Trial Magazine Issue 74 April-May 2019

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

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FAMILY

IN THE SHADOW

ANIOL GELABERT ADVENTURE

COSTA RICA POSTER INSIDE

BOU #25 ISSN

1753-0040

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TEAM

TRS REFLECTION

JOSEP RAGA

WITH

CELEBRATING

YEARS

Image Credits: Colin Bullock Mario Candellone Peter Beardmore John Hulme

12.5R

16.0R

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DESIGNED FOR S FUTURE CHAMPION DEVELOP SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE

NO PETROL NEEDED NO HOT PARTS

ELECTRIC BIKES

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THE OSET

TRIAL MAGAZINE

SECTION

WELCOME

74 WELCOME FEATURES NEW MODELS

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Scorpa

FLASHBACK

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Adam Raga 2008

INTERNATIONAL

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FIM X-Trial 2019

IN THE SHADOW

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Aniol Gelabert

QUICK SPIN

42

SSDT Man and Machine

ADVENTURE

48

Costa Rica

PASSION

62

S3 Products

CATCH UP

74

Hannah Styles

FAMILY

80

TRS

REFLECTION

86

Josep Raga

SPORT

94

S3, Sidecars and Ladies

CLASSIC

106

Telford Show

SECTIONS

COVER PHOTO: 2019 BARCELONA FIM X-TRIAL ADAM RAGA (TRRS-ESP). PICTURE CREDIT: TRIALS MEDIA, JOHN HULME

CJ Publishing Limited is a Company Registered in England Number: 5947718. © 2019 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 • APRIL-MAY 2019

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

TALK TRIALS: TONI BOU 6 NEWS 10 PADDOCK 16 SHOPPING 26 POSTER 57 SUPERSTORE 104 DEALER LOCATOR 110 SUBSCRIPTION FORM 112

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.

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

Proof reading

Mail Order www.trialmaguk.com

Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks

TRIAL MAGAZINE: ISSN: 1753-0040.

5

TALK TRIALS TONI BOU

WORLD TITLE

#25

Well here we are once again – an FIM Trial World Champion for the 25th time! Who would have ever believed this could happen! I can only dream about these special moments, and long may it continue. Yes, it does get tougher as I demand more and more from my body, but in my heart the fire is still well and truly burning at its very best.

WORDS: TONI BOU WITH JOHN HULME • PICTURES: TRIALS MEDIA

A

s part of the celebrations and fun element of the occasion, various activities are organised at the home of Honda racing the Motegi Twin Ring race circuit and facilities in Japan, some three hours from Tokyo. Its title ‘Twin Ring’ comes from the fact that facility houses two racetracks, which are a 2.49km (1.540 mile) oval and a 4.8km (2.98 mile) road course. It was built in 1997

by Honda as part of the company’s efforts to bring the Indy Car Series to Japan, helping to increase their knowledge of American open-wheel racing. It is well worth a visit.

As a team, we are driven to be the very best at what we do, each and every member of the Repsol Honda team headed by Miquel Cirera. This year’s title has not been as comfortable to win as I would have wanted as I, once again, have suffered with some injuries. Back protectors may be uncomfortable but, as we witnessed in Barcelona, when I crashed back off a hazard it became vital to protect me. It’s like the knee protection built into my riding kit. When I was pitched over the handlebars in Barcelona, I landed heavily

6

on my knees, and, once again, the protection helped to preserve me from more serious injury. After the defeat in Barcelona, I became possibly a little nervous, but, as anyone who knows me will tell you, once I am in the arena and on the Repsol Honda, I soon become highly motivated. My minder, Marc Frexia, as an ex-world-round winner knows me so well, and what makes me keep pushing my riding, he knows exactly what I want.As with all the team members we just want to win, and being a part of that team is very important to me.

In the low-scoring Bilbao round I needed to be 100% focussed because, as in any event that is a little on the easier side, you are punished heavily for mistakes. In Granada I felt very comfortable in the final, as I did in Marseille.

This French round was very demanding, with some very challenging hazards but, once again, I was able to safely deliver another world title. With the last round on my doorstep in Andorra, I will be trying as always to be at my very best for my ‘home’ fans.

Until Next Time – Ride On! – Toni

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

24 WORLD TITLES AND COUNTING.

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ON ALL MONTESA 4RIDE AND RT MODELS ORDERED BY 30 APRIL 2019* Visit your local dealer to find out more.

honda.co.uk

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VPL Terms & Conditions: *New Montesa Honda RT260, RT300 and 4Ride models ordered from 04 January 2019 to 30 April 2019 and registered by 30 April 2019. 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

TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP

TRRS XTRACK RR 2019

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It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Peter Gaunt. He was 82 years of age.

Peter Gaunt was a renowned ‘specials builder’ as it was coined in the motorcycle press. However Peter, or ‘Top Gear’ as he was universally known in the trials community, was much more than that. He was responsible for creating his own trials machines out of motorcycles that were not even designed for the purpose and was capable of winning on his creations, a feat he achieved many times.

Gaunt developed the James trials machine for the factory as well as creating the Gaunt Jawa, Gaunt Suzuki and Gaunt Ducati.

The Otley-based Dalesman concern made use of his skills to further develop their Sachs engine trials model for the boss Pete Edmondson, and he converted Honda’s production XL250 Motorsport trail model into the ‘Allan Jefferies Honda’. Peter Gaunt also rode for Royal Enfield on their 250cc Crusader trials model.

Gaunt suffered a stroke in December 2016 but had fought a brave battle against cancer to which he succumbed on Wednesday, 20th February. Our sincere condolences go to the Gaunt family at this difficult time.

Thank you to John Moffat for these kind words.

IP

Based on the platform of the well-received Raga Racing, TRS launches at the end of March the new XtrackRR model which expands the concept of both trial and adventure with the best balance between performance, technical specifications and versatility.

This 100% trial and adventure machine with a seat height of only 80cm is very easy to ride and with extra components to support its nature, it stands out for its improvements in the comfort of the seat and a new transparent tank.

With an improved fuel tank capacity of 3.8 litres it has been designed in association with Acerbis to make sure it fits in with the style and nature of the new XtrackRR model. The new 2019 TRS X-Track RR will be available in four engine sizes: 125, 250, 280 and 300cc.

Head along to the TRS advert on pages 24-25 in this magazine for all the contact details from the official UK importer Steve Saunders.

LD CHAM

FIM TR IA LS

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Peter Gaunt

WIN

Neil Crosswaite It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Neil Crosswaite.

A legend in his own right, he had a brain haemorrhage that he was unfortunately unable to recover from and passed away on Friday the 1st February 2019 at 70 years of age.

Born and bred in Bradford, he and his family resided at Bingley where he raised his two children, Tina and Martin, along with his loving wife Sue. As a motor trader and businessman Neil was very successful in life as well as being a very ‘handy’ trials rider in his day, competing in many Scottish Six Days and Scott Trials. He was also a very prominent member of the Yeadon & Guisley Motor Cycle Club.

With a vision of motorcycle trials on the big stage he and the late Martin Lampkin formed Avondale Management to present the hugely successful Sheffield Indoor Trial 24 years ago.

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This event remains one of the most successful events, entertaining the public every January as the traditional opener to the trials season.

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, his passion for trials riding would see him travel all over the world, where he would meet so many people who all had respect for his honest and open opinion.

His son, Martin, followed his father into trials and achieved much success on the international scene, and Neil was immensely proud. He travelled along with his family on some very memorable and enjoyable trips; his world was his family.

The funeral took place at Nab Wood Crematorium on Thursday 14 February where a packed house paid tribute to such a great man, one of life’s true characters. The traditional ‘wake’ was at the family owned Busfield Arms public house, where Neil was celebrated with so many stories of his life and times.

Martin Crosswaite: “The Crosswaite family would like to thank everyone for all your messages of support; it really means the world to us as a family that my dad was held in such high regard by so many people.”

John Hulme, Trial Magazine: “Neil was such an inspiration when we started the magazine, with his enthusiasm for anything motorcycle trials. His constructive, honest criticism came from the heart and was always welcome, as were his new ideas. His handshake was his word, and I for one am going to miss his phone calls to find out was going on in the world of trials. All our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS

TONI BOU 12x FIM Trial World Champion 2007-2018 13x FIM X-Trial World Champion 2007-2019

To discover the MICHELIN Trial range visit: moto.michelin.co.uk

NEWS

TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP

Simmer Dim Two-Day 2019 OSET Bikes: Ad Star

This new-to-the-calendar National Trial will run on the Shetland Isles on the 29th/30th June and will see the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club quite literally breaking new ground when they run what will surely be the most northerly motorcycle trial ever staged in the United Kingdom, some 250 miles north of the club’s home base in Aberdeen. This exciting new addition to the calendar will be held at West Burrafirth in the Shetland Islands.

Bon Accord club President Bill McGregor recalls how the Shetland connection started as ‘one of those ideas in the pub’ some six years ago. This trial has been born out of the sheer determination of a handful of riders based in Shetland to have a trial on their home ground, and now, having secured the use of a large piece of ground in the west of the islands the dream is set to become a reality. While the logistics of staging this trial are complex they have some excellent club members who all live on Shetland actually doing the ground work, while the club is looking after the paperwork and organisation of the ferries and accommodation. Bon Accord have purposely set the trial’s status to national, meaning that it is open to riders from all corners of the United Kingdom. It is the club’s hope that this two-day trial can become if not an annual fixture then maybe a biennial fixture in the trials calendar.

They already know that everyone who makes the effort is sure of a warm welcome in the Shetland Islands with amazing scenery, fantastic trials riding and 23 hours of sunlight each day. Each day’s trial will be set out with three routes to allow for riders of all ages and abilities. Saturday night’s entertainment will include a charity auction, free food, a free beer and a local band. This promises to be a weekend to remember.

Online and postal entries for this two-day trial are available from the Bon Accord website www.bamcc.co.uk. For more information on the Simmer Dim Two-Day Trial please contact Bill McGregor: email bill@bamcc.co.uk or Telephone: 07887 667959.

Carlton Bank 1968

We must apologise for the article ‘Riders Reveal’ in issue 73. Due to a typing error we stated that the event was at Clayton Bank when it was actually Carlton Bank.

Once again a massive thank you to John Watson for the work on this article.

Picture credit: Malcolm Carling.

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OSET BIKES are looking to their riders to be the face of OSET in 2019 and to feature in their advertising campaigns across some of the biggest publications around the world!

Throughout the year they will be selecting different themes, and inviting riders and their parents to submit their own photos. OSET will then pick a selection of winners whose photos will be turned into OSET adverts that will be seen around the world! As well as being the face of OSET, all winners will be featured on social media and receive some fantastic OSET goodies.

James Robertson, Head of Marketing for OSET Bikes: “Our riders are the most important thing, and everything we do is to inspire the next generation, so we couldn’t be more delighted to have them as the stars of our campaigns around the world.”

He continued, “In the first week alone we have had hundreds of entries from all over the world and the quality is exceptionally high”.

To enter, simply post your photo up on the OSET Bikes Facebook page: www.facebook.com/osetbikes, or send your photos to info@osetbikes.com. If selected we will get in touch and ask for the high-resolution version to be emailed to us. Full T&Cs: www.osetbikes.com.

ACU Trials website 2019

The new website dedicated to the Championship is now live to all at www.acutrialgb.co.uk. This website will be the mechanism for all information regarding the Championship and a full list of venues to accompany the nine dates are now shown. News items will be updated on a regular basis.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

www.renthal.com

PHOTO CREDIT : TRIAL MAGAZINE

PADDOCK

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

FULL STOP

ENOUGH

BYE BYE

FULL STRETCH

PEEP-O

HERE WE GO

TOP DOG 16

LET’S PARTY APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PADDOCK

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

RACE READY

SUPERMAN

RIP

ON TOUR

JUST A LITTLE

STRETCH

WAITING TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

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NEW MODELS 2019

SCORPA

TY 125 F CLASSIC

When we tested the new four-stroke 2019 Scorpa TY 125 F in issue 72 of Trial Magazine it was a revelation for the trials world and, most importantly, the beginner and novice riders. You may ask why? The push button electric starter! The response to the article confirmed what we had found and the buying public loved it, which was reflected in the sales of the new machine through the official Scorpa UK importer Nigel Birkett to his excellent dealer network. Now the orange machines have gone a step further, with an option to buy a long-range seat and fuel tank unit for even more enjoyment.

WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: SCORPA.FR

As I found out, even a simple-minded magazine editor such as myself could convert the machine from the trials version to the larger seat and fuel tank, giving the rider that extra needed comfort and fuel capacity. It’s literally a five-minute job to install the unit as one; it even leaves a small compartment under the seat for any tools or even a set of waterproofs (or that much-needed refreshment, work that one out for yourself!). If you read issue 72 of Trial Magazine you can find out just how good this four-stroke machine is, and you can rest assured that with the fuel range approximately 100 miles from the 4.6 litre tank and the extra comfort from the seat the fun factor just got bigger and better!

SCORPA TY 125 F CLASSIC SPECIFICATIONS

Motor Single Cylinder, Four-Stroke, Air-Cooled, 123.70cc Bore and Stroke 54mm x 54mm Carburettor 25mm Ø Ignition Electronic CDI Clutch Hydraulic Wet Multi Disc

Gear Box Five Speed.

Frame Delta Box – Chrome Molybdenum Steel Suspension Steel Front: 40mm Ø – Travel 170mm; Rear: 16V – Travel at Rear Wheel 165mm Brakes Front: Disc Ø 185/150mm – 4 (Front); Rear: 2 piston callipers.

Seat height 700mm Wheelbase 1,308mm Ground Clearance 320mm Fuel capacity 4.6 Litre.

Price £4,200 Optional extra Seat and fuel tank assembly £250+VAT

Price includes VAT. Price correct at time of print.

CONTACT

BIRKETT MOTOSPORT

T: 01229 716806 E: nigel.birkett@talk21.com W: www.birkettmotosport.com 20

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT m e 9 1 20

SC 2019 e

www.electric-motion.fr

APE

FLASHBACK ADAM RAGA

2008 Barcelona Indoor

2008

I was, shall we say, a little naive in 2008 concerning travel to world championship events. I had assumed that the FIM Indoor Trial World Championship round would start at eight o’clock at night — wrong! When I arrived at seven o’clock it was just approaching its conclusion; Neil Crosswaite laughed his head off! It was a very tense packed arena that I wandered into, no media accreditation nothing. I asked Neil what to do, he smiled and answered: “I suggest taking some pictures.” Toni Bou had arrived with a ‘bang’ on the four-stroke Repsol Honda in 2007, taking both indoor and outdoor world titles off Adam Raga. Bou had won round one in France and Raga was third and desperate to win in Spain! After a very action-packed night it would go down to the last few sections, Raga held his nerve and won; he was elated but Bou would eventually take the 2008 title.

Roll the clock forward to 2019 and I was a little better organised. As we know, Bou has become the most successful trials rider of all time, having been pushed all the way over the years by Raga. Once again it was these two at it tooth and nail in Barcelona. Bou had started the final with the advantage but Raga was soon on his case to eventually take the win, his first in Barcelona since 2008!

We raise our glass to Adam Raga for keeping Toni Bou on his toes over all these years. Well done that man…

ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA

2008 FIM INDOOR TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 48; 2: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP)

2008 22

35; 3: Albert Cabestany (Sherco-ESP) 35; 4: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol HondaJPN) 27; 5: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 20; 6: Dougie Lampkin (Beta-GBR) 14; 7: James Dabill (Montesa-GBR) 9; 8: Daniel Oliveras (Sherco-ESP) 2; 9: Jerome Bethune (Beta-FRA) 1.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FLASHBACK ADAM RAGA

2019 TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

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SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

Mots Go 2 Fast 2 Helmets

TRS Replica Trials Helmet

Various colour ways www.trialendurodirect.com

www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com

Hebo Zone 5 Pursuit Helmet www.apico.co.uk

Putoline Tyre Fitting Lube www.putoline.co.uk

Sidi Ruck Sack

www.sidiselect.co.uk

Kappa Waterproof Trials Ruck Sack

Mots Multi Pouch Tool Belt

www.kappamoto.com

www.trialendurodirect.com

1 Sidi Trial Zero Raga Replica Boots www.sidiselect.co.uk

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Birkettmotosport Rainer Boots www.birkettmotosport.com

Hebo Technical 2.0 Boots Various colour ways www.apico.co.uk

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

Beta Riding Kit

www.beta-uk.com

Mots Waterproof Riding Suit www.trialendurodirect.com

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Hebo Tech 10 Evo Riding Kit www.apico.co.uk

TRS Riding Jacket

S3 Vintage Riding Kit

Various colour ways www.trialendurodirect.com www.s3parts.com

www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com

Hebo Pro 111 Riding Kit Various colour ways www.apico.co.uk

Scorpa Team Hoodie

www.birkettmotosport.com

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SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

S3 Alaska Gloves

www.trialendurodirect.com www.s3parts.com

S3 Spider Gloves

Various colour ways www.trialendurodirect.com www.s3parts.com

S3 Iceberg Casual Jacket

www.trialendurodirect.com www.s3parts.com

Evans Cooling Powersports www.evanscoolants.co.uk

S3 Hydration Backpack Putoline Air Filter Maintenance

www.trialendurodirect.com www.s3parts.com

Cleaner and lubricant www.putoline.co.uk

Hebo XTR Elbow Guards www.apico.co.uk

Wulfsport Neoprene Wellies www.wulfsport.com

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StylMartin Impact Pro Boots Various colour ways www.trialendurodirect.com

Hebo XTR Knee Guards www.apico.co.uk

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

GET A GRIP! Climb any obstacle with the Sidi Trial Zero One

Whether you’re racing against the clock or simply testing your abilities, trial riding requires the maximum amount of control at all times. The Sidi Trial Zero One boots ensure that you have maximum grip without compromising flexibility. Complete with Sidi’s patented protection and comfort features, with the Trial Zero One there’s no obstacle you can’t climb.

Available colours: Brown - White/Red - Black - Black/Blue

sidisportsuk

www.sidiselect.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL

FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SIMPLY THE BEST

Toni Bou

Right from the opening of the 2019 FIM X-Trial World Championship held in Budapest, it looked like no one was going to stop the Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) ‘Machine’. Hosted by the FIM and the promoter 2Play, all the rounds have seen the five invited ‘Fixed’ riders and four ‘Wildcards’ fight for victory. Adam Raga came fighting back at round two in Barcelona to take a hugely popular win and Bou, who had injured his back, was pushed into second position.

Bou was back on track though at round three in Bilbao in the series with a win, with Raga coming home second and keeping his world championship aspirations alive. At round four as the action stayed in Spain at Granada, Bou was back to his very best as Jaime Busto (Gas Gas) took second in front of Raga, whose third place made the championship look difficult to win. Despite a tough start to the evening in Marseille Bou soon got back to his very best and when he cleared the final hazard, he lifted the roof in the stadium as the French fans once again witnessed him at his very best in the final.

ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA

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APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP)

The format and rules are implemented by the promoters of the FIM X-Trial, 2Play Event Production. The new format was introduced in 2018, and the majority of the rules remain as before for 2019. Three groups of riders go through the elimination stages in three heats, with the highest three scoring riders eliminated.

The competition’s eventual winner is found from the top six who then proceed to the next round in two heats and then the semi-final, where only the best of each of the two groups continue the process and will go through to the final. A ‘consolation final’ to determine the third position on the podium is staged prior to the grand final which settles the top two rankings. The qualifying action at the start of the competition takes place over a demanding selection of five hazards racing against a time limit of six minutes, which puts the skills and balance of each of the nine riders to the test over the timed lap. In the final, different variants of the hazards are used plus one more hazard, where some are ridden in the reverse direction, for example. The hazards are made up of a mixture of steel, wood and concrete objects positioned in the most bizarre and awkward situations in the arena to challenge the riders and find an eventual winner.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Jaime Busto (Gas Gas-ESP)

Barcelona With Toni Bou setting the standard in the opening heats it looked very much like it was going to be a one-man show again but as we have seen before nothing is ever guaranteed in the trials world. He and Adam Raga had pushed the Gas Gas pairing of Jaime Busto and Jeroni Fajardo down into the final fight for the last step of the podium which went in the younger Busto’s favour. Just before this fight for the last step of the podium Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) and Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) had fought hard for the fifth and six positions. Bincaz had the upper hand as Gelabert struggled with the foot injury that had kept him out of round one in Budapest.

Of the other three riders, FIM X-Trial debutant from Italy Luca Petrella on the Beta would be the first out, followed by Jorge Casales and Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN), who was making his 19th appearance at the Barcelona Indoor. The only Italian rider in the event, Petrella made too many mistakes but made spirited attempts at all the hazards. ‘Fujigas’ looked good but made some terrible judgments and, despite heading Casales, he would proceed no further than the qualifying heats. Adam Raga would ride the hazards first, followed by Toni Bou to determine the winner. Of the two Raga looked the most confident, and this was confirmed when Bou crashed off the concrete hazards in the opening hazard. Looking a little ‘detuned’ after his earlier fall in the second hazard Bou came back strong but when he crashed over the handlebars in the penultimate hazard Raga sensed victory, and he stayed calm to outpoint Bou by a single mark and go to the head of the championship table for the first time in the 2019 championship. The last time Raga won in Barcelona was in 2007.

Very gallant in defeat, Bou was the first to congratulate his fellow Spanish rider as he and the TRRS team celebrated in style.

2019 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2, BARCELONA (SPAIN) FINAL: 1: Adam raga (TRRS-ESP) 13; 2: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 14; RUNNER-UP FINAL: 3: Jaime Busto (Gas Gas-ESP) 8; 4: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 9; 5: Benoit Bincaz

(Beta-FRA) 16; 6: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 23; 7: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 16; 8: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 17; 9: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 23.

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INTERNATIONAL

FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP)

Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA)

Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP)

The Gelabert brothers

Bilbao After taking the victory in Barcelona two weeks before, Adam Raga ensured another closefought night of action for Toni Bou in Bilbao. Once again, these two riders had engaged in their own battles throughout the evening elimination process as the third-place finish was played out between the ever-improving Benoit Bincaz and Jaime Busto.

It was the ‘home’ round for Busto, and he was desperate to make the final and get between Bou and Raga, but it never happened. Miquel Gelabert looked in much better form as he pushed Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) down to sixth on the night. Of the three ‘Wildcard’ riders Spain’s Gabriel Marcelli had a good result and looked very strong on the Montesa as he finished in front of Luca Petrella and the debutant from Norway Sondre Haga on the TRS. Adam Raga headed the scores after round one in the heats and then carried his good form into round two as he matched Bou. The four-stroke mounted Bou then came fighting back against his rival as he snatched the early lead in the final, making it through the challenging second hazard with a clean after Raga had recorded a crashing stop to record five marks. The winning margin was further extended in section four which put Bou within touching distance of victory. The push for the win was then halted as he failed the hazard with a section to spare with a stop in section five.

With a narrow two-mark advantage he maintained his concentration to claim the win in section six, and with it the move back to head the championship at the halfway stage of the 2019 season. Bou was looking very rigid on the machine after his crash in Barcelona, and the sweat on his face told its own story. He was once again looking like a rider who was never going to give up the fight for another world title to add to his growing collection.

2019 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3, BILBAO (SPAIN) FINAL: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 7; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 9.

RUNNER-UP FINAL: 3: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 5; 4: Jaime Busto (Gas Gas-ESP) 11; 5: Miquel Gelabert Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 32

(Sherco-ESP) 16; 6: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 18; 7: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 12; 8: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 15; 9: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 21.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP)

Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA)

Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP)

Granada The big question at the 2019 indoor series was who could break the hold that Toni Bou and Adam Raga had on it; we were about to find out. In the end, it was Adam who lost out as Jaime Busto challenged Bou on the final.

The fight for the final step on the podium was between Bilbao’s third-place finisher Benoit Bincaz and Adam Raga in the consolation final. The very awkward first hazard was where the difference was made as Bincaz failed it. Raga had looked to be not riding at his best as early as the first stage of qualifying, finishing fifth before he used his experience to rescue a third-place finish to secure his second place in the championship.

The fight for fifth and sixth positions was between Miquel Gelabert as the young rider looked stronger than the veteran Jeroni Fajardo, who in his own words had a poor night.

Giving the younger riders an opportunity on the world stage, the action opened in the first heat with Montesa rider Gabriel Marcelli who looked very confident as he headed the scores in front of Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) and Norway’s Sondre Haga. Marcelli looked very good, just missing the chance to move into the second phase of qualifying by a single mark.

The younger of the two Gelabert brothers, Aniol was making his debut on the X-Trial stage alongside Miquel, the first time two brothers have competed in the series. From the very first hazard in the qualifying heat Bou looked to be riding at his very best. Riding very strong and confident he topped his heat dropping just two marks, a single one in round two before dominating the final against Jaime Busto. The young Gas Gas rider was nowhere near the level of Bou as he cruised to another win to open up the lead in the championship table over Adam Raga.

2019 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 4, GRANADA (SPAIN) FINAL: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 7; 2: Jaime Busto (Gas Gas-ESP) 23.

RUNNER-UP FINAL: 3: Adam raga (TRRS-ESP) 2; 4: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 6; 5: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 13; 6: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 19; 7: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 14; 8: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 18; 9: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 21.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 33

INTERNATIONAL

FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Marseille It was a jubilant Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) who claimed his eighth X-Trial Marseille victory and with it his 61st win, which secured the 2019 X-Trial World Championship, his 13th indoor FIM World title. It was far from a straightforward victory though as the most technically and physically demanding X-Trial so far this season produced a closefought event with generally high scores.

After a tough first heat in which he finished just fourth and progressed to round two by a mere two-mark margin; he was at his very best in the final to score a clear winning margin. Bou’s direct rival for victory in Marseille was Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas), who progressed from heat one in sensational style, but he was unable to complete any of the demanding hazards in the final. His result put him back into the fight for a world number three ranking though, ahead of the final 2019 round in Andorra.

Toni Bou’s strongest rival over the past decade has been Adam Raga (TRRS), but his championship hopes evaporated with Fajardo´s qualification for the final. Having won at round two in Barcelona Raga could only keep the title fight alive by beating Bou in Marseille, so his victory in the third-place ‘Play-Off’ was of little consolation, although it does also confirm that he retains his world number two status for another season.

Four marks secured Raga’s success in the runners-up final over Miquel Gelabert, who made it through as top qualifier from the opening round but missed out in heat two against Toni Bou. Gelabert did look to be on form though and did enough to eliminate Jaime Busto (Gas Gas) and claim his best finish of the 2019 season so far.

Defending national pride in front of a home crowd, Benoit Bincaz (Beta) was the other rider who failed to make the cut in round two; four consecutive failures at the start of the lap ruled him out of further contention in fifth position. As for the three invited riders in Marseille, Teo Colairo (Gas Gas) put in plenty of effort but failed to complete any of the sections on his debut, and Luca Petrella (Beta) could only claim eighth on his return to the X-Trial series. Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco) put up a brave fight, but riding with a knee injury in truth he was never going to proceed past the qualifying heats. It had been an interesting night in Marseille with the stadium 90% full as the French once again showed their passion for motorcycle trials.

Sondre Haga (TRS-NOR)

Teo Colairo (Gas Gas-FRA)

2019 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 5, MARSEILLE (FRANCE) FINAL: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 14; 2: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 30.

RUNNER-UP FINAL: 3: Adam raga (TRRS-ESP) 7; 4: Miquel Gelabert (ShercoESP) 11; 5: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 21; 6: Jaime Busto (Gas Gas-ESP) 23; 7: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 22; 8: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 25; 9: Teo Colairo (Gas Gas-FRA) 25.

Round 3, Bilbao

2019 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Round 1, Budapest

Round 2, Barcelona

POSITIONS – ROUND 5 OF 6 NOTE: The riders can drop their worst result,

and so with Bou taking four victories and one second position he is crowned the world champion with one round remaining.

Round 4, Granada 34

Round 5, Marseille

RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 95 (World Champion); 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 74; 3: Jaime Busto (Gas Gas-ESP) 49; 4: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 46; 5: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 39; 6: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 23; 7: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 6; 8: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 6; 9: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 5; 10: Luca Petrella (BetaITA) 5; 11: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 3; 12: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 3; 13: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 2; 14: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 2; 15: Teo Colairo (Gas Gas-FRA) 1; 16: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 1.

After a break the 2019 FIM X-Trial World Championship will conclude with the final round in Andorra on the 27th April.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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A NEW TALENT

ANIOL GELABERT

IN THE

shadow Attending all the FIM world championship rounds brings the magazine to the cutting edge of the sport; shall we say, ‘where it’s all happening’. In and around the paddock you can catch up with the latest gossip and see the latest machines and any changes that are made that catch the eye. You also get to notice any of the new talent that ‘shines’ in the practice areas and follow this up by making a mental note to look out for them on race day or in the factory support vehicles and under the awnings of the trucks to maybe have a quick chat. We already have one such rider under the ‘radar’, and that is Miquel Gelabert. He is always very happy to talk, and the talent is waiting to take the maiden win in TrialGP which we witnessed when he came so close in Great Britain in 2018. If you look a little further, you will find him ‘In the Shadow’ of his elder brother Aniol. Always one to share the joke and enjoy life, this 18-year-old is another talent that just needs the rough edges of the diamond TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Team Gelabert: family is everything.

polishing out and the family will then be able to boast of two brothers chasing the ultimate goal of a trials world champion.

ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA WITH ANIOL GELABERT

37

A NEW TALENT ANIOL GELABERT

My first time on the ‘big stage’ at the 2019 FIM X-Trial in Granada Spain.

Why trials?

When I was young, I remember my brother always asking for a motorcycle, and finally one day it arrived. I wanted a ride, and so together we became interested in motorcycles and then the sport of trials. It is how we now spend our lives; 100% motorcycle trials.

How much younger are you than Miquel?

I am two years and six months younger than my brother Miquel. He is a good rider in his own right and one for me to look up to. I can learn from

The FIM X-Trial in Granada was a fantastic experience and most importantly proved that I could control the pressure.

38

him all the time, but two years ago he let me find my own level and left me alone to practice and encouraged me not always to follow him. It was good for my own confidence. Once I had done this alone and found my style he then began to help me, and now we can learn so much from one another.

from school. The last three years I have studied with the computer and not really in school but at home, where I feel much more relaxed.

Are you still in education or are you a full-time trials rider?

The last two years I have been riding in the Spanish federation team RFME. It has been a very special time for me, and it’s taught me so much about not just trials but about friendships and discipline. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has guided and helped me; I owe

School is good but not really for me [he laughs]. I always did just enough to get through each course, as my parents will tell you. If I am honest, I enjoyed football and my free time more with my friends

Are you still riding under the federation or for the Scorpa team in 2019?

Building up the confidence to attempt the indoor hazards comes from hours of practise, it doesn’t just happen.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

A NEW TALENT

ANIOL GELABERT

them so much, thank you. 2019 will be my first year as an official factory supported rider with the Scorpa team.

How good is the Scorpa you ride?

The best; it’s as simple as that, I really enjoy riding the Scorpa. It’s man and machine working well together, and I feel very good about the team and, of course, the support. I have had a few small changes made to the machine such as TECH racing front suspension, and at the back, I use a Reiger five-way adjustable shock absorber. It’s very well put together and, shall we say, ‘performs’ to my expectations and beyond.

Tell us about 2018 in Trial2

I was not happy with the results in 2018, I expected to be higher up in the championship, but it was not to be. In Trial2 the opposition is so strong, and you are punished so heavily even for the smallest mistake as a few marks can make the difference between the final positions. As you might remember, I did not score any points in Great Britain as I had suffered a very heavy impact on my knee at the Cahors Urban Trial in France the week before. The highlight of the year was the podium in Portugal, but in 2019 I intend to be much, much closer to the podium at every event!

The opening 2018 world round in Spain. I may have looked confident but the result told otherwise as I lost out in a fight for the final position on the podium by a few marks.

Are you confident about 2019?

Yes, I am, in a quiet way. My debut in round four of the FIM X-Trial left me very happy. Yes, I was eight out of nine riders, but it showed that I could compete at the very top of the sport and most importantly that I could control the pressure. I was nervous, but it was an excellent experience, and I want to thank everyone at ‘2Play Events’ the promoters for giving me the opportunity in Granada at round four of the 2019 championship.

What are your thoughts on Miquel in TrialGP? Miquel can win at the very top of the sport; he proved that he has the potential in Great Britain in 2018. He led all the way before a mistake took the victory away from him at the very end of a tough day. He was upset and disappointed not just for himself but for the whole team. On reflection, after the event, he knew how close he had been to the victory, and this will make him even stronger.

He always gives 100% in both training and the competitions, and his logic is that if he works hard, he will be rewarded. His biggest problem will be when I arrive in the same class in TrialGP – Aniol says this with a huge grin...

My father lets me know his point in Andorra.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

After seventh position on day one in Japan I slumped to 14th on day two!

I finished 15th in Andorra. I was not happy.

39

A NEW TALENT ANIOL GELABERT

I started off well in Portugal and rode well all day. A single five-mark penalty on the last lap cost me the victory.

Do you train together?

Usually yes, all the time, I am sure he uses me as a test pilot on some of the hazards to see where I will crash! We can both learn together, and go forward together and improve our riding and techniques. He wants me to come to England to do the Scott Trial in October as he has said it would do me good; we will see!

Are you a very close family?

The family is the most important part of my life; it’s everything. At such a young age I need all the support I can get as I move into the professional world of motorcycle trials. As a family, we win together and lose together. When Miquel missed

My father and my mother are always there to support me win or lose, I am eternally thankful for all their support.

40

On the podium at last in Portugal.

his first world round win in Great Britain it was very tough for him, but we all looked at what had been achieved and the positives he could take from the experience. I would also like to highlight how grateful I am to the RFME and all my sponsors, with whom I am proud to be associated.

How long can Toni Bou keep winning?

Toni is such a role model for all athletes not just in motorcycle trials. His commitment, presentation, performance and of course the results. The level of riding is so high. The fight inside his heart for victories is so inspiring. He is also very encouraging in the fact that he likes to watch the younger riders

and see how they are improving and performing.

The other riders train really hard but such is the high level set by Toni that in my opinion he is still the ‘King’ and it’s down to the other riders to raise the bar.

Can you win the 2019 FIM Trial2 World Championship?

That’s a hard question to answer because in Trial2 you can straight away think of maybe eight or ten riders who can win. The secret is to start strong and remain consistent, and this will be the aim in 2019. One thing is 100% sure and that is that I will be trying and fighting harder than ever to fulfil my dream of an FIM Trial World Championship title.

Team Aniol Gelabert 2019 with my minder Alex Bonilla Garcia. We both know what we want, and that’s the Trial2 FIM World Championship title.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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QUICK SPIN SSDT

Proudly classed as the most famous motorcycle trial in the world with a sporting heritage going back as far as 1909, the Scottish Six Days Trial is still ‘the’ one on most rider’s Bucket List of events to enter and, most importantly, finish. Covering six days of riding from Monday through to its conclusion on the Saturday, it covers more than 500 hundred miles on the motorcycle, usually in the first week of May. Based around Fort William, the event’s home for the week is the exposed West End car park on the banks of Loch Linnhe. From here the entry of close-on 300 riders will leave and return on each of the six days after covering a full day’s riding. What does it take to finish this enduring event, you may ask? Just a handful of words will tell its own story: ‘Prepare – or prepare to fail’.

ARTICLE: JOHN HULME

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Trial Magazine is always happy in the ‘Highlands’.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

QUICK SPIN SSDT

Friends old and new all meet in the trials atmosphere of the SSDT paddock.

Since 1971 Nigel Birkett has ridden and finished 46 Scottish Six Days Trials; he is a good man to ask for advice!

The machine

First and foremost, the machine you have chosen should be presented to the ‘Weigh In’ team on the Sunday before the opening day in pristine condition.

It’s no excuse to turn up with a ‘dog’ of a machine and expect it to finish. The UK importers provide an excellent back-up service free of charge but they are are not the ones responsible for preparing your chosen machine; it’s down to you, the owner. Be it a brand new or a relatively new machine or a second-hand one, you will need to carry out your preparation. Each of the importers usually provides a pre-event machine checklist, which can be found on our website: www.trialmaguk.com. If you are not sure who the importer is, a quick look for their advert in this magazine will give you all the contact details.

To obtain this free service, it’s advisable to call the relevant importer well prior to the event to register your machine with them. To keep your machine in the event, they will need to know the year, make and model. You will also need to provide credit card details and your contact information in case you need to use TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

It’s ‘Weigh In’ day at the SSDT. Last-minute preparations are carried out.

Tyres are quite bulky to take to the event, but a good supply is always available.

any parts they provide. Remember that the service is free, but not the parts!

When I was competing in the event, if funds allowed I would purchase a new machine four weeks before the event so that it could be ridden, prepared and then ridden again, just to check it was all okay. I would then once again check everything over and add that little extra preparation for the six-day event. I also believe it’s better to purchase and take all your consumables to the event. If you call in at your local trials dealer, you will probably find that they have some experience of the event and many will have ridden in it.

Most modern machines will finish the event barring a disaster or a mechanical fault beyond your control, as mechanically they are all very good but just bear in mind that they will need ‘loving’ as well. It’s maybe good fun to go fast on the road but remember these are trials machines and should be ridden accordingly! Why go and spoil your week by wrecking your engine on the road?

Cruise at a pace you are comfortable with, and it’s the same on the off-road terrain.

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QUICK SPIN SSDT

The easiest option for the goggles is to put them on back-to-front on your crash helmet. This keeps the inside clean and dry and ensures they stay out of harm’s way.

On Sunday all the riders have certain parts marked with paint on their machines so they cannot be exchanged. This is the 2018 winner Dougie Lampkin.

The rider

We all like a good time, but around four weeks before the event or sooner start watching what you are eating and in particular drinking, especially alcohol!

Try and get out on your machine that little bit more and aim to be ‘bike fit’ before the event as it makes the whole week much more enjoyable. Due to work commitments in the week, I used to go swimming, and I found this worked well for me as well as competing in actual events. A brisk walk can also help, which most people can find time to fit in.

Equipment

Head: First and foremost this is maybe the most important part to be protected.

I am still a firm believer that the more you spend on a crash helmet, the better the fit and quality. If the budget can push to a lighter-weight carbon fibre one, you will soon find out what a good investment it is. Remember that this will sit on your head all day and if it’s uncomfortable you will soon find out! The days of wearing grinding goggles are long gone, thank God, and once again I would suggest purchasing good quality, well-fitting pair. Do not fit tinted lenses, use clear ones so you can easily identify the lie of the ground.

For the hazards, you have three options with what to do with the goggles, which all work. I used to prefer putting them wrapped on my arm, but the easiest option is to put them on back-to-front on your crash helmet. It keeps the inside clean and dry and out of harm’s way. For the last option you can pull them down around your neck, but I found this can be very uncomfortable. I also advise wearing a neck warmer as it’s convenient to pull up and cover your face on the road – and of course, they keep the neck warm and dry!

44

Jack Price shows just how far he goes to stay warm and dry. He also has a rucksack on his back.

A warm, dry jacket is essential.

Body: Two words: base layer. Well worth every penny to keep warm, always!

If it’s hot, you can always remove it.

Upper body: There are plenty of excellent-quality trials jackets now available.

In the past they were, shall we say, not as waterproof as they could be but now you will find some on a par with, if not better than, some of the high-street walking manufacturers’ brands, and I can speak from my own experience when I say that they are 100% waterproof. Again, pop into your local trials dealer and try a few different ones on. It is also worth checking that they have some decent-sized pockets, which will come in very handy. Make sure you have one good dry pocket for your time card that is easily accessible. From my experience, a base layer, riding shirt and jacket are a must unless it’s exceptionally hot. A sleeveless body warmer is also a good option under the jacket if you have a long road-ride in front of you.

Gloves: Find a brand you like and buy three pairs if the budget allows. One pair to wear, one pair in a dry plastic bag to carry with you, and leave a spare pair with someone you will see during the day. Warm, dry hands are a real morale booster on a cold, wet day. They will also protect your hands from the elements. Once again if you have a long road ride, it’s worth putting some overmitts or more durable warm gloves on.

Lower body: If you are fortunate to have a warm week then base layer and riding pants will be fine; yes, you may get a little wet on the moors with the many river crossings, but they are very comfortable. If it’s a wet week, then I would recommend over-trousers. Once again the specialist trials clothing manufacturers can supply these but always remember to try before you buy, you may want one size up from what you usually wear so once again get along to your local dealer as they are there to help.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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QUICK SPIN SSDT

It’s raining heavy but just look how relaxed Ross Danby looks as he keeps dry in his lightweight two-piece suit!

Checking you have what you need in the event of a problem is essential; prepare, or prepare to fail!

Feet: One pair of boots is fine, but you will be putting them on wet every day! Try and stretch to two pairs so you can wear a dry pair every day, leaving the other pair to dry out on alternate days. Invest in a good fitting pair of riding socks; I would also recommend seal skins on top of these. The SSDT is about rocks and rivers so looking after the feet is vital. One small tip: put your riding socks and seal skins on and then your riding pants after. Most people’s feet get wet with water going over the top of the sock, not just the boot; as the sock is under the pant, it keeps the water out.

What to Carry: Your choice, a bum bag or a rucksack. In it you will need to carry a tubeless tyre repair kit, enough tools if you drown the machine in a river to dry it out, chain link, spark plug, spare lever blades, maybe a gear lever and a rear wheel spanner. You will also need a front inner tube – this can be used if the rear tyre comes off the bead and you cannot get it back on. I also think it’s worth carrying metric Allen keys and ‘Tee’ bars for the sizes on your machine, for their ease of use, and an adjustable wrench. Do not expect other riders to carry your tools! If you are using your tools, they will usually help, but if you’re asking for tools you will get a different reaction!

With a rucksack, you can remove clothing or carry some extra, and this appears to be the preferred option. Some of the rucksacks also have drink systems fitted so you can kill two birds with one stone. Once again it’s worth 46

The SSDT is about rocks and rivers, so looking after the feet is vital.

Most modern machines will finish the event barring a disaster or a mechanical fault beyond your control, as mechanically they are all very good, but just bear in mind that they will need ‘loving’ as well.

purchasing it and trying it before the event as it’s on your back all day.

Remember: Get yourself into your local dealer for all your SSDT requirements; yes the internet is an excellent tool, but I would strongly recommend that you ‘try before you buy’ and purchase from the dealer first hand. As previously mentioned, there is a fair chance the dealer will have some ‘Scottish’ experience to pass on to you. If you forget anything, you can purchase all your last-minute trials needs in the ‘Parc-Ferme’ start and finish area.

Monday – Saturday: For some riders, this is a trials riding holiday, and for some, it’s a job. Late nights drinking alcohol with your friends is good fun but remember that the day after you will be out on the machine all day. Scotland also has a zero tolerance level on alcohol with drinking and driving. Be very aware and alert when riding on the public highway.

Due to its location, the roads carry many large HGV articulated vehicles so beware of the turbulence when they pass you and concentrate on your riding. It’s also worth keeping an eye on the local weather forecast.

Sensible eating and drinking and going to bed at a reasonable time will all go towards your efforts to finish what many consider the ultimate motorcycle trials adventure. The elation of finishing this event, especially if it’s your first one, will live with you forever. Get yourself along to the awards presentation where at last you can have a drink, and enjoy!

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

ADVENTURE COSTA RICA

Jurassic 3 Days Trial

My good friend from Spain, Carlos Casas, mentioned to me about a new motorcycle expedition he was going on in Costa Rica — a trials adventure. If I am honest, I did not take much notice as this was as far back as the 2018 Scottish Six Days Trial where we both had other things on our minds. I think a small whiskey took us away from the subject of trials! As I found out the next time we spoke, Carlos, along with a group of riders from France, Ireland, Guatemala, Spain, and of course Costa Rica, had experienced the thrill of this adventure where they travelled to the most incredible jungle sites you can visit on this ‘Jurassic’ part of the globe. Later this year, around the end of November, some of the riders will return to take part in the international motorcycle panorama of possibly the most savage trials competition in the world, the 2019 Jurassic 3 Days Trial.

WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA, CARLOS CASAS AND FELIPE KOBERG

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APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

ADVENTURE

COSTA RICA

T

his incredible journey started in 2018 on Thursday, November the 26th when this group of motorcycle trials riders began the trip to Costa Rica to confirm the route and the sections that will make up the 2019 Jurassic 3 Days Trial. It was all in preparation of what is hoped will be the first of many as this unique event is developed into the ultimate adventure for motorcycle trials enthusiasts.

Upon returning from this wonderful trip and the experiences enjoyed, they wanted to tell us everything in detail, but in truth, it can be summed up in one word: INCREDIBLE! Carlos Casas has put the words together to tell us how this great experience was for him and the group of fellow riders who ‘bonded’ so well on this trip.

Jurassic Park

The idea of this project came about after I spoke with the instigator of the idea who is a businessman from Costa Rica, Felipe Koberg. A trials rider and all-round motorcycle enthusiast at heart. He had ridden in the 2018 Scottish Six Days Trial. Shortly after the event, I worked with him to organise the group of riders from Spain, France, Ireland and Guatemala to travel to Costa Rica with the idea of having a look at what he could offer and to make some preparations for the first of what is hoped to be many Jurassic three-day trials.

The title name of the competition is Jurassic because it was in these parts of Costa Rica where the Jurassic Park movies were filmed — yes, we all remember the enormous dinosaurs!

After a long flight, we arrived in Costa Rica. We were surprised by the magnificent reception that our ‘Tico’ friends, Felipe Koberg and Gustavo Jop, who are the leaders of the organisation, were giving us. They had prepared trials motorcycles for each of us and a number of personalised riding shirts and a survival kit which included the following: a flashlight, energy bars, vitamins, fuel cans and drinking water, and cards for us to mark, in our opinion, the difficulty of the 30 daily areas where the hazards would be. The welcome that we all received was way off the radar as it was just one massive party, which brought a great atmosphere to the group. Just remember over the next three days we would all be working and living together, and it’s so important to create this strong camaraderie amongst people who would all become good friends.

The title name of the competition ‘Jurassic’ is because it was in these parts of Costa Rica where the Jurassic Park movies were filmed.

It’s not the Scottish Six Days Trial, it’s Costa Rica.

Strong, solid attempts are the way to keep going forward.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Section no 44: this is typical of the hazards to be included in 2019.

49

ADVENTURE COSTA RICA

Irish champion Andy Perry puts on an impromptu show of the ‘Bunny Hop’.

Check the small dog on the front of the raft; happy days.

Welcome

We left the capital, San Jose, and travelled to Nandayure and the main town Carmona, which as it happened coincided with the major festivals that can be found in this region and with them the party atmosphere for all to enjoy.

On the first day, we started at eight o’clock in the morning, and the first surprise to greet us was right in the middle of the main square of the town, where there was a spectacular podium and with it flags of the participating countries. When it was constructed specially for this event, they had put good entry and exit points, which were all adorned with ribbons to welcome us. The Mayor had turned out along with all the local dignitaries, giving the start a huge party feel-good factor to all involved. With traditional dancers from the region putting on a display it was just an incredible feeling to be a part of all this, and it gave the photographers and the press the freedom to take in and enjoy the party.

After everything had settled down, we were joined by a group of Enduro riders who were, in the previous months, responsible for clearing and opening up the new trails through the jungle areas and finding access to the sections. It now started to get a little more serious as we started in a spectacular river where we found the first numbered sections.

Natural hazards

They had made the section very natural and spacious, and it was just spectacular. We continued on the trails and tracks, and sometimes we just had to stop to look at the animals, which included iguanas, snakes and above all the monkeys or ‘congos’ that shouted at us with sympathy.

The heat and humidity were high, but it was enjoyable because we were always inside the vegetation and above all enjoying every moment.

We continued, always hydrating and remembering to mark the difficulty of each of the sections, until we rode up a mountain with spectacular views of the Nicoya Peninsula where they had set up tents with tables and typical food from the area while waiting for us. I must say we received a spectacular service, and it would shame some restaurants!

50

In Great Britain we have the ‘Raft Race’. In Costa Rica it’s a form of transportation.

We continued with more areas, now of rock and mud, to arrive next to an impressive group of ten limestone sections, or rough stone, as we say. It was, for me, without a doubt one of the best areas of the day. Spectacular, natural, beautiful and without danger. I must mention the great work they did in opening up the access, which had all been done with a machete — by hand!

It was surprising that in each group of sections local people were staring in amazement at something they had never seen and what they thought was impossible. The atmosphere was sensational; it seemed like a ‘real’ trials event when it was really enjoyment on our part. We continued in spite of being very tired by the jetlag, the heat and the humidity since we wanted to finish the route and the 30 sections of the day. In the end, after the last group of sections, we had to turn on the headlights and make the remaining 15 kilometres completely in the dark, which made the adventure more exciting, if that was possible! We returned to Nandayure, had dinner and a well-earned rest at the hotel.

Lunch can be taken anywhere and is well organised by the club.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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ADVENTURE

COSTA RICA

Sometimes you have to work hard to turn the fruit into a drink!

Be prepared to get wet feet, riding in the many rivers that link the hazards.

Traditional

The morning of day two would open with some much-needed servicing on the trials machines before we left for the other part of Carmona. This took in a completely different route and 30 new areas to explore. We started with very wide river areas, which were very natural and offering varying degrees of difficulty. The Enduro riders are always about, as are the quad bikes to provide support and much-needed fuel for both the riders and machines.

Soon we would arrive at the beautiful town of Los Angeles. Another pleasant surprise awaited us as when we arrived we could see the square decorated, with many people and market stalls offering typical gifts of the region which included coffee and honey, local musicians and traditional dances in our honour! It was a complete trials party, with official parliament representatives in attendance standing proud and an improvised riding exhibition from the Irish champion Andy Perry that fascinated the locals no end, they wanted more and more.

After a tasty meal, we went to the river, with the whole town following us on foot until we reached a path that had been excavated on a very steep slope that went down to a water dam on the river. There they had built a raft expressly so that we could pass and reach the waterfalls and upstream sections, incredible! With the impressive work done, the large number of people watching were applauding all the riders, and we continued upstream about three kilometres going through sections, each one better than the last, until we reached a house where we

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Food and drink are supplied in the shade, in abundance; you will certainly not starve!

refuelled, and the locals showed us how a delicious and revitalizing juice called ‘Trapiche’ could be made with sugar cane.

We continued the day ending at the Felo farm, which is owned by one of the enthusiastic Enduro riders, for the last four sections. These were very difficult, due in particular to the unevenness of the waterfalls and their lack of grip. It was then back to the hotel, which is owned by a friend of Gustavo’s, and after dinner, we went with the car to Samara, Carrillo Beach, which is a very touristy region at the foot of the Pacific Ocean.

A party finish

The next day we left to face the third and final test, a route a little shorter but with 30 sections all within the river called ‘Mala Noche’. There are kilometres of a wide-open river with the water rising and rising, with deep pools which are best avoided, and it certainly tests the concentration of the rider to

Fast open tracks are a welcome relief to take a rest.

avoid an early bath! Luckily the water is not cold like at the Scottish Six Days Trial, and a good bath is appreciated! A couple of machines ended up submerged, but they could quickly be fixed without problems as my ‘Scottish’ experience was put to the test. We must point out that we were at the end of the rainy season and that the summer in Costa Rica was just starting.

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ADVENTURE COSTA RICA

We bet that shirt will be going on his bedroom wall.

Spain’s Carlos Casas has many years’ experience of trials riding but we think this smile on his face tells its own story.

After the ride up the river, we took a short break for food and drink, and it gave us an opportunity to discuss the severity of the hazards we had ridden. We continued to Playa Samara where once again another surprise awaited us. A big banner with all the flags; the councillors of Samara and Nandayure had turned out a typical musical group and dances and gifts for us all. We were all presented with a commemorative medal as we gave our official approval of the Jurassic 3 Days Trial.

Join us in 2019

Carlos Casas: “The Costa Rican trials enthusiasts, headed by Felipe Koberg, had done an excellent job with the event. It opens a great opportunity to compete in a trial in a spectacular country, with good weather, incredible natural sections, wonderful landscapes and lovely people. The Jurassic 3 Days Trial brings alive the true spirit of trials and motorcycle adventure and most certainly, on my part, gives you that feeling of being alive! I would like to personally thank each and every person who made this trip possible — thank you!”

Trial Magazine will follow this introduction up with a full report from the 2019 event. Follow Jurassic 3 Days Trial on Facebook or Jurassic Trial on Instagram and the web www.JurassicTrial.com for the latest news from Costa Rica. The organisers will be carrying out an advertising campaign in Trial Magazine for all of you out there who want to become a part of this fantastic adventure.

Select third gear, lean back and be ready to be caught if you fail!

It’s beach-party time.

Traditional dancers treat the riders to some light-hearted ‘Disco’ moves, Costa Rican style.

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Let the good times roll!

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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PASSION S3

PASSION-ENGINEERED

PRODUCTS In a relatively short period, we have all come to know the S3 logo in the trials world. It’s one which carries a passion for engineered products, the quality of a product that has been developed with a superb understanding of what is required to optimise performance in all areas. Such is the respect for the product that now almost all of the production trials models carry the logo with pride.

The S3 logo can be found on the clothing of the top riders and right down to the footrests to keep the rider in control, but who is behind S3? We went to Girona for a meeting with Michel Kaufmann who is the founder of this success, which comes with part of a funny story…where it is about stress. S3 is associated with the word ‘stress’ in Catalan – ‘Esse’ for the letter S and ‘very’ for the number 3! Their remit was to find a simple technical solution to a complicated problem, which remains the DNA of S3 today.

Their first success in the accessory market came in 2008 with the ‘Hard Rock’ footrest. S3 as a company knew one thing from the beginning: “When we offer attractive, different, intelligent, quality products the demand comes along with it”.

ARTICLE: RODO, YOOMEE AND S3

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APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PASSION S3

Home: The reception shows off the S3 racing and post-race clothing collection.

An activity started in 2010 that now represents almost a quarter of the turnover.

B

ehind the S3 logo story, there is a very revealing spirit that animates its founder Michel Kaufmann, who is of Swiss origin, based in Girona in the heart of the trials world since 2002. A passionate go-getter he is driven by the thirst to continually bring new technical solutions to the trials community. The story starts with a nervous Michel under pressure from the motorcycle manufacturer Gas Gas, and this was the start of the small Acorn which made the big Oak tree that now stands so proud and flourishing in 2019 as a market leader.

Stress, what stress?

A trials rider himself at national level, Michel competed in the 1993 European championship and remembers the sight of Graham Jarvis starting out on his riding career that we would all witness to mature into something special. Enjoying the sport of motorcycle trials, Michel’s career in business would start to go in the right direction when in 1997 he became the Beta importer and began distributing the Italian brand in Switzerland.

Later during 1997, the Beta importership was exchanged for the Spanish Gas Gas brand in both trials and enduro. From selling 50 motorcycles, he soon pushed the volume up to 300 with much hard work. It was a ‘Golden’ era for sales, but it came with its problems, as the more you sold, the more problems you had. It also highlighted any issues with the production of the machines and in particular the cylinder barrels; the quality just wasn’t there. Customers were complaining and soon he had many warranty returns, particularly the trials cylinders. The factory could not offer a lasting solution and Michel decided to investigate: “A friend was the production manager in a cylinder factory in Italy. We were melting and machining in Spain and we took the cylinders to Italy for the Niquasil coating and then returned to Spain”. What he does TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Products: The textile lines have grown to such an extent that the original subcontractor has been bought back! Historically Barcelona is known as a textile region. One more asset!

not clearly explain is how the shuttle service he was carrying out between Gerona and Italy helped his import activity! This shuttle service was carried out for three years between 2002 and 2005, when he eventually decided to build his own Niquasil production line.

Independence day

In 2002, when his business was just one garage in Gas Gas’s industrial zone in Gerona, it was very much hand to mouth, and he knew that he had to create a company to give the products their credibility. Dealing with problems and pressure all day long he now faced the new challenge of supplying a factory, and S3 Parts was born! Michel then decided to sell his Gas Gas importer shares in Switzerland to his partner Steve Jungren, who still owns them, and embark on the new adventure of S3. Michel has a background as an automotive technician, the level below an engineer: “I like understanding the mechanical development to find a simple technical solution to a complicated problem. It remains the DNA of S3 today”.

Three years later, in 2005, he ended his collaboration with Italy and, with the German brand Mahle, developed his Niquasil line which was inaugurated in an industrial building of 1000m2.

Gas Gas had traditionally purchased parts, and

The original Niquasil production line in 2008.

In 2008 the factory was at its full capacity for both production and storage.

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PASSION S3

Signature: Michel started with the cylinders and this product remains his signature.

Most of the original motorcycles available today are equipped with S3 products.

The clothing range was started in 2010 with the young Spanish Trial 125 rider Pol Tarres to gain visibility for the S3 brand. This picture shows Michel competing in the Jack Wood Trial in the UK wearing some early samples of the S3 clothing in 2009.

In February 2016 Trial Magazine visited the ‘new’ building for the supply of S3 products in the interim period after the fire before the move to the new and present premises close by.

rather than process each operation independently was looking at purchasing in higher volume by buying ready-to-assemble parts.

S3 had the answer with cylinder-piston assemblies, available at the time ready for the production line. The result was a series of joint industrialisation projects such as the manufacture of steel foundry tools for the swinging arm, which until then was made of sand.

All this led to the independence of S3 and thus the possibility of satisfying other customers. Other manufacturers of trials machines all faced the same problem when they sought to supply themselves with cylinders. The supply companies in the trials market were either able to deliver in small quantities or large amounts. For those intermediaries in the trials market where we talk about 300 motorcycles per month divided between three engines, there was no happy medium.

As early as 2004, Michel showed the Gas Gas factory team his prototype titanium exhaust front pipe. Michel: “At first everyone laughed at me, ‘why titanium’, they asked. ‘Titanium rises faster in temperature and then cools quicker’ was my answer. A year later the riders started to ask if I had any”.

Original equipment to after market

It’s early 2019 and the new factory is a very busy work place.

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Starting with a technical partnership with Gas Gas, S3 then gained the confidence of the other motorcycle manufacturers and their competition teams mainly through providing specific cylinders and cylinder heads for their riders. Then the S3 sticker moved from the ‘Factory’ teams through to the production model.

In 2007, the first after-market S3 product was officially released.

A Gas Gas 400 gram aluminium ignition case that was cut from a block of 4.5kg! It was a technological showcase more than a commercial success: “A way to show that we knew how to do complicated things” remembers the boss. S3 already had in mind to go out of its ‘OEM’ — Original Equipment Manufacture – production to explore the accessory market. The parts would be different from the ones supplied on production machines and so would attract the end consumer and not just the manufacturers.

The starting point for after-market products was the ‘Hard Rock’ footrest in 2008. Its main feature was the open middle so that they APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PASSION S3

would not fill with mud and debris like the other products available on the market. Such was the confidence in the product and the quality that they were soon a standard fitment on many new trials models, along with the ‘Buffalo’ handlebars and foam S3 handlebar pads. Still in first position on the sales chart in the product range were the cylinder– piston assemblies and the adjustable cylinder heads with the inserts.

Why not clothing?

The clothing range started in 2010 with the young Spanish Trial 125 rider Pol Tarres to gain visibility for the S3 brand. Many of the products were not clearly visible on the machine and so why not produce some clothing with the S3 logo standing

Packaging: Once produced, the pieces are packaged and shipped from the site from the parent company to distributors or dealers.

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Custom: If you want to customise your riding kit for riders in your club, it is possible at S3. You name it and we can customise it to suit!

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PASSION S3

Embroidery: The Vintage line logo is embroidered in situ; the customisation represents 60% of the textile orders.

loud and proud. Michel: “It was done as an accessory with outsourcing the products at the beginning. Then we invested in the company that worked for us to buy it in 2017 to integrate it into the S3 company. We had an idea in mind to propose customisation of the clothing for the client. For that, we have to be fast, and Barcelona is a historical region of textile production where we have everything at hand, the fabrics and the machines to produce it. That’s where 60% of our garment production is today. We have seen that making them ourselves is the right solution even if we still have to subcontract other types of products”.

Start again

The 2008 financial crisis also forced S3 to expand its target. The company became two-headed in 2010; one branch for the original equipment and another for the accessories. It was also in this year that the enduro returned to the line of sight of S3 with the adaptation of the success of the trials debut, the ‘Hard

The Personal Touch: Hot-forged aluminium lever blades are lighter, stronger and have a much nicer finish than the original products on your machine. They proudly carry the S3 logo.

The fire in 2015 was devastating!

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Finisher: Michel has tried ‘Extreme Enduro’ in 2017 in Spain. Last winter he finished second in the easier category under the eyes of his son Mat! APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PASSION S3

The S3 tree of 10 key points of development of the brand 2000

2001

2002 Creation of the company 2003

Official HRC: S3 has been the technical partner of the HRC team and used by Toni Bou since 2014, which they consider a fantastic endorsement of their products.

Rock’ footrest. But, on December 5th 2015, a fire devastated S3: “We lost 100% of our stock, all that we could recover was the data from our computer system whose security copy was in the ‘Cloud’, and the factories were calling us to ask us when we could deliver the next components. Fortunately, the cylinder manufacturing process was not all in one place. So we had products in the foundry, others in machining but we had lost the stock of three months, but not what was planned for March, so we upset the schedule to meet the deadlines. The after-market was not able to recover as quickly, but our importers had almost all got buffer stock, and so we did not have a slump from the point of view of the end customer”.

S3 was rebuilt and expanded, not far from its origins in Gerona with its staff of 17 people all on board. Michel recognises that his business is now more commercial than before since after-market now represents 60% turnover, of which 20-25% is clothing. When we ask Michel what the strength of S3 is, his origin from Switzerland resurfaces in the answer: “When we offer attractive, different, intelligent, quality products, the demand comes alone. We work in 42 countries; France is our number one market. We are growing everywhere on a global scale, and we have confidence in our growth and do not see it just as short term”.

Where now?

To see the progress of S3 and the original passion of the boss we must ask the question if one day we will see an S3 motorcycle. An absurd idea swept away immediately by the principal concerned: “Our customers are the motorcycle manufacturers and dealers; we want to help them, collaborate with them; not compete with them.

The next step is to continue to offer a range, to introduce some novelties, products that facilitate the use, make the customer happy, that bring something new, not copy and paste – we pride ourselves on using our original ideas. Without leaving the trial aside, which is our DNA, enduro is clearly our next point of development for the brand. Extreme enduro allows us to make ourselves known with our quality image from the trials world and to produce specific products.

Simplicity, technicality, originality and TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

2004

2005 Inauguration 2006

of its own Niquasil line

2007 The first piece of 2008

‘After-market’ equipment

2009 Launch of the

accessories catalogue

2010 First line of clothing 2011 What better brand ambassador could you have than Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami; like Michel it’s ‘Full Gas’ all the time!

quality, the credentials of Michel Kaufman, have not changed since he jumped in his van from Switzerland to deliver cylinders and pistons treated in Italy to Gerona. It was more than 20 years ago, but the movement remains the same. World crisis, devastating fire; nothing seems to stop the mechanical genius of S3 parts!

2012 First 2013

enduro accessory

2014 Technical partnership with Montesa-HRC

2015 Building fire 2016

2017 Buyout and incorporation of textile subcontractor

2018

2019 Confidence 2020

and growth

Michel Kaufmann raises a glass with his lovely wife Olga to the future. Trial Magazine would like to thank them both for their support over the years.

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The countdown

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CATCH UP

HANNAH STYLES

It’s always good to meet people in life with ambition, and for Hannah Styles, she has her eye on the 2019 FIM Ladies Trial2 World Championship. Starting in the sport of motorcycle trials at a very young age, she tasted success before moving into the fast and furious world of Enduro in 2011 in her teenage years.

Once again finding success, her motorcycle career was put on hold in 2014 when she was diagnosed with a rare medical condition. While a medical team analysed her condition, she was placed under the care of a Rheumatologist and following a period of treatment and medical attention, Hannah decided to return to her grassroots in motorcycle trials in 2017. Hannah had always enjoyed trials, and with a new focus, her return was rewarded in 2018 with success in both the national and international trials. Following a tough training schedule starting in early 2019, we caught up with this ambitious young lady from Derbyshire.

ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA WITH HANNAH STYLES

74

A fresh start on the Spanish Vertigo machine in 2018 made trials exciting and the motivation was there to try harder for improvements on her results.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

CATCH UP

HANNAH STYLES

Why motorcycles and not horses?

We grew up on my grandparents’ farm, and when you’re young, you have no fear and try anything.

We had quads, forklifts, tractors, diggers, threewheelers, banger cars and motorcycles to play on.

One day around Christmas I was let loose on my brother Adam’s motorcycle. I soon found the gears and that was it; I spent the whole day riding around the fields with a watchful eye from my parents Sandra and Jim, and of course my brother. I learned quite quickly at a young age that you can put a motorcycle in the shed and lock the door. You can’t do that with a horse.

At a very young age, you obtained sponsorship to further your ambition?

Around the age of 10, I moved onto a 125cc Sherco from a Gas Gas 80cc, and this then led to a close relationship with Malcolm and Rhoda Rathmell from Sherco.

Back then Graham Jarvis was still one of the main men in the trials world, and I was fortunate enough to have the chance to spend time with him, building up my confidence and focusing on winning the Girls B class British and European championships.

A British Trials Champion at 11 years old, tell us more.

In my early years in The British Trials Championship, I had a really close connection with Donna Fox. She used to pick me up in the school holidays, and we had many a sleepover in her van at the practice areas we loved the most. I used to be a very nervous competitor when I was younger, but after some hard work with Donna through many school holidays, we started to reach a good level of riding and confidence.

Once I got over the nerves, I was fine and loved every moment of it, I never thought at the age of 11 I would be B class girl’s champion.

Wanting to further your ambition and went after the European Girls title

We have travelled to so many places for trials competitions, and many special memories have been made. Riding abroad is different from riding in the UK; the views, people and atmospheres are

Thorneycroft Solicitors, a Macclesfield-based law firm, has a strong passion for motorcycles and had already formed a relationship with British Superbike rider Christian Iddon. They reached out to Hannah as they were interested in continuing to give back to the motorcycle community by supporting another motorcyclist competing in sports their clients love. She met with Mark Belfield, Lisa Smith and Mary Lomas, seen here on the right from the Catastrophic Injury team. Thorneycroft Solicitors have a great reputation for helping motorcyclists who have been involved in life-changing motorcycle accidents.

just beautiful. The locals celebrated trials coming to their village, and some of the places we have visited have the best trials terrain. Italy was my favourite because we were the British team on tour. There was myself, Emma Bristow, Becky Cook, Donna Fox, Joanne Coles, Jack Challoner, Jonny Walker and many others. It was one big family, and we were all there for the same reason, to ride trials. I remember Ripoll in Spain well, as this was my win that secured the European Girls Championship. The Trials Des Nations in Tolmezzo, Italy, was such a beautiful Italian town and they celebrated the trial, it was very special to me, and I felt privileged to be part of it.

2008: Life at the cutting edge of the sport can sometimes be very tough. Despite this nasty looking incident it was a case of ‘Brush your-self off’ and get on with it. Bumps and bruises were all part of the learning curve.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Rolling back the clock to 2008 and learning the ropes in the tough FIM World Trials Championship.

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CATCH UP

HANNAH STYLES

Hannah seen here in 2013 riding number 155 competed in Enduro for two and a half years, finishing third overall in the her British Sprint and British Enduro Championship classes.

How did you get on with your education while riding in trials?

I went to Lady Manners School in Bakewell, and when I was there, I enjoyed it, but not all the time. I was stubborn, but I buckled down to learn when I needed to, but I enjoyed sports and cross country running. Hockey was my favourite because my competitive side came out, maybe too much sometimes!

I also enjoyed pottery classes. These classes allowed me to switch off and calm down after a busy weekend or weeknights spent practising trials. They were an incredibly supportive school and helped develop pupils in sports or pupils who had a natural talent in a given discipline. They’d frequently raise money towards helping young athletes who attended the school and offered the option of dropping a subject to use the gym.

With success between 2008 and 2011 in trials, why the move to Enduro?

In 2010 I rode for the Great Britain Trials des nations Team in a town called Tolmezzo in Italy. I joined the team with Emma Bristow and Becky Cook. We had a close battle with Spain and finished second just five marks off the win at the end of the 2010 season. Throughout the winter months between 2010-2011, I needed something new and different to focus on. I hadn’t lost my love for trials, but it just didn’t feel the same to me for some reason, and I needed a break from it. Looking back at it now, I am pleased I listened to my feelings even though I do think if I had just battled through it in trials, I may have been up there with Emma Bristow by now, but as I say, I have no regrets.

I moved into Enduro, and Graham Jarvis got me a ride with Midwest Racing on Husaberg. I collected my 125cc and soon got the bug for it. Those butterflies on the start line were the best feeling; I became addictive in a way. Somehow I managed to be the quickest off the start line at nearly every event! I did Enduro for two and a half years, finishing third overall in the British Sprint and British Enduro Championships. Even though I really enjoyed Enduro, I still missed trials, but I wasn’t ready to return. Enduro did me good and helped get that fire back in my belly that we all need in life.

Tell us about your health problems in 2014.

It took a while and several doctors to establish that I was actually suffering from the condition Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is a chronic condition in which the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed. I had suffered from chronic back and hip pain since I was nine years old, but no diagnosis had been made TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

It was a return to trials in 2018. On her way here to the fastest qualifying time in the FIM Trial2 Ladies World Championship round in Great Britain.

until I was 21.

Under the care of my Rheumatologist, I started treatment which was a strict routine of diet, exercise and injections. With hard work and a lot of determination, I slowly began to improve and manage the condition. I felt that my life was coming back together. Sometimes I feel like I don’t want to talk about it, but everyone in life is affected by a form of arthritis, and now I help universities around the UK with research into treatment, to help people like myself have a more comfortable future by receiving the correct treatment.

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CATCH UP

HANNAH STYLES

special about trials; you can concentrate on what’s in front of you and switch off from stress and many other problems in life. One thing I have always been told, if you have a natural talent, then use it.

Who is your new sponsor Thorneycroft Solicitors?

Relishing the challenge of anything off-road Hannah stays feet-up in the 2018 Scott trial. Despite not finishing this tough event she will be back in 2019 for another attempt to complete the course.

Why a return to trials?

I have always had a strong passion for trials, but when you are younger you put more pressure on yourself and everything is so serious, which hugely affects your riding. I struggled with this a lot, and when I had a break from trials due to my illness, it was my goal to return with an entirely different attitude. My parents gave a lot of support, and I couldn’t have done it without them by my side.

Over the years I’ve made many friends all over

Europe and the UK, which goes to show how comfortable the trials world is to be involved in.

Everyone knows each other, and I missed the banter and laid back atmosphere of the trials world.

Being older and wiser certainly made things easier, learning to relax more and not to take bad results to heart and just to ride has been key. A fresh start on the Spanish Vertigo machine has made it exciting, and the motivation is there to try harder for improvements on my results. There is something

Towards the end of 2018, I was approached

by Thorneycroft Solicitors, a Macclesfield based law firm, who were looking to support a motorcyclist from the local area. The firm has a strong passion for motorcycles and had already formed a relationship with British Superbike rider Christian Iddon. They reached out to me as they were interested in continuing to give back to the motorcycle community by supporting another motorcyclist competing in sports their clients love. I met with Mark Belfield, Lisa Smith and Mary Lomas from the Catastrophic Injury team, who I know have a great reputation for helping motorcyclists who have been involved in lifechanging motorcycle accidents, and we quickly formed a comfortable friendship.

I chose Thorneycroft Solicitors as a sponsor as they showed a real appetite for the sport from the beginning and were keen to help me fulfil my potential. Mark, Lisa, Mary and the wider firm as a whole, have shown me a lot of support already and have helped me prepare for the season ahead.

I’m looking forward to the rest of 2019, where I’ll hopefully be attending some motorcycle shows with the Thorneycroft Catastrophic Injury team, and with their support and the support of my other sponsors during the coming season, I’ll be able to achieve all my goals.

Hannah has her eye on the 2019 FIM Ladies Trial2 World Championship but most importantly she wants to enjoy herself.

Hannah: “I have always had a strong passion for trials but when you are younger you put more pressure on yourself and everything is so serious which hugely affects your riding. Being older and wiser certainly makes things easier, learning to relax more and not to take bad results to heart and just to ride has been key to enjoying the sport I love”.

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APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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FAMILY TRS

What a weekend

A weekend in Barcelona in the early part of the year will usually take in some trials activity. Even for the casual ‘motorcyclist tourist’, as it’s the home of the longest-running indoor trial on the planet at 42 years old. Yes, Trial Magazine would be in attendance on the Sunday at the Palau Sant Jordi stadium, but then my time in Spain got a lot busier!

The ever-growing TRS brand was having a couple of ‘Family’ days on Friday and Saturday, and then I noticed that the motorcycle museum at Bassella was a short distance away. Saturday was going to be busy as I had also arranged to have a meal with Bernie Schreiber in the evening, and with the FIM X-Trial on the Sunday what a weekend away it was going to be!

WORDS: JOHN HULME • PICTURES: TRS FAMILY, CHRISTISN VALERI AND TRIALS MEDIA

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TRS technicians were on hand to help with machine setup as there were many machines to ride.

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FAMILY TRS

So many riders from around Europe were in attendance to enjoy the camaraderie of the TRS lovers.

I

took a late Friday afternoon flight from Manchester and arrived in Barcelona airport at eight o’clock. I chose the Barcelona airport hotel, for two reasons; the price is reasonable, and the location for both the airport and the autoroute is excellent. It’s a very modern hotel with all the usual facilities, and they run a free shuttle bus to the airport. The downside is that if you want a night out in Barcelona city, it’s twenty minutes in a taxi – but I was here to work, not party!

Here we go

After a good night’s sleep it was time to collect the hire car, and so it was back on the shuttle bus to the airport and the Avis car hire office. I use Avis for my car hire, as the vehicles are always very new, and if you have a ‘prefered’ account, you qualify for discounts.

I had a Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid on a free upgrade, as it was automatic transmission and at the bargain price of €35 for two days. I never take out the full excess cover as I have my separate insurance through Insurance4carhire.com which has an annual policy price of £47 as opposed to the £100 each time you hire a car at Avis.

The TRS event was at an off-road facility at Can Taule, which is just past Manresa on the C55.

After putting the details into the ‘Sat Nav’, it told me it would take just over one hour. It was a nice morning, and all was going to plan until a wild animal came charging out from the side of the road and ‘bang’ it hit me! With nowhere to go I did manage to brake and remain in control, but with traffic all around me I had no choice but to slow down and pull over and assess TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

A large group of people would take in a factory visit on the Friday.

the damage. It was soon obvious I would need my Insurance4carhire.com! The car was mechanically okay, and with no airbag being activated I decided it was okay to continue. The venue at Can Taule was signposted from the roadside and easy to find.

After a five-minute ride up a dusty track, yes even in February, I arrived at the TRS ‘Lovers’ day.

TRS Lovers

I was greeted by my main points of contact at TRS, Marc Arano and Jordi Tarres, with a warm handshake, and soon the official UK importer Steve Saunders would be over. Steve had arranged for a small group of 14 to attend who would take in a factory visit on the Friday, the TRS ‘Lovers’ day on Saturday and finish off with the FIM X-Trial round on the Sunday in Barcelona.

Local sausage on a bread roll with coffee made the ideal breakfast.

On day one there were just over 100 people in attendance, and this figure doubled on day two.

After a hearty breakfast of local sausage on bread and some coffee, it was time to have a wander to explore this off-road area. It’s certainly got potential 81

FAMILY TRS

Catching up with Steve Saunders, the official UK importer of all TRS products. We have been friends for close-on 40 years.

Marc Arano talks to potential customers about the new TRS Xtrack model.

Who an earth let my good friend Alberto ‘Fili’ Rodriguez loose on a motorcycle?!

Jordi Tarres on the left with Adam Raga, both trial world champions.

for a world championship round and, watching Adam Raga give a demonstration, I am sure he would agree.

Riders from the UK party were enjoying the riding, with factory technicians on site to help with machine setup. I had time to catch up with so many of my friends, who are either importers in the various countries, riders and their families, as well as some of my oldest friends including the French TRS importer Philippe ‘Bert’ Berlattier.

My two main photographers in Spain, Joan Valls and Alberto ‘Fili’ Rodriguez, were also there and as normal the ‘banter’ was very jovial with these two; they both speak very little English and, I, very little Spanish! To see so many different nationalities enjoying the occasion is excellent for the sport we love.

Steve Saunders: “This has been an excellent opportunity for me to show my customers exactly what they are investing in when they purchase a TRS product from us in the UK. For them to enter the factory and to actually meet the staff members that produce the very machine they have purchased certainly puts a smile on their faces! Adam Raga winning on Sunday was the icing on the cake. The whole weekend has had a strong feel-good factor about it and all I would say to anyone who missed it is we will be making the same trip in 2020.”

Just a motorcycle enthusiast

After watching a first-class trials riding demonstration by Adam Raga, it’s quite apparent why he has been at the top for so long. His mentor at TRS, Jordi Tarres, needs no introduction and, as a rider, he achieved his success, but he was always quick to applaud Adam’s abilities.

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It’s all eyes on Adam Raga as he demonstrates the TRS to its full potential.

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FAMILY TRS

Everyone was happy to share and enjoy their riding together.

Now on to the star of the day, Jack Raga! He is the coolest dog you will ever meet, who most certainly embraced the sunshine and the atmosphere; check him out on Instagram, top dog.

After saying my goodbyes, it was back into the battered hire car. The way to the Bassella Museum was on the same road, and I came across the famous Enduro race, where I stopped and watched for a short period before continuing onto the museum. The museum is at the side of the busy C-14 next door to the fuel station between Ponts ans Oliana, surrounded by mountains and amazing landscape in the Catalan prePyrenees. I rate this very highly on my list of the many museums I have visited, and it was made a little more special by the Montesa celebration of 50 years of the Cota’s production – this will be a feature in the magazine later on in 2019.

It was then back on the road to my hotel at Barcelona airport for a quick

Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce Jack Raga: top dog.

shower before I headed into the city to meet Bernie Schreiber for a good old catch up on the trials world. Wow, three four-time trials champions in one day – not a bad trip for a motorcycle enthusiast!

Race day

After a well-deserved lie in, I took breakfast at the hotel and got down

Bassella Motorcycle Museum is a ‘Must do’ for all fans of two wheels.

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Michael James was one of the UK riders in attendance, he loved it.

to do some work as my ‘Race Day’ rapidly approached. Round two of the 2019 FIM X-Trial World Championship was held at the Palau Sant Jordi stadium, which is next door to the Olympic stadium that hosted the world-famous games in 1992. Its location stands very proud as it has a stunning view of Barcelona. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the airport.

I arrived at the stadium for midday and took lunch with Joan Valls and Alberto ‘Fili’ Rodriguez. After some meetings with the teams and riders, the event started at just after five o’clock. The stadium was packed to the rafters with 10,000 excited fans watching on, but, for the first time ever, I think we had no riders from Great Britain although there were plenty of spectators. As it happened, it was a night full of drama as Toni Bou and Adam Raga fought tooth and nail for the win which eventually went in Raga’s favour.

It was a return to the hotel to get my media work done before hitting the pillow at just after midnight. With an early ten o’clock flight I woke up early and returned the hire car, luckily they were very understanding! I had my breakfast in the airport before the flight back to Manchester.

As I opened this article up with the words ‘what a weekend’ that’s exactly how I will close it but boy, did I enjoy it!

Adam Raga winning on Sunday at the FIM X-Trial round in Barcelona was the icing on the cake APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

REFLECTION JOSEP RAGA

My son is Adam

I was researching a separate story to this one, but at one point I asked myself, just how long had I known Adam Raga and his family? If my memory serves me correctly, I first came across Adam’s name in the eighties when it was mentioned to me to look out for the name Raga in some results; the comment was “He is one to watch”. I cannot recall who it was, but it may have been John Shirt Snr through his connections at the Gas Gas factory. As my life progressed, I got to know Adam and his family more over the years, sometimes sharing dinner with Adam and his family at the world rounds. Speaking with Adam’s father, I decided to reflect on his life instead of his young son’s, and his dedication to the world of trials. He just happened to mention he had a considerable archive collection of pictures and so the story began. So here in his own words is the story of how he became involved in trials and off-road riding, and the support and commitment he gave to Adam entering the world trials scene.

ARTICLE: JOHN HULME WITH JOSEP RAGA

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A very proud family man.

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REFLECTION JOSEP RAGA

1974: It’s motocross time on the Bultaco.

1973: Learning the basics of riding a trials motorcycle on the Ossa in the street.

B

ack in 1982 when Adam was born people of our little town of Ulldecona used to ask me why I named him Adam? My answer was: “When he is the FIM Trial World Champion he will need a name that is well known in all countries”. All babies have parents, and in my case motorcycling was a passion.

The early years

My name is Josep Raga, but I am better known now as the father of Adam Raga. I was born in 1951 in Ulldecona, Spain. One of my few memories from my childhood is that at school we were given powdered milk that had been donated from the USA. It’s strange how tastes stay with you.

My father was a motor mechanic but his favourite times were working on motorcycles and push-bikes. He always had some form of work, but it was hard to earn a good wage so, in 1960, we moved to Arles in the south of France. I went to the primary school there and later I learned the profession of a coppersmith.

It was hard work but very rewarding. We stayed there until 1968 when we came back to live in our native homeland, Spain. It was still tough to earn a living, as my two older brothers constantly reminded me. Manolo became a French citizen and got married to a French girl, and even carried out military duties in the French army. My other brother Agustin met an American girl, and he moved to the USA. 1971 was the year I carried out my military service in Manises, Valencia, for a year and a half. Amongst other things, this taught you your manners and that you should always respect other people and opinions. Military service never did anyone any harm!

The year 1973 was very special as I rode my first trial on a friend’s motorcycle, and the following year I bought a secondhand motocross machine, and I raced in several events.

Working in the USA

In 1975 I moved to Hartford in Connecticut, USA, thanks to the help of my brother who was an American citizen by this time. It is there that I became a computer programmer and started to work

1976: Riding trials in the USA was a new experience, and with it came some success.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

1974: In the true spirit of the ‘moment’ this picture captures a really magic time in motocross.

Check out the men and machines as Josep carries riding number seven on the Bultaco.

1976: With a move to the USA in 1975 and a busy job it was time to purchase a new 350 Bultaco Sherpa.

1979: He came back to Spain and began riding regional championship events close to his home town.

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REFLECTION JOSEP RAGA

1978: A European rider in the USA, the giveaway is the Renault 5!

1978: The name says Josep Raga on the AMA riding licence for America. He was a rider member of NETA, the New England Trials Association, and used to ride with Don Sweet, Jack Stites, Harry Grant and Bob Micket to name a few. During that time he owned several Bultacos and a Montesa.

1981: On the Bultaco competing in an early ‘street’ arena trial.

1981: Moped racing Josep is number 22!

at an insurance business named Aetna Life and Casualty. I have to say that America is a very nice place to live and the people were really kind, the workplace was very good and I have only good things to say about my time there.

I was a rider and member of NETA, the New England Trials Association. I used to ride with Don Sweet, Jack Stites, Harry Grant and Bob Micket, to name a few. During that time I competed in trials until 1978, and I owned several Bultacos and a Montesa. One memory which always stays in my mind was 10th June 1978, when I travelled to Pennsylvania where the FIM World Championship was taking place alongside the regional USA championships. I was very fortunate to compete in that trial along with such famous riders as Martin Lampkin, Yrjo Vesterinen, Charles Coutard, Bernie Schreiber, Toni Gorgot and Mick Andrews, amongst others; it was a fantastic time in trials.

Back in 1982 when Adam was born people of our little town of Ulldecona used to ask me why I had named him Adam. The answer was: “When he is the FIM Trial World Champion he will need a name that is well known in all countries”.

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1982: On the set of the film Escape from the Devil in which Josep appeared; he is the one sat in the red crash helmet.

Adam arrives

When I had moved to America, I had pre-programmed my mind that one day I would return to Spain and back to my home town. I came back to Spain in 1979, and I began riding regional championships close to my town. After returning home I soon became settled to the Spanish way of life, and in 1980 I started a computer business in Ulldecona. In 1981, I took my life a step further, and I got married to Angels, the mother of Adam.

In 1982 I won the championship of Tarragona with my blue and white Bultaco, which was my pride and joy. Notice that 1982 was a great year as we had a healthy baby boy arrive who we named Adam, and a trials championship was also won.

At the age of two years and ten months old, on February 2nd 1985 Adam rode his first trials motorcycle which was a Merlin DG1 49cc model with an automatic clutch. I have to say it had a lot of power, and it was very interesting watching Adam find this out. Up until this time I had let Adam ride on the fuel tank of my machine and allow him to operate the throttle, of course with myself in control — well, most of the time! His introduction to two wheels was a little bicycle for a few months, but without any help of side wheels as most other children would use. My thoughts were that without the stabiliser side wheels he would balance quicker! Once on the Merlin motorcycle, I could not believe it, as I literally put him on the machine and he just drove away in a straight line, giving the exact amount of throttle while keeping a perfect balance! From that moment on Adam spent more and more time riding and, logically, I rode less every time.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

REFLECTION JOSEP RAGA

1984: Balance training at the age of three;

Adam stands in the safe hands of his father.

Growing and learning

Then on October 16th 1988, at just six years old, Adam competed with a competition licence for young children in a championship called ‘Desafio Mecatecno’ in Martorelles. It is important to note that Adam never participated in a trial with an automatic clutch. His new machine was a Bultaco Chispa 49cc with gears and a clutch. It is important because for that reason he rode against other boys that were three years older than him. From that time on Adam never stopped riding, getting better and most importantly growing.

In 1990, Adam started to compete in the Catalan Championship for children in the Alevin-B category with the

1986: Just look at the concentration in the eyes of the little Adam Raga!

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1985: It’s time to play at follow my leader!

Bultaco Chispa 49cc, finishing 12th overall. The following year he moved up to second. From that moment on I realised that our goal was not just to win championships but to improve, so I wrote a letter to the Catalan Federation FCM asking that Adam be allowed in 1992 to participate in the category above his age limit. That meant that, at ten years old, Adam would ride against 12-year-old boys. I thought that would be the best strategy for Adam to improve his riding. That year, with a Mecatecno 49cc, he finished ninth in the Juvenil A class. In 1993, riding in the same category but mounted on a Beta 80 he was second.

Sponsorship

For the first time, on 28th November 1993, we attracted sponsorship from La Fiesta Gas Gas. Once again we asked the motorcycle federations RFME and FCM to be able to compete in the category above. So he started 1994, at 12 years old, in the Cadet level with a maximum age of 15. That was also the beginning of our long relationship with Gas Gas. It was a huge change; it was like the real thing! It had nothing to do with the time element at the events and the difficulty in the hazards, but he was learning all the time. Until that moment it was hard to

1986: Adam wants to join in the fun with his father on the start ramp of the Cingles Three Day Trial.

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REFLECTION JOSEP RAGAa

1988: On the start ramp ready to go into the world of competitive trials on the Bultaco Chispa.

finish in time, to overcome the sections, but after a few events Adam and I got used to it, and then everything was okay, and we settled down.

Adam finished the 1994 season with the Gas Gas 125cc and finished 23rd in the Spanish Cadet championship, 10th in the Catalan championship and seventh in the Catalan championship for youths.

On January 15th 1995, we organised the first of 21 la fiesta ‘El Sur Tambien Existe’ competitions in Ulldecona. The idea was that since we spent all year long going to the trials in the Barcelona area, once a year it would be everybody else that would come to the south to our town, Ulldecona, 200km south of Barcelona. The second year in the Cadet category in 1995 Adam entered the Zona Cero trial team of Gava with the boss Jose Manuel Alcaraz. He was sixth in the Spanish championship, third in the Catalan championship and Champion in the Catalan youth championship.

In 1996, Adam once again moved up to the next category early as Junior

1988: On October 16th 1988, at just six years old, Adam competed

with a competition licence for young children in a championship called ‘Desafio Mecatecno’ in Martorelles. It is important to note that Adam never participated in a trial with an automatic clutch.

His new machine was a Bultaco Chispa 49cc with gears and a clutch.

rider, with his first real trials licence as a Cadet. It was a steady learning year, finishing with ninth in the Spanish Junior championship and seventh in the Catalan Junior championship. He also took in his first foreign trip to compete in a trials competition outside of Spain when we travelled to Garessio, Italy on August 13th 1996.

For the first time on 28th November 1993 Adam attracted sponsorship from La Fiesta GasGas. Once again his father asked the motorcycle federations RFME and FCM for his son to be able to compete in the category above. So he started 1994 at 12 years old in the Cadet level with a maximum age of 15.

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REFLECTION JOSEP RAGA

1999: On the podium with Martin Crosswaite in first position, second Jose

Manuel Alcarez and Adam in third in Spain at the European championship round.

In 1997, in the same Junior category, he made a big jump since he was the Spanish Junior Champion, winning all the events but one, and finished second in the Catalan Junior championship. It was a pleasure for the trials fans to see the young Adam with a full-size machine literally flying over the sections, much to the admiration of his fellow competitors.

International competition

1998 was the first full international year, with Adam now in the full adult class. At that time I still was his father, mechanic, trainer, driver, sponsor, minder etc. Even though I enjoyed what we were achieving it had been many years of really hard work, suffering, and worrying. The whole thing had become much more difficult to handle and very expensive. Adam was 16 years old on April 6th, and he got his motorcycle drivers licence that he needed to compete in the international events. A few days later, on May 17th he rode his first European Junior championship event in Crakovia, Poland. That was also a big step for me.

The Spanish federation helped us by bringing the machine in their truck from Spain. The day before I was so nervous that I could not eat anything for supper and Adam finished 15th! The good news came when Narcis Casas from Gas Gas offered to help Adam with transportation of the machine and also to give mechanical assistance.

One month later on June 28th, Adam got his first World Championship point in Viriue le Grand, France after finishing 15th. On his 270cc Gas Gas, he finished 1998 in 29th position in the FIM World Championship, 12th in the Spanish championship, third in the Spanish championship ‘B’ category and 16th

2002: Adam Raga would finish the season fourth

overall in the world championship. He was now looking even closer at the preparation which was required to challenge for the ultimate goal, the world title.

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2000: With the support of the Shirt family and Gas Gas UK Adam rode a full season in the British championship to gain experience.

in the European championship. Also at the end of 1998 Gas Gas made the offer to include Adam in the official trials team for the 1999 season. That enforced my retirement of all my trial duties with my son’s competitions, but I kept on going to most events just to support him.

My work is done

In 1999 in the European championship, he finished second to Jose Manuel Alcaraz Molina losing by only one clean. After the last event they were tied on everything, but for that one clean, and for a few minutes we all thought he was the champion.

That was one lesson that life gives you to make you stronger for the years to come, giving you the opportunity to learn how to cope with defeat. As the season closed, he had finished second in the European Junior championship, 16th in the FIM World championship and sixth in the Spanish championship.

The year 2000 was supposed to be an easy European championship year for Adam. It started well with a first and a second place, but in the third event on August 13th at Bjorbkvik he slipped down to 11th. Adam was classified third in the championship, but the points gap was 10 points away from the leader. Since there were only five events during the season, I thought that it would be impossible for him to win the championship. At the next event the following week in Porsgrunn, Norway, Narcis Casas and I were there. Narcis, seeing that my expectations were almost nil for Adam and that I believed the championship win was over, told me: “I bet you that tomorrow Adam will win and will close the points gap” telling me that I was a man of little faith. Adam won the event, Sam Connor, one of the main contenders finished eighth, and Adam was the new leader by just two points. I still owe Narcis a meal in Mallorca for the bet he won! Adam won again at the last event in Valdemanco, Spain, and became the 2000 European Champion.

In 2000 he also won the first ever World Junior Championship, he was ninth in the World Championship and second in the British Championship; my work was done.

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT ACU BTC S3

James Gammons (Gas Gas) Guy Kendrew (JST Gas Gas UK)

S3 PARTS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Hive of activity WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: COLIN BULLOCK

Spread out over an eight-month period, this ever-popular S3 Parts British Championship continues to sample the changeable weather conditions in Great Britain from its February spring start to the close in September in early autumn. Aimed very much at a wide variety of riding abilities, the series has a class to suit everyone.

From the early indications of the strong entry numbers in some classes, we look forward to watching this championship unfold after we have looked at these first three rounds.

The S3 Expert Championship class is once again a hive of activity as we have already registered three different winners in Guy Kendrew (JST Gas Gas UK), Luke Walker (Sherco) and the ever-improving Chris Stay (BVM TRS), who keeps making the long journey from the Isle of Wight. With just over ten marks covering the top five positions, at the moment this championship is headed by the experienced Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) but expect the other riders to rise to the challenge.

The Clubman and Over 40 classes can always throw out a surprise winner but the men on form at the moment are Welsh rider Philip Houghton (Beta) and Darren Wasley (Gas Gas). Both these riders enjoy a mix of the modern and classic machines, having achieved success in both. Unfortunately, the S3 125cc class has once again a very poor entry level, which is very disappointing. With just three riders having ridden in the opening rounds it’s youngsters Brett Harbud (BVM Beta) and Jake Eley (Beta) who are the ones enjoying these very much traditional events.

The S3 Elite non-championship class is also, as we have seen in the past, poorly supported. When the organisers go to the effort to incorporate this class into the events it’s down to the riders to support them so let’s see some more entries coming in! Already supporting the class with wins in 2019 are Michael Brown (JST Gas Gas UK), Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa) and Ross Danby (SXS TRS).

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Dave Clinkard (Beta) APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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S3 CHAMPIONSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS AFTER ROUND 3 S3 EXPERT: 1: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) 49;

2: Chris Stay (BVM TRS) 46; 3: Guy Kendrew (JST Gas Gas UK) 44; 4: Luke Walker (Sherco) 39; 5: John Crinson (OffroadMoto Beta) 38.

S3 CLUBMEN: 1: Philip Houghton (Beta) 41; 2: Darren Wasley (Gas Gas) 28; 3: John Cowley (Beta) 26; 4: Thomas Fraser (Gas Gas) 17; 5: Robert Shuttleworth (Beta) 17.

S3 CLUBMEN OVER 40: 1: Philip Houghton (Beta) 47; 2: Darren Wasley (Gas Gas) 40; 3: Steve Swanson (John Lee Beta) 26; 4: Tony Buckley (Beta) 24; 5: Ian Wakeford (Gas Gas) 20.

S3 125: 1: Bret Harbud (BVM Beta) 57; 2: Jake Eley (Beta) 49.

ROUND 1, WALLACE CUP S3 EXPERT: 1: Guy Kendrew (180 JST Gas Gas

UK) 20; 2: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) 22; 3: John Crinson (OffroadMoto Beta) 25; 4: Chris Stay (BVM TRS) 26; 5: Lloyd Price (AB M/cs TRS) 27.

S3 CLUBMEN: 1: Richard Fraser (Sherco) 5; 2:

Thomas Fraser (Gas Gas) 5; 3: Dan Clarke (Beta) 5; 4: Damian Owen (Beta) 8; 5: Steve Hiscock (Vertigo) 10.

Chris Stay (BVM TRS)

S3 CLUBMEN OVER 40: 1: Darren Wasley (Gas Gas) 1; 2: Philip Houghton (Beta) 3; 3: Philip Wiffen (Sherco) 4; 4: Jason Galvin (Gas Gas) 6; 5: Steve Swanson (John Lee Beta) 8.

S3 125: 1: Gus Oblien (Sherco) 46; 2: Brett Harbud (BVM Beta) 62; 3: Jake Eley (Beta) 89.

NON-CHAMPIONSHIP ELITE: 1: Michael Brown

(JST Gas Gas UK) 8; 2: Ross Danby (SXS TRRS) 9; 3: Sam Haslam (John Lee Gas Gas) 10; 4: Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa) 10; 5: James Fry (Sherco) 11.

ROUND 2, MILNTHORPE CUP S3 EXPERT: 1: Luke Walker (Sherco) 3; 2: Paul

Sullivan (Vertigo) 7; 3: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) 7; 4: John Crinson (OffroadMoto Beta) 9; 5: Chris Stay (BVM TRS) 9.

S3 CLUBMEN: 1: Rob Shuttleworth (Beta) 5; 2: Stuart Gaskell (Beta) 9; 3: Richard Fraser (Sherco) 16; 4: Jake Gowan (Beta) 18; 5: Neil Dawson (Beta) 18.

Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK)

Jake Eley (Beta)

S3 CLUBMEN OVER 40: 1: Philip Houghton (Beta) 3; 2: Keiran Hankin (Vertigo) 6; 3: Tony Buckley (Beta) 8; 4: Philip Alderson (Gas Gas) 10; 5: Huw Price (Beta) 13.

S3 125: 1: Brett Harbud (BVM Beta) 70; 2: Jake Eley (Beta) 143.

NON-CHAMPIONSHIP ELITE: 1: Tom Minta (BMS

Scorpa) 4; 2: Richard Sadler (JST Gas Gas UK) 4; 3: Andy Chilton (BMS/Andy Metcalfe Scorpa) 5.

ROUND 3, COLMORE CUP S3 EXPERT: 1: Chris Stay (BVM TRS) 4; 2: Guy

Kendrew (180 JST Gas Gas UK) 8; 3: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) 9; 4: Lloyd Price (AM M/cs TRS) 11; 5: Luke Walker (Sherco) 13.

S3 CLUBMEN: 1: John Cowley (Beta) 4; 2: James

Gammons (Gas Gas) 8; 3: Ian Fortune (TRS) 9; 4: Kevin Nolan (Scorpa) 16; 5: Martin Podesta (John Lee TRS) 20.

S3 CLUBMEN OVER 40: 1: Ian Wakeford (Gas Gas) 7; 2: Dave Clinkard (Beta) 10; 3: Steve Swanson (John Lee Beta) 14; 4: Darren Wasley (Gas Gas) 17; 5: Philip Martin (Honda) 17.

S3 125: 1: Brett Harbud (BVM Beta) 101; 2: Jake Eley (Beta) 103.

NON-CHAMPIONSHIP ELITE: 1: Ross Danby (SXS

Ross Danby (SXS TRS) TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

Bret Harbud (BVM Beta)

TRS) 0; 2: Sam Haslam (JTS Gas Gas UK) 4; 3: Jack price (JST Gas Gas UK) 7; 5: Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa) 8.

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ACU BTC SIDECAR

Jon Tuck/Matt Sparkes (TRS)

WESSEX PLANT HIRE SIDECAR BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Muddy conflict WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: ANDY WITHERS

The Normandy Motor Cycle Club staged the first of ten proposed Sidecar Championship events sponsored by ACU Wessex Plant Hire for 2019 at Dunsfold, Surrey, in early March.

The Ray Thomas Sidecar Trial brought a rise in entry numbers of 28, which will no doubt gather momentum as the series unfolds. Clerk of Course Richard Thomas and his team plotted out 36 quadruplesection routes at the Rams Lane venue of Sethern Farm.

The weather forecast for Sunday was rain, and it duly arrived on schedule late on Saturday evening, turning well-planned sections into a very muddy conflict. The scores after two laps said it all.

At the sharp end in the Class A Championship, experience seemed to tip the scales as Jon Tuck and Matt Sparkes set the standard on both laps with an opener of 22, four under the defending champions Josh and Luke Golding. The second circuit produced a ten-mark difference. Nigel and Gracie-Mae Scott trailed in their first premier class outing but the reward was 15 championship points. As far as the Class B Intermediates were concerned it was the same story, sky-high scores.

Manx crew Jack Corlett and Beth Thomas dropped 77, leaving Sean and Paul Cuckow to pick up the 17 championship points – a distant 29 points in arrears. In the Class C Clubmen Paul Fishlock and Sam Atherton turned in a 14 and nine, which was enough to take the Clubman class from Karl Jarvis and Jana Grossman by 24 marks. Jake Pope and Harriett Shore were only four marks down on Jarvis and Grossman.

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Paul Fishlock/Sam Atherton (Beta) APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT

ACU BTC SIDECAR

Josh/Luke Golding (TRS)

Graham Thomas/Chris Kimber (Gas Gas)

Karl Jarvis/Jane Grossman (Scorpa)

ACU BTC SIDECAR ROUND 1 CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP: 1: Jon Tuck/Matt Sparkes (TRS) 54; 2: Josh/Luke Golding (TRS) 68; 3: Nigel/Gracie-Mae Scott (Beta) 110.

CLASS B INTERMEDIATE: 1: Jack Corlett/Beth Thomas (Gas Gas) 77; 2: Sean/ Paul Cuckow (Sherco) 106: 3: Robert Head/Arron Jacobs (Beta) 125.

CLASS C CLUBMEN: 1: Paul Fishlock/Sam Atherton (Montesa) 23; 2: Karl

Jarvis/Jane Grossman (Scorpa) 46; 3: Jake Pope/Harriet Shore (Sherco) 51; 4: Peter Petersfield/Deborah Smith (Montesa) 67; 5: Jon Corlett/Jaime Howe (Gas Gas) 73.

Jack Corlett/Beth Thomas (Gas Gas)

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

CLASS D NEWCOMERS: 1: David/Kevin Ryan 138; 2: Neil/Mike Franks 140.

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TRIALS MOTORCYCLES • Good Luck for the SSDT to Team 56’N: Allan Adamson, Neil Dawson, Graeme Wilson and Duncan Wood. Also to Andy Anderson, Craig Houston, Aaron Hain and Gavin Johnston.

2019 MODELS IN STOCK NOW

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SALES • SET UP • SERVICE 15/03/2019 11:41 APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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SPORT

ACU BTC LADIES AND GIRLS

Donna Fox (Montesa)

BELLE TRAILERS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Fox sneaks the win WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: TODD JONES

It was a very cold, windy day that greeted a good strong entry of just under 30 riders to contest this first round of the championship hosted by the ever-popular North Berks MCC. Three laps of the 12 hazards would take plenty of marks from the riders as they tackled the rocks and banks in Seymour’s Arena.

With the current Ladies’ British Trials Champion Emma Bristow not contesting this year’s series we will no doubt have a new British Champion at the end of 2019. It was that wily old ‘Fox’ Donna who drew first blood with a close victory over Jess Bown in a very tight contest which would see Louise Alford taking that last step on the podium. The young talent of Alice Minta (125cc BMS Scorpa) rode out of class to gain more experience, and she finished a very creditable third but was not eligible to score points.

The other strongly contested class, which also carried the most entries was the Girls’ B Route 2. Taking a full house of points was TRS mounted Katlyn Adshead who finished just in front of Daisy Parsons. In the other classes we had clear wins for Chloe Baker, Sarah Bell, Charlotte Kimber, Libby Martinez and Matilda Arbon.

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Jess Bown (BVM-BMS Scorpa) APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT

ACU BTC LADIES AND GIRLS

Charlotte Kimber (Gas Gas)

Libby Martinez (Beta)

Matilda Arbon (180° Off Road Beta)

ACU BTC LADIES AND GIRLS ROUND 1 LADIES: 1: Donna Fox (Montesa) 20; 2: Jess Bown (BVM/BMS Scorpa) 24; 3:

Louise Alford (JST Gas Gas UK) 43; 4: Alicia Robinson (Beta) 48; 5: Hannah Styles (Vertigo) 51.

LADIES’ 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Chloe Baker (TRS UK) 62; 2: Jazz Hammond (Sherco) 74; 3: Bethanie Dunning (Trials UK Beta) 92.

GIRLS’ A CHAMPIONSHIP 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Sarah Bell (Beta) 42; 2: Elizabeth Tett (Beta) 83.

LADIES’ INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Charlotte Kimber (Gas Gas) 68; 2: Victoria Holmes (Sherco) 75; 3: Olivia Parsons (Gas Gas) 87; 4: Jo Mins (Beta) 149.

GIRLS’ A INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Libby Martinez (Beta) 120; 2: Amy Clarke (BVM Sherco) 145.

GIRLS’ B ROUTE 2: 1: Katlyn Adshead (TRS) 20; 2: Daisy Parsons (Beta) 23; 3: Sophie Bailey (Paul Nash M/cs Gas Gas) 80; 5: Summer Peters (Beta) 91; 5: Amelia Mayhew (Beta) 108.

GIRLS’ C ROUTE 3: 1: Matilda Arbon (180° Off Road Beta) 15; 2: Brianna King Katlyn Adshead (TRS) TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

(Beta) 38; 3: Holly Dixon (Beta) 65: 4: Poppy Fletcher (Trials UK OSET) 86; 5: Gemma Kerruish (OSET) 100.

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The South West’s only Dedicated Trials Dealer for:

Clothing | Boots | Helmets Accessories | Tyres | Oils Chains | Sprockets Selection of second hand bikes ready to ride Large selection of spares Next day delivery

Paul Nash Motocycles Trial Mag 1118.pdf

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03 SSDT 2017

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Enjoy over four hours of coverage including: British Championship; Supertrial; SSDT; Twin-Shock; Ladies BTC and so much more on this two-disc DVD.

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MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. The figures shown here are for limited comparison purposes; fuel consumption is tested using WLTP and CO2 emissions are NEDC equivalent. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Model shown: All-New ProCeed 'GT-Line S' 1.4 T-GDi 138bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG at £29,235 including premium Infra red paint at £550. All-New Kia ProCeed range available from £23,835. Specification varies across the range and is subject to change without notice. †£1,000 towards your Personal Contract Purchase Deposit on All-New ProCeed. Offer available on purchase of an All-New Kia ProCeed in the United Kingdom between 01.01.2019 — 31.03.2019. Private customer registrations only, excluding Personal Contract Hire. Finance subject to status. T&Cs apply. 18s or over. Guarantee may be required. Kia Finance RH2 9AQ. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer's warranty.

Triangle of Chesterfield Ltd trading as Triangle Kia are a credit broker (not a lender) for the purposes of this financial promotion and can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

CLASSIC TELFORD

CROWD PLEASER

Talk about a crowd pleaser, thousands of visitors descended on the Telford International Centre for the Classic Dirt Bike Show in mid-February. They were admiring the fantastic motorcycles on display in what many describe as the best classic show in Europe, further endorsed by the number of foreign stall holders and visitors. Many would find, amongst the massive displays, that missing part to finish their projects — or find their next motorcycle to start one.

This was a superb gathering of all things motorcycles in the off-road world.

ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA

If you are looking for project parts and machines this is the show you need to be at.

106

APRIL-MAY 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

CLASSIC TELFORD

Trial Magazine and Classic Trial Magazine were in attendance.

Mick Andrews with the very boots he won the 1974 SSDT in!

Thorneycroft Solicitors are starting to make an impact on the motorcycle scene.

Modern and classic trials are catered for.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2019

The show was packed with off-road machines, private restorations and an array of clubs, with the outdoor autojumble overflowing with bargains to be found. Legendary off-road stars Dougie Lampkin from trials and John Banks from moto-cross attracted crowds as they were interviewed

by Jack Burnicle about their adventures and quizzed about the highs and lows of their careers, which proved very popular.

Event planner Nick Mowbray said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout of the show. The event was a sell-out for trade, clubs and private entries and was enjoyed by thousands of like-minded off-road enthusiasts over the weekend. The show is getting bigger and better each year and we cannot wait to see what 2020 brings.”

Tony Hutchison, representing the show sponsor Hagon Shocks, said: “What a wonderful show with a great atmosphere and incredible motorcycles which generated lots of interest. It is always great to catch up with old customers and fantastic to meet new ones. We are already looking forward to the 2020 show.” Save the date for next year’s Classic Dirt Bike Show: February 15-16, 2020!

Taking an interest in the show for the first time was European visitor Michel Kaufmann from S3 products, seen here in the middle.

107

A TIME TO REWIND

Looking at a very ‘Golden Age’ of motorcycle sport from 1965– 1985 this limited edition 132-page publication spans Enduro, Motocross, Road Racing and Trials. Thema jority of pictures have never been seen in print before.

You will enjoy this motorcycle adventure demonstrated with black & white and colour photos captioned with informative text. Presented in an A4 magazine format, it is a step back in history for any motorcycle enthusiast to enjoy and remember an iconic time with the great names and machines.

Inside you will find such great names as Jeff Smith, Roger De Coster, Malcolm Davis, The Lampkins, Jarno Saarinen, Mike Hailwood, Barry Sheene, Giacomo Agostini, Mick Andrews, Yrjo Vesterinen and incredible machines of their time produced

by BSA, Greeves, Bultaco, Montesa, Ossa, MV Agusta, Triumph, Honda and many more. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

It’s easy to order online, just visit

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UNSEEN IMAGES

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TRIALS

ROAD RACING

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TRIALS

The Dave Rowland Trophy Trial 1980 Anglo-American Match Races 1971

PHOTOS | PETER J BEARDMORE

1

was restricted p The first ever Anglo-American series Triumph to factory contracted riders on BSA and in machines. Both brands were still very prominent problems road racing around the world despite the facing. the motorcycle industry in the UK was from Don Number eight, John Cooper, leads the way Dave and (6) Emde Castro (5), Dick Mann (4), Don Aldana (3).

Rocket 3 was still t ‘Moon Eyes’ John Cooper on the BSA and goggles using an open-face ‘cork’ crash helmet for head protection!

1971 Teams

GREAT BRITAIN John Cooper (BSA), Tony Jefferies Smart (Triumph), Ray Pickrell (BSA), Paul (Triumph) and Percy Tait (Triumph) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dave Aldana (BSA), Don Castro (Triumph), Don Emde (BSA), Dick Mann (BSA) and Jim Rice (BSA) RESULTS: 1: Great Britain 183; 2:

USA 137

971 — The Easter Bank holidays in April would come alive for the first time to the booming sound of the four-stroke BSA and Triumph machines in the Anglo-American Match Races. Launched by the BSA–Triumph group, two teams of riders from Great Britain and the United States of America would race over three rounds at Brands Hatch on Good Friday, Mallory Park on Sunday, and finishing at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Easter Monday.

The winning team would be the one with the highest number of points.

The two main teams of five riders were limited to factory contracted riders from both BSA and Triumph. This limited the strength of the American team, but without a doubt the new series format was a big hit with the fans.

This was very much a show of power from the once mighty ailing British motorcycle manufacturers and the upper hand was without a doubt with the British from the very start. They would compete on the superior and lighter new triple-cylinder machines whereas their America rivals were on the 1970 model machines which were heavier and not as dynamic.

p Dick Mann on the left and Dave Aldana on the right, of the American team. The crash helmet Aldana was wearing was the latest offering from Bell helmets. u American Jim Rice signs another autograph. The Yanks were very popular with the ladies! q The full-on aggressive riding style from Dave Aldana was reminiscent of flat track racing as he ran onto the grass on a few occasions! You can see the ‘Gaffer’ tape holding the fairing together after numerous crashes.

RESULTS PHOTO | UNKNOWN

P

from the Manchester erhaps the best known of the trials riders his exploits on factory 17 Motor Cycle Club is Dave Rowlands, after for the road-based trial they support BSA machinery. He had pushed status, and it came to fruition in had run in the past to get it National Trial In 1978 they had a rehearsal with 1979 much to his and the club’s delight. report gave them 10 stewards centre the Hepworth Trophy Trial, the ACU for the first time in 1979. Now out of 10 and it was awarded national status start area and it was Norman it had grown in stature they wanted a better was a manager at the Duron Brake Eyre who came up with the answer. He permission to use the factory factory in Buxton and he gained the club’s for the first time in 1980. The and its canteen facilities as the start area and taking his first national win event attracted 75 riders in the solo class at the event was Chris Clarke.

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DAVE ROWLAND TROPHY TRIAL

1980

1: Chris Clarke (350 Sandiford Montesa) 39; 2: Norman Shepherd (310 Holden Ossa) 41; 3: Rob Shepherd (360 Honda) 41; 4: Chris Sutton (350 Sandiford Montesa) 43; 5: Nigel Birkett (350 Sandiford Montesa) 49; 6: Allen Collier (280 Jerrard SWM) 62; 7: John Hulme (350 JES Majesty) 63; 8: Kiyoteru Hattori (200 Honda) 65; 9: Steve Moore (325 Comerford Bultaco) 65; 10: Alan Lampkin (325 Comerfords Bultaco) 75.

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DEALER LOCATOR

FIND YOUR NEAREST SUPPLIER

01 AB Motorcycles 01685 382100 Email: barrie-ab@hotmail.com Web: www.abmotorcycles.co.uk Area: CF48 2SR Tel:

02 Acklams Motorcycles 07957 148588 / 07540 591410 Email: sales@acklamsbeta.co.uk Web: www.acklamsmotorcycles.com Area: HG3 2BG Tel:

03 Active Bikesport 01761 241887 Email: activebikesport@gmail.com Area: BA3 4PD Tel:

04 AG Bikes 01748 886356 Email: gebrownson@f2s.com Area: DL11 6NH Tel:

10 Cloburn Trials Tel:

01228 588838

Web:

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Mail:

tom@cloburninternational.com

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11 Colin Appleyard Motorcycles Tel:

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12 East Neuk Trials Motorcycles Tel:

01333 311744

Email: duncan.wood@btconnect.com Area:

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13 Feetup Tel:

01723 865577

Email: alan@feetup.wanadoo.co.uk

05 Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles

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01287 638030 Email: andymetcalfemotorcycles@gmail.com Web: www.andymetcalfemotorcycles.com Area: TS14 7DH

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Tel:

06 Birkett Motosport 01229 716806 Email: nigel.birkett@talk21.com Web: www.birkettmotosportukltd.com Area: LA20 6EZ Tel:

07 Bob MacGregor Trials Academy www.trialsacademy.co.uk Area: KA3 4EH Web:

08 BVM Moto UK 01453 297 177 Email: sales@bvm-moto.co.uk Web: www.bvm-moto.co.uk Area: GL5 5EX Tel:

09 Craigs Motorcycles 01924 488117 aaron@craigsmotorcycles.com Web: www.craigsmotorcycles.com Area: WF13 1HX Tel:

Mail:

110

14 Inch Perfect Trials Tel:

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Email: sales@inchperfecttrials.co.uk Web:

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Area:

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15 Inta Bikes Tel:

01622 688727

Email: intabikes@btconnect.com Web:

www.intabikes.co.uk

Area:

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16 John Lee & Sons Motorcycles Tel:

01933 312827

Email: johnlee.mc@btconnect.com Web:

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Area:

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17 Mickey Oates Motorcycles Tel:

0141 332 7374

Email: sales@mickeyoates.com Web:

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Area:

G4 9XP

18 Paul Nash Motorcycles 01621 743443 Mail: nap148@aol.com Web: www.paulnashmotorcycles.com Area: CM3 6LF Tel:

19 RAS Sport Tel:

01484 711720

Email: andrew@rassport.com Web: Area:

www.rassport.com HD6 1LH

20 RCM Trialsport Tel:

01209 820896

Email: rcm-trialsport@hotmail.com Area:

TR16 5PN

21 Sandiford Offroad Tel:

01282 455697

Email: martin@sandifordracing.co.uk

www.sandifordracing.co.uk Area: BB11 5SS Web:

22 South West Trials 01395514287 southwesttrials@gmail.com Web: www.swtrials.co.uk Area: EX10 9DN Tel:

Mail:

23 Splat Shop Tel:

01246 453336

Email: sales@splatshop.co.uk Web: Area:

www.SplatShop.co.uk S41 9RT

24 TrialEnduroDirect 01298 766 813 Email: sales@trialendurodirect.com Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Area: SK17 9JL Tel:

25 Trail & Trials UK 01334 840414 Email: john@tytrials.com Web: www.tytrials.com Area: KY8 5TF Tel:

26 Trials UK 0113 281 8242 Email: sales@trialsuk.co.uk Web: www.trialsuk.co.uk Area: LS18 5NX Tel:

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JAMES DABILL - FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND 1 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

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