Trial Magazine Issue 65 October November 2017

M OTORC YC L E • CYCLE • SI DE-CAR • CLAS S IC • CO MPE TITIO N • FEAT U R E S

SECTION

www.trialmaguk.com

65

TEAM RG

RUDI GEISER

QUICK SPIN

SCORPA • TRS

INTERNATIONAL

EMMA BRISTOW TRIALGP WOMEN’S

WORLD CHAMPION POSTERS INSIDE

TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

ISSUE 65 • UK: £4.99

WHO IS

LORENZO GANDOLA

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TRIAL MAGAZINE

SECTION

WELCOME

65 FEATURES

NEW MODELS

12

INTERNATIONAL

22

QUICK SPIN

44

SECOND CHANCE

53

WHO IS?

62

TEAM

66

WORKSHOP

74

SPORT

79

SHOWTIME

92

DEALER VISIT

98

CYCLE

102

CLASSIC

105

2018

2018 FIM Trial World Championship Scorpa 300 TRS 300 Chris Stay

Lorenzo Gondola RG Trials

CAN

FUN! !

N U F GE YHOU CAN !

N U F GH Trial Magazine is published by: CJ PUBLISHING LIMITED 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX. UK Telephone: 01663 749163 Email: england@trialmag.com

Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou

Editor John Hulme (NUJ No: 949620) england@trialmag.com

Editorial Staff Cyrille Barthe, Jean Caillou, Phil Disney, Nick Shield, Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley, and John Moffat Photographers Colin Bullock, Eric Kitchen, Cyrille Barthe, Josh Turner, Yoomee, Trials Media, Barry Robinson, Don Morley, Mauri/Fontserè Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright, Brian Holder and Andy Gregory.

Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks

TRP Rear Shock British Championship Youth Supertrial Time Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles The New Website Hard to Find Twinshock Trial

SECTIONS TALK TRIALS

Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com

Printing Buxtons Press Distribution Warners Group Publications Plc Mail Order www.trialmaguk.com TRIAL MAGAZINE: ISSN: 1753-0040.

CJ Publishing Limited is a Company Registered in England Number: 5947718. © 2017 CJ Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care is taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication, but neither CJ Publishing Ltd or the editor can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

TONI BOU 6 NEWS 8 OBSERVATION 14 PADDOCK 18 SHOPPING 20 POSTER 57 SUPERSTORE 96 DEALER LOCATOR 110 SUBSCRIPTION FORM 112 COVER PHOTO: EMMA BRISTOW GBR, 2017 TRIALGP WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION PICTURE CREDIT: JOHN HULME

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TALK TRIALS TONI BOU

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

As I am sure you can all appreciate, my world just gets better and better. In fact, it was way beyond my expectations to take my twenty-second world title. With changes to the FIM Trial World Championship I was not 100% sure how 2017 would work out, but nothing’s changed – I am still winning and ‘The Sky’s the Limit’.

WORDS: TONI BOU AND JOHN HULME

W

ell here we are again at the close of another trials season and I am the undisputed World Champion – Toni gives a massive smile – and yes, the feeling is still like one massive dream from which I never wake up. On reflection my highlights this year have been in qualifying.

Once I understood exactly what I had to do I was very comfortable with it. In the Czech Republic I was the second rider out and I really pushed – to the point of coming close to a big crash on the grass in the first corner… I remained calm and set the quickest time; the look on my team-mate Jaime’s face was a picture when he saw my time! Having the experience of ‘Fuji’ and the youth of Jaime in the Repsol Honda team really helps and we all work very well together.

On ‘Race Day’ though, it’s gloves off, as we all have jobs to do. After the American round I took a small vacation to enjoy the transatlantic trip and I approached the final rounds feeling very calm and relaxed.

In October, I will travel to the Canary Isles with my girlfriend for some quality downtime away from trials. The whole team has once again given me the best support I could ever expect and beyond, whenever it has been needed. I value the support from everyone involved who helps and encourages me, and so it’s a massive thank you to you all.

Until Next Time – Ride On! – Toni

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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Featuring a brand new colour scheme with white, red and blue graphics, it looks sportier than ever before.

The 260cc engine has been enhanced to improve traction while minimised engine braking makes it feel even lighter. Switchable ECU ignition mapping offers dual maps for improved ridability in variable grip conditions.

The Cota 4RT260 is a machine that has evolved over time into a base platform that the amateur Trial enthusiast can get the most out of. honda.co.uk 0845 200 8000 VPL Terms & Conditions: New Montesa COTA 4RT 17YM (including Race Replica) orders from 01 September 2017 to 04 January 2018 and registered by 04 January 2018. Subject to model and colour availability. Representative Example based on 2 years 0% VPL. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Honda Franchise Dealers are credit brokers, not lenders. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Financial Services is a trading name of Honda Finance Europe Plc. a company registered at Companies House No 03289418. Honda Finance Europe plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541.

NEWS

TRIALS ROUND-UP

Mecatecno – Caroline Sandiford

Since the launch of the brand into the electric market in 2011, Mecatecno and Jim Sandiford’s have worked tirelessly to establish the brand. They always knew that it would be a fair task pitching against the market leader but a belief in their products gave them the drive. With a ‘tip of the hat’ to the models of the past the ‘Dragonfly’ was always the goal. It’s been two years of ‘almost’ there but at this year’s Dirt Bike Show they will launch the T18 model.

With a machine on display on the stand and one for customers to ride in the try-out area, Caroline of Jim Sandiford Ltd is undoubtedly very excited about the launch: “We’ve been waiting for this model but did not want to launch until we were sure it was absolutely ready. With three base models in the range, we have been building and building the brand awareness for six years now. Committed and passionate, I’ve been lucky to see glimpses of the development and also to be there when it was debuted in France at the World Electric Event in June.”

To expand the brand in the UK further and give customers in both the north and south of the UK a base to view the machines, Sandiford have rationalised their UK Dealer Network with the appointment of two ‘Prime Dealers’. Sandiford Off Road, based in Burnley, Lancashire for the north, and P and J Vehicles of Latchingdon, Essex for the south, where all models will be on display at all times.

Stand 14a Hall 3, Dirt Bike Show, 26th to 29th October 2017.

Training with John Lee Motorcycles

James Stones (Acklams Beta)

2017 Reeth Three Day Once again the Richmond Motor Club’s Reeth Three Day Trial proved a huge success as 250 trials riders arrived in the North Yorkshire town for this annual event. Despite heavy rain hitting the event on the Saturday (the second day), James Stones was a very popular winner on the Hard route as Phil Alderson took a convincing win over Roger Williams on the Green route, with Antony Steven the Clubman winner.

2017 REETH THREE DAY RESULTS

HARD ROUTE: 1: James Stones (Acklams Beta) 46; 2: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) 51; 3: Tom Minta (JST Gas Gas UK) 51; 4: Luke Walker (Sherco) 53; 5: Paul Sadler (Acklams Beta) 54.

GREEN ROUTE: 1: Phil Alderson (Gas Gas) 41; 2:

World number two from Spain Adam Raga, along with Michael Brown and Sam Haslam, offered to share their vast experience to a varied range of trials riders who attended the three-day training camp organised by John Lee Motorcycles for the third year running, which once again proved very popular. Bookings can be made for the 2018 training camp at John Lee Motorcycles.

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Roger Williams (Vertigo) 60; 3: Andrew Jackson (Scorpa) 63; 4: Tony Kaye (Sherco) 71; 5: Nigel Crowther (Vertigo) 71.

CLUBMAN ROUTE: 1: Antony Stephen (Vertigo)

63; 2: Paul Astwood (Gas Gas) 63; 3: Mark Chippendale (Vertigo) 68; 4: Steve Currey (Gas Gas) 73; 5: Mark Doughty (Sherco) 73.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEWS

TRIALS ROUND-UP

Oset and Belstaff — Kids’ Collection Oset Bikes enjoyed an evening with iconic British motorcycle clothing brand Belstaff to celebrate the launch of its first collection designed for kids. The modern heritage brand has designed a fun and functional collection of unisex pieces including jackets, sweatshirts, hoodies and t-shirts aimed at 6–12 year olds. Officially launched at the Belstaff’s global flagship store in the heart of London’s historic Mayfair on New Bond Street, Oset displayed a range of its electric off-road bikes along with its custom-built café racer, with two bikes available as competition prizes to Belstaff customers.

Ian Smith, founder and CEO of Oset Bikes, said: “This is an ideal opportunity for Oset.

Belstaff has an established trials heritage with many icons of the Scottish Six Day Trial sporting Belstaff, including Sammy Miller, John Lee and Gordon Jackson. Equally it is a modern, iconic brand endorsed by global A-listers including David Beckham, Ewan McGregor, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. As Belstaff develop its range to include kids’ styles, Oset is a natural fit with our own trials foundation and future-thinking view. The new collection retains a classic feel that’s durable, hard-wearing and says quality with every stitch”.

“It was great fun working on this first kids’ collection. Being a first-time mother I know the importance of having practical but fun clothing for kids and considered this throughout the design” said Delphine Ninous, Creative Director at Belstaff.

Vertigo 2018 With two nominated dealers, Cloburn Trials in the North and John Lee Motorcycles in the South, Vertigo have a new Combat range for 2018 to include the Vertical, Vandal and Titanium models. These will become available in 250cc and 300cc engine sizes.

Xavier ‘Xevi’ Viltalta It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Xavier ‘Xevi’ Viltalta, the Commercial Manager at Vertigo. Xavier passed away in late July aged 47, following a brave battle against cancer.

Always a very popular guy he had worked with many factories over the years, including Gas Gas where Trial Magazine editor John Hulme first met him many years ago: “It’s always sad to hear this news and I have good memories of Xevi who had a strong passion for trials, he will be sadly missed by everyone.”

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Obituary – Charly Custard’s Father Claude Coutard, better known as Charles Coutard’s father, was the last pioneer of trials in France and the founder of a dynasty that can only be compared to the Lampkins. He passed away last month aged 89.

Involved in the organisation of the St-Cucufa international trial in the early 50s, Claude was also a keen rider. In 1961 he gained international status on his JLO-engined bitza. In 1968 aged 40 he was second to an unbeatable Christian Rayer on a Bultaco, a brand he was the first to import into France with his friend Claude Peugeot, becoming friends with Senor Bulto in the process. In 1981, after 10 years of a successful Bultaco dealership in Lyon, coaching his son’s career – Charles was eight times French champion and spent eight years in the WTC top ten – and winning the French sidecar championship in 1975 he moved to Rochepaule, Ardeche where, with wife Josette, he opened a trials school that lasted 20 years, with top riders of the time becoming teachers for thousands of young and not-soyoung enthusiasts.

He also created his famed and often copied ‘Vieilles Tiges’ event, welcoming hundreds of riders over 40 or twinshockmounted from all over Europe. Claude was also influential in the development of classic trials in France and until recently a regular contributor to Trial Magazine. He will be sadly missed by our community worldwide – Jean Caillou.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW MODELS 2018

GAS GAS: It’s ‘GP’ time

Just in time, as we went to print, Gas Gas presented the new TXT GP 2018 which they claim to be the most exclusive and wildly exciting thoroughbred of its trials generation. A special edition with a distinctive sporting character, Gas Gas has taken care of every last detail. A limited-series motorcycle, committed to excellence and the highest quality of its components to offer the customers the sensations and feel of an authentic ‘Grand Prix’ trials motorcycle.

ARTICLE: TRIAL MAGAZINE PICTURES: GAS GAS

PROUD

At first glance it shows the proud name Gas Gas, which carries a strong heritage of sporting success in the off-road world, but on closer inspection the new model’s changes make it stand out loud and proud as the ‘GP’. This new model is offered to the passionate followers who strive to experience the same sensations as an official rider competing on an authentic trials thoroughbred. In its tireless quest for excellence Gas Gas has made a commitment to a long list of top quality components for its most exclusive trials model, the new Gas Gas TXT GP 2018.

A direct legacy of its vast experience in the world of competition, it is a longawaited limited series that will only be produced in the Salt – Girona factory in the 300, 280, 250 and 125 cc capacities.

A ‘SPECIAL EDITION’ WITH ‘SPORTING CHARACTER’

The extraordinary quality of its components is one of the main symbols of identity of this ‘Special Edition’ machine from an exclusive series that returns to the emblematic red colour of the brand, whilst mixing small brush strokes of black and white to highlight even more its racing and sports appearance.

This is a motorcycle in which at first glance the Renthal handlebars stand out together with its corresponding protectors as well as the red high-temperature resistant cooling hoses. There are visible details that join the others which may go unnoticed but are just as important, such as the titanium front pipe or the 12

new aluminium suspension clamps. Elements have been made with the best materials and compounds on the market to help lighten the weight of this agile, manoeuvrable and powerful new model.

RACING PARTS FOR PRECISION RIDING

The new Gas Gas model goes to great lengths in the complex matter of balance with the addition of a new Tech front fork and Ohlin’s rear shock absorber.

A gold-colour suspension setup, passed down directly from the racing department, adopts new springs and adjusters to offer additional stability and traction to this model. Designed to satisfy the wide range of the brand’s customers without interfering in its strong competition character, Gas Gas has decided to implement a variable preload to the clutch spring of its new TXT GP so that each rider can adjust the clutch to their own type and level of riding; more or less extreme. A clutch preload system gives an improvement in its sensitivity and feel and in addition helps to extend its life.

MAXIMUM QUALITY DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL

The list of new parts increases when we go into the details of the model, and especially the engine, with the incorporation of Boyesen carbon reeds, dual spark CDI and a closed-core coil – both designed by Hidria – and a new air filter box, also made in carbon fibre, which contributes to a greater gas flow OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW MODELS 2018

GAS GAS TXT GP 2018 NEW COMPONENTS • Tech gold colour front suspension with new springs and adjusters • Ohlin’s shock absorber with adjusters specially developed for the TXT GP • Clutch spring with variable preload • Boyesen carbon fibre reed valves • Double spark CDI and closed core Hidria coils • Carbon fibre filter box • Cylinder head and insert system • Renthal handlebar and protectors • High strength red silicone cooling hoses • Numbered ‘Special Edition’ with an identification plate • FIM regulation disc brake • Titanium front pipe • Carbon fibre exhaust protector • Lightened suspension clamps

throughout. Improvements in torque at both low and medium revs have also been made. A new cylinder head and cylinder head insert system allows an even greater increase in the compression of the engine, improving its competition behaviour. This special edition machine also complies with all requirements of the Euro4 regulations and comes strictly numbered in a series, easily distinguishable by the identification plate on the Gas Gas TXT GP. It will be available next month from your local official Gas Gas dealer.

MAXIMUM QUALITY DOWN TO THE SMALLEST DETAIL

The list of new parts increases when we go into the details of the model, and especially the engine, with the incorporation of Boyesen carbon reeds, dual spark CDI and a closed-core coil – both designed by Hidria — and a new air filter box, also made in carbon fibre, which contributes to a greater gas flow throughout. Improvements in torque at both low and medium revs have also been made. A new cylinder head and cylinder head insert system allows an even greater increase in the compression of the engine, improving its competition behaviour.

This special edition machine also complies with all requirements of the Euro4 regulations and comes strictly numbered in a series, easily distinguishable by the identification plate on the Gas Gas TXT GP. It will be available next month from your local official Gas Gas dealer.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

CONTACT

GAS GAS UK

T: 01298 766813 E: mail@gasgasuk.com W: www.gasgasuk.com 13

NEW MODELS

Beta Evo UK 2018

Year on year the Italian Beta brand aims to please, with ever increasing refinements and changes to an already proven, bullet-proof machine. The two-stroke Evo 2T is established as a top selling model, but what is becoming more apparent is how popular the four-stroke Evo 4T model is. The Beta engineers at the Italian base have been hard at work on the fine details, resulting in a range of machines that now provide outstanding levels of technical refinement, performance and reliability for riders of a wide range of age and ability. As always the hallmark of the Beta family is the sharp-edged efficiency for both the everyday rider through to those with world championship aspirations. The two-stroke range offers four different engine sizes consisting of 125, 200, 250 and 300, whilst the four-stroke version has the well proven 300cc power unit. This offers very smooth power delivery and a sound alternative to the two-stroke models thanks to its user-friendly engine design and four-stroke concept.

ARTICLE: TRIAL MAGAZINE • PICTURES: BETA

Evo Two-Stroke

All the two-stroke versions in the 2018 range have the following new features designed to give the machines a more technical and polished feel for the rider. The engines boast new low-friction main bearings that reduce energy loss and thus improve low-rev performance and reduce heat.

A close look at the suspension shows that both the rear shock and front forks have been calibrated to give greater progression, improving both absorbing and damping in major impacts with even greater efficiency.

Both front fork legs now use the same amount of oil to help simplify servicing. The wheels feature aluminium hubs that have been reinforced in the disc and rear sprocket mounting areas to boost impact-resistant reliability. The design has also been overhauled with new graphics and colours on the anodized aluminium frame and black wheels with white/ red decals to further improve an already elegant looking machine.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW MODELS 2018

Evo Four-Stroke

The 300 4T four-stroke engine has undergone further development, resulting in a new twin-spark control unit which ensures improved combustion to boost performance and throttle response precision. Combined with a spark plug with a new electrode that now protrudes further into the combustion chamber this gives more immediate, precise ignition ensuring cleaner carburetion under all riding conditions and throttle openings. A larger oil pump has also been introduced, reducing engine braking significantly and completely eliminating the on-off effect at low revs. The internals of the exhaust layout have been revised, resulting in a ‘sharper’ engine performance and linearity to ensure outstanding consistency across the machine’s entire handling range.

A look at the suspension shows that, as on the two-stroke range, both the rear shock and front forks have been calibrated to give greater progression in absorbing and damping in major impacts with even greater efficiency.

Both front fork legs now use the same amount of oil to help simplify servicing. The wheels feature hubs that have been reinforced in the disc and sprocket attachment areas to boost impact-resistant reliability. The design has also been overhauled, with new graphics and colours on the anodized aluminium frame and black wheels with white/red decals. The four-stroke models are still very popular, as you will find out if you try one.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

CONTACT

BETA

T: 01756 793521 W: www.beta-uk.com E: sales@beta-uk.com 15

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18

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PADDOCK

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TRAINING

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

19

SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

Mots Polo Shirt

www.trialendurodirect.com

TYTrials Monoshock TY250/350 Kickstart www.tytrials.com

Mots Tee Shirt Range

www.trialendurodirect.com

S3 ‘Fujigas’ Replica Gloves

www.s3parts.com www.trialendurodirect.com

Putoline Protection E10 Fuel Fighter

www.putoline.co.uk

Hebo Tech 10 Shirt and Pants www.apico.co.uk

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Jitsie Mudguard Gas Gas Pro www.offroadaction.net

Putoline PTF Penetrating Oil

www.putoline.co.uk

Alpinestars SX1 Knee Guard www.offroadaction.net www.alpinestars.com

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

Apico Montesa Anodised Adjusters www.apico.co.uk

Apico Montesa Anodised Covers

www.apico.co.uk

Jitsie HT2 Kroko Helmet www.offroadaction.net

Jitsie TRP Rear Shock Mots GO2 Carbon Helmet

www.offroadaction.net

www.trialendurodirect.com

Jitsie T3 Kroko Riding Kit www.offroadaction.net

Rainer 2018 Boots

www.birkettmotosportukltd.co.uk

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

TRS Sun Glasses

www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com

21

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

We are the Trial World Champions We already had the first Trial World Champion of 2017 after five rounds, as the Trial125 Championship concluded with Italian Lorenzo Gandola on the Scorpa in the lead. Next to be crowned was Spain’s Marc Colomer, who became the first ever TrialE World Champion on the new electric Gas Gas. A jubilant Toni Bou continues to raise the bar on the Repsol Honda as the Spanish rider took his 11th TrialGP title a round early in the Czech Republic. In Trial2 Welsh rider Iwan Roberts on the Beta kept us all on our toes until the final round to take a well-deserved World Championship win. In the TrialGP Women’s class it was the very popular Emma Bristow who made Great Britain super proud, adding another championship to her growing collection.

In the new Trial2 Women it was Spain that celebrated, with the title going to Neus Murcia, making it a ‘One-Two’ for Beta as she joined Roberts as a Trial World Champion.

WORDS AND PICTURES: JOHN HULME

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2017 TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2017 TRIALGP WOMEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

EIGHT ROUNDS COMPLETED

FOUR ROUNDS COMPLETED

RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 192; 2: Adam Raga (TRS-ESP) 164; 3: Jaime Busto (Repsol Honda-ESP) 131; 4: Jeroni Fajardo (Vertigo-ESP) 121; 5: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 112; 6: James Dabill (Gas Gas-GBR) 102; 7: Albert Cabestany (Sherco-ESP) 102; 8: Jorge Casales (Beta-ESP) 71; 9: Franz Kadlec (Gas Gas-GER) 67; 10: Matteo Grattarola (Gas Gas-ITA) 57; 11: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 54; 12: Arnau Ferrer (Gas Gas-ESP) 32; 13: Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR) 24; 14: Oriol Noguera (Gas Gas-ESP) 21; 15: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 21.

RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 77: 2: Sandra Gomez (Gas Gas-ESP) 62; 3: Theresa Bauml (Beta-GER) 57; 4: Berta Abellan (Beta-ESP) 44; 5: Ina Wilde (Gas Gas-GER) 43; 6: Jess Bown (Scorpa-GBR) 42; 7: Ingveig Hakonsen (Beta-NOR) 38; 8: Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) 37; 9: Huldeborg Barkved (ShercoNOR) 28; 10: Mireia Conde (Beta-ESP) 26; 11: Mette Fidje (Sherco-NOR) 21; 12: Sara Trentini (Beta-ITA) 18; 13: Sarah Bauer (Sherco-GER) 13; 14: Michelle Neukirchen (Gas Gas-GER) 10; 15: Mona Pekarek (Sherco-GER) 4.

2017 TRIAL2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2017 TRIAL2 WOMEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

EIGHT ROUNDS COMPLETED

FOUR ROUNDS COMPLETED

RESULTS: 1: Iwan Roberts (Beta-GBR) 162; 2: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP)

RESULTS: 1: Neus Murcia (Beta-ESP) 64; 2: Jule Steinert (TRRS-GER) 58; 3:

142; 3: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 126; 4: Toby Martyn (Vertigo-GBR) 120; 5: Dan Peace (Gas Gas-GBR) 112; 6: Luca Petrella (TRS-ITA) 103; 7: Marc Riba (TRS-ESP) 96; 8: Jack Peace (Gas Gas-GBR) 81; 9: Gael Chatagno (Gas Gas-FRA) 76; 10: Hakan Pedersen (Gas Gas-NOR) 60.

Carla Caballe (Gas Gas-ESP) 53; 4: Sophia Ter Jung (Beta-GER) 48; 5: Erika Melchior (Sherco-NOR) 48; 6: Nikita Smith (Gas Gas-GBR) 42; 7: Madeliene Hoover (Gas Gas-USA) 42; 8: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 29; 9: Kylee Sweeten (Sherco-USA) 28; 10: Alex Brancati (Beta-ITA) 26.

2017 TRIAL-E WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2017 TRIAL 125 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

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INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

QUALIFYING Yes, it is a fact that Toni Bou is the best trials rider in the world, as he became the ‘King of Qualifying’ to add to his 2017 individual crown four pole positions from eight starts. Great Britain’s young hope Toby Martyn paved the way in Trial2, as did Emma Bristow in TrialGP Women. In the Trial2 Women the spoils were shared between Neus Murcia (Beta-ESP), Jule Steinert (TRRS-GER) and Alex Brancatti (Beta-ITA).

Toni Bou TrialGP - CZE - ITA

CZECH REPUBLIC

Jaime Busto TrialGP USA

The overcast weather held on as Toni Bou took the pole despite being only the second rider out in TrialGP. Great Britain’s Toby Martyn and Emma Bristow looked very confident and determined as another new rider joined the ‘Quickest’ club in Trial2 Women, Jule Steinert bossing the TRRS around the course.

TRIALGP: 1: Bou 25.32; 2: Cabestany 26.23; 3: Dabill (Gas Gas-GBR) 27.19; 4:

Busto 27.19; 5: Fajardo 27.75; 6: Raga 28.25; 7: Ferrer 28.28; 8: Casales (BetaESP) 29.04; 9: Gubian 29.90; 10: Fujinami 30.13.

TRIAL2: 1: Martyn 26.69; 2: Pedersen 27.80; 3: Marcelli 28.14; 4: Andersen 28.62;

5: Riba 28.64; 6: Petrella 28.26; 7: Gelabert 29.40; 8: Pretelli 29.64; 9: Haga 29.75; 10: Moret 28.56.

TRIALGP WOMEN: 1: Bristow 24.71; 2: Gomez 25.76; 2: Trentini 26.86; 4: Bauml 27.18; 5: Bauer 28.29.

TRIAL2 WOMEN: 1: Steinert 33.92; 2: Smith 34.39; 3: Murcia 35.16.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Jaime Busto became the top qualifier with three pole positions from six starts in TrialGP. The new young star of Trial2 Toby Martyn took his first pole position as fellow British rider Emma Bristow recorded history with the first ever women’s pole position. In Trial2 Women Spain’s Neus Murcia again recorded history.

TRIALGP: 1: Busto 31.19; 2: Dabill 32.20; 3: Bou 33.25; 4: Cabestany 33.58; 5: Gelabert 33.96; 6: Raga 34.01; 7: Ferrer 34.05; 8: Kadlec 34.13; 9: Grattarola 34.39; 10: Fajardo 35.14.

TRIAL2: 1: Martyn 27.42; 2: Pedersen 28.19; 3: Moret 28.56; 4: Marcelli 38.28; 5: Petrella 31.28; 6: Jack Peace 31.81; 7: Sauvage 31.99; 8: Roberts 32.00; 9: Riba 32.27; 10: Haga 32.73.

TRIALGP WOMEN: 1: Bristow 37.02; 2: Abellan 37.80; 3: Gomez 38.20; 4: Bauml 38.60; 5: Wide 44.25.

TRIAL2 WOMEN: 1: Murcia 42.47; 2: Steinert 47.64; 3: Hoover 53.62.

Toby Martyn Trial2 USA - CZE - ITA TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

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INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Sandra Gomez (ESP) TrialGP Women ITA

ITALY

Toni Bou claimed his second pole of 2017 once again, despite an early start. In Trial2 Toby Martyn did a Bou for the second week running, and Spain’s Sandra Gomez joined the exclusive club of qualifying winners. In Trial2 Women Alex Brancatti gave the home fans something to cheer about as the rain was replaced by the sun for the final qualifying of 2017.

TRIALGP: 1: Bou 25.43; 2: Raga 27.81; 3: Dabill (Gas Gas-GBR) 28.24; 4: Busto 28.65; 5:

Grattarola 28.82; 6: Fujinami 30.35; 7: Fajardo 30.81; 8: Bincaz 33.04; 9: Price: 33.94; 10: Noguera 35.00.

TRIAL2: 1: Martyn 30.13; 2: Pedersen 31.03; 3: Riba 31.14; 4: Locca 31.59; 5: Moret 33.06; 6: Emma Bristow TrialGP Women USA - CZE

Haga 33.26; 7: Dan Peace 33.47; 8: Gandola 33.71; 9: Roberts 34.22; 10: Marcelli 34.69.

TRIALGP WOMEN: 1: Gomez 34.70; 2: Bristow 35.85; 3: Bauml 36.72; 4: Giro 41.28; 5: Bown 45.52.

TRIAL2 WOMEN: 1: Brancatti 46.76; 2: Murcia 50.56; 3: Steinert 51.11.

Jule Steinert Trial2 Women CZE

Alex Brancatti Trial2 Women ITA

FASTEST RIDERS

TRIALGP: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 4; Jaime Busto (Repsol Honda-ESP) 3; James Dabill (Gas Gas-GBR) 1

TRIAL2: Toby Martyn (Vertigo-GBR) 3; Hakan Pedersen (Gas

Gas-NOR) 2; Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 1; Luca Petrella (TRS-ITA) 1; Dan Peace (Gas Gas-GBR) 1

TRIALGP WOMEN: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 2; Sandra Gomez (Gas Gas-ESP) 1

TRIAL2 WOMEN: Neus Murcia (Beta-ESP) 1; Jule Steinert (TRRS-GER) 1; Alex Brancatti (Beta-ITA) 1

Neus Murcia Trial2 Women USA 26

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

CARBON HELMET COLLECTION

ZONE 4 CARBON TRIALS HELMET

• High Quality Carbon Fibre Shell.

• Triple Density EPS Lining.

• Fully Removable Hypoallergenic COOLMAX® Liner. www.HEBO.com HEBOLUTIONPARTS S.L. c / Pla de Vidreres s/n 17411 VIDRERES _Girona_Spain

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP)

TONI BOU The Toni Bou Show continues, with no current threat to his reign as the ‘King of Trials’. He is constantly pushed to the limits of his riding by his arch rival Adam Raga, but when it’s needed he can always raise his game. The two days of domination in the USA put his championship aspirations on track, and despite Raga taking the win in the Czech Republic you have to agree that Bou has once again dominated the 2017 championship. His Repsol Honda team-mate and fellow Spanish rider Jaime Butso is now a firm fixture on the podium, and no doubt he will take a Trial World Championship one day; it’s just a case of waiting for it to happen! With the younger riders now starting to dip their toes into the top ten it bodes well for the future of the TrialGP premier class for 2018 as both Albert Cabestany and French rider Loris Gubian said goodbye to the championship at the final round in Italy.

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2017 TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP USA

DAY 1: 1: Bou 2; 2: Raga 4; 3: Busto 14; 4: Dabill 15; 5: Casales 20; 6: Cabestany 21; 7: Fajardo 24; 8: Fujinami 25; 9: Gelabert 27; 10: Kadlec 34; 15: Price 61.

DAY 2: 1: Bou 9; 2: Busto 23; 3: Fajardo 27; 4: Raga 30; 5: Dabill 33; 6: Cabestany 35; 7: Fujinami 41; 8: Grattarola 42; 9: Casales 46; 10: Gelabert 48; 13: Price 67.

CZECH REPUBLIC RESULTS: 1: Raga 36; 2: Bou 53; 3: Busto 54; 4: Fajardo 54; 5: Fujinami 59; 6: Cabestany 64; 7: Gelabert 66; 8: Kadlec 67; 9: Dabill 77; 10: Casales 84.

ITALY RESULTS: 1: Bou 18; 2: Raga 27; 3: Busto 30; 4: Dabill 39; 5: Fajardo 48; 6: Kadlec 51; 7: Grattarola 58; 8: Casales 61; 9: Cabestany 62; 10: Fujinami 63.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Jaime Busto (Repsol Honda-ESP): Now becoming a regular visitor to the podium, Jaime has served his apprenticeship in the mighty Repsol Honda team. This young Spanish rider will be looking at raising his riding to another level in the closed season to lift his title aspirations and challenge Bou in 2018 as he matures into a genuine world championship title contender of the future.

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP): Still the only rider who has continually, during the course of each season, proudly taken the top spot of the podium alongside his fellow countryman Bou. The combination of Raga and the TRRS has proved a winning one, emphasising the fact that the new Spanish manufacturer is a world beater in his capable hands. This vastly experienced rider still believes that he can once again take the title he last won in 2006.

Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN): Inconsistency has kept the fully committed Japanese rider down the order in the championship. The podium visit in his home GP was backed up later by a superb second position in Great Britain but the drop in the results in the USA pushed him further away from the podium in the overall championship positions.

Jeroni Fajardo (Vertigo-ESP): A very good technical rider to watch, as the sole Vertigo rider in the TWC it’s the final push for the podium that has kept him away from the top three positions. The podium eluded him by just a single mark dropped in the last hazard in the Czech Republic, after he had visited it on day two in the USA. The battle for championship positions between him and Fujinami has been an interesting one all season

James Dabill (Gas Gas-GBR): Still Great Britain’s best Trial World Championship rider in more recent times. When on form there is no one better to watch, with his superb technical control. Second on day one in Japan after he was the fastest qualifier in the wet conditions was the highlight of the year, and his best finish in the premier class so far in his career.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

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INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Albert Cabestany (Sherco-ESP): Many poor qualifying performances have left him down the order in the starting positions, leaving him with too much work to do to challenge for the top placings. Starting the season with a podium visit in Spain at the opening round followed by another third position in Japan was the highlight of his year, showing that on his day he still has the ability to challenge at the top of the results.

Franz Kadlec (Gas Gas-GER): Still very much a young rider in this class, the very shy quiet rider would have been looking for better results during the season as he has scored points in every round.

Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP): Another one of the new younger breed of riders in the top class, it’s been very much a learning year for the talented rider. No doubt the frustration in his riding will make him a much stronger contender for better points in 2018.

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Jorge Casales (Beta-ESP): On technical ability this young rider should be much higher up the order. The sheer inconsistency in his riding beggars belief; on each race day his result is so unpredictable. When on form he is a pleasure to watch but in 2017 the results have not come his way.

Matteo Grattarola (Gas Gas-ITA): Now a very experienced rider in the sport he still flies the flag for Italy, as they look for some younger talent to follow him into the TrialGP class.

Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR): It’s been a very tough year for the young English rider.

Putting in the hours of training has been reflected in a top ten finish in Japan in his first year at this high level of riding, which is no mean feat in itself. Jack, as with many of the other riders learning the ropes, is the future of the class.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

G R O U N D H O G D AY TONI BOU • 22 WORLD TITLES • ALL ON RENTHAL

www.renthal.com

PHOTO CREDIT : TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

IWAN Roberts (Beta-GBR).

IWAN ROBERTS Being totally focused on the job in hand has rewarded the Welsh rider Iwan Roberts with a well-deserved first ever Trial2 World Championship crown. With the guiding hand of his minder, Harry Houghton, the pair went about their business in a very unassuming way taking just two victories, one in Japan and one in the Czech Republic, when it was most needed. This Trial2 class is arguably the most competitive, and despite the threat of the Spanish Armada in Gabrielle Marcelli and Francesc Moret Roberts kept a very level head to take a much deserved title. Marcelli had come back very strong with a double victory in the USA, but a slump in form in the Czech Republic finished his championship dreams for another year. In the final round Great Britain’s Toby Martyn delivered a result he had been threating all season to take a very popular victory. With the Peace brothers doing themselves proud all season it may well be the case that Great Britain can retain this much sought-after crown in 2018.

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2017 TRIAL2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP USA DAY 1: 1: Marcelli 2; 2: Dan Peace 5; 3: Roberts 6; 4: Jack Peace 6; 5: Moret 9; 6: Martyn 9; 7: Petrella 13; 8: Riba 13; 9: Pedersen 15; 10: Locca 16.

DAY 2: 1: Marcelli 21; 2: Martyn 25; 3: Roberts 28; 4: Dan Peace 28; 5: Moret 31; 6: Pedersen 37; 7: Jack Peace 38; 8: Locca 43; 9: Riba 43; 10: Petrella 46.

CZECH REPUBLIC RESULTS: 1: Riba 30; 2: Roberts 33; 3: Jack Peace 35; 4: Moret 35; 5: Dan Peace 41; 6: Pedersen 44; 7: Gelabert 45; 8: Marcelli 45; 9: Martyn 52; 10: Andersen 53.

ITALY RESULTS: 1: Martyn 18; 2: Roberts 22; 3: Marcelli 25; 4: Dan Peace 35; 5: Petrella 36; 6: Moret 48; 7: Riba 50; 8: Pedersen 50; 9: Jack Peace 55; 10: Gelabert 55.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP): Looking very much like a man on a mission to win this championship, the Spanish rider ‘bombed’ out in Great Britain and the Czech Republic. A rider who has massively improved, he can be proud of the way he has worked up the championship winning rounds in a very positive way in 2017.

Toby Martyn (Vertigo-GBR): This has been a fantastic year for the young English rider in his first full season, in questionably the hardest championship to win.

Looking very much a professional rider, showing the commitment needed, expect more progression up the championship ladder in 2018 as he gains experience in the World Series.

Francesc Moret (MontesaESP): Another rider who moved to four-stroke power this year. The experienced Spanish rider looked another likely candidate to win the championship but he lacked the consistency through the year, letting the top two positions slip away despite being a regular visitor to the podium.

Dan Peace (Gas Gas-GBR): The elder of the two Peace brothers, Dan is maturing into a very good rider, both technically and in ability. He will be disappointed this year, as he had his eyes fixed firmly on the title at the start of the season but has not delivered the results to challenge for this accolade.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

Marc Riba (TRRS-ESP): Riding as a team member of the Spanish Federation team, the RFME, Marc is slowly but surely putting some good results together. He was elated to take his first win in the Czech Republic and, along with many of the other riders in this class, he will be looking at the top spot in 2018.

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INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Luca Petrella (TRS-ITA): Following on in the footsteps of some good Italian riders in previous years of the Trial World Championship is young Luca. A lack of consistency has kept him down the results, but Italian trials fans will certainly be watching his progress over the next few years as Italy once again aims to be a top trialling nation.

Jack Peace (Gas Gas-GBR): A first visit to the podium in the Czech Republic was most welcome for the younger of the two brothers. A very committed and determined rider, he will no doubt want to put his learning year in Trial2 behind him and focus on 2018.

Gael Chatagno (Gas Gas-FRA): For the likeable French rider this year turned into a disaster after he suffered a leg injury forcing him into surgery and out for the remainder of the season after Great Britain. A potential championship winner after standing on the top step of the podium in Japan and Andorra, he knows it will be a case of training hard in the winter.

Hakan Pedersen (Gas Gas-NOR): This year has been very turbulent with him not having the results he wanted. He will be very disappointed with this championship position.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2017 TrialGP: Toni Bou

2017 TrialGP: Takahisa Fujinami

2017 Trial2: Francesc Moret

2017 Trial2: Gabrielle Marcelli

1980 Ulf Karlson

MANUFACTURERS – ‘VIVA’ MONTESA

Once again new records have been set in the Trial World Championship, as Montesa celebrated its 20th manufacturers’ win.

In a period stretching back to 1980 and the first world title through to 2017 the Spanish brand has remained a very strong force in the world of trials. Montesa has a celebration of wins dating back to the first year of the official trials championship in 1975, with Malcolm Rathmell at round two in Belgium. It was ‘Super Swede’ Ulf Karlson though who opened the door to the manufacturer’s world championship titles in 1980 as he celebrated his one and only world title and the first for Montesa. As the World Series has evolved, so have the changes for the awarding of the points for the manufacturers’ title. In 2017 nominated riders from TrialGP and Trial2 were paired to score the points, bringing the first changes to the manufacturers’ title since its inception in 1975.

WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: TOON VAN DE VILET AND TRIALS MEDIA

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2017 FIM MANUFACTURERS CHAMPIONSHIP MANUFACTURERS: 1: Montesa-ESP 371; 2: TRRS-ESP 267; 3: Gas Gas-ESP 243; 4: Vertigo-ESP 241; 5: Beta-ITA 233; 6: Scorpa-FRA 54.

HISTORY YEARS: 1975–1979: Bultaco; 1980–1981: Montesa; 1982–1984: Honda; 1985: Fantic; 1986: Honda; 1987–1988: No Award; 1989: Fantic; 1990–1991: No Award; 1992: Aprillia; 1993–1995: Gas Gas; 1996: Montesa; 1997–1999: Beta; 2000–2004: Montesa; 2005: Gas Gas; 2006–2017: Montesa.

MOST WINS: Montesa 20; Bultaco 5; Gas Gas 4; Honda 4; Beta 3; Fantic 2; Aprillia 1.

Trial Magazine would like to acknowledge the help of Charley Demathieu and his website: www.trialonline.org in the generation of this article.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Sandra Gomez (Gas Gas-ESP)

Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR)

Theresa Bauml (Beta-GER)

WOMEN’S TRIAL GP & TRIAL 2 Still the undisputed Queen of the TrialGP Women, Emma Bristow suffered a shock defeat at the final round of the series in Italy to Theresa Bauml. Looking every inch the champion, Bristow won the first of the three rounds before succumbing to the defeat by Bauml, which was her first in this class. Second behind Emma in the championship standings was her long-term rival Sandra Gomez from Spain on the Gas Gas. With Bauml taking the victory in the final round she took the last step on the podium in the TWC standings. Jess Bown was the only other English rider in the class, and missed her first podium visit on the tie decider in Italy.

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2017 WOMEN’S TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP USA DAY 1: 1: Bristow 14; 2: Bauml 28; 3: Abellan 31; 4: Gomez 33; 5: Hakonsen 46; 6: Wilde 48; 7: Giro 49; 8: Bown 63; 9: Fidje 66; 10: Trentini 66.

DAY 2: 1: Bristow 22; 2: Gomez 47; 3: Bauml 50; 4: Abellan 54; 5: Conde 55; 6: Bown 64; 7: Wilde 66; 8: Giro 67; 9: Hakonsen 69; 10: Trentini 71.

CZECH REPUBLIC RESULTS: 1: Bristow 5; 2: Gomez 31; 3: Wilde 40; 4: Hakonsen 44; 5: Bown 50; 6: Giro 51; 7: Barkved 55; 8: Abellan 56; 9: Bauml 59; 10: Conde 62.

ITALY RESULTS: 1: Bauml 18; 2: Bristow 22; 3: Gomez 24; 4: Bown 24; 5: Barkved 35; 6: Giro 42; 7: Wilde 49; 8: Abellan 52; 9: Hakonsen 58; 10: Bauer 60.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Berta Eballan (Beta-ESP)

Ina Wilde (Gas Gas-GER)

Neus Marcia (Beta-ESP) TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

Jess Bown (Scorpa-GBR)

Jule Steinert (TRRS-GER) 39

INTERNATIONAL

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Carla Caballe (Gas Gas-ESP)

Kylee Sweeten (Sherco-USA)

Nikita with Thierry Michaud

Nikita Smith (Gas Gas-GBR)

Victoria Payne (Sherco-GBR) This new class for 2017 has been very well received at all the rounds that were contested. An ideal ‘feeder’ class for TrialGP Women, some new stars of the future have already been found such as the series winner Neus Mercia from Spain and Jule Steinert from Germany. At the American round on day two Kylee Sweeten added her name to the record books with the first win from the USA in a women’s class. It has been a very brave season by Great Britain’s Nikita Smith, who has recovered against all the odds from a very serious road traffic accident to win the award from the FIM of the most improved rider.

2017 WOMEN’S TRIAL2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP USA DAY 1: 1: Murcia 23; 2: Smith 30; 3: Hoover 35; 4: Melchior 37; 5: Steinert 38; 6: Caballe 38; 7: Ter 40; 8: Sweeten 41; 9: Robinson 44; 10: Downes 49.

DAY 2: 1: Sweeten 38; 2: Caballe 43; 3: Melchior 43; 4: Hoover 55; 5: Ter 57; 6: Steinert 61; 7: Murcia 65; 8: Smith 65; 9: Robinson 65; 10: Haga 71.

CZECH REPUBLIC RESULTS: 1: Murcia 18; 2: Steinert 23; 3: Caballe 28; 4: Brancati 49; 5: Ter Jung 53; 6: Melchior 44; 7: Robinson 45; 8: Smith 49; 9: Hoover 49; 10: Aurieres 58.

ITALY RESULTS: 1: Steinert 9; 2: Ter Jung 17; 3: Murcia 18; 4: Brancati 19; 5: Caballe 27; 6: Melchior Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 40

31; 7: Smith 33; 8: Payne 36; 9: Hoover 43; 10: Robinson 44.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

QUICK SPIN SCORPA 300

Standing proud Tried and tested machinery usually ticks all the boxes of the buying public in a very competitive trials market offering many choices to suit individual needs. The Scorpa brand has been in the very capable hands of the official UK importer Nigel Birkett for over a decade now. It carries a strong reputation for reliability, and in the all-important performance areas Nigel’s experience is second to none, passing on his knowledge where it can be used in the production of the machines. With a bright orange base for its aesthetics the new 2018 model Scorpa 300cc can stand very proud amongst its rivals in all areas of handling and performance, as we will find out in this ‘Quick Spin’.

WORDS: STEPHEN DIXON AND JOHN HULME • PICTURES: EK

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

QUICK SPIN SCORPA 300

QUICK SPIN

S

uccess has come the Scorpa way at all levels of the sport from the good centre and national riders, like our test rider today Stephen Dixon right through to the Ladies’ British Championship wins with Jess Bown. In 2017 British Championship success came in the sidecar world when Nigel took on board the feedback from Nigel Crellin and his passenger Chris Molyneux on the way to the title.

The French brand added the 2017 Trial125 World Championship, with Italian Lorenzo Gandola putting Scorpa at the cutting edge of the sport. Supported rider Andy Chilton is Nigel’s ‘Main Man’ on the UK scene and he constantly puts on a good showing with the 300cc model similar to the one we have for the ‘Quick Spin’ here.

It seems like quite a long time since we asked Stephen Dixon to test a Scorpa and so we met up with him in the Lake District for his opinions on the 2018 model. Stephen has been supported on the Scorpa brand since day one with Birkett as the UK importer and was more than happy to share his thoughts with us.

STEPHEN DIXON: “I am a Scorpa fan through and through, going way back to the time when the French brand used the fantastic and ultra-reliable Japanese Yamaha engines. When Scorpa moved across to European engines I was a little dubious as to how this would affect the Scorpa as a machine. The handling with the Yamaha engined models was legendary, as it catered for riders of all abilities and came with reputation for holding your chosen line in a very comfortable way. Fortunately that handling experience has travelled across very well. This new generation orange-coloured model was introduced in 2015 and has evolved since then to what we have here in this 2018 300cc model. I have been fortunate to be good friends with Nigel for many years, and his experience for making a good machine better can be found in all Scorpa models. The fact he has 99% of the spares in stock also helps should you need any!”

NEW FOR 2018

ENGINE: Progressive Exhaust: Improved system to smooth out the power delivery and

boost performance. Twin Spark CDI: This increases performance at low engine speeds.

Clutch Oil Retention: This improves the cooling of clutch to improve its performance under heavy use. Aesthetics: Anthracite grey colour engine.

FRAME: Front Forks: Marzocchi aluminium improving control and performance.

Reiger Shock Absorber: Offering increased balance and control on both compression and rebound. Braking System: Updated with new AJP Master Cylinders. Air Filter Retention: Improved location and seal. Rear Subframe: Reinforced for a more rigid fit. Aesthetics: Black swinging arm and 2018 graphics, giving a more racing look.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

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QUICK SPIN SCORPA 300

SCORPOA 300

SPECIFICATIONS

A LABOUR OF LOVE

“First impressions always mean so much and once again I can see the new model has had some thought put into its improvements. The colour scheme actually looks very durable which is a plus point when you want to sell it. Swinging arms suffer from ‘boot’ abuse as they scuff them but with the new heavy-duty decals I am sure this will help. I always think that the frame layout leaves the machine looking quite low, which once again improves body positioning and movement on the machine.

“Nigel explained that the clutch is now revised from the 2017 model which was a little heavy in action, and I can confirm that it has been improved as I made myself comfortable on the brand new ‘out of the box’ 2018 machine. It started first kick, which is always good, and the lever ratio means it is very easy to start. Once the engine is running the clutch lever action is very light in its use, and gear selection also very crisp and precise. I did not adjust the suspension as it felt quite good at the front and rear in its standard set up from new. I left the machine running for a few minutes to warm up the engine. Once on the go the exhaust note was very crisp and clean, as was the carburetion”.

PERSONAL PREFERENCE

“It came to my notice pretty much straight away that the small changes to the frame appear to have given it a little more steering lock, which is good. I soon felt very comfortable and it’s obvious that the new Reiger rear shock absorber has something to do with this. Whether you are riding up a big step or up a rocky river bed the machine still retains its main attribute, which is holding your chosen line. With revised ignition mapping a much smoother delivery of power is on hand, giving you that extra time to pick where you are going as opposed to being thrown into hazards unexpectedly. I can imagine the front and rear suspension combination improving all the time from new as it ‘beds’ itself in. As with all modern trials machines the brakes front and rear worked very well in all conditions, and this contributed to the feeling of being very much in control on the machine.

“I am a Scorpa fan and I was very impressed with the new 2018 model, my suggestion is have a go on one and you will be very impressed, maybe as much as I was.”

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Motor Single Cylinder, Two-Stroke, Water Cooled, 5 Speed Sequential Gearbox with Security Selector System to prevent false shifts

Gear Drive Chain Secondary Drive Clutch Hydraulic Diaphragm in Oil Capacity 294 cc – 79mm x 60mm Cylinder Nikasil Coated Ignition CDI Hidria Digital Carburetor Keihin Ø 28 Chassis Tubular section frame ChromeMolybdenum

Brakes Hydraulically Activated with Floating Disc Front 185mm Ø Rear 145mm Ø Suspension Front: Marzocchi Aluminum Ø 40mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork 165mm Travel. Rear: Progressive Link System with Single Adjustable Reiger Shock Absorber, 175mm Travel Wheel Front: Morad 21” Graphite Anodised Aluminum Rim and Aluminum Hub, Steel Spokes with Michelin Tube-Type Tyre.

Rear: Morad 18” Graphite Anodised Aluminum Rim and Aluminum Hub, Steel Spokes with Michelin Tubeless Tyre.

Fuel Tank 2.6Ltr (Nylon) Weight 68.5kg Wheelbase 1,322mm Ground Clearance 310mm

Seat Height 646mm CONTACT

BIRKETT MOTOSPORT UK

T: 01229 716806 E: nigel.birkett@talk21.com W: www.birkettmotosportukltd.co.uk OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

QUICK SPIN TRS ONE 300

Forward thinking T TRS UK importer Steve Saunders has a well-documented successful trials career under his belt and continues to impress at events throughout Europe. He has a legendary reputation for great skill in slippery difficult conditions, and finding wheel grip in the most extreme of trials conditions is his trademark. His involvement in the realisation of the Spanish TRS trials models has been reflected in the development process of the new 2018 machines. They are a forward thinking manufacturer, and the one thing that shone through on this ‘Quick Spin’ is that the riding technique synonymous with Steve can be found in the development of the engine and suspension of this motorcycle.

WORDS: PHIL DISNEY AND JOHN HULME • PICTURES: TRIALS MEDIA

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he 2018 model range is very much a case of fine-tuning the previous models and implementing small improvements in the new ones. Very few problems were found when the brand was introduced to the trials world as a production machine in 2016.

World number two Adam Raga has proven the credentials of the machines in the Trial World Championship over the past two years, and in the UK Ross Danby has showed its worth in the British Championship and on the national scene.

Our regular test rider Phil Disney was one of the very first people to actually see and ride the pre-production machine in the flesh, on a trip to Spain accompanied by Steve in late 2015. With the launch of the 2018 model it seemed the ideal time to get Phil to put the latest 300cc model through its paces on a very wet English summer’s day at Hawk’s Nest in the Peak District.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

QUICK SPIN TRS ONE 300

NEW FOR 2018

ENGINE: New Design Combustion Chamber — Optimisation of the chamber to improve its

performance, thanks to the experience and tests developed in the TrialGP. Revised Crankshaft Tolerance — The engine will work with improved freedom for both increased smoothness and power. Crankshaft Bearings Teflon Coated — Specific for motorcycles, it provides better crankcase friction qualities. CDI Connectors — Improved quality and external finishing on the connection areas. Hard Anodized Kick-Start Lever — The new design improves the pedal operation incorporating a strong anodized finish. Homologation to Euro4 — All models are produced subject to the new Euro4 homologation standards.

FRAME: Improvements — High-level tests over many months to improve toughness and precision in certain areas of the frame. R16V Rear Shock Adjustments — The new setting offers a softer feel on compression and better control on rebound. New Fuel Tank — Designed to increase strength and fuel capacity with a new design fuel tap for easier operation. Plastic Rear Brake Hose Guide — The new guide provides better auto adjustment on the rear brake hose when tightening the chain. Forged Footrest Support — New design to increase strength and durability. Graphics — The new location of the graphics on the TRS One and its aluminium frame give detail and provide a more racing look. The new graphics also act as a frame protector.

Rear Sprocket Guard — Stronger and a more flexible material.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

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QUICK SPIN TRS ONE 300

PERSONAL PREFERENCE QUICK SPIN

PHIL DISNEY: “In such a short space of time the TRS has established itself as a trials machine that

comes with a good reputation in both performance and build quality. It both looks and feels very low in appearance, and the new 2018 graphics make the double-cradle forged aluminium frame stand out.

The 2016 models when launched were instantly recognisable with the yellow and silver, and the addition of the black and red graphics now bring the aesthetics to the fore. A nice little attention to detail is the black frame protectors on the area of the frame around the swinging arm pivot where the riding boots rub against the frame, a small but thoughtful change. The exposed areas of the aluminium frame and swinging arm do not easily show signs of use when the TRS has been ridden. This adds to the overall style of the machine and turns into an extra positive when looking to trade your machine for a new one.

A LABOUR OF LOVE

“Whether hot or cold it starts very easily, but I always like to warm the machine up first. It’s actually worth waiting until the cooling fan has been activated before using a motorcycle to its full potential. This was a brand new 300cc TRS that Steve had carried out the pre-delivery inspection on and tested. The diaphragm clutch and gearbox action was, as expected, smooth and precise. After a quick ride around to familiarise myself with the 300cc I was eager to put it through some more serious paces. It was a rainy, wet day and the Gritstone rocks of our test venue at Hawk’s Nest were very slippery, and I was keen to see the 2018 model’s capabilities in this environment. I had my eye on a practice hazard I wanted to test the machine on that consisted of tight turns and rock steps. Two options could be taken; one was to ride it and rev it in first gear or I could use second gear and ride it at a much smoother pace. I preferred the second option as the torque from the engine allows it to run smooth, making it easier to take the time to pick your chosen line letting the engine labour more.

“Aluminium frames tick the box for me as I like the good solid feel they give you, letting you move your body around comfortably. As a personal preference I would want the TRS set up slightly ‘longer’ for me, with the handlebars a little further forward. A dealer would help with this at point of purchase as everyone does have their own riding preferences. The front and rear suspension arrangement is very good and both are easily adjustable. The more riding, the more these improve. With plenty of rainfall the river was flowing well. When you cannot see what’s under the rocks you need to be confident in the machine and the feedback was very good. Using second gear was my preference and, as with all diaphragm clutch systems, when needed I felt very at home. Before the close of our ‘quick spin’ I was very confident and attempting some quite difficult hazards. I thoroughly enjoyed riding the TRS and it comes strongly recommended across Europe and the UK, so maybe now is the time to throw your leg over one and have a test ride.”

2018 TRS ONE 300CC SPECIFICATIONS

Motor Single cylinder Two-Stroke Liquid Cooled, 294.1cc Bore and Stroke 79mm x 60mm Carburettor Dellorto PHBL Ø 28mm Ignition Hydria CDI Double Spark Clutch 3 Disc Diaphragm TRS Hydraulic System

Gear Box 5 speed Frame Double Cradle Forged Aluminium Suspension Front: Aluminium Tech Fork 39 Ø, Stroke 175mm. Rear: Progressive Olle RV16 Two Way Adjustable System; Spring Compression adjustment and Return damping adjustment, Rear Wheel Stroke 168mm Brakes Rotor Ø 185/150mm; 4 (Front) and 2 (Rear) piston callipers.

Seat height 640mm Weight 65kg

Fuel capacity 2.3 Litre, Length 2.015mm Width 830mm Height 1,125mm CONTACT

TRS MOTORCYCLES UK LTD T: 01242 675015 E: sales@trsmotorcyclesuk.com W: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com 50

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SECOND CHANCE

CHRIS STAY

Work in progress Flash your mind back to the ACU Youth British Trials Championship around 2006–2012; I certainly can. A few names come to mind that for whatever reason disappeared from the sport. At the early 2017 season adult British Championship round at Hook’s Wood a polite young man came and talked to me, it was Chris Stay. I can remember the likes of Chris, Bradley Cox and George Gosden all battling in the youth classes. A series of events took Chris Stay away from the sport but, now more settled in life at the age of 22, it’s very much a case of unfinished business as he returns with support from TRS importer Steve Saunders and BVM Moto.

ARTICLE: JOHN HULME WITH CHRIS STAY • PICTURES: HEATH BRINDLEY R2W TRIALS

Back in trials, how good is that?

My passion for the sport never went away, it was just a change of circumstances that created the fact that I moved away from competing. This year for me is about getting back into trials and seeing how I get on in the Expert class as I previously rode the Championship route. Next year I am hoping to improve in the Expert class. Hopefully all being well and with a successful 2018 I can move back up to the Championship class in 2019.

I remember you giving it full gas at the British Championship rounds.

They were really good times. As you have mentioned, the competition between my traveling partner from the Isle of Wight George Gosden, and friends Corey Cubik, Tom Dexter, Joel Edwards, Jack Howell, Bradley Cox and many others was very intense but equally enjoyable; happy times!

Did you win any Youth British Championship titles?

Yes, I was C Class British Champion in 2006 and I also came 2nd in the Youth B and Youth A Classes.

Who sponsored you in the Youth Championships?

I rode for John Lampkin on Beta for three years in the C Class, one year on a Sherco in B Class, and finished off my youth years on a John Shirt Gas Gas. We had good support from John Shirt Jnr at Gas Gas UK and, of course, my parents – the bank of mum and dad. I would like to thank everyone who has ever sponsored or supported me. I appreciate everything everyone has done to help me over the years.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

Chris Stay (JST Gas Gas UK) 53

SECOND CHANCE CHRIS STAY

Then you sort of dropped off the radar?

I started working in my dad’s garage, which was a natural progression for me, but I did not realise how much working there would change my life. There was a person that worked at the garage who did not have any respect for other people and would bully me and put me down at any opportunity; this really affected my confidence as I was still only 16. Away from work I then unfortunately got in an altercation with another person which resulted in my jaw being broken. This really affected my confidence and with problems at work I did not realise I was entering the downward spiral of depression at a very young age.

Difficult times, I would imagine?

Yes, very difficult. I left the garage and started taking casual labour jobs, but in truth I was very depressed.

Trials riding was the last thing on my mind. I literally cut myself off from the outside world.

How did you turn this around?

I started talking to the right people about my problems and going to the right places to seek help; things turned around and started getting a lot better. Something good usually comes out of bad times and I now have a job I really enjoy, working on diesel pumps and injectors in a workshop environment based in Southampton with good people.

And so you moved back to competing trials?

The Gas Gas that I started practising on again was from when I was riding for John Shirt in 2012. It lay in my father’s garage for 4 years until I got back o n it again and started riding. I soon realised that I still had a burning passion for the sport. Despite the fact that I had been away I enjoyed competing in the Expert British Championship.

How good’s the TRS?

It’s very, very good! I will contest the last few rounds of the BTC this year and in 2018 my aim is for the top in the Experts Championship. I am hoping this will be my second-chance year. For everyone who has made this possible – TRS UK, BVM MOTO, my dad Alan Stay, Joe Henderson, Mark Coombes and my training partners Josh Stevens and George Gosden, and especially the trials ‘family’ for welcoming me back, it’s a massive thank you.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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WHO IS

LORENZO GANDOLA

Gold: 2017 Trial125 World Champion.

Trial125 World Champion At the start of this year’s Trial125 World Championship Italy’s Lorenzo Gandola was not even on the radar of Trial Magazine – to the point that at round one of the five-round series in Spain we never even got any action pictures! ‘Who is this young rider?’ was my immediate thought when I spotted him on the top step of the podium. He had easily won the last two rounds of the 2016 championship in Italy at Chiampo, but maybe this had been due to a little bit of home advantage? Over the course of the 2017 championship we became more and more aware of this shy young rider. We apologised at round two for not taking any pictures, and I promised him: “If you win the Trial125 World Championship I want an interview”. He smiled and in a quiet unassuming manner replied: “I will try”. For such a young man he is very calm and thoughtful with his answers. Speaking with Mario Candellone, the experienced motorcycle trials journalist who runs the Italian website: www.phototrial.it, he said that Lorenzo was most certainly a good prospect for the future of Italian riders in the Trial World Championship WORDS: LORENZO GANDOLA WITH JOHN HULME • PICTURES: TRIALS MEDIA, WWW.PHOTOTRIAL.IT

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2016: Chiampo Italy; on the way to two wins.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

WHO IS

LORENZO GANDOLA

2017: The win in Andorra opened up a small advantage.

2016: Chiampo Italy – Podium time.

I must firstly once again apologise for not taking any pictures of you in Spain!

No problem, you were not the only one! It just makes the podium pictures more valuable – he says, grinning! Maybe I need to be more exciting with my riding so that you do notice me. At the first round I was not sure how strong the other riders would be but I remained focussed on my own riding and was more than happy to take the twenty points.

Tell us about your introduction to the world of trials

As with most young riders it came from my father and a friend. I am sure you can imagine that coming from Italy we have a strong interest in anything with wheels. Valentino Rossi has done so much for the two-wheeled sport that we are all very passionate about motorcycles. My father had seen motorcycle trials and knew it would be a good introduction for me.

Gold: 2017 Trial125 World Champion.

Did you ride in cycle trials first or was it straight onto a motorcycle?

Electric motorcycles areItaly; veryonmuch a part ofwins. the future of trials and I started my 3: 2016: Chiampo the way to two

career on one. As I progressed with it I also started to ride a cycle trials bike. It 2016: Chiampo – Podium time. was quite4:interesting to Italy see how much the electric motorcycles have progressed at the TrialE Cup in France; I was very impressed.

5: 2017: Spain; on the way to win number one.

Is there a youth system in Italy run by the federation?

6: 2017: The win in Andorra opened up a small advantage.

Yes, we have Team Italia which is supported by the Italian Federation. It gives youth riders a waytotomyenter into the World Championship and the 7: 2017: Listening minder and myTrial father Cristiano.

European Championship as well.

8: 2017: France was a tough round.

How did your education go?

9: 2017: disaster in qualifying in Great putin him last.

I know just howA important education is forBritain later on life, and I actually enjoy

school which makes everything just a little bit easier. At school we do not 10: 2017: Riding at the very front of the riders in Great Britain. practice or train for any particular sport but if you start to excel at any particular discipline11:the does show interest encourage 2017:school Champagne time inan Great Britainand – happy days! you. Vocational education is in place that prepares you to work in a chosen trade and to learn its skills, which is what I enjoy the most.

2017: Spain; on the way to win number one.

When did you start to compete in the European Championship?

I started riding In the European Championship last year and realised just how competitive I could be. I had previously won several junior titles and the 125cc Championship. The atmosphere was very good with the other riders and I explained to my father that it would be good to do the final two rounds of the World Championship on the 125cc.

Were you surprised to win at Chiampo?

2017: Listening to my minder and my father Cristiano.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

I approached the two-day event the same as I have for every event but with it being my ‘home’ round I did train that little bit harder on the run up to the event. On day one I was a little nervous but took a clear victory. Believe it or not I was more nervous on day two and nearly lost the win after a very poor second lap! My fellow Italian rider, Mirko Spreafico, pushed me all the way.

With the Italian national anthem playing it was a very proud day for both of us. The icing on the cake was the celebration of my birthday on the same day!

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WHO IS

LORENZO GANDOLA

2017: France was a tough round.

Tell us about 2017

I knew Billy Green would be good, and the one to beat if I was to be world champion. He is a very strong, determined rider, and at every round I would have to be at my very best.

For some reason I could not settle to a good rhythm in qualifying but I did not really let this bother me. The wins in Japan on day two and Andorra had Billy on the back foot and I opened up a small advantage. In France both Billy and I were beaten by Fabien Poirot, who stood very proud in his home GP on the top spot of the podium. Despite the disaster in Great Britain in qualifying, where I finished last, I knew that a good sensible ride would give me the title and that’s exactly what I did, despite riding at the very front of the entry and having to ride the hazards first.

What is the level of support from Scorpa, is it direct with the factory or with the Italian importer?

The Scorpa deal is direct with the factory. They had seen my two wins in Italy in 2016, which must have impressed them. We talked about my ambitions in motorcycle trials, which resulted in the three-year contract running from 2017–2019. I was very pleased to sign for this term as it gives me some stability knowing that I will not be swapping and changing machinery. The 125cc Scorpa is a superb machine which resulted in me winning the 2017 Trial125 World Championship. It’s very much a standard machine with small changes made to suit my riding style.

Your minder is your father?

Yes, my father Cristiano is my minder and father. We work very well together as he understands what I am thinking – well, most of the time!

Tell us about your plans for 2018

2017: A disaster in qualifying in Great Britain put him last.

2017: Riding at the very front of the riders in Great Britain.

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I will move to the bigger engined Scorpa as soon as possible. The winter months will be all about training and setting up the Scorpa. It’s quite a change from the 125cc to the 250cc so it will all be about adjusting my technique and riding style. I have already ridden the 250cc and, along with the extra power, the suspension starts to work more efficiently so we will focus on getting this set correctly as well. Before I close I would like to thank everyone who has made this World Championship win possible – thank you!

2017: Champagne time in Great Britain. Happy days!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

TEAM

RG TRIALS

The 2017 team consisted of nine staff with three riders, three minders, one mechanic, one press officer and owner Rudi. The three riders are Sweden’s Eddie Karlsson in the TrialGP class and Noe Pretalli and French rider Pierre Sauvage in the Trial2 class. The minders are Sam Decoux, Dominique Guillaume and Steven Coquelin.

PURE PASSION

As the editor of Trial Magazine for just over the last decade, I have come into contact with many people with a vision of running their own trials team. In the tough economic climate, we are living in this dream is a very difficult one to bring to life, as the funding is always the stumbling block — as is the time and commitment. We are talking about quite a substantial investment for it to work, but there is one key factor in this recipe that needs to be added, and that is passion.

I first came into contact with Rudi Geiser at the Japanese World round in 2015. I had noticed him before with his good friend Walter Wermuth. We started to talk about the world trials scene and the need to offer opportunities to the young riders looking for a future in the motorcycle sport of trials. Great Britain’s Jack Sheppard was having a tough 2015 season, and when he arrived at the Rhode Island venue for the American World round. I was very surprised to see him there with his machine and ready to compete. He mentioned the name, Rudi Geiser, saying he had helped to make it happen, and my question was answered.

Since those early days, the team has moved forward and progressed at a very steady pace, as they develop the riders and enjoy the support of Montesa and a long list of many sponsors and companies who support the team. The man who made it all happen was Rudi Geiser, a man with a pure passion for trials.

ARTICLE: JOHN HULME PICTURES: WALTER WERMUTH AND TRIALS MEDIA

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Trial Magazine’s editor first noticed Rudi in the paddock of the 2015 Japanese World round.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

TEAM

RG TRIALS

2015 Japan: Noe Pretalli.

N

ow in its third year of competing in the Trial World Championship, the RG Trials Team of Rudi Geiser has made a name for itself in the paddocks of the world of trials. The owner of a ski rental company named Tramelan, he has equipped himself with an infrastructure and organisation unique in the small world of trials. The team consists of nine staff with three riders, three minders, one mechanic, one press officer, and the team manager and owner Rudi. The three riders are Sweden’s Eddie Karlson in the TrialGP class and Noe Pretalli in the Trial2 class, who holds the distinction of being the first Swiss rider to enter this class, and French rider Pierre Sauvage. The minders Sam Decoux, Dominique Guillaume and Steven Coquelin, are very experienced and well known in the off-road world, bringing a wealth of knowledge they are happy to share.

The RG Trial Team travels around the world trying to juggle the world, European and national trials championships in a very busy calendar. The Scottish Six Days Trial is also an event they enjoy. While Pierre continues to learn the ropes, Eddie and Noe compete in their respective national championships, and both have the distinction of being the defending champions. Noe and Eddie are also part of the national teams representing Switzerland and Sweden in the famous Trial of Nations. We had a conversation with Rudi about the team, where he answered our questions very openly.

2015 USA: Noe Pretalli with the Jotagas in front of the all-important sponsorship banner at the back.

Global exposure for the sponsors is very important.

2015 USA: Noe Pretalli and Jack Sheppard.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

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TEAM

RG TRIALS

2016 Spain: Noe Pretalli soon adapted to the four-stroke power of the Cota 4RT. How is all this possible, factory machines and good competitive riders?

During these last three seasons competing in the Trial World Championship, first with Noe then with the arrival of Eddie and Pierre, the factories started to take notice of our commitment — especially Montesa who had witnessed first-hand the work that had been done. I became a sort of satellite team, with the key to the door of the factory supported machines. This is how we arrived at the support from Montesa with the Cota 300RR models. As a team using the Montesa it’s ideal as they give very little problems, such is the reliability of the four-stroke engine, and we also have access to the team technicians and staff if we have a problem. As a brand, they are very easy to deal with as we can easily address all aspects of the sport.

How did you reserve a place in the ‘A’ paddock?

I arrived in the ‘A’ designated paddock after the FIM looked closely at the infrastructure of the team and awarded us this prestigious position. They know exactly why we are in the sport and what we want to achieve. We also have financial stability, which was very important as it shows we are not just playing a game.

Financially, what does a season cost and how is it all financed?

The costs I am not 100% sure of — Rudi smiles… I set up a network of sponsors on a regional level playing the card of proximity, communication and participation. They all found these key elements very attractive, at the different levels of exposure they wanted. We contest the national championships for those sponsors for whom this is the most attractive. It’s the same with the European and World Championships, as at both levels of competition we can give the sponsors either European exposure or if they want a global window we can also provide this level. These partners and friends have been loyal for more than three seasons and are invited to come to the events, whether in Switzerland or the rest of the world, with support and easy access to watch the riders who ultimately they are funding. This is a very appreciative and rewarding formula that works for everyone involved from the different areas that the sponsorship packages come from.

In the motorcycle, trials world the support from Montesa in Spain, the Honda importers in Switzerland, and the relevant hard parts and clothing, helmet and boot sponsors are very much appreciated as they are supporting the sport in a team that needs it to compete at the level we do. It’s also a place where we can help them to develop their products.

Where does all the motivation come from?

As well as having a huge passion for motorcycle trials I also enjoy entrepreneurship. I have applied my skills — no different to the ones I apply in business — in organising the RG Trials team. I pride myself on being very efficient in everything I do in life. The whole trials ‘family’ is a good one to be around and I also love the travelling, as the trials locations around the world can take you places you would probably never visit in a normal life away from motorcycle trials.

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2016 Spain: Montesa contacted Rudi to propose that the Swedish rider Eddie Karlsson joined his team. The RG Trials team obtained support from Montesa in 2016.

How do you see the development of the team?

To give better value and exposure to our sponsors I may not compete in the TrialGP class, and change my main focus to the Trial2 class in 2018. I believe we can attract more support with better results in Trial2 than at the bottom end of the points in TrialGP. I am open to supporting riders from any countries as my sponsors can benefit with more exposure in different areas. With the right riders, I would like to have a support package where they can challenge to win the Trial2 World Championship; that would be the dream, an RG Trials Team world champion.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

TEAM

RG TRIALS

2017 France: Eddie Karlsson on the limit in qualifying.

RUDI GEISER — THE MAN TO KNOW

Not quite an unknown in the world of motorcycle sport, his first involvement of management came about with road racer Yves Briguet before he became involved with the indoor trial at Tramelan in the nineties. In 2012 he applied his organisational skills to the Trial Des Nations at Moutier in Switzerland as the host nation. He is based in Switzerland at Tramelan, which has a history of watch making, which is maybe where his precision in running the trials team comes from! The local economy employs a huge manufacturing and support industry which is one of the areas he can look to for support and sponsorship for his trials venture. Away from the trials scene, his main activity during the winter months is a ski rental agency. It was no surprise that Montesa contacted him to propose Swedish rider Eddie Karlsson into his team, as the official Montesa team was already complete with Spanish riders Toni Bou, Jaime Busto and Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami.

Here we look into the mind a little more of this larger than life character that is Rudi Geiser to see how he ‘ticks’.

At the entrance to Tramelan in Switzerland where he lives, you will see a large blue house with an inscription ‘Geiser Sport — Ski rental’. After having a sports shop and travel agency in the centre of the village, Rudi is now concentrating on one of the region’s most famous winter sports ski rentals, an activity that allows him during the summer period to devote himself to another of his passions: the motorcycle. He is the 3rd of 5 boys that ended with the arrival of a sister, and the Geiser family represents a whole generation active in either wood or trade; Rudi is interested in both in addition to the motorcycle. His education was in Berne and then in St. Moritz in a sports shop before he then travelled back to Tramelan to take over the family sports shop. Like Rudi’s grandfather and father, who are all skiers and ski makers, Rudi plans to build a Swiss Ski Museum, a challenge that is already very advanced.

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2017 Japan: Noe Pretalli continues to gain experience in the Trial2 class.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

TEAM

RG TRIALS

FROM SAWDUST TO OIL

The Moto Sports Tramelan, which has been active since 1972, has traditionally organised a round of the Swiss Trials Championship, first on the magnificent pastures of the Reussilles and now in the PC compound in Tramelan. This led Rudi to acquire his first motorcycle when he was 15 years old, a Bultaco Sherpa ... then followed many other models including a Suzuki ER 125, a Triumph Bonneville 750 and then others, including the latest: a Ducati 1098.

His participation in the Junior championship trials between 1988 and 1992 gave him an understanding of trials, and he rode quite well and enjoyed it, but he was more interested in the organisation, management and sponsorship in the field of motorcycle trials. To his credit, he coached the Monnin de Tavannes brothers who won many national trials from 1992 to 1995, including three Swiss Elite Championships for Cédric from 1994 to 1996, and internationally they represented their country in the Trial Des Nations. He was also interested in speed, becoming the manager from 1994 to 1996 of Yves Briguet who would shine both in the European and world championship becoming twice vice-world champion in the Thunderbike class. He was also active in the field of cycle-trial taking the Tramelot resident Dave Rollier to the title of vice-world champion in 1995 in Germany in the Junior category. Rudi is now the manager of the young Swiss trials rider Noé Pretalli from Vicques, with whom he started in the 2014 World Championship. It was the first time in the history of trials that a Swiss rider would participate in the entire world series.

The team are in the ‘A’ designated paddock after the FIM looked closely at the infrastructure of the team. They know exactly why they are in the sport and what they want to achieve. They also have financial stability, which is very important.

Using the Montesa is ideal for the team, as the machines give very few problems such is the reliability of the four-stroke engine. They also have access to the team technicians and staff. As a brand, Montesa have proved very easy to deal with as they can easily address all aspects of the sport.

Rudi is very happy with what he has achieved so far with the team, quite rightly.

ORGANISE A TRIAL IN THE VATICAN!

As we have already seen, Rudi is a man of ambition and is not one to shy away from anything he deems possible. Already he has shown the world of trials his organisational skills by setting up the memorable indoor trials of Tramelan from 1989 to 1992, which twice showed the world the skills of the French stunt rider Jean-Pierre Goy. But the highlight for Rudi will undoubtedly be his time in the presidency at the head of the organisation of the Trial Des Nations in 2012 in Moutier. At the end of this fantastic event, the International Motorcycling Federation awarded Rudi Geiser the prize for excellence. In the opinion of the jury, the event was the most formidable of the ones ever run since the creation of the Trial Des Nations in 1984! For the anecdote, the representative of Italy, who was in the midst of the resignation of Benedict XVI, closed the session by saying: “If Rudi presents himself as a pope, he is elected!”

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

WORKSHOP REAR SUSPENSION

How good is your rear shock?

You will always be able to witness a major happening in the workshop areas at the Trial World Championship. The technicians, mechanics and riders will all be focussing on two areas of machine performance: the engine and the suspension. The rear suspension setup has a multitude of settings, along with the front, and to find out more we spoke with the TRP people, who can build a rear shock to suit the requirements of each individual. It was our regular test rider Phil Disney who brought the TRP to our attention after he fitted one to his Montesa Cota 4RT. After some more research we found that aftermarket hard-parts specialist Jitsie could supply the TRP rear shock for many of today’s modern trials machines. It was time to find out more from the TRP owner Patrick Nelissen.

ARTICLE: TRP, PHIL DISNEY AND YOOMEE

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T

he original company ‘Motorhuis Thys’ was founded back in 1962 by Jean Thys, who is Patrick Nelissen’s father in law. Jean started out as an official dealership for Honda, BMW, Yamaha and Suzuki motorcycles. After the torch was passed to Patrick and his wife to continue with the company they also took on the dealership for Montesa trials motorcycles, continuing a tradition as the official importer for the last 25 years. Back in 2005 the brand TRP was created.

Being the importer of Wilbers and Matris shock absorbers, the quest for a specific trials shock started which quickly turned into a homemade product, with the name TRP as result. The first rear shocks were available for the Montesa models, and this was followed by producing them for the OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

WORKSHOP

REAR SUSPENSION

Is your rear shock set up correctly?

other motorcycle brands. They were very well received and soon gained a reputation for excellent build quality and performance. Now they can offer a standard rear shock as a direct replacement or their own range of rear shocks, which can be suited and tuned to each rider’s requirements, offering an à la carte menu of adjustments. In general TRP shocks are 1cm longer or 1cm shorter than the original ones when built. This gives more ‘springway’ and is generally appreciated by the average rider since it makes it easier to handle and move the rear end of the machine. For high-level riders that do a lot of their riding on the rear wheel the shock can be shortened to make handling easier for them as well.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

Each shock has a specific spring weight and an adjusted internal setting in relation to the spring used. So a soft and a hard shock will not only have different springs but also different shims/parts on the inside.

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WORKSHOP REAR SUSPENSION

The selection process of components for each rider’s own rear shock is extensive.

UPGRADE

The TRP trials shock absorber is a great upgrade for any trials rider to obtain a better suspension setup, as it allows for a wide range of adjustments to be made to the rear damping using the anodised serrated roller. The question you have to ask yourself is are you happy with the rear suspension on your machine? In truth many riders do not know how to set their machine up, and that’s where the TRP rear shock can help. Go to a good reputable trials dealer who supplies the product and ask for some general advice – or maybe it’s easier to talk with one of the more professional riders who understands how the rear suspension should be set!

Main Features: Fully adjustable rebound — Progressive damping — Top quality CNC machined aluminium parts — Anodised serrated roller for easy adjustment — Made and assembled in Belgium.

The shocks are based on rider weight via the wide range of different springs available. Every shock has a different damping for the weight-specific spring.

There is a piston inside the shock to separate the nitrogen from the oil, which is why there is no need for the external reservoir like on other shocks.

TRP shocks are available through every Off Road Action dealer worldwide.

Here we see a TRP on the dyno. After assembly every shock is carefully tested on the dyno to check if the right values have been achieved and if everything works fine. We work with hydraulic damping in our shocks, which means that the first contact on the motorcycle is soft and gentle but it progressively increases during contact with an obstacle to ensure maximum contact of the rear wheel with the hazard.

The dyno is connected to the computer so we can easily follow the cycle during the testing. This makes it easy to check the values and see if there are any deviations in the cycle. Any necessary changes can still be made at this point.

The test charts for every shock are safely guarded in our archives. In this way we can compare a shock with its original cycle when it comes back for service or repair and trace the exact origin of the problem.

For example, in some cases we’ve seen that the shock still worked fine on the dyno but the linkage on the motorcycle was the defect.

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When you purchase a TRP rear shock you are investing in a masterpiece of engineering!

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT

ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Pressure point The outcome of the 2017 ACU British Championship will go all the way to the wire if present form from the top three in the championship is anything to go by.

Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) holds the advantage, but nothing can be taken for granted as both Jack Sheppard (Beta-UK) and Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas UK) are both piling on the pressure, with their targets firmly set on Price.

ARTICLE: YOOMEE

Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK)

Jack Sheppard (Beta-UK)

CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS

Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas UK)

This year’s series has been very much a story of the old guard of Michael Brown fighting off Jack Sheppard and the new young breed of riders coming through making their mark.

Price is still in the driving seat and holding the advantage, but with 40 points on offer at the double-header in Scotland, if Sheppard can carry his present form into the last two rounds who knows? Do not count out the ‘Mighty Atom’ Brown. With so many years of experience he will be as determined as ever but will the Peace brothers, Iwan Roberts or Toby Martyn play a part in the outcome of the championship as they all try to close the season with a strong finish?

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

Dan Peace (JST Gas Gas UK)

ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS. TWO ROUNDS REMAIN

CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS RESULTS: 1: Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) 103; 2: Jack Sheppard (Beta-UK) 97; 3: Michael

Brown (JST Gas Gas UK) 92; 4: Dan Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) 79; 5: Iwan Roberts (Beta-UK) 62; 6: Toby Martyn (Vertigo) 60; 7: Jack Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) 56; 8: Andy Chilton (Andy Metcalfe BMS Scorpa) 50; 9: Ross Danby (TRS UK) 33; 10: Sam Haslam (JST Gas Gas UK) 29; 11: Dec Bullock (Beta-UK) 26; 12: Jonathan Richardson (Sherco) 24; 13: Sam Connor (Beta-UK) 21; 14: Thomas Minta (JST Gas Gas UK) 16; 15: Jack Spencer (Beta-UK) 9.

ROUND 6 GLAISDALE RESULTS: 1: Sheppard 31; 2: Dan Peace 42; 3: Price 48; 4: Jack Peace 52; 5: Brown 53; 6: Roberts 56; 7: Martyn 59; 8: Chilton 78; 9: Danby 92; 10: Adam Milner (TRS-UK) 119.

Please note that due to print deadlines, this championship may have been decided by the time you read the magazine. We do apologise.

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SPORT

ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

North Vs South Yes, that’s how the final two rounds will be, a straight North versus South between Richard Sadler (Acklams Beta) and James Fry (Sherco). Both will openly tell you that they have not shown their best form in 2017. Do not count out Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK). Now approaching 40 years of age he will use all his experience to aim for another championship crown.

ARTICLE: YOOMEE

Richard Sadler (Acklams Beta)

James Fry (Sherco)

EXPERT CLASS

Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK)

Taking two wins in this year’s campaign, Richard Sadler holds the advantage. Joe Baker (Active Sherco) has won both the rounds he has contested but is not in the fight for the title. Both James Fry and Dan Thorpe have won individual rounds but despite a slow start in round one Sadler has been a consistent runner-up. It’s the inconsistency from both Fry and Thorpe that leave them trailing Sadler in the points table.

Fry knows that he has to take the two wins in Scotland at the double-header, but will it be enough to overhaul and pass an equally determined Sadler? We will see. It will also be interesting to see who wins the Sherco battle for fourth between Tom Affleck and Luke Walker.

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Tom Affleck (Cloburn Sherco)

ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS. TWO ROUNDS REMAIN

EXPERT CLASS RESULTS: 1: Richard Sadler (Acklams Beta) 104; 2: James Fry (Sherco) 96; 3: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) 86; 4: Tom Affleck (Cloburn Sherco) 66; 5: Luke Walker (Sherco) 60; 6: James Stones (Acklams Beta) 41; 7: Joe Baker (Active Sherco) 40; 8: Chris Stay (TRS UK) 33; 9: Jonny Starmer (Beta) 32; 10: Rob Waite (Beta-UK/Acklams) 27; 11: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 26; 12: Chris Alford (JST Cloburn Gas Gas) 22; 13: Lloyd Price (Gas Gas) 19; 14: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 19; 15: Keiran Child (Appleyard Beta) 16.

ROUND 6 GUISBOROUGH RESULTS: 1: Sadler 38; 2: Fry 43; 3: Thorpe 58; 4: Affleck 60; 5: Stay 66; 6: Jervis 77; 7: Bristow 73; 8: Stones 74; 9: Connor Atkinson (Sherco) 79; 10: Waite 81.

Please note that due to print deadlines, this championship may have been decided by the time you read the magazine. We do apologise.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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SPORT

ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Brilliant Billy Green Bold words but yes, Billy Green (Beta-UK) has been brilliant. Taking a full-house of wins has not been easy but that’s what he has done, and barring an absolute disaster he has the 2017 title sewn up.

ARTICLE: YOOMEE

Billy Green (Beta-UK)

Duncan MacColl (Beta)

YOUTH A CLASS

Josh Hanlon (Beta)

It may look like it, but Green has not had everything all his own way. At this latest round it was Duncan MacColl (Beta) who lost out on a tie break to give Green the win. The day’s action was played out between these two all day after MacColl took the lead on the opening lap. Green came fighting back with the best lap of the trial on his second tour of the hazards but his challenger came back even harder and was unlucky to miss his first win in the 2017 championship with his best single-lap score at the close of the day.

It’s once again inconsistency that has kept both Josh Hanlon (Beta) and Oliver Smith (Gas Gas) just off the winning pace, but the championship fight as in the other two classes will go all the way to the final rounds for those much sought-after podium positions. The talent in this 125cc class is on a par with the world’s best riders, and is a pleasure to watch.

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Oliver Smith (Gas Gas)

ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS. TWO ROUNDS REMAIN

YOUTH A CLASS RESULTS: 1: Billy Green (Beta-UK) 120; 2: Duncan MacColl (Beta) 92; 3: Josh Hanlon (Beta) 90; 4: Oliver Smith (Gas Gas) 88; 5: Gus Oblein (Sherco) 63; 6: Jake Eley (Acklams Beta) 43; 7: Adam Juffs (Beta) 37; 8: Will Tolson (Beta) 36; 9: Ronnie Day (Gas Gas) 32; 10: Jack Biggins (Beta) 28; 11: Zac Collinson (Feet-Up Gas Gas) 22; 12: Joshua Wright (Beta) 19; 13: Joe Faunthorpe (Beta) 10.

ROUND 6 GUISBOROUGH RESULTS: 1: Green 70; 2: MacColl 70; 3: Smith 92; 4: Hanlon 109; 5: Collinson 130; 6: Oblein 146; 7: Juffs 153; 8: Day 164; 9: Eley 165.

Please note that due to print deadlines, this championship may have been decided by the time you read the magazine.

We do apologise.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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SPORT

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Youth B, C & D Despite the fact that the 2017 Acklams Beta supported Youth British Championship has only been contested over four rounds, the action in the respective classes has been as good as ever. We have had Dan Slack, George Hemingway and Toby Shaw head and shoulders above the rest with a full house of maximum points in their classes, whereas the other classes have been so much closer. The championship still attracts good entries at all the rounds, giving an excellent day’s sport for all the riders. The championship is the envy of many other countries as a feeder system before the boys turn into young men in the adult championships and, as we have witnessed in the past on so many occasions, start to challenge for the very top of the trials world.

ARTICLE: YOOMEE THANKS TO BARRY ROBINSON FOR POPULATING THE ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 TABLES

Dan Slack (Sherco)

Mitchell Brightmore (Gas Gas) 84

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

B CLASS

With Dan Slack a worthy champion, winning every round, the action would focus on the battle for second between Mitchell Brightmore and Charlie Smith. Both of them made their maiden voyage into the FIM Trial World Championship before fighting it out for the second step on the podium in the B Class at Matlock. This very unforgiving venue would see Slack at his best as a very close contest unfolded, with Smith losing out with a poor second lap to his rival Brightmore. Try as he might Smith could not pull the marks back, as Brightmore had done all his hard work on the opening two of the three laps to edge Smith into third overall, both on the day and in the championship.

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP YOUTH B CLASS ROUND 4: MANSFIELD MAUN MCC, MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE RESULTS: 1: Daniel Slack (Sherco) 48; 2: Mitchell Brightmore (Gas Gas) 60; 3:

Charlie Smith (Beta) 64; 4: Ryan Brown (Beta) 88; 5: William Dalton (Beta) 92; 6: Ben Dignan (Gas Gas) 103; 7: Brett Harbud (Beta) 130; 8: Edward Earl (Beta) 133; 9: Jack Dance (Beta) 135; 10: Ross Galloway (Scorpa) 145; 11: William Clarke (Beta) 155; 12: Olivia Brooksbank (Gas Gas) 161; 13: George Clarke (Sherco) 176; 14: Owen Chestnut (Gas Gas) 178.

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 RESULTS: 1: Daniel Slack 80; 2: Mitchell Brightmore 64; 3: Charlie Smith 62; 4:

Charlie Smith (Beta)

C CLASS STANDARD WHEEL

It was a very nervous Harry Turner at the final round, but he need not to have been; as with any good rider he did enough to secure the championship with a third place on the day. It was the turn of another Buxton based rider, Ashton Brightmore, to show his best form in a needle match with another hot talent Harry Hemingway. The deciding factor between these two was

William Dalton 48; 5: Ben Dignan 45; 6: Ryan Brown 43; 7: Jack Dance 35; 8: Edward Earle 33; 9: Brett Harbud 23; 10: Ross Galloway 22; 11: William Clark 15; 12: Harvey Taglione 12; 13: Olivia Brooksbank 11; 14: Gorge Clarke 9; 15: Joe Child 8.

once again the second lap after Hemingway had initially held the advantage after the opening lap of the twelve testing hazards. The final lap was so close but Brightmore pulled back another mark on Hemingway to take the win and move himself into the runner-up position in the championship, as Jamie Galloway remained consistent to take third in the championship.

Ashton Brightmore (Beta)

Harry Turner (Beta)

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP YOUTH C CLASS STANDARD WHEEL ROUND 4: MANSFIELD MAUN MCC, MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE RESULTS: 1: Ashton Brightmore (Beta) 49; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 53; 3: Harry Turner (Beta) 67; 4: Jamie Galloway (Beta) 115; 5: Harry Stephenson (Beta) 119; 6: Alfie Lampkin (Beta) 144; 7: Jay Pyper (Beta) 149; 8: Bobby Moyer (Beta) 152.

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 RESULTS: 1: Harry Turner 75; 2: Ashton Brightmore 65; 2: Jamie Galloway 60;

4: Henry Stephenson 48; 5: Jay Pyper 39; 6: Bobby Moyer 38; 7: Alfie Lampkin 36; 8: Harry Hemingway 34; 9: Oscar Lace 24; 10: Alfred Alderman 7.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

Jamie Galloway (Beta) 85

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SPORT

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Max Agar (Beta)

George Hemingway (Beta)

C CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – PETROL

Morgan Shepherd (Beta)

With Dan Slack a worthy champion, winning every round, the action would focus on the battle for second between Mitchell Brightmore and Charlie Smith. Both of them made their maiden voyage into the FIM Trial World Championship before fighting it out for the second step on the podium in the B Class at Matlock. This very unforgiving venue would see Slack at his best as a very close contest unfolded, with Smith losing out with a poor second lap to his rival Brightmore. Try as he might Smith could not pull the marks back, as Brightmore had done all his hard work on the opening two of the three laps to edge Smith into third overall, both on the day and in the championship.

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP YOUTH C CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – PETROL ROUND 4: MANSFIELD MAUN MCC, MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE RESULTS: 1: George Hemingway (Beta) 111; 2: Max Agar (Beta) 145; 3: Morgan Shepherd (Beta) 152; 4: Alfie Ray-Turner (Beta) 153; 5: Charlie Crossland (Beta) 157; 6: Freddie Stephenson (Beta) 168.

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 RESULTS: 1: George Hemingway 80; 2: Max Agar 62; 3: Charlie Crossland 58; 4: Morgan Shepherd 54; 5: Alfie Ray-Turner 39; 6: Freddie Stephenson 38; 7: Jacob Reeday 20; 8: Arran Sherwin 17; 9: Jacob Potts 10.

C CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – ELECTRIC

Approaching the final round, this championship could have gone either way between Myles Hutchinson and Dominic Horne. The winner on the day would take the crown, and that was to be Hutchinson. There was never much in it over the course of the three laps, but Hutchinson had a small lead on the opening lap which he slowly opened up over the other two laps. Thomas Wright was just off the pace but took third in the championship.

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP YOUTH C CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – ELECTRIC ROUND 4: MANSFIELD MAUN MCC, MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE RESULTS: 1: Myles Hutchinson (Oset) 130; 2: Dominic Horne (Oset) 143; 3: Thomas Wright (Oset) 151.

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 RESULTS: 1: Myles Hutchinson 74; 2: Dominic Horne 74; 3: Thomas Wright 60; 4: Dylan Ratcliffe 26.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

Myles Hutchinson (Oset) 87

SPORT

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Toby Shaw (Oset)

Max Dance (Beta)

D CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – ELECTRIC

D CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – PETROL

Jasper Fox came out fighting in the final round to take the win, but Max Dance was to be the clear championship winner due to his season-long consistency. Frasier Lampkin continues to improve as he pushed Fox all the way in the final round but the winner had the edge over Lampkin on every lap, which was reflected in the final scores and the winning advantage.

Top of the class in this entry and championship was Toby Shaw, who joined Dan Slack and George Hemingway with maximum points from four wins in their individual classes. Both Stephan Mewett-Richardson and Alexander Horne have enjoyed their own battle for the final two steps on the championship podium, with Mewett-Richardson’s victory at Matlock giving him the runner-up position just in front of Horne.

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

YOUTH D CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – PETROL ROUND 4: MANSFIELD MAUN MCC, MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE

YOUTH D CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – ELECTRIC ROUND 4: MANSFIELD MAUN MCC, MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE

RESULTS: 1: Jasper Fox (Beta) 110; 2: Frasier Lampkin (Beta) 121; 3: Max

RESULTS: 1: Toby Shaw (Oset) 38; 2: Stefan Mewett-Richardson (Oset) 83; 3:

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2017

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2017

RESULTS: 1: Max Dance 69; 2: Frasier Lampkin 57; 3: Jasper Fox 48; 4: Adam

RESULTS: 1: Toby Shaw 80; 2: Stephan Mewett-Richardson 66; 3: Alexander

Dance (Beta) 165.

Day 32.

Euan Sim (Oset)

William Sagar (Oset)

D CLASS SMALL WHEEL

This class is where most of the close action has been played out, with the championship going to the wire in this final encounter of 2017. William Sagar opened the year with a win at round one, as Stanley Cubbon took the win at round two.

With no points from round one Cubbon was always going to struggle to win the championship, but he never gave up. Throw in Elliot Smith with a good win in the heavy rain at round three, and the final round would decide the winner of the 2017 series.

Euan Sim waited until the final round to show his best form and with it came the overall championship win, closely followed by William Sagar and Elliott Smith on 65 points each. Joe Drysdale finished fourth by a single point from Cubbon, who rounded off the top five positions in this very well supported class that was dominated by Oset machines.

Alexander Horne (Oset) 92; 4: Jonathan Fannon (Oset) 116.

Horne 62; 4: Jonathan Fannon 52.

Elliot Smith (Oset)

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP YOUTH D CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL – ELECTRIC ROUND 4: MANSFIELD MAUN MCC, MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE RESULTS: 1: Euan Sim (Oset) 35; 2: William Sagar (Oset) 44; 3: Stanley Cubbon (Oset) 58; 4: Elliott Smith (Oset) 67; 5: Jonathan Hancock (Oset) 89; 5: Rowan Dean (Oset) 99; 7: Joe Drysdale (Oset) 103; 8: Ronnie Richards (Oset) 106; 9: Ollie Gundy (Oset) 106; 10: Ellis Barton (Oset) 114; 11: Matilda Arbon (Oset) 118; 12: Summer Brooksbank (Oset) 119; 13: Oliver Arkwright (Oset) 121; 14: Jacob Wilson (Oset) 131; 15: Ruari Younie (Oset) 134

ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 RESULTS: 1: Euan Sim 69; 2: William Sagar 65; 3: Elliott Smith 65; 4: Joe Drysdale 46; 5: Stanley Cubbon 45; 6: Jonathan Hancock 41; 7: Ellis Barton 34; 8: Rowan Dean 33; 9: Matilda Arbon 33; 10: Ruari Younie 20; 11: Summer Brooksbank 14; 12: Max Lampkin (Beta) 12; 13: Corey Shepherd (Mecatecno) 11; 14: Ronnie Richards 9; 15: Oliver Arkwright 9.

Trial Magazine would like to apologise to all concerned for the incorrect championship positions in the last magazine. Sorry!

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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EAST NEUK

TRIALS MOTORCYCLES SSDT – OUR WINNERS SSDT East Neuk Trials Motorcycle would like to congratulate our top three Scottish riders: Gary MacDonald, Andy Anderson and Craig Houston. All Scorpa riders who started the SSDT, all finished.

SPECIAL FIRST CLASS AWARD: Gary MacDonald, Andy Chilton, Jonathon Lunney, Stephen Dixon, Sean Doyle, Andy Anderson, Craig Houston and Sam Myers (Top 50). FIRST CLASS AWARD: Dominique Guillaume (Swiss), Nigel Birkett and Jess Bown (Top 100).

SECOND CLASS AWARD: Gary Pears, Stan Bakgaard (Canadian) and Matt Bown (Top 200). FINISHERS AWARD: Guy Favre (French).

We would also like to congratulate Gary MacDonald on his historic win in the Pre 65 Two Day Trial by becoming the first Scottish rider and a newcomer to win this event.

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SHOWTIME SUPER TRIAL

Dan Peace (JST Gas Gas UK)

The three-round ‘Supertrial’ concept has certainly added some interest to the British trials scene during the summer months as three very experienced clubs gave the riders the opportunity to demonstrate that some of them are very much a ‘Class Act’. Using a mixture of man-made and natural hazards, and reverting to time limits for the riders in the hazards with a different style of observing, the action is certainly quick-fire and spectacular.

Dan Peace was crowned the new 2017 ‘Supertrial’ Champion as the winner of the last two rounds, as James Dabill missed the first encounter at Scarborough. Is it now time to include this series as an add-on to the stand alone British Trials Championship? Many people think so, based on its attraction, to bring additional sponsorship and spectators to the sport.

James Dabill (Gas Gas) 92

WORDS AND PICTURES: TRIALS MEDIA

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SHOWTIME SUPER TRIAL

Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas UK)

Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK)

CLOBURN SUPER TRIAL

ROUND 1, 4th JUNE 2017, SCARBOROUGH & DMC The natural banks, climbs and rocks of the Harwood Dale venue were blessed with sunshine for the event, which always makes for a good day’s sport. After a shaky start for Jack Price when he took an early five after miscalculating a drop he knew he would have his work cut out for the win. He soon re-grouped, but with Dan Peace on excellent form it was a very sporting Price who admitted at the end he had been beaten by a better rider on the day. Jack Peace showed good form to come third to make it an all Gas Gas podium.

FINAL: 1: Dan Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) 3; 2: Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) 7; 3: Jack Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) 8; 4: Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas UK) 17.

SEMI FINAL: 1: Dan Peace 0; 2: Price 1; 3: Jack Peace 2; 4: Brown 2.

ELIMINATED: 5: Jack Sheppard (Beta-UK) 6; 6: Dec Bullock (Beta-UK) 8; 7: Toby Martyn (Vertigo) 10; 8: Iwan Roberts (Beta-UK) 11.

Jack Sheppard (Beta-UK)

Toby Martyn (Vertigo)

NORTH BERKS SUPER TRIAL ROUND 2, 20th AUGUST 2017

Very much an instigator of the ‘Supertrials’, the North Berks club has provided the entertainment for over a decade with some excellent events, and 2017 was no different.

The mixture of man-made hazards, including the mighty waterfall in the natural area of Seymour’s Arena, is the ideal venue to keep the crowd entertained. Showing why he is still Great Britain’s best world championship rider James Dabill, with his minder Jiri Svoboda from the Czech Republic, was head and shoulders above the rest, especially in the final. Dan Peace was once again on form to keep in front of young Toby Martyn, with Sam Haslam really on the game in fourth.

FINAL: 1: James Dabill (Gas Gas) 6; 2: Dan Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) 20; 3: Toby Martyn (Vertigo) 27; 4: Sam Haslam (JST Gas Gas UK) 32.

SEMI FINAL: 1: James Dabill (Gas Gas) 1; 2: Sam Haslam (JST Gas Gas UK) 7; 3: Dan Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) 8; 4: Toby Martyn (Vertigo) 9.

ELIMINATED: 5: Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) 9; 6: Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas UK) 10; 7: Jack Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

Jack Sheppard (Beta-UK) 15; 8: Iwan Roberts (Beta-UK) 15.

93

SHOWTIME SUPER TRIAL

Emma Bristow (Sherco)

LADIES’ DAY Very keen to showcase the female trials riders in our sport to a wider audience the North Berks event also catered for the Ladies on the Saturday, on easier hazards than the Sunday.

Once again Emma Bristow showed why she is the undisputed number one rider with a clear victory from the very determined Nikita Smith, who continues her return to the sport.

Sam Haslam (JST Gas Gas UK)

RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 3; 2: Nikita Smith (JST Gas Gas UK) 13; 3: Donna Fox (Sherco) 17; 4: Jess Bown (Scorpa) 19.

Iwan Roberts (Beta-UK)

Andy Chilton (BMS-AM Scorpa)

INCH PERFECT MACKENZIE TROPHY SUPER TRIAL 28th AUGUST 2017

To put on an event of the ‘Supertrial’ nature at the very open and exposed Addingham Moorside venue is always a difficult task, but the Yeadon Guiseley club did an excellent job. This very demanding venue was perfect for the top riders to put on a show for the very appreciative crowd, and the club had invited world number two Adam Raga over to compete in the event. Not eligible for the prizes he ‘won’ the event, but for sure Great Britain’s James Dabill put up an excellent fight as these two were clear of the other riders. Jack price edged out a very on-form Michael Brown, with the new 2017 Champion Dan Peace in fourth.

FINAL: 1: James Dabill (Gas Gas) 6; 2: Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) 12; 3: Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas UK) 15; 4: Dan Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) 22

SEMI FINAL – ELIMINATED: 5: Jack Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) 8; 6: Jack Spencer (Beta-UK) 8; 7: Iwan Roberts (Beta-UK) 11; 8: Toby Martyn (Vertigo) 12; 9: Andy Chilton (BMS/AM Scorpa) 16.

NOTE: Adam Raga (TRS-ESP) rode as a guest, dropping 3 marks.

94

Adam Raga (TRS-ESP) OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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Signature:____________________ Date:_____________ OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

DEALER VISIT

ANDY METCALFE MOTORCYCLES

Bright and busy Most parts and accessories are available off the shelf.

First impressions always mean so much and I must admit, I was a little taken back by the bright, open, clean spaces of Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles on my ‘Dealer Visit’ that almost made me want to buy something! All the latest clothing and accessories along with a selection of new and used machines reminded me of the passion that the trials dealers have, in particular in the UK trials sector. Andy is no different and when you start to talk about the passion involved you can then fully understand why they believe in their own individual businesses in a tough economic climate, not just in trials but across the board. The post ‘Brexit’ climate offers some new and challenging times but I can assure you 100% that the future at Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles is both bright and busy.

ARTICLE: TRIAL MAGAZINE WITH THE ‘MAIN’ MAN ANDY METCALFE

Yes, it’s an old and small picture, but it is Andy with his dad Dave.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

DEALER VISIT

ANDY METCALFE MOTORCYCLES

A good stock of used machines is always available for riders of all ages and abilities.

I

t’s always interesting to take a nosey in someone’s office with the business owner and it was no different with Andy. The initial talk was about his father Dave, who had been a keen motorcyclist himself and also a mentor to Andy. He had been a good all-round motorcyclist in many different sporting disciplines including trials, motocross, road and sand racing. His employment had kept him close to motorcycling, as for the best part of thirty years he had looked after and maintained the motorcycles belonging to the Cleveland police force.

After retirement he opened up a small business looking after the German BMW machines. Andy inherited his passion for motorcycles but on leaving school he served his apprenticeship, as we all did back in the day, and turned his skills to the print industry. Over the following years he would enjoy a varied motorcycle career that would involve close on twenty years of road racing whilst working in the motor industry. His destiny would eventually lead him to Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles. Close on nearly fifteen years later Andy started to trade at the Old Forge in Yearby, Redcar. With workshop skills and experience passed down from his father he decided to open the doors and follow his passion for the sport in off-road motorcycling, in particular trials.

Trial Magazine owner John Hulme remembers Andy as one of its earliest customers: “Andy called and after a short chat about trials I soon realised he was as passionate about the sport as much as I was. Andy had placed at the time what was quite a large order with our sister company Yoomee, and off the back of this he soon registered as one of the very first advertisers to support my other business interest with Trial Magazine. The relationship has endured the test of time, and we remain not just business associates but also good friends who share the same passion for trials”.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

His father Dave’s employment had kept him close to motorcycling, as for the best part of thirty years he had looked after and maintained the motorcycles belonging to the Cleveland police force.

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DEALER VISIT

ANDY METCALFE MOTORCYCLES

It’s always interesting to take a nosey in anyone’s office with the business owner and this was no different with Andy. The initial talk was about his father Dave, who had been a keen motorcyclist himself and also mentor to Andy.

Andy Chilton: “I have received support from Andy since the Ossa days in 2012. His passion for the sport is second to none and I am eternally grateful for the support I have received from him in my trials career.”

ANDY METCALFE MOTORCYCLES

It’s quite obvious the shop is a busy one, as when we called the stock levels were pretty high with all the latest clothing and hard parts from the various trade suppliers. Andy was keen to point out the choice of both new and used machines, of which there was a wide selection, when a customer called who appeared pretty new to the sport. The whole shop experience is extended as far as offering excellent workshop facilities, which include classic renovation as well as offering a service on most of the parts and components found in the trials world.

Andy has been at his present location for just over twelve months after he started out at the ‘Old Forge’ at Yearby, Redcar. With the constant threat of flooding he made the brave decision to move to newer modern premises which is where he can be found today. Wanting to be constantly involved in the sport, he supports local rider Andy Chilton. This relationship goes back a few years to the Ossa days in 2012 and Andy has constantly delivered good local results, also in the far reaches of the British championship on both Beta and in more recent times on Scorpa machinery with the extra support from the official UK importer Nigel Birkett.

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ANDY METCALFE: “We aim to please, it’s as simple as that. I have so many loyal customers based on the service we provide which is very honest. They come back time after time to talk and ask for our valued opinion on the products we sell and recommend. This is not just based on our experience but on many years of dealing with importers and trade suppliers. My personal enjoyment from the business is the renovation of older trials models, which is a fast expanding business in the trials world. When I was a kid there was not much money about, as it was for many families, and from the ‘Make do and Mend’ philosophy I learned many of the skills that I have to offer today.”

ANDY CHILTON: “I have received support from Andy since the Ossa days in 2012. His passion for the sport is second to none and I am eternally grateful for the support I have received from him in my trials career.”

The workshop facilities are second to none, offering excellent facilities which extend to classic renovation as well as offering a service on most of the parts and components found in the trials world.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

APLICACIÓN DEL LOGOTIPO SOBRE FONDO OSCURO

S1: 20”/18”

Stem: Clean 145 x 25 Headset: Clean Externa

GRAFISMO SUELLTO

Brakes: Hope Trial Zone / Clean T13 Discs: Clean RS 160mm + 162.5mm

Crankset: ISIS system with 170mm cranks Chain: KMC 610HX

X2: 20”26”

X1: 20”/26”

keep it clean w w w. a p i c o.c o. u k

CYCLE

BTF WEBSITE

BTF launch new website

BIKETRIAL Federation UK biketrialfederation.uk

Double-click to edit this tex

The Bike Trial Federation UK (BTF) have recently launched their new website www.biketrialfederation.uk The new committee, which has a wealth of knowledge and passion for the sport, has been busy developing and re-branding the federation to bring it up to date and, along with its other media platforms Facebook and Instagram, look to increase the number of participants in the sport as well as promoting our home grown talent which includes no less than four world champions. Ben Savage, Adam Morewood and Oliver Wightman are all BIU World Champions, and with UCI World Youth Games winner Charlie Rolls we are looking pretty healthy on talent.

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he committee realises the importance of being able reach out to the sports competitors, potential sponsors and fans etc. not just in the UK but across the world too as many of our UK riders are followed by fans all across the globe. The new website, which was only launched — officially — on the 18th August, will provide its users with all the relevant information needed to find out about all things Bike Trial, including upcoming events and previous results. We have the ability to edit all the pages so as to keep the site current and up to date. Here’s a run through the pages…

HOME: A brief introduction to our site and who we are, with links to other pages, and our sponsors and supporters at the bottom of the page.

ABOUT/CLUBS/DOWNLOADS: A more detailed account of what the BTF is all about both at home with British Cycling and in its links to the International Governing bodies of the sport, the UCI and the BikeTrial International Union (BIU). You will also find information on how to contact the BTF and its various delegates and committee members etc. This page also contains information regarding the current affiliated clubs that the BTF supports, including information on how to contact them. The downloads section contains links to current rules and regulations that the BTF runs to, along with entry forms and other relevant information that may prove useful.

GALLERY: The nature of the sport and the dynamic moves involved lends itself to some dramatic and eye catching photos. We are fortunate that we have some great amateur photographers who attend our events with their family members who ride, which will enable us to compile a substantial gallery of photos and link them to each event; so get snapping!

In time we hope to run a ‘photograph of the year’ competition; more details in the New Year.

CONTACT: This page is a clear link to contact details for people in relation to Bike Trial Federation matters as well as the clubs.

NEWS: We will be providing reports from our own national events and club trials as well as those international events that our team attends, such as the 2017 UCI Youth Games held in Viborg, Denmark as well as the World BikeTrial Championships 2017 in Pujalt, Catalunya.

EVENTS: We will be adding upcoming events to this section, that people can click on and enter either by downloading the relevant entry forms or via our online entry system courtesy of Entry Central.

RESULTS/REPORTS: Here you will find exactly what it says, reports and results on our National Series as well as club trials and international events. www.biketrialfederation.uk

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

103

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CLASSIC SPORT

Hard To Find Twinshock Trials Group

You may well have noticed the popularity of the ‘Hard To Find Twinshock Trials & Air Cooled Mono Group’ on social media, we certainly have! A good talk with its owner, Mark Trueman, went a step further when he told us about his event which grows year on year. The ever popular Facebook Group’s two-day trial headed back to the rolling countryside of Derbyshire over the weekend of the 22nd & 23rd of July as it staged its third annual running of the trial.

ARTICLE: STEVEN CRANE

Hosted and organised by the well-known pairing of Barry and Sally Burton of YMSA trials fame, with assistance from Mark Trueman on the weekend, they welcomed a field of over 40 riders who competed over the 4 laps of 10 sections on offer at each of the two venues. It was quite fitting that day one visited the Burycliffe Farm venue just outside Elton in Derbyshire, as it was here where Mick Andrews carried out so much of the development work on the legendary Yamaha TY range of trials models. Mick himself would be on hand at day two, where the Dudwood Farm venue offered a complete change of hazards.

Classes were on offer for Pre-65 and Twinshocks, along with a complement of air cooled mono-shock machinery. With the Saturday hazards set out by Mick Andrews, the heavy pre-event rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the entry.

The Dudwood farm location offered camping and entertainment on the Saturday night and the riders and families, who came from as far and wide as Malta and the Isle of Man and the southern counties, enjoyed their night out.

The machinery is sometimes very rare.

Yes, these rocks are the very ones where the Yamaha TY was developed by Mick Andrews!

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017

One of the very early TY 175cc Yamahas.

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CLASSIC SPORT

Dudwood Farm on day two was a complete change of riding conditions.

Day one saw Dan Clark ride clean on his 1987 Honda RTL250 in the Expert AC Mono class with an exceptional ride in the sticky conditions, as you would expect from a rider with his natural ability and experience.

Day one also saw Paul MacHoughton lose just three marks on his smartly turned out 1989 Gas Gas 250 in the Novice AC Mono class, with Danny Littlehales riding well in the Pre-65 Expert category. Andrew Bunton took the spoils on day one on his 1983 SWM 320 in the Twinshock Novice category, and in the Twinshock Expert class a great ride from Matt Spink on a 1980 Suzuki saw him clean all 10 hazards on the day.

Day two provided a few more entrants, which perfectly rounded off the great weekend had by all in the drying conditions providing a little more grip in the rocky sections at Dudwood.

Mark Trueman, Group Owner said, “Well done to all involved in the sporting weekend. We will now start planning for next year’s event to again be staged at Elton, Derbyshire which we hope can attract more sponsorship and, most importantly, more riders. All details to be found when available on the ‘Hard To Find Twinshock Trials’ Facebook page on social media”.

All the hazards were laid out in a safe, rideable way.

From left: Barry Burton, Mick Andrews and Mark Trueman

OVERALL RESULTS

HARD TO FIND TWINSHOCK TRIALS & AIRCOOLED MONO AIR-COOLED MONOSHOCK EXPERT: Dan Clarke 0 TWINSHOCK EXPERT: Matt Spink 6 PRE-65 EXPERT: Danny Littlehales 44 TWINSHOCK 50/50: Richard Rogers 39 PRE-65 50/50: Simon Smitts 44 AIR-COOLED MONOSHOCK NOVICE: Paul MacHoughton 7

Team ‘Hard To Find Twinshock Trials & Air Cooled Mono Group’ 106

TWINSHOCK NOVICE: Andrew Bunton 17 OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2017 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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DEALER LOCATOR

FIND YOUR NEAREST SUPPLIER

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05 Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles Tel: Email: Web: Area:

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06 Birkett Motosport Tel: Email: Web: Area:

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07 Bob MacGregor Trials Academy Web: Area:

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THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS

TONI BOU 11 x FIM Trial World Champion 2007-2017 11 x FIM X-Trial World Champion 2007-2017 To discover the Michelin Trial range visit:

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