape of KTM’s XC-W technology is further enhanced by the KTM 300 XC-W TPI ERZBERGRODEO. Building upon the powerful KTM 300 XC-W TPI and celebrating the fourth year of KTM’s advanced and electronically controlled 2-stroke fuel injection system in 2021, the KTM 300 XC-W TPI ERZBERGRODEO offers the most competitive enduro package available on the showroom floor.
Factory wheels with DID DirtStar rims and CNC-machined hubs, orange anodized CNC-milled triple clamps and a list of vital protection pieces keep the KTM 300 XC-W TPI ERZBERGRODEO moving forward when the terrain is at its most demanding. This nimble, lightweight all-terrain master fears no obstacle, making it the ultimate machine for taking on the renowned Iron Giant. A truly race-bred machine, the KTM 300 XC-W TPI ERZBERGRODEO features a long list of special parts that give you everything you need to conquer the world’s most extreme enduro race, clearly reinforcing its READY TO RACE bloodline.
Alongside the 2021 KTM offroad models, dedicated lineups of KTM PowerWear and KTM PowerParts have been developed to deliver the highest levels of performance, protection and agility for both the rider and their motorcycle. The 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI ERZBERGRODEO will arrive at authorized KTM Dealerships in October of 2020.
• Factory wheels with anodized hubs
• Closed hand guards
• Radiator fan
• Radiator protectors
• Orange anodized, CNC-milled triple clamp
• Skid plate
• Selle Dalla Valle Factory seat
• Front brake disc guard
• Rear solid disc
• Rear disc guard
• Chain guide bracket protection
• Map select switch
• Supersprox stealth 2-piece rear sprocket
• Pull straps
• Orange anodized oil plug
• Clutch slave cylinder protection
• Rear brake safety wire
• Special ErzbergRodeo graphics
SPECIFICATIONS
• Engine Type: Single Cylinder, 2-Stroke
• Displacement: 293.2 cc
• Bore/Stroke: 72 / 72 mm
• Starter: Electric, Lithium Ion 12 V 2 Ah
• Transmission: 6 Gears, Wide Ratio
• Fuel System: TPI, Dell’Orto 39 mm Throttle Body
• Lubrication: Electronically Regulated Oil Pump
• Primary Ratio: 26:73
• Final Drive: 13:50
• Cooling: Liquid Cooling
• Clutch: Wet Multi-Disc DDS Clutch, Brembo Hydraulics
• Ignition: Continental TPI System
• Frame: Central Double-Cradle Type 25CrMo4 Steel
• Subframe: Aluminum
• Handlebar: NEKEN, Aluminum Ø 28/22 mm
• Front Suspension: WP XPLOR USD Ø 48 mm
• Rear Suspension: WP XPLOR Shock with PDS
• Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 300 mm / 11.8 in; 310 mm / 12.2 in
• Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 260 mm; 220 mm
• Front/Rear Rims: 1.60 x 21” / 2.15 x 18” DID
• Front/Rear Tires: 80/100-21” / 110/100-18” Dunlop GEOMAX AT81
• Chain: 5/8 x 1/4 in
• Silencer: Aluminum
• Steering Head Angle: 26.5º
• Triple Clamp Offset: 22 mm
• Wheelbase: 1,482 mm ± 10 mm / 58.3 ± 0.4 in
• Ground Clearance: 370 mm / 14.6 in
• Seat Height: 960 mm / 37.8 in
• Tank Capacity, Approx: 9 l / 2.4 gal
• Weight (without fuel), Approx: 103.9 kg / 229 lbs
* Full model details will be available on www.ktm.com.
2021 KTM 500 EXC-F
SIX DAYS MODEL
Paying homage to the historic and long-standing FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), KTM North America, Inc. is pleased to announce details of the 2021 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS, a limited-edition, serial production model designed to enhance its dual-sport lineup with a race-winning package that is ready for the hardest special tests straight out of the crate. With performance-enhancing features such as an external preload adjuster on the WP XPLOR forks, a floating front and solid rear brake disc, a front axle puller and skid plate and orange-anodized CNC-machine triple clamps, the KTM 500
EXC-F SIX DAYS is equipped to take on anything thrown its way. A list of aesthetic touches includes an orange chain guide and chromoly frame, exclusive SIX DAYS graphics and seat cover, as well as SIX DAYS-adorned rims, exhaust and handlebars.
2021 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS HIGHLIGHTS
WP XPLOR fork with preload adjuster
Rims with SIX DAYS logo
Skid plate
Front axle puller
Handlebar with SIX DAYS logo
Solid rear brake disc
Brake pedal safety wire
Floating front brake disc
Orange frame
Orange-anodized CNC-milled triple clamp
Exclusive SIX DAYS graphics
Orange chain guide
SIX DAYS seat
Strengthening its support of the most iconic annual event on the Enduro calendar, KTM is proud to kick off a series of activities focused on further backing the organizers of the 2021 event, set to take place on Italian soil. KTM has officially started a dialogue with the Italian overseers with the commitment to remain fully implicated ahead of next year’s event in the Lombardy and Piedmont regions. Providing valuable support for the race organizers to overcome a challenging year, all parties will continue working with the goal to be 100% READY TO RACE in 2021.
Following the postponement of the 2020 event due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, KTM is giving back to the sport of Enduro by extending its support toward the passionate people responsible for the ISDE organization. In addition to seeing a great number of KTM racers representing their respective countries on the official ISDE entry lists, KTM has also been on-site annually with the highly successful paddock-based KTM Rental & Race Service packages. KTM’s Enduro roots are strong and deeply ingrained, which is evidenced by the care and high level of technical consideration given to the KTM 500 EXC-F
SIX DAYS. The 2021 machine proudly displays “ISDE Italia” graphics in anticipation of the coming ISDE race in 2021, the event’s 95th incarnation. The oldest and most prestigious FIM offroad motorcycle race in the world, the ISDE is intrinsically linked with KTM, as over half the field competes on Orange. The upcoming FIM International Six Days Enduro will take place at the Lombardy and Piedmont regions from August 30 to September 4, 2021.
The 2021 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS will be available at authorized KTM dealers in the fall of 2020.
For more information on the complete 2021 KTM EXC lineup, visit https://www. ktm.com/en-us/models/enduro.html. n
2021 VERTIGO VERTICAL
VERTICAL WORKS MODEL - 200cc, 250cc, 280cc, 300cc
The Vertical Works model has proved itself to be one of the most competitive trials bikes on the market over the last seasons. Whether in the TrialGP World Championship or in the most iconic events of the sport, this bike has demonstrated time after time its impressive performance, reliability and pedigree. Vertigo is now unveiling its latest evolution for the 2021 season. The 2021 Works model is a bike that capitalises on the hard work and many improvements learnt during the past years. With a comprehensive range of engines sizes available from the 125cc, 200cc, 250cc, and 280cc through to the 300cc version, we feel there is a bike to suite all riders from club level right through to the most demanding riders competing at the highest level and in all conditions.
Vertigo’s Factory riders together with our brand ambassador Dougie Lampkin have been working closely with the factory’s engineers relentlessly to develop this new model.
Many engine components have been updated providing the new Vertical works model with an improved response and power delivery. The new cylinder head is one of these components which for 2021 has a redesigned combustion chamber to provide improved combustion. The throttle body has also been improved to provide the rider with an even more progressive and precise throttle response.
The bike’s dry and wet maps have also been updated so as to offer even better traction and power delivery in all conditions. The map switch is also now located on the air box cover, thus allowing the rider to easily and quickly change between maps on the go.
A new induction tube provides a better seal between the airbox and throttle body, keeping out all water and dust.
For 2021 the exhaust pipe on this works model is in stainless steel. Working in harmony with these engine im¬provements the new Vertical Works fea¬tures a range of high-end and adjustable components on its cycle part, which will help all riders extract the maximum per¬formance out of the 2021 model.
The bike comes equipped with the fully adjustable Tech Alu Black front forks and the Reiger shock which is adjustable in compression, extension and spring preload.
These quality suspension components linked with the innovative and exclusive Vertigo CrMo multitubular frame, which for 2021 is finished in the traditional Vertigo green,
help to ensure Vertigo is in a class of its own in terms of balance, manoeuvrability and the ability of the bike to find that all important traction in all conditions and terrain.
Attention to detail is what Vertigo motors is all about and the 2021 Works model is no exception with many detailed and high quality green anodised components such as the new billet hubs, which pro¬vide an added touch of class to this very attractive new bike. n
2021 GASGAS TXT RACING
125cc, 250cc, 280cc, and 300cc
GASGAS Motorcycles recently announced the global availability of all its new generation 2021 motocross, enduro and cross country models, along with its updated trial machines.
Available in 125cc, 250cc, 280cc and 300cc capacities, the entire XTX range features class leading suspension, selectable engine maps and BRAKTEC hydraulic clutch and brakes, plus a collection of top components for the best performance, quality and reliability in the segment.
Improving and strengthening a well-established line-up of innovative, classleading bikes, we’re fully focused on continuing the team’s involvement in the sport where it all started for GASGAS. GasGas is offering the same great 125cc, 250cc, 280cc and 300cc bikes, but now with drastically improved levels of access, service and support. The GASGAS TXT RACING and TXT GP line-ups remain fun, exciting and easy-to-use.
Here are a few of the highlights that caught our eye:
• New front wheel axle is 285 grams lighter than the steel part used last year, dropping the weight down to just 160 grams. Lightening up the front-end, the aluminum axle ensures lighter steering and precise front-wheel control.
• Chrome-moly (25CrMo4) steel tubular frame is expertly crafted using 1.5 mm tubes, laser cutting and robot welding, and is developed using specifically calculated parameters of longitudinal and torsional flex. The frame weighs a total of 6 kg (13.2 lbs) and is finished off with a durable red powder coating.
• Hollow one-piece cast aluminum swingarm offers optimal stiffness and reliability at the lightest possible weight and performs with perfect flex behavior.
• ÖHLINS 2-way hydraulic rear shock absorber with 174 mm of travel brings top performance and comfort and provides maximum traction to the rear end. With adjustable damping you can change the behavior of the shock to suit your taste by setting the spring preload and rebound adjuster clickers.
• The GASGAS 1/3 compact clutch, consisting of three Kevlar friction plates + two steel plates with a Belleville spring system, with adjustable clutch pre-load system to improve power and torque delivery and BRAKTEC hydraulics deliver the maximum torque with a light and easy feel, near maintenance-free operation and perfect modulation in every condition. Clutch play is constantly compensated so that the pressure point and function of the clutch remain identical in cold or hot conditions, as well as over time.
• Aluminum inverted U-flow radiator features a 115 mm electrical waterproof protected IP68 fan to ensure optimal temperature for top engine performance.
• The lightest gearbox on the market, the patented 4/6 system allows shifting through 6 gears with only 4 gears per transmission shaft.
• Airbox is designed to ensure maximum airflow and filter protection. The easy maintenance Twin air filter is easily accessed by unscrewing one bolt. The airbox has a patented design which allows the component to be both a structural and a filtration element. n
Due to Covid-19 restrictions in Spain, the 2021 Mecatecno Dragonfly production will be delayed until the first quarter of 2021. More information can be found on: www.mecatecno.biz
• A versatile trials or trail bike (with the addition of a removable seat)
• The T-18 Dragonfly is an adult electric trials bike featuring a real hydraulic clutch
• A 5 speed gearbox provides the best match of engine power to terrain requirements
• M4 39mm Aluminum AIR FORKS
• Special Ohlins shock direct to swing arm (Linkless suspension)
• 3 hr quick change battery
• Weighs in at 132 pounds
TONI BOU
GAME
2020 HERTZ FIM WORLD TRIALS GP ROUND 1 ISOLA, FRANCE
SEPTEMBER 4-6, 2020
TONI TRRS RAGA OF THE IMOLA,
TONI BOU TRADED WINS WITH TRRS FACTORY RIDER ADAM
RAGA AT THE OPENING ROUND THE FIM WORLD TRIALS GP IN IMOLA, FRANCE.
Superstar Spaniard Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) picked up where he left off at the end of 2019 with a spectacular performance at TrialGP France – the opening round of the 2020 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship –staged today at the Alpine ski resort of Isola 2000.
In the TrialGP Women category, Britain’s leading lady Emma Bristow (Sherco) got the defense of her crown off to the best possible start with a demolition of her rivals to stamp her authority on the class.
Staged 2000 meters above sea level under a fierce sun, the sections mostly comprised imposing rocks under trees on a super-steep hillside. The dry conditions ensured that grip on the huge boulders was plentiful but loose ground in between meant traction was hard to find.
The toughest hazard for the premier TrialGP class was section nine, plotted along a stream with an under-cut step making for a challenging exit. With the opening lap scrapped for all classes due to time issues, Bou – who’s aiming for his 14th consecutive title – dropped half of his four marks lost on observation here with single dabs on both scored attempts. These, coupled with an additional two time penalties, brought his final total up to six which still gave him a five-mark winning margin over his young compatriot Jaime Busto (Vertigo).
GASGAS FACTORY RIDER
JORGE CASALES
Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco) filled the final podium position on 14 with Adam Raga (TRRS) and Jorge Casales (Gas Gas) completing an all-Spanish top-five ahead of Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda).
“After a very strange season because of COVID I was pushing very hard and I’m very happy to start with this victory,” said Bou after recording a record-breaking 113th TrialGP win. “Tomorrow I need to push again.”
Bristow, attempting to secure her seventh TrialGP Women title in a row, parted with just three marks to run out a comfortable winner from the Spanish pairing of Berta Abellan (Vertigo) who lost 10 and Sandra Gomez (TRRS) who ended the day on 19.
US Women’s Pro rider Maddie Hoover finished fifth on a Team GasGas USAbacked GasGas.
“I’m happy to be on the top step today,” said Bristow, who hasn’t lost a World Championship event since the final round of 2017. “It’s been quite an easy Trial so it’s been mentally challenging as well as physically with the high altitude but I was riding well so I’m happy.”
The FIM TrialE Cup for electric motorcycles was expected to be a cakewalk for defending champion Albert Cabestany (Gas Gas) but a maximum on section eight proved to be expensive for the veteran Spaniard and handed a six-mark win
SHERCO’S JERONI FAJARDO
to Chatagno with his compatriot Julien Perret (Electric Motion) claiming third on 11.
“It was almost perfect for me so a good day,” said Chatagno. “I want to thank all my team for their assistance. It’s really cool.”
DAY TWO
Adam Raga (TRRS) turned the formbook on its head on the second day of competition at TrialGP France, the opening round of the 2020 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship, held high in the Alps at the Isola 2000 ski resort.
Raga – World Champion in 2005 and 2006 – bounced back from his fourthplaced finish on Day One to inflict the first defeat on defending champion Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) since June 2018. Bou, a comfortable winner on Saturday, slipped to third today in the premier TrialGP class behind 22-year-old Jaime Busto (Vertigo) as Spanish riders once again filled the podium steps.
In a repeat of yesterday’s results, Britain’s Emma Bristow (Sherco) once again ran out on top in the TrialGP Women category, Pau Martinez (Vertigo) clinched victory in Trial125 and home hero Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion) was the rider to beat in the FIM TrialE Cup.
The revised sections were a lot harder today across all classes but still comprised
big rocks on an imposing hillside with loose ground in between meaning grip was at a premium.
The deciding hazard in TrialGP was section six which featured two huge steps where Bou – who appeared to be riding with an injured forearm – added three maximums to his final score of 41 compared to Raga’s 1-0-1 scores on his way to a total of 33. Busto also excelled here, overcoming a five on the opening lap to record a clean and a two as he finished the day on 40 marks lost.
Spain’s Jeroni Fajardo led after the first two laps but any hopes he had of repeating his round wins in 2009 and 2018 evaporated as Raga carded a sensational final-lap total of just three and the Sherco rider ended the day in fourth on 44, three ahead of Jorge Casales (Gas Gas) who matched his day-one finish.
“Today was fantastic and I’m very happy,” said Raga. “It was difficult at the beginning of yesterday for me but we worked a little bit with the bike and today I felt very good. It’s always very difficult to beat Toni and also the other riders are very strong but I’m looking forward to keeping going and have a lot of motivation.”
Bristow’s bid to make it seven consecutive TrialGP Women crowns was further enforced with her commanding total of 25 a full 22 clear of second-placed Berta
TAKAHISA FUJINAMI
Abellan (Vertigo) with Sandra Gomez (TRRS) another eight marks adrift in third.
“The sections were really good today which gave me the chance to put some strong rides in,” said Bristow. “I felt a lot better on the bike than I did yesterday and I’m happy with the weekend and now will focus on the next round.
Maddie Hoover moved up a spot to finish an impressive fourth on Sunday against the best women trials riders in the world.
Last year’s leading FIM TrialE Cup rider Albert Cabestany (Gas Gas) was expected to control the 2020 series but for the second day in a row he was forced to play second fiddle to Saturday’s victor Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion) from France who won on a most-cleans tie-break after both riders ended the day on four marks lost.
France’s Julien Perret (Electric Motion) was third for the second time in a row but was a long way off the pace with a score of 28.
“I didn’t expect this but it was a perfect weekend,” said Chatagno. “Albert put a lot of pressure on me but it’s really cool to beat one of my idols so I’m really happy for all of my team.” n
ADAM RGA
US PRO WOMEN’S CHAMPION MADDIE HOOVER IS ONCE AGAIN CONTESTING THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. THE TEAM USA GASGAS RIDER WENT 5-4 IN THE ELITE TRIALGP WOMEN’S DIVISION. MADDIE TOLD ON THE PEGS THAT “FRANCE WAS GOOD! EXTREMELY DIFFICULT! I’M HAPPY WITH 5TH AND 4TH.”
ALBERT CABESTANY FINISHED SECOND IN THE E-TRIAL DIVISION ON A FACTORY GASGAS.
“It’s been an enjoyable but tough weekend. We knew coming into this event that our competition had been working hard, but we were also confident that the work we’ve been doing would help us achieve the results we wanted. The sections didn’t favor our bike so much, but we kept pushing to do the best and I gave all I could. Obviously, I finished on the same marks as Gael on both days, but today he got one more clean than me. It’s a little disappointing, to be so close but not get the victory that we wanted, but that’s how it can go. Knowing how hard everyone in the team has worked, to not win is frustrating. But importantly, we know what areas we need to work on and with some weeks before the final round in Italy we’ll work on improving and then give the final round our all and try and defend our trial-E title.”
TONI BOU
Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou comes away from France as leader of the World Championship after a first and a third over the two days of competition.
After a fairly straight-forward World Championship curtain-raiser on Day One, the second day of competition, featuring some modified sections, saw Toni Bou suffer throughout the event. The current world champion experienced back pains which caused cramp in the rider’s right arm.
The Repsol Honda Team rider battled hard over the three-lap Isola 2000 course in France, which brought out the best of champion, who was, in the end, able to salvage a result out of a tough day to finish on the third step of the podium. The weekend results mean that Toni is the TrialGP World Championship leader.
“It was a very difficult day, continuing with yesterday’s physical discomfort and the pain in my back that caused cramp in my right arm,” said Bou.” I was not happy for most of the day and it was quite hard. I think the balance of the weekend is positive considering the condition that I found myself in. It will be a very difficult championship for us as the trials are very close together. Even so, we will fight to be at our best for the next one.”
FIRST TIMER
RYDER LAFFERTY GETS FIRST WIN
2020 KENDA AMA NATIONAL ENDURO SERIES
ROUND 6
PARK HILLS, MISSOURI
SEPTEMBER 20, 2020
RYDER LAFFERTY
XC Gear/ Enduro Engineering/Husqvarna’s Ryder Lafferty
claimed his first-ever career National Enduro victory by a razor-thin margin at this weekend’s dry and rocky Lead Belt National Enduro in Park Hills, Missouri - round six of the 2020 AMA National Enduro Series.
After 47-miles of racing over six tests, Lafferty edged FactoryONE Sherco’s Grant Baylor by a mere .662-seconds, while four-time National Enduro Champion Steward Baylor rounded out the podium another .280 seconds behind, making for the closest 1-2-3 finish in AMA National Enduro history. Lafferty’s .662-second winning margin was also the closest 1-2 finish in the history of the series.
Lafferty, Grant and Steward, who was riding with the help of Am-Pro Yamaha for the Missouri event, each took turns leading the event, with Grant taking the first test win, Steward winning the second and Lafferty winning the third.
After Steward and Grant traded wins in tests four and five, Lafferty entered the sixth and final test with a seven-second cushion over Grant, while Steward prepared to make his usual “hero’s run” in the final test to claim the win. Steward has typically won the “waterfall” test at the Lead Belt Enduro each time he has raced it, and this year was no different.
Steward did indeed win the final test, but came up just short in the final standings, as Lafferty held on for the win, despite crashing near the bottom of the waterfall.
Lafferty’s victory was his first Pro-class win and it comes in his “rookie” season in the class.
“It doesn’t feel real yet, but it’s pretty cool,” said Lafferty. “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m happy with it. I feel like I rode well, kept my head on my shoulders all day. I earned it, I feel like.”
With his runner-up finish, Grant moved into a two-way tie with FMF/KTM’s Josh Toth for the lead in the series standings, each with 133 points.
“It was close all day,” said Grant. “I just made a few too many mistakes. I fell down a couple times, but all in all it was a good day. I came out healthy and I believe I made up some points on the lead, so it was a good day.”
Steward sits in fourth in the standings with 112 points after his third-place finish and it still in the championship chase.
“I gave those boys that one,” Steward said after the finish. “Somewhere in the middle of test three I just stopped racing and started riding. I think that told the tale for the rest of the day. Test four I bounced back and dropped the hammer and gave it everything I had. Then test
JOSH TOTH
five, I had a couple tip-overs and I still ended up doing well in the test, but I had three crashes and I just couldn’t stay off the ground. I knew I had the momentum going into the last test. Just once again I made a couple mistakes. Just blew a couple corners. I felt like I was the fastest guy all day, but Grant and Ryder just had the consistency.”
Toth turned in a heroic ride to claim fourth, despite a suspected broken finger and badly bruised hand suffered in test four. Toth started the event on a sore leg, which he injured in a practice crash two weeks before.
“I banged up my leg a little bit, but honestly I was pretty good today,” said Toth. “I never really felt the flow in the dry, slick stuff. I was just kind of pushing it a little bit, but right where I fell it was really dusty. A left-hand turn came up really quick and I just pushed the front and fell down an embankment into some rocks and stuck my hand out. Looks like I broke my ring finger or something but we’ll see.”
Toth’s FMF/KTM teammate Ben Kelley finished in fifth.
“Overall it was a decent day,” said Kelley. “I had one crash, but that was about it. Nothing crazy. I felt pretty good, it was just tough to not make mistakes out there. It was super dry and slick and a lot
CRAIG DELONG
of dust just with the weather. Overall it was good.”
Beta USA’s Thorn Devlin was the best of the second half of the top 10, despite struggling with the dry conditions.
“We got off to just a not-so-good start and kind of just kept it there all day,” said Devlin. “Just one of those days. These conditions were tough with the rocky and dry, so we just tried fighting setup all day. Other than that, we’re healthy.”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Craig DeLong won the NE Pro2 division by nearly two minutes with a seventh overall finish.
“I didn’t make too many mistakes and just tried to stay on two wheels,” said DeLong. “It was super slick and super easy to make a mistake. The rocks were super hard packed and they were moving all over the place. The roots and the dust were crazy, so I tried to be smooth and not make any mistakes.”
Beta USA’s Cody Barnes won the opening test in the NE Pro 2 class, but settled for second behind DeLong and eighth overall in the final standings.
“I just kind of struggled a bit today,” said Barnes. “I made some stupid mistakes on that last test and ended up second. A frustrating day for sure. Craig rode really well. Just need to do better and make less mistakes.”
Rookie Pro Vincent Smith (KTM) claimed ninth overall for the second race in a row, while Hunter Bush (Yam)
grabbed his best finish ever with 10th overall.
Rachel Gutish made short work of the Women’s Elite class by winning all five tests. The Beta USA rider has made great strides during the past few races.
“I would say this is the best I’ve ever done in an Enduro,” said Gutish. “I swept every single test, which I’ve definitely never done, and took the win. It was dusty so it was a little sketchy, but it was also rocky and the trail suited me really well. The corner ruts, you could just dive into them. I didn’t have to worry about the back end breaking loose or sliding. There were some small hiccups along the way, but I managed to come out on top.”
Enduro Engineering/ Mepmx/Fly/ Grizzly Peak/Traveler’s Rest Speedway/ KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker battled back and forth with Korie Steede but in the end topped the TM rider for second.
OVERALL RESULTS
1. Ryder Lafferty (Hsq)
2. Grant Baylor (Shr)
3. Steward Baylor (Yam)
4. Josh Toth (KTM)
5. Ben Kelley (KTM)
6. Thorn Devlin (Bet)
7. Craig DeLong (Hsq)
8. Cody Barnes (Bet)
9. Vincent Smith (KTM)
10. Hunter Bush (Yam)
RACHEL GUTISH
RYDER LAFFERTY
LAFFERTY DEBRIEFED
“I was happy with my bike. We set it up kind of like a GNCC. We knew it was going to be hard pack and kind of slick. We choppered it out and made it so it would handle good in the straightaways then I’ll make it turn by riding how I ride.
“I felt pretty good. I just wanted to keep it on two wheels, all the way until the fifth and sixth section. I crashed twice in the fifth one. I got tangled with a lapper once and then I crashed on my own. Then obviously the slideout on the creek in the last section. My wrist was a little sore. I’ve had a nagging little wrist injury, but nothing too crazy. When I got going, I got flowing again, I knew I didn’t have any time to waste so I just kept hitting all my marks and tried to ride the rest of the section the best I could.
“It doesn’t feel real yet but it’s pretty cool. It’s been a long time coming. I’m happy with it. I feel like I rode good, kept my head on my shoulders all day. Kept to myself. I earned it, I feel like.” n
RYDER LAFFERTY
AROUND THE PITS LEAD BELT ENDURO
KTM OFF-ROAD CREW CHIEF TONY HALL ON DUTY.
GRANT BAYLOR’S FACTORYONE SHERCO MECHANIC ERIC SIRATON
RIGHTY-TIGHTY... ANDREW BAUR SPINS THE WRENCHES FOR CRAIG DELONG.
JOSH TOTH BROKE HIS RING FINGER IN A TEST-SIX CRASH.
LEAD BELT ENDURO GALLERY
IF YOU FIND YOUR PHOTO DOWNLOAD IT AND USE IT
BUSINESS AS USUAL BOU WINS AGAIN
2020 HERTZ FIM WORLD TRIALS GP
ROUND 2
POBLADURA DE LAS REGURAS, SPAIN
SEPTEMBER 12-13, 2020
TONI BOU
ADAM RAGA
Defending champion Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) bounced back to his brilliant best at the Spanish TrialGP – round two of the 2020 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship – at Pobladura de las Regueras in the North West of the country, taking a double win in convincing fashion.
Day One
Bou, who’s aiming to make it a recordbreaking 14 consecutive titles this season, slipped to a shock defeat – his first since June 2018 – last time out in France but on home turf, proved to be unbeatable as he quite simply out-rode his opposition to extend his lead at the top of the points standings.
In TrialGP Women, reigning champion Emma Bristow (Sherco) – who’s gunning for her seventh-straight title – backed up her double win last weekend at Isola 2000 in the French Alps with a clear-cut victory as Italy’s Matteo Grattarola (Beta) bossed Trial2, his compatriot Andrea Rabino (Beta) took a commanding victory in Trial2 Women and Spain’s Pau Martinez (Vertigo) made it three wins from three starts in Trial125.
On a high-scoring day with huge rocks and steep climbs and descents taking plenty of marks, Bou – who was riding with an arm injury – edged out a slim one-mark advantage over Adam Raga
GABRIEL MARCELLI
(TRRS) on the opening lap of 10 sections before getting on the gas on laps two and three to underline his dominance. His eventual total of 28 saw him come home 21 marks clear of Jaime Busto (Vertigo) with Raga a further eight off the pace.
The biggest mark-taker was section nine in a river that featured a huge step. Bou parted with two maximums here before recording a single mark on his way to a fantastic final lap total of three.
“It’s been a nice day for me although my condition is still not 100 per cent,” said Bou, “but I focussed on every section and this victory is very important to me.”
Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa), last year’s Trial2 champion, displayed his incredible potential in fourth another 11 behind Raga with Miquel Gelabert (Gas Gas) taking fifth on a tie-break from Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco) after the pair ended the day locked together on 69 to complete the Spanish dominance of the top-six.
Britain’s Bristow has been the first lady of Trial since 2014 and she showed no signs of relaxing her grip on the TrialGP Women title today. Riding an eased course, the 29-year-old’s total of 37 was 25 ahead of Spain’s Sandra Gomez (TRRS) with Berta Abellan (Vertigo) taking third on 64.
“It’s been a good day for me,” said Bristow. “I have ridden well and I’m looking
RYAN SIPES
forward to tomorrow and hopefully the same result.”
GasGas USA’s Maddie Hoover flew the American flag to a solid fourth place finish among the top Women’s riders in the world.
Day Two
When the going gets tough, the tough get going – and Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) once again proved himself to be the toughest rider in the field on the second day of the Spanish TrialGP, round two of the 2020 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship, at Pobladura de las Regueras.
The defending champion, fresh from his win yesterday, continued to stake his claim to a 14th title in a row with another dominant performance despite an arm injury while Emma Bristow (Sherco) from Britain repeated her Saturday victory in TrialGP Women and Aniol Gelabert (TRRS) took a popular home win in Trial2.
Hazards were very similar to yesterday with three indoor-style sections along with five in a river and another two plotted on a super-steep, loose banking that was littered with big rocks. They had, however, been tightened up for the premier TrialGP class and this – combined with energy-sapping heat – resulted in higher scores.
Bou led after the opening lap but his
JAIME BUSTO
score of 21 – only seven less than his entire Saturday total – gave him just a single-mark advantage over Adam Raga (TRRS) but, as we’ve seen time and time again from the Spanish superstar, he clicked a bigger gear to his rivals and eased clear.
After the second lap he had stretched his advantage over Raga to four before he doubled his lead to eight on the third and final lap.
“It’s been a strange day and the feeling is not so good,” said Bou, “but finally on the third lap I was riding my best and I was able to fight for the victory which I think is very important for the championship.”
In only his fourth points-paying day competing at the highest level, Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa) – last year’s Trial2 champion – scored a sensational debut podium finish in third, six marks behind Raga. The Spanish 20-year-old has now carded 12-10-4-3 finishes this season to underline his undoubted potential.
France’s Benoit Bincaz (Beta) broke up the Spanish domination in fourth ahead of Miquel Gelabert (Gas Gas) who repeated his Saturday finish, narrowly in front of Jaime Busto (Vertigo) – who was runnerup yesterday – but there was a disaster for front-runner Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco) who timed-out after a mechanical issue.
Bristow hasn’t been beaten since the final round of the 2017 championship and is now firmly in the driving seat as she lines up a seventh consecutive TrialGP Women crown but it was close today.
A clear seven marks ahead of Sandra Gomez (TRRS) after the first lap, she allowed her Spanish rival to reel her in and by close of play was only four in front as the leading pair comfortably out-performed Berta Abellan (Vertigo) who finished a distant third.
“I didn’t ride my best today but I managed to pull the result out,” said
Bristow. “When you can win on a bad day that’s pretty good. It was just one bad five that made it tight and more stressful than it should have been. I’m happy – I’m disappointed with my riding today but it’s good for the championship.”
The 2020 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship resumes next weekend with the Andorran Trial GP at Sant Julia. For regular updates and live results go to the new-look www.trialgp.com website or check out our social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram –just search for TrialGP. n
JAMES DABILL
SPAINISH TRIAL GP
SEPT 12-13, 2020
RESULTS
Saturday
1. Toni Bou (Hon) 28
2. Jaime Busto (Ver) 49
3. Adam Raga (TRRS) 57
4. Gabriel Marcelli (Mon) 68
5. Miquel Gelabert (GG) 69
6. Jeroni Fajardo (Shr) 69
7. James Dabill (Bet) 70
8. Takahisa Fujinami (Hon) 86
9. Dan Peace (Shr) 93
10. Jorge Casale (GG) 115
Sunday
1. Toni Bou (Hon) 48
2. Adam Raga (TRRS) 56
3. Gabriel Marcelli (Hon) 62
4. Benoit Bencaz (Bet) 66
5. Miwuel Gelabert (GG) 68
6. Jaime Busto (Ver) 69
7. James Dabill (Bet) 69
8. Jorge Casales (GG) 75
9. Takahisa Fujinami (Hon) 77
10. Dan Peace (Shr) 78
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LAYNE MAKES A STAND
2020 KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES
HARLEYWOOD, TENNESSEE
SEPTEMBER 5-6, 2020
ROUNDS 4-5
KAILUB RUSSELL SPLIT DAY WINS WITH LAYNE MICHAEL.
STEWARD BAYLOR RODE A PRIVATEER KAWASAKI
Am Pro Yamaha’s Layne Michael and FMF/KTM’s Kailub Russell traded overall wins at this weekend’s three-day Harleywood Full Gas Sprint Enduro, rounds four and five of the 2020 Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series in Bristol, Tennessee.
Round four had been scheduled for the previous weekend at Harleywood, which would have been back-to-back weekends at the course. However, thanks to a hurricane hovering off the coast, the weather forecast leading up to the first race called for two inches of rain and 30 mph gusts, so series promoter Jason Hooper decided to run both rounds over Labor Day Weekend. A call that worked out perfectly since Mother Nature cooperated over the three-day holiday.
The race for the overall win ended up being a dogfight between Russell and Michael all weekend, and Michael’s victory at round four (Saturday and Sunday) marked the first time this year anyone has able to wrestle the top step of the podium away from Russell.
Russell got off to a bad start in the very first test on Saturday and quickly realized he might have a battle on his hands.
“I didn’t even fall in the first cross test and I got smoked,” said Russell. “I knew straightaway in the first three turns that something was off. I didn’t feel at home on the bike. I came in and figured it out, we forgot to make a settings change after some testing we did, so I put it back to normal. Then I had a pretty good enduro test going (Test 2), and lost my brakes halfway through it.”
Michael look especially sharp having just re -
turned from an injury three weeks before.
“Now I feel like I’m back in tune with the bike,” said Michael. “This place suits me pretty good. You got to be patient. It’s rocky, it’s choppy and it’s not too tricky. I think this track, you can easily over-push and make more mistakes but it seems to suit my style really well.”
Michael would go on to win three tests on Saturday and four tests on Sunday, giving him the “day win” on Saturday and the overall win for round 4 of the series by 3 seconds over Russell.
“This is the first time I’ve been able to make [Kailub] stress maybe a little bit,” said Michael, who is a practice partner with Russell. “It definitely feels good to get the win.”
Trail Jesters Racing KTM’s Johnny Girroir continues to impress with his top finishes from the Pro 2 division. Girroir was third overall at round 4 and first in the Pro 2 class.
“There were no berms, no ruts. It was a lot of just kind of body position and working the motorcycle and sliding around and staying on the front end and shifting your weight around,” said Girroir. “For the most part, I rode really good, although I stood myself up a couple times and that’s all it takes is a couple seconds to lose a test.”
Grabbing his first Pro podium and fourth overall was Liam Draper. The Tely Energy Racing KTM rider started fast by winning the first Enduro test on Saturday. He consistently
JORDAN ASHBURN
scored in the top-four the rest of the weekend.
“I was happy with my riding all weekend,” said Draper. “I’ve never been that close to podiums and test overall wins, so I was happy. I had a good week leading up to the race and I did a lot of sprints. It paid off, obviously.”
Four-time National Enduro Champion Steward Baylor put his privateer Kawasaki into fifth overall, just 16 seconds behind Draper. Meanwhile, Jordan Ashburn got the hard luck award for the day. The Team Babbitt’s Online/ Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green rider was sitting in a solid third overall heading into the final test, but clipped a tree and lost his clutch, which cost him enough time to drop him to sixth overall.
In the Women’s Pro Class, Enduro Engineering/ Mepmx/Fly/Grizzly Peak/Traveler’s Rest Speedway/KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker took the round 4 win, beating Rockstar Husqvarna Lan Mills XC rider Tayla Jones by 1:07. Jones turned in a gritty effort just racing since just three weeks before the Australian off-roader had surgery to repair damage to her clutch hand.
Am Pro Yamaha’s Rachel Archer finished third ahead of Texan Allie Spurgeon.
The Harleywood course dried out a bit for Monday’s round 5, leaving mostly flat turns with no berms to speak of and Chile’s Ruy Barbosa drew first blood on his Husqvarna by winning the opening test of the day (a Cross
test) by 1.5 seconds ahead of Michael, with Ashburn in third.
Russell slid out in a dry turn and ended the test in sixth.
“The first cross test I washed out,” said Russell. “I washed out and I just kind of lost my rhythm there for a minute and then I got back into it. I kind of minimized the damage.”
Barbosa, a former European Junior World Enduro Champion, was using the Harleywood race as a warm up for the upcoming World Enduro Series, which kicks off as stand-alone events this coming weekend at Hawkstone Park in Great Britain.
Pro 2 riders owned the Cross test on Monday, as Girroir would win it on the second run, while Barbosa returned to take another win on the final pass.
Michael and Russell remained locked in a battle for the overall as they traded wins in tests two and four. Heading into the sixth and final test, Russell led Michael by less than 0.2-second for the overall win.
Obviously upset at how the weekend had gone so far, Russell posted an amazing final test to claim the overall win by 6.8 seconds ahead of Michael.
“I ride better when I’m pissed off,” said Russell. “A lot of people get mad and get frustrated and it works the opposite way, but if you piss me off I’m going to lay the hammer down. I was frustrated with how the day was going and how well Layne was riding. I felt like I was riding good. I ride with him all the time so I know where I stack up against him. He was definitely head and shoulders better than he’s ever been this weekend. I was frustrated and wanted to lay it all out there.”
Michael was disappointed at missing out on another overall win by such a small margin, but pleased with his performance.
“Today was back and forth,” said Michael. “He went down in the first test and I was able to kind of get a four-second buffer, then that was wiped away. The second test he beat me by six. Then I think the next two tests we were pretty much dead even. We went in that last Cross test, I think he still had maybe a second and a half, something, and I got it down to two tenths. Going into that last test, I just wanted to go out and ride how I have been. It’s been a really good weekend for me. I went out and I thought I rode a perfect test, but I think his was a little more perfect. But it was good, all in all. I’m just a little frustrated with kind of giving up that much time.”
Girroir was third overall once again, although this time he was being pushed hard by Barbosa in fourth. Barbosa ended the day with two outright test wins, while Girroir finished with one. However, Girroir was a bit more consistent and
beat out Barbosa by about 15 seconds in the overall standings.
Draper edged Ashburn by just two seconds for fifth overall, with Baylor coming in at seventh overall and fifth in the Pro division.
Trail Jesters Racing KTM’s Jesse Ansley was eighth ahead of 760 Husqvarna’s Ben Nelko and Team Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Jo Jo Cunningham.
In the Women’s Pro Class, Rockstar Husqvarna Lan Mills XC rider Tayla Jones had amassed enough of a lead in the series standings that she wrapped up her fourth Women’s Pro Championship just by starting Monday’s event.
“It was good to get another year,” said Jones. “Four times is pretty incredible, for sure. Coming into this weekend we didn’t even know if we could ride due to my hand, so just to get on the podium here was great but to wrap up the championship is what we’re here for, so I’m stoked.”
Enduro Engineering/ Mepmx/Fly/Grizzly Peak/Traveler’s Rest Speedway/ KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker went on to take the round 5 win, with Archer rounding out the podium in third.
Tricker was pleased with her performance over the course of the three days.
“It couldn’t have gone much better,” said Tricker. “I won three days and both the overalls. Today I had a little bit of a lead going into the last test and I knew I didn’t want to make a mistake, so I cruised a little bit and ended up losing the last two tests today. Other than that, it was a great weekend.”
OVERALL RESULTS
Round 5
1. Layne Michael (Yam)
2. Kailub Russell (KTM)
3. Johnny Girroir (KTM)
4. Liam Draper (KTM)
5. Steward Baylor (Kaw)
6. Jordan Ashburn (Kaw)
7. Ruy Barbosa (Hsq)
8. Jesse Ansley (KTM)
9. JoJo Cunningham (Kaw)
10. Zach Nash (KTM)
Round 6
Sept 7, 2020
1. Kailub Russell (KTM)
2. Layne Michael (Yam)
3. Johnny Girroir (KTM)
4. Ruy Barbosa (Hsq)
5. Liam Draper (KTM)
6. Jordan Ashburn (Kaw)
7. Steward Baylor (Kaw)
8. Jesse Ansley (KTM)
9. Ben Nelko (Hsq)
10. JoJo Cunningham (Kaw)
RAGA STRIKES BACK
2020 HERTZ FIM WORLD TRIALS GP
ROUND 3
SANT JULIA, ANDORRA
SEPTEMBER 19-20, 2020 PHOTOS
ADAM RAGA
Adam Raga (TRRS) kept his hopes of a third TrialGP title alive with a decisive victory over defending champion Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) on the opening day of the Andorran TrialGP – round three of the 2020 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship – at Sant Julià today.
Competing at altitude, Britain’s Emma Bristow (Sherco) strengthened her claim to a seventh consecutive TrialGP Women title with a comprehensive victory while Matteo Grattarola (Beta) from Italy extended his lead in Trial2, French rider Naomi Monnier (Beta) took control of Trial2 Women and her compatriot Leo Guiraud (Beta) claimed a debut win in Trial125.
Notorious for its huge boulders set in an imposing, steep-sided valley, rain made conditions very tough for the best Trial riders on the planet in Andorra as the normally grippy rocks developed a glassy surface that meant traction was almost impossible to find.
Bou had led from the get-go in the premier class but on the highest-scoring day we’ve seen so far this season his fellow Spaniard kept him in check. Then, on the third and final lap, Raga put in a devastating performance to claw back a deficit of five marks and run out winner on a total of 50 –six clear of the defending champion who recorded four maximum scores on lap three.
“I’m very happy with this victory,” said
TONI BOU
Raga. “Obviously it is very hard here because Toni knows the terrain very well but I rode very well with few mistakes in slippery conditions so it was good for me.”
Jorge Casales (Gas Gas) was third on 73, six ahead of 2019 Trial2 champ Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa) who continues his meteoric rise to the top with Britain’s James Dabill (Beta) breaking the Spanish domination of the top-five on 82.
With three points-paying days to go in the series, Bou’s lead at the top of the standings has been slashed to just seven points as Raga – FIM TrialGP World Champion in 2005 and 2006 – closes in on his long-term rival.
DAY TWO
Day Two of the Andorra TrialGP did not turn out to be such a wash-out for Bou as Saturday’s event, but the terrain was, nevertheless, slippery and muddy, especially over the course of the ten-section first lap around the Sant Julià de Lòria route.
A more aggressive and confident Bou produced a high-level showing on the day, particularly in the sections likely to elicit most mistakes and went on to finish the trial with a twenty-point margin over Saturday’s winner, Raga. The Repsol Honda Team rider takes the season victory tally to four and now holds a ten-point advantage over his pursuer with one GP – made up of two trials – still to run before the world champi-
JAMES DABILL
onship season wraps up.
After three consecutive events, there will now be a well-deserved fortnight’s rest before the end of this atypical TrialGP World Championship. The forthcoming final round of the world championship is scheduled for the weekend of October 9-11 in Lazzate, Italy. n
RESULTS
SATURDAY
1. Adam Raga (TRRS) 50
2. Toni Bou (Hon) 56
3. Jorge Casales (GG) 73
4. Gabriel Marcelli (Hon) 79
5. James Dabill (Bet) 82
6. Jaime Busto (Ver) 83
7. Takahisa Fujinami (Hon) 93
8. Benoit Bincaz (Bet) 98
9. Jeroni Fajardo (Shr) 98
10. Miquel Gelabert (GG) 101
SUNDAY
1. Toni Bou (Hon) 28
2. Adam Raga (TRRS) 48
3. Jorge Casales (GG) 70
4. Takahisa Fujinami (Hon) 72
5. Miquel Gelabert (GG) 74
6. Jeroni Fajardo (Shr) 79
7. Gabriel Marcelli (Hon) 80
8. James Dabill (Bet) 94
9. Dan Peace (Shr) 96
10. Jack Price (Ver) 99
JORGE CASALES
GABRIEL MARCELLI
GOOD OLD TIMES BLOG HUSQVARNA’S FIRST WORLD CHAMP
BY KENNETH OLAUSSON PHOTOS: HUSqvARNA
Apple-cheeked Bill Nilsson was nicknamed ‘Buffalo Bill’ because he showed no mercy to his competitors. The fiery Swede was a tough Viking – never afraid of a challenge. Bill rode with the precision of a surgeon, but his main assets were his short temper and his stubbornness to never give up. That’s why Bill Nilsson was so efficient, so successful and ever since he straddled a factory Husqvarna was a stellar Grand Prix performer on the track... It was in the beginning of the 50s that Bill Nilsson started riding motocross. He was already a good stuntman – great at wheelies, which require a good sense of balance. Ten years later, ‘Buffalo Bill’ was hired by Husqvarna to ride for them during the 1960 world championship season. Everyone in the town of Huskvarna was convinced that their new factory rider would be the one to count on. True, there was no guarantee, but everything pointed in the right direction.
Reigning European champ Rolf Tibblin was riding the second big-bore factory machine, backing up the passionate Bill for the title. The Nilsson family lived on Rörvägen ‘Tube Road’, in Hallstavik and there were few tubes that couldn’t be bent by super mechanic Bill. Up until now, he had built and tuned his own machines, which lead to his first world championship title in 1957.
“But now, I devote more time to riding and practicing around my home grounds in Roslagen, north of Stockholm,” Bill told me in the 60s. “The fact that I received my Husqvarna from the factory a full month ahead of the start of the season, made things a lot easier. I got used to its performance and could adjust minor details to suit my riding style. After 10 years in the saddle I had never been so well prepared.”
Being just 1.70 metres tall, Bill possessed a stocky and robust body.He looked even smaller when he wore his large leather pants, and the helmet hanging on one side made him look even funnier. But once straddling his machine, there was little to joke about. Where the lack of experience penalised him, his determination and
desire to win made up for it. His riding style was based on stamina and talent that allowed him to face obstacles with determination. His extremely tough character led him never to accept defeat. He wascomfortable in all terrains, be it in the mud, in the water pools or over jumps and hills. Bill was armed with great self-esteem and had a mind to go far in his career.
The 1960 championship lasted for four months and a couple of weeks. The season opener came at the end of April in Sittendorf, where a decisive event would reveal what everybody had been up to during the winter months. In mixed weather between a burning sun and freezing hailstorms, 30,000 spectators watched 37 riders from seven countries compete. The course was 1.7 kilometres long and had to be covered 15 times in each moto - a hard task even for the well trained and almost impossible for those who weren’t in shape.
Husqvarna soon proved to be in top condition – Rolf Tibblin won the first heat while Bill Nilsson came third. In the decisive moments of the second race, Tibblin took another win while Nilsson was second this time around. A double victory for Swedes and the domestic brand, what an eye opener!
By mid-May, Vésoul in France hosted the next Grand Prix. This was definitely not Nilsson’s weekend as he broke down in both legs. First, he had an eroding spark plug, while a broken magneto stopped his second outing. But Husqvarna went on to win anyway - with Tibblin.
Two weeks later, the Swedes competed on their home turf, battling for positions in Hyllinge. Eight nations appeared in front of 15,000 spectators. Bill fell in the first heat but managed to come back and filled third spot. In the final, nobody could touch him and he took the overall victory - his first of the year. “I was so pissed off after my crash,” hot-tempered Bill said. “Consequently, I wanted revenge in the second leg.” Italian Imola is a classic motorcycle venue, both for motocross, road racing and formula one. Bill Nilsson came third overall and now shared the lead in the world championship standings with 18 points, tied with Sten Lundin. In Bielstein, Germany, Bill Nilsson injured his foot and had to abandon the race, but a week later he made up for the loss by winning the British GP at Hawkstone Park. He was back in the world championship running again - with 26 points.
“It was a Hitchcock thriller in England,” Bill said with a grin. 50,000 fans were present to watch the Dutch Grand Prix at the sandy track in Bergharen. Husqvarna shared a double victory, with Nilsson first and Tibblin second. A great day for Sweden!
The Swedish dominance in the 500cc class was overwhelming that year. Out of the six best riders, five of them were from the Scandinavian countries. In Namur, Belgium, this proved to be a representative fact – the four top riders came from Sweden. It was like a playground next door.
Bill Nilsson had his chance to secure his second title and Husqvarna’s first world championship ever, should things go his way - and it did. Monsieur Nilsson took his fourth win and beat his opponent Lundin by 30 seconds. This result forced the factory to print a fan-card with a picture of Bill winning in Namur. It is today very valuable and sought-after, especially if you happen to find a signed copy. A famous quote came from Bill when he was to sign his autograph, “I never sign my name below that of Sten Lundin’s,” Bill said in earnest. And that was it.
The ninth and last round was organized in Ettelbruck, Luxemburg. In a water-filled ditch, both Nilsson and Tibblin had problems when a clogged ventilation hose for the petrol tank caused their retirement. Both riders had to abandon the race while Sten Lundin took the last laurel of the 1960 world championship, but he was still two points down on the leader.
Bill Nilsson also won his national championship in great style, taking three wins out of a possible four. Advertising was easy for Husqvarna at the end of this thrilling season; Nilsson first, Tibblin fourth. Life was smiling at the world champions and there were gorgeous headlines in these Good Old Times! n
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2020 Schedule
February 23: CTC Fun Trial
(Following STRA Banquet on February 22)
March 28-29: Bicycle Event
April 4-5: Trials Training Days
April 18-19: Spring Splash Trial (STRA)
May 30-32: Southern 4WD Meet and Greet
June 29-July 1: Family Camp
July 2-4: East Coast Youth Nationals & Women’s Open
July 3: TDN Fundraiser Gate Trial
July 5-9: Invitational Teen Camp
August 14-16: 10th Annual Kenda TKO
September TBA: ITSA Vintage Trial National
October 17-18: 28th Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
November 8: Bicycle Event
December 6: Toy Trial - CTC Winter Series Round 1
