Trial Magazine Issue 77 October-November 2019

SECTION

77

CELEBRATION

WORLD CHAMPIONS

BETA 1989-2019

771753 004058

771753 004058

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ISSN

NEW EVENT

7 7

1753-0040

TONI BOU SHETLAND KIERAN TOULY TWO-DAY ISSUE 77 • UK: £4.99

1753-0040

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 7 7

ISSN

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

YOUTH

NEW EVENT FLASHBACK

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TRIAL MAGAZINE

SECTION

WELCOME

77 WELCOME FEATURES

30

NEW MODELS

14

2020 Gas Gas – Beta

SUPER SHOT

20

Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA)

43 56

INTERNATIONAL

30

FIM Trial World Championship

WHAT’S NEW

52

2009 – 2019 TWC

FOCUS

56

Beta 1989 – 2019

SPORT

70

British Championship

FLASHBACK

78

1999 European Championship

YOUTH

88

British Championship

NEW EVENT

98

Shetland Two Day

98

OPTIONS

106

Trail

SECTIONS

106 COVER PHOTO: 2019 FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONS • 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.

TALK TRIALS: TONI BOU NEWS SHOPPING PADDOCK SUPERSTORE DEALER LOCATOR SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Trial Magazine is published by: CJ PUBLISHING LIMITED 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX. UK

Editorial Staff Cyrille Barthe, Jean Caillou, Phil Disney, Nick Shield, Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley, and John Moffat

Telephone: 01663 749163 Email: england@trialmag.com

Photographers Colin Bullock, Eric Kitchen, Cyrille Barthe, Josh Turner, Yoomee, Trials Media, Barry Robinson, Don Morley, Mauri/ Fontserè Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright, Andy Gregory, Toon Van De Vlie and Brian Holder.

Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou Editor John Hulme (NUJ No: 949620) england@trialmag.com

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks

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

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TALK TRIALS TONI BOU

STILL HAPPY

STILL WINNING I talk so many times with my father about life and being happy, as we

still keep winning, the happiness comes with the success. This comes at a price though as I dedicate myself to the ultimate goal every time I throw my leg over the Repsol Honda. I have been asked many times about the choice of the four-stroke Cota 4RT, is it as good as the best two-strokes? My answer is always the same, it is simply the best!

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

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tarting the season with a win, injury free, and happy with life has to be a bonus. If I am honest, I expected to have pushed all season; Adam Raga is always there, as is Jeroni Fajardo and, of course, my fellow Repsol Honda team member, Takahisa Fujinami; I really do have to be at my very best at every round to keep them at bay. It really is a difficult task.

But what’s interesting is the fact that the fight for the second position has allowed me to open up a small advantage at every round this season, and so the points advantage increased to give me the title with one round remaining.

I am going to the last round as a Spanish world champion riding in the Spanish round, it does not get much better than that, and as always I will be trying to do my very best. When Jaime Busto finished second in France I was not surprised, he has a tremendous talent and when it’s applied and works well, what he can achieve on a trials motorcycle is incredible – sometimes it even scares me!

As riders in TrialGB, we are very much a family and can take some laughter when things go wrong; such as when Jaime landed in the waist-deep water in Portugal on the second run in qualifying. Once he had settled, we all had a laugh about it. He wasn’t hurt — just crashed trying to do his best. The sight of him up to his waist in water certainly gave us all something to talk about!

Before I close, I would once again — for the 26th time [he laughs] — like to thank everyone who contributes to this growing record of FIM Trial World Championship titles. It’s a pleasure to know and work with you all. And, as for the fans, it’s a pleasure to see the applause that you keep giving me. Thank you.

Until next time – Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

THE ULTIMATE TRIALS MACHINES.

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NEWS

TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP

Supertrial success

OSET at the British MotoGP

Making it 10 wins from 11 starts, James Dabill once again took a very popular win at the North Berks MCC annual event in late August. They had the country’s top riders enjoying the sunshine all weekend, which brought out the crowds and made it a fantastic couple of days.

Saturday started the action with the Youth boys, with Pau Martinez who made the trip from Spain taking the win in front of Ben Dignan and Jack Dance.

As expected, Emma Bristow headed the Ladies after a faultless qualifying performance; in the final she won from Jess Bown with Donna Fox third. Katlyn Adshead’s trip over from the Isle of Man was made worthwhile as she took the B Class Ladies’ win.

The club, celebrating 90 years this year, arranged for a pig roast on the Saturday evening which, with the good weather, was enjoyed by all.

The superb weather continued on Sunday for the ‘main’ event. As per Saturday, the riders rode two qualifying laps of nine sections, after which the top six would go through to the final lap of 10 sections with clean scores to start again for the final. Showing his authority, James Dabill took the win in qualifying with Jack Price was just one mark behind, with Billy Green in third position.

In the final the first five sections would be ridden, and the top three after those five sections would go through and complete the lap. Yet again it was James Dabill who took another win with a fighting Jack Price just one mark behind, with Sam Haslam taking the final step on the podium.

2019 Jurassic 3-Day Trial It’s all happening as we approach the first Jurassic Three Day Trial at the end of November, with the strong organising team now having confirmed the sponsorship with the Hebo Factory, who will design a cool Hebo Jurassic limited edition riding kit for this year and also Repsol Moto from Spain, who will provide all the lubricants for the event.

Working alongside one of the municipalities in charge of one of the locations where the Jurassic event takes place they have assigned a specific area for the construction of the first recycling plant for plastic bottles, which will benefit not only the people by generating jobs for the local community but also the local environment. Embracing opportunities in the area, the organisers have also been negotiating with the Environmental Ministry as they are pushing to make the event carbon neutral, which will make it a unique event in the world of motorcycle trials.

So far, they have competitors entered from 14 countries around the globe so it is looking very good. If everything continues as they anticipate, this event will be the first with so much participation from different countries which will be great for the first event bringing it the international recognition that it deserves.

For more information please visit the 1Facebook page: Jurassic 3 Days AB MC's TrialMag 0918.pdf 03/09/2018 21:57 Trial and email to: info@jurassictrial.com

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After last year’s washout at the MotoGP, Silverstone was transformed as the blue-ribbon event was bathed in glorious bank holiday sunshine. The racing didn’t disappoint, and neither did OSET Bikes.

Determined to come back bigger and better in 2019, the manufacturer of electric bikes welcomed track stars, trials heroes, TV crews, photographers, the army and families to the OSET Village.

With two inflatable ‘Have a go’ tracks, it meant nearly 1,000 free rides for kids aged 4–12 over the four days. While the ‘Have a Go’ bikes were limited as to speed, power and response to ensure no accidents, right next door the demo team had the throttle and power turned up to tackle the two-dozen obstacles that included a banked wall, upturned maxi-skips, see-saws and sharks’ teeth, designed to develop back-wheel riding skills. In addition to trials riding, OSET’s electric motocross bike was on show too. As well as the opportunity for kids to try it out, the demo riders participated in hare-and-hounds-style races to show some of the MX-10’s capabilities.

Ian Smith, founder and CEO of OSET Bikes said: “It was incredible this year! We had a team of 52 to set up, manage the ‘Have a Go’ and mind the demo riders and speak to the public about OSET Bikes.

We believe OSET Bikes is the easiest way to introduce kids to twowheeled riding. They’re easier than riding a bike as you don’t even need to pedal – just twist and go – as demonstrated by the hundreds of kids that had never ridden a motorbike before and simply got on and could ride an OSET. "What makes them so much fun is that you can simply be a backgarden rider or you can join an OSET Cup or your local club and learn a whole heap of new skills and make a load of friends all year round.

What we’ve found with the MX-10 is that as the power is linear, the very youngest motocross riders often ride quicker as there’s no scary power band and they can increase the speed at a rate they feel comfortable”.

Oliver Smith, whose dad Ian made the first OSET Bike when he was just three (he is now 18), provided instruction to some of the MotoGP riders on the OSET 24.0 model and said: “What these guys can do on track is immense. To be able to share some of what I do on two wheels, and for all of us to have a load of fun during a really busy weekend for them, was a real privilege. We’d love more of the paddock to come and take a break with OSET, and look forward to welcoming them next year”.

OSET Bikes plans to return for the 2020 MotoGP, which is scheduled for 30th August. For more info on OSET Bikes please visit www.osetbikes.com Active Bikesport Trialmag 0719.pdf 1 10/07/2019 07:16

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS

TONI BOU 13 x FIM X-Trial World Champion (Indoor) 13 x FIM Trial World Champion (Outdoor)

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

NEWS

TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP

2019 ACU British Sidecar 2019 ACU Ladies’ and Girls’ Championship British Championship Picture credit: Joel Crabtree

Picture credit: Leah Robinson

With four classes in this year’s Wessex Plant Hire ACU British Sidecar Championship we are starting to see 2019 title hopes coming to life as we approach the close of the series as we move into autumn. With just three rounds remaining – remember that they can drop their worst score – only ten rounds will count towards the title. Here are the Championship Positions, after 8 of the proposed 11 rounds.

(All riders can drop one round).

As this Bella Trailers supported ACU Ladies’ and Girls’ British Championship approaches its conclusion we will have a new Ladies Class champion in 2019 as the 2018 champion Emma Bristow has not taken part. Here are the results from the Belle Trailers 2019 British Championship after 6 of 7 rounds.

LADIES: 1: Jess Bown (BVM/BMS Scorpa) 117; 2: Donna Fox (Montesa) 105; 3: Alicia Robinson (Beta) 84; 4: Louise Alford (JST Gas Gas UK) 80; 5: Gabby Whitham (Inch Perfect Beta) 53.

LADIES’ 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Chloe Baker (TRS UK)

112; 2: Jazz Hammond (Sherco) 106; 3: Bethanie Dunning (Trials UK Beta) 94.

GIRLS’ A CHAMPIONSHIP 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Sarah Bell (Beta) 120; 2: Elizabeth

CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP: 1: Jon Tuck/Matt Sparkes/Izzy Saunders (TRRS) 149; 2: Josh/Luke Golding (TRRS) 139; 3: Nigel/Gracie-Mae Scott (Beta) 105; 4: William Cane/ Sam Baxter (Sherco) 41; 5: Rupert/ Chris Kimber (Beta) 17.

Jess Bown (BMS Scorpa)

Tett (Beta) 85.

LADIES’ INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Charlotte Kimber (Gas Gas) 117; 2: Victoria Holmes (Sherco) 105; 3: Jo Mins (Beta) 84; 4: Olivia Pearson (Gas Gas) 30; 5: Zoe McDonald (South West Trials TRS) 13.

Graham Thomas & Chris Kimber (Beta)

GIRLS’ A INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Amy Clarke (BVM Sherco) 37; 2: Libby Martinez (Beta) 20; 3: Jessica Basford 17.

CLASS B INTERMEDIATE: 1: Jack Corlett/Beth Thomas (Gas Gas) 160; 2: Robert Head/Arron Jacobs (Beta) 130; 3: Sean/Paul Cuckow (Sherco) 32; 4: Kevin Nolan/ Karl Jarvis 17.

CLASS C CLUBMEN: 1: Jon Corlett/Jaime Howe/Harry Gell (Gas Gas) 131; 2: Jake

GIRLS’ B ROUTE 2: 1: Katlyn Adshead (TRS) 114; 2: Daisy Parsons (Beta) 106; 3: Sophie Bailey (Gas Gas) 87; 4: Amelia Mayhew (Beta) 76; 5: Summer Peters 67.

Pope/Harriet Shore (Sherco) 120; 3: Paul Fishlock/Sam Atherton (Montesa) 110; 4: Luke Etheridge/Dave Denyer (TRRS) 99; 5: Karl Jarvis/Jane Grossman (Scorpa) 73.

GIRLS’ C ROUTE 3: 1: Matilda Arbon (180° Off Road Beta) 120; 2: Holly Dixon

CLASS D NEWCOMERS: 1: Neil/Mike Franks 105; 2: Richard/Miles Gilham 80; 3:

GIRLS’ D ROUTE 3: 1: Daisy Craig (Inspire Racing OSET) 97; 2: Ealish Cubbon

(Beta) 88; 3: Brianna King (Beta) 83; 4: Kayleigh Rice (OSET) 71; 5: Gemma Kerruish (OSET) 68.

(OSET) 37.

Michael Shipley/Robert Wilson (Montesa) 40; 4: David/Kevin Ryan 20.

2019 European Championship Picture credit: Trials Media

Held as a four round championship once again this series was enjoyed by many with a good mix of nationalities present in the various classes.

EUROPEAN CLASS: 1: Gabrielle Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 355; 2: Gianluca Tournour (Gas Gas-ITA) 260; 3: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 250; 4: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 240; 5: Matteo Grattarola (Montesa-ITA) 200; 9: Toby Martyn (BetaGBR) 100.

YOUTH CLASS: 1: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 385; 2: Jack Dance (Gas Gas-GBR) 340; 3: Ben Dignan (Gas Gas-GBR) 230; 4: Jonathan Heidal (TRRS-DEU) 225; 5: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 205; 10: Harry Turner (Gas Gas-GBR) 137.

WOMEN’S CLASS: 1: Ingveig Hakonsen (TRRS-NOR) 345; 2: Alex Brancati (Beta-ITA) 435; 3: Madeline Hoover (Gas Gas-USA) 260; 4: Jule Steinart (TRRSDEU) 235; 5: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-DEU) 220; 8: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 135; 10: Alice Minta (ScorpaGabrielle Marcelli 1 (Montesa-ESP) 03/09/2018 GBR) 110. RAS Sport TrialMag 0918.pdf

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

ELECTRIC CONTROL • ALBERT CABESTANY • RENTHAL FATBAR ® 673 •

www.renthal.com

PHOTO CREDIT : TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW MODELS 2020

GAS GAS

The DNA is red

Racing design This new TXT RACING 2020 model goes back to a purely ‘Racing’ style, dominated by the red colour and aesthetics that defines the brand’s image.

A minimalist `look that transcends the lines to which we are used, applying large masses of colour. In turn, you receive a motorcycle with an attractive and passionate appearance aligned with the heart of the machine: the fantastic, compact, single-cylinder, water-cooled two-stroke engine.

Frame and suspension A new centre of gravity arrangement stands out, allowing greater traction in the rear drive train. The well-known and proven two-way Ohlin’s shock absorber is accompanied by a link that achieves the perfect stability to control the increase in torque transmission of the rear wheel to the ground; even in the most challenging situations, which once again defines the personality of the machine.

The rear assembly also shows improvements in the swinging arm arrangement. With extensive experience from the team riders and their personnel, the manufacturers are very knowledgeable in this area of performance. After spending meticulous hours of work and analysis, they have optimised what they consider to be the best for lightness while increasing reliability. The relocation of the centre of gravity has also allowed them to improve the front end and they claim that it is undoubtedly the most agile, reactive and accurate amongst all trial models on the market.

Its stability has increased, thanks to the careful tuning of both the suspension and the setup of components, such as the new suspension brace, that provides a better anchorage point of the mudguard for rigidity and precision. Gas Gas, as with all the manufacturers, take safety very seriously and try to follow all the recommendations by the FIM 14

(International Motorcycling Federation). They constantly update all models and incorporate the necessary components in accordance with the latest FIM regulation so that the riders can compete by the latest regulations. In line with this, the TXT RACING 2020 incorporates a new chain sprocket protector that protects the hands and fingers of the rider and minder, preventing them from being caught between the chain and the sprocket.

Engine At the heart of the machine is the well-proven two-stroke engine, known for its simplicity and reliability. The evolution of their genuine Kevlar disc clutch system incorporates a new spring and variable preload that offers the possibility of adjusting the tension of the clutch to the rider’s preferences.

The new clutch disc cover not only gives it a renewed look but also allows direct access to this crucial component in the trials engine for ease of maintenance.

When riding at reduced engine speed the sensitivity of the throttle ‘feel’ has been significantly improved by changing the distribution and density of the fibre at the end of the exhaust system, while also improving the characteristic sound of the TXT. Working closely with the R+D department, they have redefined and optimised the internal measurements of the engine to obtain the smoothness and lightness required in the trials world. Even the crankshaft has been profiled so that the engine pushes upwards even on the most difficult of steps, fitting perfectly to the dedication of the manufacturer in that constant search for success.

To find out more about all the Gas Gas trials models have a look at the advert in this magazine where you will find all the contact details of the official UK importer.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW MODELS 2020

This new TXT RACING 2020 model was born as a consequence of the relationship between man and machine at the highest level, in the FIM TrialGP World Championship. The new model range has the accumulation of years of evolution from experience; the careful balance of adjustments that have been built into the DNA of the Spanish manufacturer’s flagship model range, such as the control provided by the precision of the clutch controls and the evolution of the brakes for the specific practice of motorcycle trials. The suspension and damping systems have been tuned after every evolution, however small, in order to fine-tune the power that the engine can deliver to the rider of all abilities. These are bold words from Gas Gas, but they are true believers in making a product better every year in the constant search for perfection. You must always remember the innovation as a manufacturer that they have introduced to the trials world, such as the hydraulically operated diaphragm clutch; classed by many to still be the best available.

ARTICLE: GAS GAS AND TRIALS MEDIA

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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NEW MODELS 2020

B E TA

Back to black

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Beta launches the new EVO MY 2020 trials model range onto the market with a claim of ‘Superior technology’. Extensive development and technical refinement work carried out by Beta engineers and test riders at their Tuscany base last year resulted in the production of an engine that provides even more performance and reliability. The new EVO MY 2020 model range represents a further evolution of this successful machine, especially in terms of design and ergonomics.

ARTICLE: BETA AND TRIALS MEDIA

W

ith experience gained over the years spent in competitions at the highest level, this year’s Beta Factory Team, made up of Great Britain’s James Dabill and French rider Benoit Bincaz, were able to transfer all that technological know-how to the new ‘Trial’ range, so that both amateurs and professionals could get access to this highly-evolved motorcycle technology.

The two-stroke version is available in four different engine sizes: 125cc, 200cc, 250cc, 300cc & 300cc SS (‘SS’ stands for ‘Super Smooth’ a model with a smoother character compared to the standard version).

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The popular four-stroke model, on the other hand, comes with the usual 300cc engine which provides an impeccable combination of performance and ease-of-use, once again for riders of all abilities.

CHASSIS: Much attention has been paid to the

chassis design and the all-important look of the Evo MY 2020. It has been completely revised, making it an even more attractive model.

NEW FRONT HEADLAMP COWL: Completely

redesigned for that decisive look and markedly racing spirit.

NEW TANK COVER: Fully redesigned, further

highlighting the hydroformed aluminum chassis that is a particular feature of the Evo models.

NEW MAPPING SELECTOR SWITCH: With a

revolutionary new design, this has been moved from the front headlamp cowl to the new tank cover, making access and visibility easier. It now also has an LED indicator light making it much simpler to identify which mapping is selected by the rider.

NEW REAR FENDER: A completely redesigned

shape with particular attention paid to the new LED taillight.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW MODELS 2020

NEW FRONT FORK SETTING: Using the experience Beta

gained with the 2019 Factory model, the hydraulics have been made even more progressive. They have also introduced the ability to fit a compression adjuster kit - already fitted to the Factory model range.

NEW ANODIZED PARTS: Gear shift lever, foot brake lever,

engine cylinder head – Two-Stroke.

NEW GRAPHICS AND COLOURS: A fresh new appearance

comes from the aesthetics to enhance the competition ready appearance.

ENGINE: On all the two and four-stroke engines, including

the 300 SS, Beta has revised and optimised the engine timing advance curves to improve engine responsiveness and make the machine easier to ride at all levels of engine performance.

The engine obviously retains all the major updates it received in 2019, including the cylinder with new exhaust port geometry and new timing charts: Two-stroke, except the 125cc; Gearstopper cam, two-stroke; New CDI control two and four-stroke; New throttle four-stroke.

To find out more about all the Beta trials models have a look at the advert in this magazine where you will find all the contact details of the official UK importer.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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SUPER SHOT

TRIAL 125 WORLD CHAMPION

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SUPER SHOT

TRIAL 125 WORLD CHAMPION

SUPER SHOT

KIERAN TOULY (SCORPA-FRA)

FIM TRIAL 125 WORLD CHAMPION Picture Credit: Trials Media

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

Apico Montesa 315/4RT Suspension Linkages in three colour ways Web: www.apico.co.uk

S3 Spider Gloves

Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com

Airoh Helmet TRRS Convert Graphic Various Colour Ways Web: www.feridax.com

Beta Team Winter Hoodie Web: www.beta-uk.com

Sidi Trials Zero Boots

Web: www.feridax.com Web: www.sidiselect.co.uk

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Beta Team Softshell Jacket

Spada Helmet Chaser Graphic

Wulfsport HL Trials Boots

MOTS ZONE2 Boots

Web: www.beta-uk.com

Web: www.wulfsport.com

Various Colour Ways Web: www.feridax.com

Two Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

OSET Kids Riding Kit

Web: www.osetbikes.com

Mots Step 5 Riding Kit

Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com

Hebo Repsol Honda

Replica Team Riding Kit Web: www.apico.co.uk

Beta Trials Gloves

Web: www.beta-uk.com

TRS Balance Bike

Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Luma Motorcycle Security

Ring Anchor Web: www.neodistribution.co.uk

Luma Motorcycle Security

Max Black HD 120 Solid Chain Lock Web: www.neodistribution.co.uk

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PADDOCK

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

BYE BYE BABY @Brian Gray

GRIPPING STUFF

CRASH

GET OFF

IT'S OVER @Brian Gray

WHERE'S JACK?

LET'S RACE

RACING

28

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PADDOCK

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

FACE PLANT

HEBO HAPPY

HOLD THEM HORNS

SPLASH

WHAT'S THE STORY?

KING OF COOL TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

THE LONE RANGER

WATCHING YOU 29

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

PORTUGAL • FRANCE

BOU AND TOULY RULE THE WORLD Two FIM Trial World Champions were crowned in France, in TrialGP Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) for an incredible 13th time and in Trial125 a new name: Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA). In Portugal and France the weather was very hot, especially in Portugal but it was not much cooler in France at the ski resort of Auron. Both rounds provided a good variety of hazards to be ridden, including a deep river in Portugal. In the Trial2 class it’s as tight as ever in the championship as we head to the final round in Spain, with a situation not so dissimilar to the one in Italy in 2018!

WORDS AND PICTURES: TRIAL MAGAZINE

TrialGP

In all honesty it has been total domination of the series for Spain’s Toni Bou with six wins from six starts. Yes he has been challenged on a few occasions but, as we know, challenging and beating are two totally different circumstances. Adam Raga looks secure in second position but can Takahisa Fujinami overtake Jeroni Fajardo? We will have to wait and see at the final round in Spain.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX OF SEVEN: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 140 – World Champion; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 113; 3: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 95; 4: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 88; 5: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 77; 6: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 68; 7: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 65; 8: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 53; 9: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU) 53; 10: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 50; 11: Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR) 36; 12: Arnau Farre (JotagasESP) 21; 13: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 19; 14: Oriol Noguera (Jotagas-ESP) 10; 15: Andrea Riva (TRRS-ITA) 9; 16: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 7; 17: Tomoyuki Ogawa (Honda-JPN) 3; 18: Fumitaka Nozaki (Yamaha-JPN) 3.

Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP): Crowned the 2019 FIM Trial World Champion with one round remaining.

A very happy Toni Bou as he takes the win and the world title in France.

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) has once again been the constant thorn in the side of Toni Bou. 30

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

It does not get much better for Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA) as he won the Trial125 FIM World Championship in France on a French motorcycle – Vive Le France!

Trial125

Will Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) retain his FIM Trial2 World Championship title?

Trial2

Who would be brave enough to predict which way this title is going to go? You have the reigning champion Matteo Grattarola with his wealth of experience at the top of the table by just a single point, and sitting just one mark behind is the ‘Young Gun’ from Spain Gabriel Marcelli. Locked in their own battle for third in the championship are Alexandre Ferrer and Toby Martyn; let the fireworks begin!

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX OF SEVEN: 1: Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) 116; 2: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 115; 3: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 98; 4: Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR) 96; 5: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 76; 6: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 70; 7: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 67; 8: Luca Petrella (BetaITA) 60; 9: Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA) 36; 10: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 34; 11: Hakon Pedersen (Gas Gas-NOR) 34; 11: Billy Green (Montesa-GBR) 29; 13: Teo Colairo (Gas Gas-FRA) 26; 13: Pablo Suarez (Gas Gas-ESP) 24; 15: Akira Shibata (Vertigo-JPN) 10; 16: Sergio Piardi (Beta-ITA) 9; 17: Julien Perret (Gas Gas-FRA) 9; 18: Pietro Petrangeli (Sherco-ITA) 3; 19: Sergio Ribau (Sherco-ESP) 2; 20: Seiya Ujikawa (Gas Gas-JPN) 2; 21: Eric Miquel (TRRS-ESP) 1.

It’s so good to see Kieran Touly on the Scorpa put France back on the map in the world championship. He has had five wins from six starts, with only one slip in the heat of the Netherlands. The fight below him for the points has seen some intense battles and Austria’s Marco Mempoer looks to be the ‘find’ of the 2019 world championship with his first win in the Netherlands.

2019 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL POSITIONS: 1: Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA) 111 – World Champion; 2: Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA) 85; 3: Marco Mempoer (Beta-AUT) 82; 4: Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP) 81; 5: Arthur Rovery (ShercoFRA) 80; 6: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 70; 7: Pol Medinya (TRRS-ESP) 61; 8: Dylan Ball (Beta-NZL) 36; 9: Jake Eley (Beta-GBR) 25; 10: Ben Dignan (Gas Gas-ESP) 21; 11: Philipp Eberharter (TRRS-AUT) 16; 12: Jonathan Heidal (TRRS-DEU) 14; 13: Haruto Miyazawa (Beta-JPN) 13; 14: Kaoru Isogaya (BetaJPN) 13; 15: Gaudi Vall (Gas Gas-AND) 10; 16: Fabio Schollar (Beta-AUT) 10; 17: Rei Hamabe (Scorpa-JPN) 9; 18: Enzo Rossi (Scorpa-FRA) 8; 19: Shinya Toudou (Scorpa-JPN) 5; 20: Chen Wen (TRRS-TWN) 5.

Once again the four-stroke Cota 4RT has once again the dominant force in the manufacturers’ championship ahead of the two-strokes behind them, with Montesa taking the title one round early.

Manufacturers

The four-stroke Cota 4RT has once again been the dominant force in the manufacturers’ championship ahead of the two-strokes behind them, with Montesa taking the title early. It’s good to see points recorded from ten manufacturers, with the battle from second to fourth still to be decided in Spain.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND SIX OF SEVEN: 1: Montesa 255; 2: Beta 175; 3: A winner’s smile in France from Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) but can he take the FIM Trial2 World Championship to add to his 2019 European crown?

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Sherco 155; 4: TRRS 147 5: Gas Gas 138; 6: Vertigo 124; 7: Honda 119; 8: Scorpa 67; 9: Jotagas 25; 10: Yamaha: 7.

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INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

PORTUGAL • FRANCE QUALIFYING

Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR): A very confident ride gave him pole in Portugal.

Portugal Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP): The ‘King of qualifying’ hits the water in Portugal.

The changes to the 2019 qualification process, which meant that the riders would make two separate laps of the chosen hazard without a practice lap as they had had in 2018, was proving a success with some spectacular action. A ballot decides the starting order for the Q1 timed lap, after which the finishing order in Q1 determines the starting order for Q2. The two lap times are then put together and the best average time, also taking into account any marks lost on observation, decides the starting orders, with the quickest average time determining the last starting position in the competition. The action in the early evening in Portugal was sensational – a good crowd, the music, the lights and the action were by far the best of the best qualifying action ever, and yes, it was electrifying!

2019 The Fastest TRIALGP: No result recorded for Italy, start order was by ballot. Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 4; Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 1.

If the Portuguese round is repeated at Gouveia in the 2020 calendar, put it in your diary. The location in the river in the middle of the town is what trials is all about, how it used to be – fun! With good observation points along the edge of the river in the gorge on the edge of the town centre the stage was set. The commitment from all the riders across the classes was unbelievable, really on the limit; it was spectacular.

Yes Toni Bou won, but the water crossing at the end was deep and full of action especially when Great Britain’s James Dabill went for gold in TrialGP! In Trial2 the action was just as hot and we are sure the cooling water effect kept Toby Martyn ready for Q2, as just like Toni Bou he just went for it – pure edge-of-the seat action. He knew what he had to do to secure pole and he hit the ‘Mad’ button in a style never seen before in this class, and he nailed it! Toby Martyn has had a tough year but talk about entertain – we loved it.

TRIALGP: 1: Bou 0 + 22.23; 2: Dabill 0 + 23.42; 3: Fujinami 0 + 23.50; 4: Casales 0 + 24.56; 5: Kadlec 0 + 25.13; 6: Bincaz 0 + 25.65; 7: Miquel Gelabert 0 + 26.49; 8: Fajardo 0 + 26.52; 9: Dan Peace 0 + 28.13; 10: Price: 0 + 29.28.

TRIAL2: 1: Martyn 0 + 19.28; 2: Grattarola: 0 + 20.92; 3: Moret 0 + 20.95; 4: Aniol Gelabert 0 + 21.44; 5: Marcelli 0 + 23.37; 6: Haga 0 + 24.08; 7: Gandola: 0 + 24.30; 8: Suarez: 0 + 24.98; 9: Gunvaldsen: 0 + 25.11; 10: Green: 0 + 25.22.

TRIAL2: Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR) 4; Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) 1; Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-FRA) 1.

TRIAL125: Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA) 2; Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP) 2; Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 1.

Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP): In France, one word springs to mind: ‘Executioner’ 32

Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR) – ‘Racing’ to the pole position in France.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP): An all-aggression style has given him two pole positons in 2019 as the season closes on the little Trial125 machines.

Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP): All he wants to do is be fast and able to fight for the victories at the back of the entry with Toni Bou; in Portugal it all went waist-deep wrong.

France

After the madness of Portugal things calmed down a little in France but the results were still the same. Toni was very calm and calculated, just like an executioner; he knew what he had to do and just did, as calm as anything, bang on the money in both Q1 and Q2. The biggest loser was his fellow Repsol Honda team rider Takahisa Fujinami; second fastest in Q1, he crashed out in Q2 in a nasty accident but fortunately without injury. Both Jeroni Fajardo and Jaime Busto set quick times, but not as quick as the ‘King’ of qualifying: that man Bou. In Trial2 it was that man Martyn again who, like Bou, just went out and blitzed it. Gabrielle Marcelli was a happy man, having the option awarded to him to start behind the championship leader Matteo Grattarola. On home soil Kieran Touly wanted pole in Trial125 desperately, but it was Alex Canales who was the man with the fastest throttle who edged out the French rider TRIALGP: 1: Bou 0 + 26.64; 2: Fajardo 0 + 28.20; 3: Busto: 0 + 28.31; 4: Raga: 0 + 28.69; 5: Casales 0 + 29.01; 6: Miquel Gelabert 0 + 30.52; 7: Dabill 0 + 31.40; 8: Fujinami 0 + 31.66; 9: Dan Peace 0 + 31.77; 10: Bincaz 0 + 32.43.

TRIAL2: 1: Martyn 0 + 25.68; 2: Marcelli 0 + 27.69; 3: Petrella 0 + 27.99; 4: Haga 0 + 28.59; 5: Grattarola 0 + 28.72; 6: Moret 0 + 28.89; 7: Petersen: 0 + 29.42; 8: Miguel: 0 + 30.33; 9: Aniol Gelabert 0 + 30.73; 10: Green 0 + 31.15.

We all love the ‘Dibsta’, a good all-round guy, talk about entertain. Never frightened to open the throttle, he wiped out the qualifying tent in Portugal before enquiring on his time – James Dabill is some boy!

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

TRIAL125: 1: Canales 0 + 21.15; 2: Touly 0 + 22.32; 3: Rabino: 0 + 22.52; 4: Rovery: 0 + 22.52; 5: Martinez 0 + 22.70.

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INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

PORTUGAL • FRANCE

THE BOU SHOW

Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP): It’s been a tough year for the Gas Gas number one rider, but round after round he has maintained the push for the podium positions.

Portugal

It was a return to the Senhora dos Verdes Park venue, with its rugged skyline dominated by mountains and rocks, for the second year in succession. The heat was intense and so was the action, as this year the organisers had a new group of rivers hazards making it an excellent venue for the world championship occasion. Toni Bou arrived very confident, knowing that a victory here would give him an even better points advantage over his rivals.

Once the early morning mist had burned away the event’s venue was opened up to the sun, which led to a very difficult opening lap for the defending champion. He parted with marks in the first three hazards before taking a very welcome clean on section four. The man on form on the first lap was the seasoned world championship contender and the team-mate of Bou, Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami on the second Repsol Honda. He was the early leader but was to suffer four time penalties in his quest to be the best in the sections, which would eventually deny him third position and the chance to make the podium.

As we have witnessed so many times before, when under pressure Toni Bou performs at his very best and he coaxed the four-stroke Cota 4RT through the 15 hazards for a mere six marks on the second lap, made up of a single mark and a five-mark penalty for a stop in the tough section 12. The fight behind him was all about who would make the podium and his seasoned rival Adam Raga on the TRRS was the one to once again push Bou, finishing just seven marks behind him.

The next three riders all lost 15 marks on the second lap but it was the lack of any time penalties that secured second for Raga and third for Jeroni Fajardo. The championship action would continue seven days later in France.

RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 25; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 32;

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP): With one hand on the runner-up spot in the championship you always have to take your hat off to Adam, the will to win never goes away.

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3: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 36; 4: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 39; 5: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 40; 6: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 45; 7: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 55; 8: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 58; 9: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 68; 10: Arnau Farre (Jotagas-ESP) 74; 11: Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR) 81; 12: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU) 84; 13: Dan Peace (ShercoGBR) 104.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN): Yes ‘Mr Cool’ himself, ‘Fujigas’ is like the vintage wine that just gets better. The fight for the top three in the championship continues, as it will until he has ridden the final section in Spain.

Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP): Will he close the season with a win? On home soil in Spain for the final round maybe it will be his day; we will see!

France

James Dabill (Beta-GBR): Still head and shoulders above the other English riders, ‘Dibsta’ will be keeping his eyes on sixth position and his closet rival Casales as the season reaches its conclusion.

Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP): If he can move past the mental barrier of self-belief we will see the full potential of this exciting rider. Expect some better results in the second half of the season if the confidence grows.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

A return to the small winter ski resort town of Auron, France, welcomed the riders after the success of the event in 2018. On a small course of approximately four kilometres with a mixture of hazards including rocks, dry river beds and steep climbs the machines would have to cope with the high altitude, which at times reaches the 1,700 metre mark. Bou knew a victory here would seal the 2019 world title.

The starting order is decided by a ballot and Toni Bou went out in the middle of the field to record a time which no one could better; on the second attempt he laid down the gauntlet sending out a clear message to his rivals: he wanted to win.

The hot weather in the area continued and the action was as close as ever on the opening lap of the 15 hazards to be ridden twice. In the first half of the opening lap it was the young Jaime Busto who was showing the form that we had waited for all season, and once again ‘Fujigas’ was in the mix putting the pressure on Bou. The problem for the other riders is that when Bou is under pressure he performs, every time. Bou had a stop in section ten as Busto mastered it, but then he had two stops in sections 12 and 14 to spoil his score. It was Toni Bou who held a fivemark advantage as the lap closed with him parting with one time penalty.

As he has demonstrated so many times before, once he gets into a good riding rhythm nobody can match him. Bou simply blew the opposition away on the second lap parting with just a single mark on section 13 to secure yet another world title, much to his delight.

RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 9: 2: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 23; 3: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 25; 4: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 30; 5: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 36; 6: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 42; 7: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 45; 8: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 54; 9: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 57; 10: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU) 71; 11: Jack Price (Gas GasGBR) 75; 12: Arnau Farre (Jotagas-ESP) 97; 13: Andrea Riva (TRRS-ITA) 110; 14: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 137.

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INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA): He is still lacking the consistency to challenge for the top five but along with Busto he most certainly has the talent.

Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU): One of the most improved riders this season, the results tell a different story and leave him tying on points with Benoit Bincaz.

Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR): Having to go through the qualifying process is frustrating for the young Brit as he has been the first to attempt the sections on many times this season, which has shown in his results.

Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP): Having to wear face protection after a nasty accident in Belgium, ‘Micky’ will be disappointed with his 2019 results.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

PORTUGAL • FRANCE

DOWN TO THE WIRE

Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP): Once again it’s a Team RG Montesa rider who is challenging for the 2019 title as the four-stroke machines remain dominant in this class.

Matteo Grattarola (Montesa-ITA)

Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA): Maybe it’s just too much to ask to win the title in his first year in this class but who knows! We will just have to wait until Spain.

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Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR): The talent is there for sure; this is not fabricated talent, it’s a natural gift waiting to win, but this year has not been the one.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP): It’s almost unbelievable that Francesc Moret is not higher up the championship given the ability he has!

Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR): This is another great talent just waiting to mature into a winner, and it will happen.

Portugal

Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA): An inconsistent season has kept him out of the top five.

The Senhora dos Verdes Park venue is a recreational park found just outside the village of Gouveia below the hillside in the District of Guarda in Portugal, in the north of the country. Located at around 180km from the well-known city of Porto the heat, as in 2018, was once again the enemy such was its intensity. The new river hazards to be included in the two laps of 15 hazards added some variety for the riders to attempt in addition to the large rocks found in abundance in this area. This trial was going to be make or break for both Gabriel Marcelli and Alexandre Ferrer if they were going to stop the defending champion Matteo Grattarola from moving closer to his second Trial2 title.

It was in fact Francesc Moret who led the way at the close of the first lap by just by a single mark from Frenchman Ferrer, followed closely

by Marcelli and the surprise package of the event Italian Lorenzo Gondola, with Grattarola down in sixth position. On the second lap the scores came down to single figures, the best lap score coming from Great Britain’s young talent Jack Peace on three marks lost.

The other riders on single-figure scores included the eventual winner Gabriel Marcelli on five followed by Ferrer, as expected, on seven and Lorenzo Gondola making his way to an eventual third spot on the podium on eight marks lost, pushing Grattarola down into seventh position with his second-lap score of ten marks lost.

For English rider Toby Martyn a poor tenth-place finish removed any chance of championship glory in 2019. This was the worst performance from Grattarola this season, which allowed the other championship challengers to move closer to him at the head of the points table making it all to play for in France.

RESULTS: 1: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 23; 2: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-

Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP): With an all-action riding style Aniol is another young rider who will mature into a good solid rider.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

FRA) 23; 3: Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA) 25; 4: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 26; 5: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 27; 6: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 30; 7: Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) 31; 8: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 31; 9: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 34; 10: Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR) 37; 11: Billy Green (MontesaGBR) 37; 12: Julien Perret (Gas Gas-FRA) 47; 13: Pablo Suarez (Gas Gas-ESP) 60; 14: Sergio Ribau (Sherco-ESP) 61; 15: Hakon Pedersen (Gas Gas-NOR) 63.

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INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA): Still a young rider in this championship, the result in Portugal will have done his confidence the world of good.

Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR): Injuries, including riding with a broken hand in France, have hindered a good solid result all season.

France

The high altitude of Auron in France which is surrounded by a majestic ring of mountains, some of which go as high as 2,500 metres above sea level, meant that both the two- and four-stroke trials machines would struggle with their performance at this altitude. The 15 hazards with a mixture of rocks, dry river beds and steep climbs are situated at around the 1,700 metre mark, making machine setup of paramount importance.

The course covers a distance of approximately four kilometres with a mixture of hazards including rocks, dry river beds and steep climbs. The day opened overcast before the sun shone through on the action.

After qualifying Matteo Grattarola found himself in fifth position and in doing so gave the advantage to Gabriel Marcelli, but the biggest loser was the eventual winner Alexandre Ferrer, who would be starting with the opening riders at the head of the field. The French rider had the support of the patriotic crowd behind him, but take nothing away from Ferrer as he posted a low score of just five marks lost on his opening lap. Very much on his case were both Marcelli on eight, Grattarola on nine and, showing he has lost none of his talent, Great Britain’s Toby Martyn on ten.

Behind these leading riders the marks remained very close, opening the eyes to a potential eight riders who could all win. As it turned out no one was going to beat Ferrer with another low-scoring lap of seven marks lost, who along with his minder Mederic Delannoy celebrated the French win.

Two other notable rides on the second lap and the only other singlefigure scores came from Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) on eight and Teo Colairo (Gas Gas-FRA) on nine. Showing a return to form, Great Britain’s Toby Martyn just missed the podium to come home fourth.

With Ferrer winning and Marcelli finishing second after beating Grattarola by a single mark, it has set up a ‘Grand Finale’ in Spain to determine who will be the 2019 FIM Trial2 World Champion.

RESULTS: 1: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 12; 2: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-

Billy Green (Montesa-GBR): It’s still a steep learning curve for Billy, who has learned so much in his first season in Trial2.

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ESP) 19; 3: Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) 20; 4: Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR) 22; 5: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 22; 6: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 24; 7: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 24; 8: Teo Colairo (Gas Gas-FRA) 28; 9: Hakon Pedersen (Gas Gas-NOR) 30; 10: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 37; 11: Pablo Suarez (Gas GasESP) 42; 12: Julien Perret (Gas Gas-FRA) 47; 13: Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA) 49; 14: Billy Green (Montesa-GBR) 50; 15: Sergio Piardi (Beta-ITA) 51.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

FRANCE

TOULY’S TOP SPOT

Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA): Missing the wins has cost Alberto any chance of challenging for the title.

Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA): Very much a part of the French Federation Team; keep your eyes on Kieran and his trials career, a worthy 2019 FIM Trial World Champion.

France

Just imagine the scene in your own mind: turning up in your home country with one hand on the FIM Trial125 World Championship.

French rider Kieran Touly is on home soil riding a French motorcycle in front of his French fans — we take it you are getting the picture?

Very proud of his birthplace, the resurgence in France as a trialsriding nation is on the up and this exciting young rider is embracing the opportunity with both hands to be a part of it, with the backing of the home federation. On the day he duly delivered the ride that would see him crowned the 2019 FIM Trial125 World Champion.

QUALIFYING: You can guarantee, if you put the youth and exuberance of opening the throttle and going for gold along with some warm sunshine it is always going to throw out some exciting racing, and that’s what it did at the series finale for this FIM class in France.

In qualifying it was Touly’s fellow French rival Arthur Rovery who was out early to set a scorching clean time of 22.78; it looked fast and it was. Touly was out next and he was straight away on the ‘gas’ to record a time two seconds quicker!

In Q2 and the last rider out, it all went wrong for Touly as he crashed out but he had done enough in Q1 to give him a decent starting position on competition day, as he would be the second from last to start in front of the pole sitter Alex Canales on the Gas Gas from Spain.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Marco Mempoer (Beta-AUT): Throw in some more experience and you can bet Marco will be back stronger than ever in 2020.

Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP): An exciting rider who will be a real championship challenger next year.

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INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Arthur Rovery (Sherco-FRA): This is another young rider benefitting from the French Federation’s support and it’s starting to show in his preparation and results.

Pol Medinya (TRRS-ESP): At times during the 2019 season we have seen some of the brilliance from this young Spanish rider

Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP): Step by step, this young rider is improving.

COMPETITION: The riders had made many changes to their little 125cc machines to cope with the high-altitude venue at around 1,700 metres above sea level at the small winter ski resort town of Auron to extract the maximum power from their machines. The 15 hazards had been plotted to push both the riders and machines to the limit, which resulted in some very exciting riding over the four-kilometre course with a mixture of challenging terrain including rocks, dry river beds and steep climbs.

Once again the sun shone on the venue, and as expected Kieran Touly came out looking to be at his very best and he did not disappoint.

On the toughest hazard of the day, number three, in a dried up rocky river bed he used his strong legs twice to keep on the move as Spain’s Pol Medinya showed his ability with the best ride of the day, losing just a single mark on the TRRS. As the lap closed Kieran Touly, on four marks lost, held a clear fivemark advantage over Arthur Rovery on nine.

On the second lap, Touly further increased his advantage to take the win as Rovery struggled to maintain his form, but he had done enough on the opening lap to secure the second step on the podium, and Spain’s Alex Canales did just enough to keep ahead of Italian Alberto Rabino for third position. It was a delighted Kieran Touly who sung his heart out with Arthur Rovery to the tune of the French national anthem on an emotional day made even better when Alexandre Ferrer took the Trial2 win.

RESULTS: 1: Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA) 20; 2:

Jake Eley (Beta-GBR): Once again a full season has been completed with one of the biggest smiles in the paddock as Jake enjoys his life 100%.

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Arthur Rovery (Sherco-FRA) 31; 3: Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP) 35; 4: Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA) 36; 5: Pol Medinya (TRRS-ESP) 44; 6: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 48; 7: Marco Mempoer (Beta-AUT) 56; 8: Enzo Rossi (Scorpa-FRA) 74; 9: Gaudi Vall (Gas Gas-AND) 92; 10: Philipp Eberharter (TRRSAUT) 119; 11: Jake Eley (Beta-GBR) 125.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

PORTUGAL • FRANCE

ADVANTAGE BRISTOW

There is only one thing on the mind of Sandra Gomez (TRRS-ESP) in qualifying and that is to set the quickest time, which she did in France.

Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR)

Carrying on where she left off in Japan at rounds one and two of the 2019 series, Great Britain’s Emma Bristow remains on track to record her sixth consecutive world title. In qualifying she has not been the quickest, but has ridden with an air of confidence knowing that she can use her experience to its full advantage in the actual trial. The full house of 80 points speaks for itself.

Portugal

In the tricky river hazard in the middle of the town of Gouveia it was the small frame of Maria Giro who set the quickest time, the first for the four-stroke Montesa since qualifying was introduced. In the trial the hazards were a mixture of the slippery wet rocks in the river and the bone dry exposed ones in the sun.

Defending champion Bristow started well but was hit by a freak disaster on section five. A rock-step out of the river proved too much for the Sherco rider, who suffered a nasty crash; but worse was to come as the machine immersed itself in one of the deep water-filled rock-holes.

Quick action by her husband and minder, James, saw him pull the machine out but the engine had taken in water. He soon had the machine back to life, but now she was pushed for time and had to use all her experience to avoid any time penalties.

Her second lap score of 14 rescued the day, but two consistent laps from Spain’s Berta Abellan left her just seven marks off the win.

QUALIFYING: 1: Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) 0 + 27.98; 2: Madeleine Hoover (Gas Gas-USA) 0 + 28.54; 3: Sandra Gomez (TRRS-ESP) 0 + 28.58; 4: Berta Abellan (Vertigo-ESP) 0 + 28.89; 5: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 0 + 29.65; 6: Alex Brancati (Beta-ITA) 0 + 29.93; 7: Ingveig Hakonsen (TRRS-NOR) 0 + 32.76; 8: Sarah Bauer (Sherco-DEU) 0 + 32.98; 9: Jule Steinart (TRRS-DEU) 0 + 35.54; 10: Neus Mercia (Gas Gas-ESP) 3 + 43.53.

It was a very determined and focused Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) who took the pole position in Portugal, the first for the four-stroke Cota 4RT in the ladies’ TrialGP class since qualifying was introduced.

46

RESULTS: 1: Bristow 32; 2: Abellan 39; 3: Gomez 49; 4: Brancati 59; 5: Hakonsen 61; 6: Mercia 61; 7: Hoover 66; 8: Giro 68; 9: Bauer 78; 10: Steinart 87.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The podium in France: Berta Abellan, Emma Bristow and Sandra Gomez; is this how the final championship positions will be? We will have to wait and see.

France Maturing into a good strong rider is Berta Abellan (VertigoESP). Her impressive style has put her in second position in the championship as we approach the final round in Spain.

Neus Mercia (Gas Gas-ESP) will be disappointed with her form but still finds herself in fourth position in the championship

Using her Enduro experience it was Sandra Gomez who set the fastest time in qualifying from Emma Bristow, setting up an exciting day of competition in France. The opening lap over the rocks and banks in the dried-up river beds witnessed a terrific battle between Bristow and, once again, Berta Abellan.

The opening lap scores were 15 in Bristow’s favour to the 17 of Abellan, followed by Neus Mercia on 24 marks lost. On the second tour of the 15 hazards Bristow showed why she is the queen of the ladies’ trials world, with a superb score of five giving her the victory. Sandra Gomez came fighting back with a lap score of ten but it was Abellan with a score of 11 who took the runner-up spot once again as Gomez clawed back to third and the final step on the podium.

With the 80 points in the bag Bristow has one hand on the 2019 trophy, but with the final round in Spain you can bet that Berta Abellan riding in front of a home crowd will want to take the victory away from Bristow; it should be very interesting.

QUALIFYING: 1: Sandra Gomez (TRRS-ESP) 0 + 21.00; 2: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 0 + 22.37; 3: Madeleine Hoover (Gas Gas-USA) 0 + 22.39; 4: Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) 0 + 23.06; 5: Sarah Bauer (Sherco-DEU) 0 + 23.43; 6: Berta Abellan (Vertigo-ESP) 0 + 24.14; 7: Jule Steinart (TRRSDEU) 0 + 24.30; 8: Alex Brancati (Beta-ITA) 0 + 25.03; 9: Neus Mercia (Gas Gas-ESP) 0 + 25.20; 10: Ingveig Hakonsen (TRRS-NOR) 0 + 25.32.

RESULTS: 1: Bristow 20; 2: Abellan 28; 3: Gomez 37; 4: Giro 43; 5: Mercia 36; 6: Brancati 52; 7: Hakonsen 74; 8: Bauer 64; 9: Hoover 74; 10: Steinart 74.

2019 TrialGP Women’s World Championship Positions RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 80; 2:

Ingveig Hakonsen (TRRS-NOR) stands just two marks behind Neus Mercia in the championship; the final round should be interesting.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Berta Abellan (Vertigo-ESP) 64; 3: Sandra Gomez (TRRS-ESP) 60; 4: Neus Mercia (Gas Gas-ESP) 47; 5: Ingveig Hakonsen (TRRS-NOR) 45; 6: Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) 42; 7: Alex Brancati (Beta-ITA) 40; 8: Sarah Bauer (Sherco-DEU) 32; 9: Madeleine Hoover (Gas Gas-USA) 28; 10: Jule Steinart (TRRS-DEU) 22; 11: Aya Nishimura (Beta-JPN) 14; 12: Erika Melchior (Sherco-NOR) 8.

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INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

PORTUGAL • FRANCE

THE FUTURE STARS

Alice Minta (Scorpa-GBR): Both strong and determined; keep your eye on this young lady, she wants a world title and is maturing into a very strong contender despite her young age.

Vivian Wachs (TRRS-DEU): Having dominated the opening two rounds, will the Spanish TRRS manufacturer take its first world title with the German rider?

Portugal

Lenna Volpe (Sherco-FRA): The French federation has invested in its riders and it’s showing the rewards, as Leena is locked in a battle with Caroline Moreon in the championship.

Putting down the hammer in qualification was a proud moment for Great Britain’s 15-year-old Alice Minta as she scorched to the pole position on the Scorpa on her debut in the Trial2 class. As the event opened into a red-hot day it was Alice who stole the early advantage to take an early lead before an unexpected stop threw that away. Fighting back into the action she held a slender three-mark advantage over her closest rivals Vivian Wachs and Lenna Volpe as the lap closed. It was the German girl Wachs who set the standard on the second lap of the 15 hazards, with an incredible ride of five marks lost made up of a three and a two. Alice tried to fight back, and in a lap where she did not concede a five she finished just four marks behind the winner. These two were well clear of the third-placed Lenna Volpe from France who finished in front of a fight

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Caroline Moreon (Sherco-FRA): With only four marks between her and Lenna Volpe, the battle for the best French rider should be very interesting.

for fourth between four other riders. Fourth place would eventually go to Caroline Moreon making it a good day for France.

QUALIFYING: 1: Alice Minta (Scorpa-GBR) 0 + 21.01; 2: Erika Melchior (ScorpaNOR) 0 + 23.05; 3: Caroline Moreon (Sherco-FRA) 0 + 24.29; 4: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-DEU) 0 + 25.49; 5: Gabrielle Whitham (Beta-GBR) 0 + 26.27; 6: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 0 + 26.74; 7: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-DEU) 0 + 27.40; 8: Lenna Volpe (Sherco-FRA) 1 + 23.76; 9: Seline Melling (Beta-NOR) 1 + 25.40; 10: Sofia Porfirio (TRRS-PRT) 1 + 25.54; 11: Lillie Yiatrou (TRRS-AUT) 1 + 27.50; 12: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 1 + 27.89; 13: Rita Vieira (Ossa-PRT) 2 + 24.79; 14: Eva Munoz (Sherco-ESP) 2 + 27.10; 15: Mariana Afonso (Sherco-PRT) 3 + 28.44.

RESULTS: 1: Wachs 23; 2: Minta 27; 3: Volpe 35; 4: Moreon 42; 5: Ter Jung 46; 6: Robinson 46; 7: Melchior 46; 8: Melling 51; 9: Whitham 58; 10: Gallieni 63; 11: Vieira 74; 12: Munoz 87; 13: Yiatrou 109; 14: Porfirio 120; 15: Afonso 126.

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INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-DEU): Looking good all the time, we expect a strong finish to the season from Sophia.

Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR): Once the nerves settle and the talent comes to the surface just watch Alicia make her way in the world of ladies’ trials.

France

Gabrielle Whitham (Beta-GBR): Taking in only the opening round in Portugal and enjoying the experience, ‘Gabby’ finished ninth and will be happy with the seven points that went with it.

It was first-round winner Vivian Wachs who came out of the starting blocks the quickest to throw down the gauntlet to her rivals as she held Erika Melchior at bay by a very slender margin. Once again it was a hot day for the action and it very much replicated the opening round, with Vivian Wachs and Alice Minta on ten marks each as Erika Melchior used the start position to her advantage to be next on 12 marks lost. As she had done just one week earlier on the second lap Vivian took the TRRS round, parting with just a single mark on section nine.

After a nervous start to the second lap with a three on section two Alice Minta settled down to close her lap on five. This was good strong riding from the young ‘Brit’ who once again had Lenna Volpe breathing down her neck. The three riders following all finished very close, only separated by single marks, proving just how competitive this class is; the last round should be very interesting as you can guarantee that to take the title Vivian Wachs will once again have to be at her very best.

QUALIFYING: 1: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-DEU) 0 + 20.07; 2: Erika Melchior (ScorpaNOR) 0 + 20.78; 3: Lenna Volpe (Sherco-FRA) 0 + 22.23; 4: Alice Minta (ScorpaGBR) 0 + 22.59; 5: Caroline Moreon (Sherco-FRA) 0 + 22.78; 6: Naomi Monnier (Beta-FRA) 0 + 23.06; 7: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-DEU) 0 + 23.83; 8: Seline Melling (Beta-NOR) 0 + 24.96; 9: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 0 + 25.43; 10: Eva Munoz (Sherco-ESP) 0 + 26.76; 11: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 0 + 28.36; 12: Leonor Moreira (Gas Gas-PRT) 0 +30.86; 13: Lillie Yiatrou (TRRS-AUT) 0 + 33.10

RESULTS: 1: Wachs 11; 2: Minta 15; 3: Volpe 20; 4: Moreon 23; 5: Monnier 24; 6: Melchior 25; 7: Ter Jung 30; 8: Gallieni 30; 9: Robinson 41; 10: Munoz 76; 11: Moreira (Gas Gas-PRT) 112; 12: Yiatrou 113.

2019 Trial2 Women’s World Championship Positions RESULTS: 1: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-DEU) 40; 2: Alice Minta (Scorpa-GBR) 34; 3:

Will these three continue to dominate the podium? We will see after Spain!

50

Lenna Volpe (Sherco-FRA) 30; 4: Caroline Moreon (Sherco-FRA) 26; 5: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-DEU) 20; 6: Erika Melchior (Scorpa-NOR) 19; 7: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 17; 8: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 14; 9: Naomi Monnier (Beta-FRA) 11; 10: Eva Munoz (Sherco-ESP) 10; 11: Seline Melling (Beta-NOR) 8; 12: Gabrielle Whitham (Beta-GBR) 7; 13: Lillie Yiatrou (TRRS-AUT) 7; 14: Leonor Moreira (Gas Gas-PRT) 5; 15: Rita Vieira (Ossa-PRT) 5.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

BOULDER // WHITE / RED / FLO YELLOW

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INTERNATIONAL 2009/2019

2009-2019

What's new?

Yes, we used to have crowds at the events – and, most importantly, action! Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) strains every muscle to maintain forward motion and control.

You may ask the question ‘What’s New?’ in the 2019 FIM Trial World Championship. If you look back at the 2009 World Championship, which we do here in this article, you will see that it’s maybe not as much as you think, with regard to rider numbers and countries. Yes we have seen the introduction of the qualifying on the Saturday which has added some excitement and the addition of some new classes has boosted the numbers, but at the core of the championship it’s not changed as much as you might think. Fundamentally any championship has to evolve but what many want to see not just in the world championship but in the various national championships is two points-scoring days; maybe we are wrong but on a general consensus that is what many would like to see.

ARTICLE: TRIAL MAGAZINE

100% commitment, that’s what has kept Toni Bou at the top of his game; and yes, he is still ‘The Man’ in 2019.

2009 FIM World Trials Championship.

All Rounds Count RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 200; 2: Adam Raga (Gas

Podium Ireland 2009: On the top step of the podium is that man Toni Bou. On the second step is his arch rival Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP). Toni will openly tell you it’s that constant pressure from Adam that has made him push his riding to such a high standard. On the final step is Albert Cabestany (Sherco-ESP) who retired from the trial world championship in 2018. Check out the podium ten years on and it’s still an all-Spanish one.

52

Gas-ESP) 188; 3: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 147; 4: Jeroni Fajardo (Beta-ESP) 136; 5: Albert Cabestany (Sherco-ESP) 128; 6: Dougie Lampkin (Beta-GBR) 118; 7: James Dabill (Gas Gas-GBR) 101; 8: Marc Frexia (Gas Gas-ESP) 96; 9: Loris Gubian (Gas Gas-FRA) 74; 10: Michael Brown (Sherco-GBR) 64; 11: Daniel Oliveras (Gas Gas-ESP) 54; 12: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN)16; 13: Henri Himmanen (Beta-FIN) 15; 14: Alexz Wigg (Beta-GBR) 11; 15: Shaun Morris (Beta-GBR) 9.

MOST WINS: Toni Bou 7; Adam Raga 3; Jeroni Fajardo 1.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SCORERS: 23.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

2009/2019

The majority of the success for Laia came when she was taken under the wing of the mighty Repsol Honda trial team. The 2019 Ladies’ World Championship is now divided into two classes, TrialGP and Trial2.

2009 FIM Ladies’ World Trials Championship.

Best Two of Three Rounds RESULTS: 1: Laia Sanz (Repsol Honda-ESP) 40; 2: Becky Cook (Sherco-GBR) 34; 3: Iris Kramer (Gas Gas-GER) 32; 4: Joanne Coles (Gas Gas-GBR) 28; 5: Rosita Leotta (Gas Gas-GER) 24; 6: Emma Bristow (Gas Gas-GBR) 20; 7: Mireia Conde (Beta-ESP) 20; 8: Sandra Gomez (Gas Gas-ESP)18; 9: Ina Wilde (Sherco-GER) 15; 10: Sandrine Juffet (Gas Gas-FRA) 14; 11: Alba Villegas (Sherco-ESP) 13; 12: Marilyne Journet (Gas Gas-FRA) 12; 13: Elisabet Solera (Gas Gas-ESP) 10; 14: Hannah Styles (Gas Gas-GBR) 5; 15: Connie Ludvigsen (Gas Gas-NOR) 5.

In 2019 Laia Sanz is an internationally recognised off-road motorcyclist in Enduro and such iconic events as the Paris Dakar. She was the young lady who made everyone sit up and take note at ladies’ trials, winning 13 FIM Ladies’ trials world titles from 2000 – 2013.

Coming through from the successful ACU Schoolboy Championships in Great Britain, Alexz went on to win the 2006 Youth World Championships and European Junior Championships.

After finishing runner-up in both 2007 and 2008 he successfully won the FIM Junior World Trials Championship in 2009.

MOST WINS: Laia Sanz 3.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SCORERS: 17.

Alexz progressed to the FIM top class in the latter part of 2009 and continued in the class until 2014. In a successful career he won the 2010 Scottish Six Days Trial.

2009 FIM Junior World Trials Championship. Best Nine of Eleven Rounds RESULTS: 1: Alexz Wigg (Beta-GBR) 163; 2: Alfredo Gomez (Montesa-ESP) 161; 3: Matteo Grattarola (ShercoITA) 148; 4: Jack Challoner (Beta-GBR) 122; 5: Alexandre Farrer (Sherco-FRA) 100; 6: Guillaume Laniel (Gas Gas-FRA) 99; 7: Francesc Moret (Gas Gas-ESP) 89; 8: Ross Danby (Gas Gas-GBR) 88; 9: Benoit Dagnicourt (Beta-FRA) 69; 10: Simone Staltari (Gas Gas-ITA) 55; 11: George Morton (Beta-GBR) 41; 12: Sam Haslam (Gas Gas-GBR) 36; 13: Emil Gyllenhammar (Gas Gas-SWE) 24; 14: James Fry (Sherco-GBR) 23; 15: Mardon Moi (Beta-NOR) 22.

MOST WINS: Alexz Wigg 6; Alfredo Gomez 4; Matteo Grattarola 1.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SCORERS: 27.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Podium Ireland 2009: It’s Alexz Wigg (Beta-GBR) who stands proud on the top step at the start of a winning year. On the second step is Alfredo Gomez (Montesa-ESP) who moved on to a career in Enduro Extreme. On the final step is Matteo Grattarola (Sherco-ITA).

When the series name changed to Trial2 in 2017 it continued to be very competitive, Matteo dropped down from TrialGP to Trial2 and won the championship in 2018.

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INTERNATIONAL 2009/2019

Both father, Gerald, and son Jonathan Richardson have won the Scott Trial. Jonathan can be found in 2019 riding in Extreme Enduro.

Full of enthusiasm for the sport, Jonathan Richardson (ShercoGBR) won the 2009 series by a convincing margin with five wins.

2009 FIM Junior World Trials Championship.

Best Nine of Eleven Rounds RESULTS: 1: Jonathan Richardson (Sherco-GBR) 162; 2: Maxime Warenghien (Sherco-BEL) 142; 3: Tanguy Motin (Gas Gas-FRA) 132; 4: Carles Traviesa (Gas Gas-ESP) 129; 5: Pere Borrellas (Gas Gas-ESP) 116; 6: Luca Cotone (Beta-ITA) 105; 7: Hakon Pedersen (Sherco-NOR) 84; 8: Ben Morphett (Beta-GBR) 79; 9: Jonny Walker (Gas Gas-GBR) 71; 10: Francesc Ciurana (Gas GasESP) 57; 11: Marc Horrach (Gas Gas-ESP) 53; 12: Matteo Cominli (Beta-ITA) 49; 13: Matteo Poli (Beta-ITA) 39; 14: Jack Sheppard (Beta-GBR) 26; 15: Gianluca Tournour (Gas Gas-ITA) 16.

MOST WINS: Jonathan Richardson 5; Carles Traviesa 3; Maxime Warenghien 2; Pere Borrellas 1.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS SCORERS: 29.

54

Podium Ireland 2009: Jonathan Richardson (Sherco-GBR) would continue in the world championship series for a few years. Pere Borrellas (Gas Gas-ESP) on the second step would progress through the relevant classes before moving out of the world championships in 2014. In 2019 the series is now titled Trial125.

Trial Magazine would like to acknowledge the help from Belgium’s custodian of world championship records Charly Demathieu and Mario Candellone with this article generation.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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FOCUS BETA

1989-2019

Back to the future Where does 30 years of your life go? Just ask John Lampkin, the official importer of the Italian Beta trials motorcycles. During this time, he has witnessed the evolution of the company and its machines that has produced so many great models along this exciting journey. Times were changing in the world of motorcycle trials in 1989, as the air-cooled world of a generation of models was wiped out overnight with the arrival of the water-cooled era that evolved into the present-day machines. How much have the machines really changed, we ask, as we delve ‘back to the future’. One of the first riders to sample the delights of the Italian motorcycles in the late 80s was Wayne Braybrook. We invited him along to sample both the 1989 and 2019 Betas to see what had changed in 30 years of development in the trials world. Before we sample the machines, we take a ‘Quick Spin’ through the archives to look at the arrival in the trials world of the Beta trials motorcycles.

WORDS: JOHN HULME, JOHN LAMPKIN AND WAYNE BRAYBROOK • PICTURES: BETA, TRIALS MEDIA, TOON VAN DE VLIET, MAURI/FONTSERE COLLECTION AND THE GIULIO MAURI COPYRIGHT AND MAKOTO SUGITANI

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FOCUS

BETA

Italian manufacturer Beta’s first trials model produced was the 50 TR, which was presented at the Milan Show at the end of 1979, using an engine from the enduro model.

John Lampkin: Beta Importer The adventure for John Lampkin and the Beta connection goes back to April 1987, when he imported the first ten new 260cc TR34 models. The son of the off-road legend, Arthur Lampkin, John had a very successful trials career riding supported machines from Bultaco, SWM, Armstrong/CCM and Fantic, which included a World round win in America and a fifth place overall in the world riding Fantic machines in 1984. A regular National trials winner, he was the runner-up to Steve Saunders in the British Championship, pushing him all the way on many occasions and losing out a few times by only a few points.

Financial problems at Fantic gave him a change of direction back to Armstrong in 1985, before he moved to Fantic once again for the 1986 season. Having just won the Jack Wood British Championship Trial and finished fourth in his last World Championship trial in Italy, a road traffic accident forced him to quit his championship ambitions forever due to the nature of the injuries.

A change of direction was required and, Needing a full year off his machine, he became the Beta UK importer for the Italian machines while still recovering from his injuries.

The introduction to Beta was made when he travelled to the opening World Championship events in early 1987, held in Spain and Belgium with his good friend Steve Saunders.

Henry Keppell was John’s former team manager at Fantic before a move to Beta. He had started to make a big push into the trials market with Spaniard Jordi Tarres and the new TR33 model.

A factory visit in Italy endorsed his decision. Such was the enthusiasm of the management and workforce, there was no hesitation to become the new official UK importer.

He negotiated the deal with Giuseppe Bianchi at Beta before terminating his Fantic contract with the UK importer Roy Carey, who fully supported his decision.

A winning start He put together a small team of riders and headed off to the SSDT in May 1987 with his brother David, Steven Hole, and Mark Jackson on UK-supported machinery. They all finished TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Looking very professional and well presented the new model Beta TR125 in 1981 was taking the company in the right direction in the trials world.

Beta looked towards Spain to employ the specialised workers for their new trials project. Through their connections with the suspension supplier Betor they made contact with Spain’s Pedro Olle who was offered an exciting opportunity to move to the Italian Beta brand. He is seen here on the front cover of an early brochure.

57

FOCUS BETA

the tough event reporting no problems with the new Beta TR34 model.

John knew he was on to something good when Jordi Tarres won the event!

The buying public liked the look of the new Beta. The success at the Scottish Six Days Trial added the much-appreciated publicity. As June arrived, he had 40 of the machines on UK shores.

The pin that was inserted into his thigh after the accident restricted his movement. It was removed in June which then reopened the door to competitive trials. On the 5th August 1987, John celebrated his return with a win at a local centre trial on the Beta. Working hard to return to full fitness he was rewarded by winning the White Rose national trial, his second event back after his accident. By December he had imported 100 of the TR34 model machines – the road to success had begun. So how did we arrive at the Beta TR34? Here we take a quick look at the road to success for Beta as a trials manufacturer.

Pushing forward with the TR trials model development, the arrival of Pedro Olle resulted in the production Beta TR240.

Beta Trials 1979–1989 Beta looked towards Spain to employ their specialised workers from the trials industry. In 1980 and 1981 Spain’s Pedro Olle scored points on a Montesa in the World Trials Championship. Through their connections with the suspension supplier Betor, they made contact with him. He was offered an exciting opportunity to move to the Italian Beta brand to help develop a production trials motorcycle to compete for world championship success. He took the gamble. Also employed to develop the new trials models was Fabrizio Guidotti and Arrigo Tosi, two highly experienced workers. The manufacture of motorcycles in Spain was going through a difficult financial period, and in the trials world we had seen both Fantic and SWM enjoy success, so why not Beta? They were well established in the Enduro and Moto-Cross world and the large-volume production of smallcapacity machines and mopeds before the move to trials models.

1979: The first trials model produced into the Beta family was the 50 TR,

which was presented at the Milan Show at the end of 1979. It used an engine from the enduro model.

1980: At the Italian Bologna Motor Show the 125 TR was also introduced.

During 1983 we would start to see the new single rear-shock prototype Beta trials model appear in competitions. If you look close enough you will also see that the rear wheel carries the development Michelin tubeless tyre.

1981–1982: With some interest in the TR trials models and the arrival

of Pedro Olle as a development rider, the decision was made in 1982 to increase the engine capacity from 125cc to 240cc.

1983: In 1983 production of the motocross models ceased, and the focus

was moved across to the trials market. Pedro Olle scored the first Beta FIM world points in Great Britain, finishing 13th, but behind closed doors, work had started on a new mono-shock trials model. Towards the end of 1983, a new young rider was starting to impress on the TR32 125cc: that rider was Spain’s Jordi Tarres.

Taken in late 1983, the single rear-shock prototype Beta was starting to take shape.

Looking very dynamic and functional, this is the 1984 production Beta TR32 model.

Beta had taken a new young French rider, Pascal Couturier, under its wings; this is his new Beta TR32 at the Spanish world round in 1984.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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Photograph courtesy of Red Bull Media

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FOCUS BETA

1987 would be the year when Beta made its mark in the world of motorcycle trials.

Riding the new Beta TR34 Tarres was in a two-man team with Italian Renato Chiaberto, seen here. The TR34 model featured the cylinder capacity increase to 260cc, dual stage Reed Valve Induction and electronic ignition.

Riding the new 1985 Beta TR33, from Spain and by the name of Jordi Tarres he was starting to turn heads; Beta were on the road to a winner both with the rider and the machine.

One rider’s name was on the lips of everyone in 1986, it was Jordi Tarres on the Beta.

In late 1985: Jordi Tarres with the prototype TR33, which featured front and rear disc brakes amongst many other innovative ideas.

1984: The TR32 and TR33 mono-shock prototype models were now under

development in the capable hands of Pedro Olle, Pascal Couturier and Jordi Tarres.

1985: It was now very much a case of developing the new-generation models

around the exciting riding style of Tarres, as he took his first FIM World Championship points on the TR32 at the beginning of the year in Spain, finishing 13th. He ended the year in 11th overall, with the best result in Czechoslovakia at the year’s end being a superb fifth position. The ongoing work on his machine included the fitting of disc brakes at the front and rear.

Located on the top of the aluminium swinging arm the rear brake calliper was, in particular, very effective. In the engine department it was now rumoured to have the engine capacity increased from 240cc to 260cc, and to further increase power delivery Reed Valve Induction was used. The final prototype of the TR33, which was a direct development of the TR32, was displayed at the Milan Show in Italy at the end of the year.

1986: As February arrived so did the new Beta TR33 at the importer

Jim Sandiford Motorcycles, priced at £1,575.00 including VAT. The

Even in 2019 you have to admit that this stripped-back 1987 Beta TR34 model looks so much into the future.

240cc engine capacity was retained but, in a production first for a trials motorcycle, it came with front and rear disc brakes. Attracting much attention, the rider and machine combination of Jordi Tarres and the Beta became the ones to beat at the out-of-season indoor trials. The Spanish rider was making heads turn in the FIM World Championship. He was quite rightly rewarded with his first World round win in the USA, and on his way to fourth overall at the close of the season in the championship standings.

1987: This would be the year when Beta made its mark in the world of

motorcycle trials. Riding the new Beta TR34, Tarres stopped the French World Champion, Thierry Michaud on the Fantic, from taking his third consecutive world title. Riding in a two-man team with Italian Renato Chiaberto on this new model it was a fantastic year. The TR34 they rode featured the cylinder capacity increase to 260cc, dual-stage Reed Valve Induction and electronic ignition. It had a new design tubular steel frame with an easily detachable aluminium rear sub-frame to help with access for maintenance to the new air-filter box. The front suspension was the latest from Marzocchi, with nylon bushes to reduce friction. At the rear, a new single shock absorber was introduced to lower the centre of gravity with remote damper adjustment. As with the other manufacturers, the tubeless tyres started to appear with the approved Michelin X1 model. In the UK the Beta TR34 was priced at £2,199.00 1988: Launched at a two-day stadium trial in Japan in late 1987, the new

1988 TR34 ‘Replica’ model sported a gold anodised engine and wheel hubs. In the UK a young a Wayne Braybrook ‘debuted’ the machine at the Northern Experts in the December of 1987. It was a case of implementing small improvements to the machine, which included the latest Marzocchi front forks and stainless steel disc rotors. To once again give a better and increased power delivery, an oval-shaped Dellorto carburettor was fitted to minimise frictional loss of fuel delivery. A close, intense fight for the world title was played out between the defending champion Jordi Tarres (BetaESP) and Thierry Michaud (Fantic-FRA) which at the final round went in Michaud’s favour by just five points.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FOCUS BETA

Jordi Tarres sent out a warning shot showing his intentions in 1987 when he won the Scottish Six Days Trial, stopping Thierry Michaud dead in his tracks of adding to his three consecutive wins from 1984–1986.

1989: Beta wanted the world title back. They put the new model higher specification Beta

260cc TR34 Campionato into production, and it looked and was a winner. Nicknamed the ‘Stripy’ with its vibrant colour scheme, both the engine and suspension had been further improved. A new crankshaft was fitted to eliminate vibration, and the whole engine was two inches narrower. It was achieved by fitting a thinner flywheel with a larger diameter, weighted on its circumference for sharper response. The clutch diameter had also been increased to give a lighter, sharper feel and the cover was now easily detachable.

Further improvements were also made to the oval Dellorto carburettor. Marzocchi M1 forks were fitted at the front, and, at the rear, the suspension was looked after by a Corte Cosso fully adjustable rear shock. Other changes included the move to fully floating front and rear discs, a new rear wheel hub and a stronger and lighter rear aluminium subframe. Beta had a five-man team on this new model in the FIM World Championships who would all finish in the top 15. The team was made up of Jordi Tarres (ITA) who won, Phillipe Berlatier (FRA) 7th, Peter Jahn (SWE) 9th, Thierry Girard (FRA) 12th and Renato Chiaberto (ITA) 13th. As we know, Jordi Tarres tasted defeat at the two opening world rounds of the 1989 series in Great Britain and Ireland before Beta rolled out its revolutionary water-cooled aluminium-framed prototype Zero at the Scottish Six Days Trial in the May. While the rest of the team remained with the TR34, this innovative new machine carried Tarres to the world title as he was not defeated all season, and the face of motorcycle trials changed forever.

1989–2019: what’s new?

Now that’s a fair question. You may well ask what has actually changed at Beta in recent years. The most significant change for their trials machines was the one from a tubular steel frame to an aluminium frame in 1990, which has been evolved into what it is today. Housing a compact two-stroke, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine, but with the advance of materials and electronics, we arrive at a machine that is physically smaller and with a weight loss of close on 10kg.

The engine performance has increased with the development of closer tolerances offering less friction combined with very modern lubricants and coolants. In turn, it

As 1988 opened up Jordi Tarres was the man to beat.

62

With a riding style never seen before, the icing on the cake for both Jordi Tarres and Beta was the 1987 FIM World Trails Championship; he had once again stopped Michaud and Fantic.

stabilises the engine temperature to a level where it can always perform at its optimum. Old cable-operated controls have been replaced with hydraulic hoses, once again offering more reliability. Refined production methods have made for a betterquality product as quality control can be more sustained.

The development in electronics offering variable power curves has been a bonus in the constant quest for the change from aggressive to linear power delivery. Closer operating tolerances in suspension components have allowed them to operate more smoothly and become more adjustable. The quality of components has also made them more reliable.

Despite the compact size of the modern two-stroke, ease of everyday maintenance has made them more reliable.

The Beta 300cc Evo MY 2019 First and foremost, it comes with a good solid reputation for build quality and reliability. John Lampkin boasts, quite rightly, in his adverts that in the 2018 Scottish Six Days Trial, he had 98 Betas in the trial with only three retirements! The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke has a cylinder with new exhaust port geometry for 2019 and new timing curves, designed to improve engine control at small throttle openings right at the ‘bottom end’ and to help stabilise power delivery.

A new CDI control unit helps rider performance even

Late in 1988 at the Beta factory in Italy, it was all about production of the 1989 Beta 260cc TR34 Campionato.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FOCUS

BETA

Standing proud with a string of winning titles attached to it, this is the 1988 Beta TR34 Replica.

Also increased in the TR34 Campionato engine was the clutch diameter to give a lighter, sharper feel for improved performance.

The 1989 model clutch cover was now a two-piece, giving easy access to the clutch.

further, with dedicated mapping fitted. In the engine, the new gear selector cam has been fitted, which was designed and used in the earlier ‘Factory’ models to provide a more positive feel and cleaner gear selection.

The evolution of the models has moved from wanting outright power over the years to learning how to make this performance more suited to the rider, and this also includes the suspension setup.

This 2019 model uses new rear shock absorber port geometry which is now higher and more progressive; in turn, gives increased suspension sensitivity and progression feedback to the rider. The new piston generates decidedly more grip, making it more forgiving in the event of rider error. A new pump on the mechanical side of the front fork ensures more progressive impact absorption. Attention to detail includes the aluminium swingingarm where a new chain tensioner offers a better adjustment range while making adjustments easier.

The red and black graphics finish off the package, giving it a very modern aesthetic appearance.

Having lost the world title to Thierry Michaud in 1988, Beta wanted it back and they put the new-model higher specification Beta 260cc TR34 Campionato into production. A new crankshaft to eliminate vibration was fitted and the whole engine was two inches narrower. This was achieved by the fitting of a thinner flywheel with a larger diameter, weighted on its circumference for sharper response. The rear the suspension was looked after by a Corte Cosso fully adjustable rear shock.

JOHN LAMPKIN 1989–2019: “By the time we arrived at 1989,

I was back riding regularly in trials, and the Beta brand in the UK was well established and, most importantly, growing!”

WAYNE BRAYBROOK 1989–2019: “Off the back

of a successful schoolboy career, I had moved into the adult world on a mono-shock Yamaha.”

Despite a much higher specification the 1989 Beta 260cc TR34 Campionato in the hands of Jordi Tarres never won a world round. The first two rounds were won by the Fantic team riders Steve Saunders and Thierry Michaud. Beta meanwhile was working on a new model that would change the trials world for ever!

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

63

FOCUS BETA

Wayne Braybrook, John Bannister and John Lampkin.

1989-2019

Same machine Different day John Lampkin and Wayne Braybrook need no introduction and have been friends with your Trial Magazine editor John Hulme for many years. Once again, it was a pleasure to meet up and have some real trials ‘Banter’. We want to thank Beta-UK employee John Bannister for the loan of the Beta TR 34C and Bill Wilkinson for the use of our test venue. Watching and listening to the comments and remarks from both John and Wayne is always a pleasure. The mutual respect between the two riders was very evident until the competitive nature took over. Oh, and the crashes!

For more information on all Beta off-road motorcycles contact the official UK importer, Beta UK. Tel: 01756 793521 • Email: sales@beta-uk.com • Web: www.beta-uk.com

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FOCUS BETA

On the limit of finding grip; just check out the body position as Wayne puts the Beta TR34 to the test!

1989 BETA 260CC TR34 CAMPIONATO SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Single Cylinder; TwoStroke; Air Cooled; Capacity: 260.7mm; Reed Valve Induction; Bore and Stroke: 76mm x 57.5mm; Electronic Ignition; Carburettor: Dellorto PHBH Ǿ 26mm TD; Gearbox Six Gears.

Frame Tubular Mild steel; Aluminium Rear SubFrame and Swinging Arm. Suspension Front: Marzocchi Type M1 Ǿ 35mm; Travel 160mm; Rear: Corte Cosso Remote Separate Adjustment.

Wheels Front: 2.75 x 21” Tube Type; Rear: 4.00 x 18” Tubeless Type.

Tyres Front: Michelin Tube Type; Rear: Michelin Tubeless.

Brakes Front: Two Piston Calliper; Disc Rotor Ǿ 185mm; Rear: Two Piston Calliper; Disc Rotor Ǿ 160mm.

Wheelbase 1,320mm.

Length 2,040mm.

Height 1,111mm.

Seat Height 710mm.

Ground Clearance 340mm.

Weight 81kg.

Price £2,575 (1989)

WAYNE BRAYBROOK: It was a phone call from

my good friend John Hulme that had me sorting out some of my old Apico Screenart Beta riding kit. Having gone through a successful schoolboy process in trials on various machines, it was late November in 1987 at the Northern Experts that I found myself with the very first Beta TR34 Replica model into the country. I had been riding the ground-breaking mono-shock Yamaha, but this new Beta was something else. First and foremost, Jordi Tarres was the rider of the time.

We all wanted to follow in his footsteps and, for me, the move to the Beta was the ideal choice; I now just had to match his riding!

I enjoyed riding the TR34, and when the TR34 Campionato arrived in 1989, it was one of those moments that would change my life. It looked like a winner stood still and it was. Excuse the expression; it was the Dog’s Bollocks!

Riding techniques were changing, and the Beta was the one ‘on the money’. It was so good in all areas; lightweight, superb suspension and plenty of power on ‘tap’ — or so we thought it had.

The test area was ultra-slippery rocks, and for anyone who has ridden on the Yorkshire version of limestone will vouch for is that you do not open the throttle. All you have to do with the TR34 is pick your line and ride it, but I cannot believe just how little power it has compared to the 2019 model! Yes, in 30 years, machines have changed dramatically and evidently with the power provided, as the ‘Factory’ 250cc had more than enough.

The handling of the Beta matched the power, and I was soon reminiscing of some of my best rides on the TR34.

The 2019 model is just a pleasure to ride as it does everything so much easier but, as the title of this article says, they’re the same machines, just different days. I suppose the main change is from TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Looking more relaxed and very focussed as Wayne stands more upright on the ‘Factory’ Beta.

the steel tubular frame to the aluminium ‘Beam’ type. That would maybe answer the question as to why the TR34 handled as it did compared to the 2019 model.

Nowadays, production machines in all areas of riding off-road are very good. Advances in materials and manufacturing have changed so much, but at the time the TR34 used the best of everything and, in 1989, tubeless tyres had become a standard fitment. I am a firm believer

that you should not compare where time is involved as circumstances can be so different.

These two models are not like chalk and cheese just different times in life. Jordi Tarres never won a world round on the 1989 TR34 Campionato. However, what we did not know at the time was that Beta had the next phase of the trials motorcycle; the new aluminium framed water-cooled Beta Zero. Now that’s a story for another day.

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FOCUS BETA

‘Super smooth’ is a John Lampkin trade mark, and it was demonstrated to the limit on the 2019 250cc ‘Factory’ Beta.

2019 BETA 250CC EVO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Single Cylinder; Two-Stoke; Liquid Cooled; Capacity: 249.7mm; Reed Valve Induction; Bore and Stroke: 72.5mm x 60.5mm; Electronic Ignition; Carburettor: Keihin PWK Ǿ 28mm TD; Gearbox Six Gears.

Frame Single Wave Aluminium Beam and Aluminium Swinging Arm. Suspension Front: Beta Hydraulic Ǿ 38mm; Travel 165mm; Rear: Sachs Hydraulic.

Wheels Front: 2.75 x 21” Tube Type; Rear: 4.00 x 18” Tubeless Type.

Tyres Front: Michelin Tube Type; Rear: Michelin Tubeless.

Brakes Front: Four Piston Calliper; Disc Rotor Ǿ 185mm; Rear: Two Piston Calliper; Disc Rotor Ǿ 160mm.

Wheelbase 1,305mm.

Length 2,040mm.

Height 1,115mm.

Seat Height 660mm.

Ground Clearance 310mm.

Weight 66kg.

Price £6,395 (2019)

JOHN LAMPKIN: The move from rider to importer was a new challenge

This picture reminds us of John Lampkin when he was at the top of his game, 100% focussed and committed – and we were only machine testing this time!

1989 Beta 260cc TR34 Campionato 66

in my life and trials career at the time, and one I have never looked back on. When the TR models arrived, it was off the back of the success that had been achieved by the superb talent of a young Jordi Tarres. The Beta was based around Tarres and his exciting style of riding. I remember the first time I saw him in the flesh on the Beta TR34 Campionato, I could not believe just how good it looked, which was backed up by the performance that came with it! I had just taken Ireland’s Robert Crawford under my wing and, boy, could he ride it. The main focal point at the time was how nimble the handling was and the power delivery, which as the time I thought was very strong. As the official Beta importer into the UK, I am sure you can appreciate that I consider the 2019 ‘Factory’ models to be the best!

Putting my leg over the TR34 was very much a flashback moment, and I soon adjusted my riding style to the needs of a machine some 30 years old.

In truth, it did all that was asked of it; the main point is the fact that it was very stable. With so much less power than the 2019 model, all you had to do was point and ride it. It’s almost hard to visualise the hazards that Tarres attacked this machine on with his dynamic riding.

The 2019 ‘Factory’ model is a 250cc but, as many riders will agree, modern machines have more than enough power on hand and that pretty much a production machine is capable of winning a world round if you take Toni Bou out of the picture!

Despite the passing of 30 years between these machines, both have very much played a part in the development of the trials machine, albeit in different times.

2019 Beta 250cc Evo Factory OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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1 Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK)

TRIAL GB

Jumping Jack Price ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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Toby Martyn (Beta)

In a season of highs and lows it was consistency that was the key factor to Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) taking the Trial GB British Championship in 2019. Looking very much on track for the title in the earlier part of the season, the ‘Wheels’ came off a little in a disappointing day in the Lake District at round six where the two Peace brothers pushed him down to third. Un-deterred by this set-back, Jack made a major claim for the title when he rode at his very best in round seven at the tough Brimham Rocks venue in Yorkshire.

Beating James Dabill (Beta), who was making only his second appearance in the 2019 series, was a major celebration for Price as he further extended his championship lead over Toby Martyn (Beta). Trying to ride injured proved disastrous for the young rider as he finished in a lowly eighth position. The final two rounds in Scotland witnessed Toby Martyn being back to riding with much more confidence as he pushed Price down to second on day one. The Gas Gas rider was happy though as he secured the 2019 title with one round remaining. On the second day it was the younger of the two Peace brothers, Jack, who took the win after a very determined ride.

Jack Peace (Sherco) TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Dan Peace (Sherco)

Trial GB Class ROUND SIX: The Lakeland Trial – 1: Dan Peace 23; 2: Jack Peace 27; 3: Price 28; 4: Martyn 33; 5: Roberts 37; 6: Chilton 48; 7: Green 59; 8: Jervis 89.

ROUND SEVEN: The Mackenzie Trial – 1: Price 47; 2: Jack Peace 53; 3: Dabill 64; 4: Dan Peace 65; 5: Chilton 66; 6: Green 72; 7: Roberts 72; 8: Martyn 73; 9: Sheppard 80; 10: Jervis 112.

ROUND EIGHT: The Bob Macgregor Trial - 1: Martyn 19; 2: Price (28; 3: Dan Peace 36; 4: Peace 35; 5: Roberts 68; 6: Green 74; 7: Chilton 103; 8: Jervis 126.

ROUND NINE: The Bob Macgregor Trial - 1: Jack Peace 15; 2: Price 24; 3: Martyn 27; 4: Dan Peace 36; 5: Roberts 68; 6: Chilton 80; 7: Green 95; 8: Jervis.

2019 TRIAL GB BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS RESULTS: 1: Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) 164; 2: Toby Martyn (Beta) 137; 3: Dan Peace (Sherco) 132; 4: Jack Peace (Sherco) 130; 5: Billy Green (RG Montesa/Honda UK) 87; 6: Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa) 86; 7: Iwan Roberts (TRS UK) 79; 8: Hugo Jervis (TRS UK) 65; 9: Jack Sheppard (Sherco) 44; 10: James Dabill (Beta) 35.

Billy Green (RG Montesa-Honda UK) 71

SPORT

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Ross Danby (TRS-UK)

Richard Sadler (JST Gas Gas UK)

Trial 2 Class

TRIAL 2

ROUND SIX: The Lakeland Trial – 1: Minta 13; 2: Sadler 15; 3: Fry 17; 4: Connor 18; 5: Danby 19; 6: Haslam 20; 7: MacColl 38; 8: Dec Bullock 38; 9: Walker 41; 10: Brightmore 45.

Ross tops with TRS

ROUND SEVEN: The Mackenzie Trial – 1: Danby 7; 2: Minta 18; 3: Sadler 28; 4: Haslam 29; 5: Connor 38; 6: Ben Hemingway 41; 7: Dec Bullock 24; 8: Fry 47; 9: Jack Spencer (Beta-UK) 47; 10: Hanlon 57.

ROUND EIGHT: The Bob Macgregor Trial — 1: Danby 15; 2: Minta 16; 3: Sadler 20; 4: Connor (31; 5: MacColl 32; 6: Fry 38; 7: Brightmore 74; 8: Smith 78.

ROUND NINE: The Bob Macgregor Trial — 1: Connor 18; 2: Fry A real battle of the ‘Old Guard’ in the Trial 2 class developed from the start of the series between three riders, the eventual winner Ross Danby (TRS UK), Richard Sadler (JST Gas Gas UK) and Sam Connor (Beta-UK). All very evenly matched riders, all capable of winning who all wanted to win the title at the end of the nine rounds.

With a small quality field of riders, they all had their moments of glory and the ‘Blip’ in their results, but with Ross taking four of the wins from the nine rounds it was this advantage which would eventually give him the title from Sadler.

Sam Connor had two wins and Sadler just the one as Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa) dropped down to this class after the opening two rounds where he had started the year in Trial GB. He won two rounds and no doubt if he had started the season in Trial 2 he could have thrown a ‘Spanner’ in the works and maybe challenged for the title.

Sam Connor (Beta-UK)

72

18; 3: Sadler 21; 4: Minta 21; 5: Danby 28; 6: MacColl 43; 7: Brightmore 52; 8: Smith 83.

2019 TRIAL 2 CLASS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS RESULTS: 1: Ross Danby (TRS UK) 143; 2: Richard Sadler (JST

Gas Gas UK) 137; 3: Sam Connor (Beta-UK) 133; 4: Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa) 113; 5: James Fry (Sherco) 97; 6: Sam Haslam (JST Gas Gas UK) 89; 7: Mitch Brightmore (JST Gas Gas UK) 61; 8: Dec Bullock (JST Gas Gas UK) 59; 9: Luke Walker (Sherco) 58; 10: Oliver Smith (Gas Gas) 39; 11: Josh Hanlon (Beta) 35; 12: Duncan MacColl (Beta) 33; 13: Alexz Wigg (Montesa/Gas Gas) 16; 14: Ben Hemingway (Beta-UK) 15; 15: Joe Baker (Sherco) 13.

Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa)

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK)

Expert Class ROUND SIX: The Lakeland Trial – 1: Yeomans 6; 2: Thorpe 16; 3:

Chris Stay (TRS-UK)

Jones 20; 4: Stay 21; 5: Bristow 25; 6: Blacker 27; 7: James Hayhurst (Sherco) 34; 8: Sean Doyle (Scorpa) 34; 9: Will Brockbank (Sherco) 35; 10: Smith 38.

EXPERT

Stay's the man Travelling from the Isle of Wight to contest the full nine round championship has been a fair commitment for Chris Stay (TRS UK), not just in time but also financially, but it was rewarded with the Expert British Championship title. The best supported class by far 2019 was all about two people, the eventual winner Stay and Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK), very much a case of youth versus experience.

Thorpe appears to have been around forever but after a successful youth career the sport lost Chris Stay. He returned a couple of years ago and it’s so pleasing to see him on the top spot of the podium. There’s never been much to call between both Stay who won five and Thorpe who won two, but it’s this advantage which would eventually give Stay the title.

Another good ride in the series has come from Sam Yeomans (JST Gas Gas UK) who has a new found confidence which gave him a win in the Lake District. Just off the top three in the championship Great Britain’s FIM Ladies TrialGP world champion Emma Bristow came home fourth in the series.

Sam Yeomans (JST Gas Gas UK) TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

ROUND SEVEN: The Mackenzie Trial – 1: Stay 25; 2: Thorpe 26; 3: Martin Crosswaite (Montesa) 27; 4: Yeomans 37; 5: Brad Bullock (Beta) 39; 6: Danny Gamble (Sherco) 41; 7: Jones 46; 8: Blacker 48; 9: Bristow 50; 10: Collins 67.

ROUND EIGHT: The Bob Macgregor Trial — 1: Stay 33; 2: Thorpe 34; 3: Price 55; 4: Smith 60; 5: Yeomans 66; 6: Jones 67; 7: Bristow 70; 8: Culliford 75; 9: Anderson 88; 10: Jones 89; 11: Ablewhite 91; 12: Malcolm Summers (Scorpa) 96; 13: Matt Dixon (John Lee Motorcycles Beta) 100; 14: Collins 103; 15: Blacker 111.

ROUND NINE: The Bob Macgregor Trial — 1: Thorpe 25; 2: Stay 27; 3: Yeomans 39; 4: Bristow 45; 5: Jones 53; 6: Smith 65; 7: Ablewhite 68; 8: Collins 72; 9: Culliford 73; 10: Blacker 84; 11: John Sunter (Inch Perfect Montesa) 88; 12: Jones 91; 13: Price 93; 14: Dixon 107; 15: Pallot (Beta) 107.

2019 EXPERT CLASS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS

RESULTS: 1: Chris Stay (TRS UK) 157: 2: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) 153; 3: Sam Yeomans (JST Gas Gas UK) 126; 4: Emma Bristow (MRS Sherco) 98; 5: Gwynedd Jones (Beta) 96; 6: Lloyd Price (TRS UK) 79; 7: Charlie Smith (Beta) 71; 8: Tom Culliford (TRS UK) 53; 9: Aldis Blacker (Gas Gas) 43; 10: Brad Bullock (Beta) 39; 11: Tom Ablewhite (Sherco) 39; 12: 12: Ben Morphett (Montesa) 35; 13: Joseph Collins (Montesa) 28; 14: Iwan Jones (TRS UK) 27; 15: Richard Pallot (Beta) 21.

Emma Bristow (Sherco) 75

SPORT

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Adam Harris (Gas Gas)

Ben Dignan (JST Gas Gas UK)

TRIAL 125

Big Ben

With a dominant display Scottish rider Ben Dignan (JST Gas Gas UK) is a worthy new champion. Another rider who committed to the whole series despite the many miles to cover he just missed taking all nine wins in the series as Brett Harbud (BVM Beta) took the opening round. Rounding off the series in Scotland was quite fitting for Ben as he was able to put on a display on ‘Home’ soil. The much travelled from Ireland Adam Harris (Gas Gas) finished second in the championship.

Trial 125 Class ROUND SIX: The Lakeland Trial – 1: Dignan 26; 2: Harbud 76.

ROUND SEVEN: The Mackenzie Trial – 1: Dignan 73.

2019 TRIAL 125 CLASS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND EIGHT: The Bob Macgregor Trial - 1: Dignan 78; 2: Harris 102; 3: Galloway 113; 4: Minta 141; 5: Troy 158.

ROUND NINE: The Bob Macgregor Trial – 1: Dignan 41; 2: Harris 83; 3: Galloway 108; 4: Troy 156.

TRIAL 125 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS RESULTS: 1: Ben Dignan (JST Gas Gas UK) 177; 2: Adam Harris (Gas Gas) 109; 3: Brett Harbud (BVM Beta) 105; 4: Jaime Galloway (2T Off-Road TRS) 30; 5: Joshua Troy (Beta) 24; 6: Alice Minta (BMS Scorpa) 13.

Jaime Galloway (2T Off-Road TRS) 76

Joshua Troy (Beta) OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FLASHBACK 1999

THE EUROPEAN TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

Brits abroad Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas-GBR) on his way to winning the opening round in Spain.

The ‘Feeder’ route to the FIM Trial World Championship remains the same now as it was in this ‘Flashback’ look at the FIM European Trial Championship in 1999.

When the late Peter Beardmore opened up his collection of pictures from his time spent attending the world and European rounds it brought back to me so many fond memories of watching young lads I know grow up in the trials world. Many have become good friends: Joe Baker supports the magazine with advert generation, the Crosswaite family remains good friends and I constantly see Ben Hemingway the world rounds in his capacity with the FIM. The Connor family are strong supporters of what we do, and I for one was very pleased when Jonny Starmer returned to trials. The Scott Trial wins from Michael Philipson and Ian Austermuhle were special moments and Dan Thorpe continues to win, all good people from the trials family. On the international front I have been friends with Adam Raga and his family for more than 20 years. My only regret – and I do not have many — is the fact that we were not producing Trial Magazine when these lot were all young kids; I know how much exposure and support we could have given them on the trials adventures in Europe.

WORDS: YOOMEE • PICTURES: PETER J BEARDMORE

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T

he 1999 European Trials Championship consisted of six rounds, starting in Spain in July and finishing in Poland at the end of August. When you look at the results and championship positions you will see one name that still very much plays a part of the 2019 FIM Trial World Championship: Adam Raga. He committed a lifetime to challenging for world honours, which was rewarded with two FIM Trial World Championship titles in 2005 & 2006, and four FIM X-Trial World Championship titles in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007, a true testament to his dedication to the sport.

The Spanish Podium: 2: Manuel Alcaraz (Montesa-ESP), 1: Both Sam Connor and Martin Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas-GBR), 3: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP) Crosswaite had successful careers and are still riding in the UK, as are the other points scorers from Great Britain Ben Hemingway and Jonny Starmer. It’s also interesting to note that the Spanish rider Santiago Navarros went on to spend some time as the trials competition manager at Gas Gas, and you will also have seen the name Andreas Lettenbichler from Germany appear in Extreme Enduro.

Round 1: 11/07/1999 – Spain Alto Campo – 2 Laps x 18 Sections – Entry: 65 In a low-scoring round it was very much a test of nerves so Martin Crosswaite was delighted to take the top step of the podium and in doing so pushed the much-fancied home rider Manuel Alcaraz into second position after a tie break, with Adam Raga one mark behind in third. This was a very traditional event played out in the usual baking heat of Spain in the Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain.

A winter ski resort, it attracted 65 riders and the two laps of the 18 hazards were well laid out in this mountainous area. With four British riders in the top this was a very good start to the season. The ‘new’ Bultaco machines were now available and were being ridden successfully by both Sam Connor and Joe Baker.

Results: 1: Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas-GBR) 2; 2: Manuel Alcaraz (Montesa-ESP) 2; 3: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP) 3; 4: Sergio Leon (Montesa-ESP) 5; 5: Gregory Eyries (Gas Gas-FRA) 7; 6: Ben Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 7; 7: Frederic Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 8; 8: Stefano Dellio (Montesa-ITA) 9; Andreas Lettenbichler (Montesa-GER) 11; 10: Sam Connor (Bultaco-GBR) 16.

GREAT BRITAIN: 11: Jonny Starmer (Montesa) 16; 17: Joe Baker (Bultaco) 26; 19: Michael Philipson (Beta) 30; 21: Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 31; 25: Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) 36; OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FLASHBACK 1999

THE EUROPEAN TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

The opening round in Spain was in the Cantabrian Mountains of northern Spain.

One very happy Martin Crosswaite with the winner’s spoils.

One man and a van: Joe Baker in Spain.

The paddock at the French round at Valdeblore on 1st August 1999.

Round 2: 18/07/1999 – Italy Campodolcino – 3 Laps x 14 Sections – Entry: 64 One week later, after the long 15-hour drive clocking up close-on 750 kilometres from Spain to get to the Italian round just north of Milan and close to the border with Switzerland, it was the turn of Adam Raga to take revenge from his defeat in Spain with a clear victory. Continuing his quest for the championship title Manuel Alcaraz came second as Belgium’s Frederic Crosset rounded off the podium.

At this high-altitude event the biggest loser was Martin Crosswaite who came home 11th, making it just three British riders in the top 15. Raga was obviously the man on form, but what’s interesting if you look at the results is how quickly the scores creep up into the early 20s in the top ten; yes, the fight for championship points was very close.

RESULTS: 1: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP) 2; 2: Manuel Alcaraz (Montesa-ESP) 8; 3: Frederic Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 8; 4: Stefano Dellio (Montesa-ITA) 12; 5: Dario Re Delle Gandine (Montesa-ITA) 13; 6: Santiago Navarros (Montesa-ESP) 16; 7: Sergio Leon (Montesa-ESP) 19; 8: Anders Nilsson (Gas Gas-SWE) 20; 9: Sam Connor (Bultaco-GBR) 21; 10: Fabio Lenzi (Beta-ITA) 22.

GREAT BRITAIN: 11: Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas-GBR) 22; 17: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 37; 19: Michael Philipson (Beta) 39; 28: Jonny Starmer (Montesa) 51; 34: Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 58; 35: Joe Baker (Bultaco) 58; 39: Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) 66.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Round 3: 01/08/1999 – France Valdeblore – 3 Laps x 14 Sections – Entry: 58 At this very rocky venue found in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region in south-eastern France it was that man Martin Crosswaite who would become engaged in a battle for supremacy once again with Adam Raga. This time it was the Spanish rider who had the upper hand by a mere two marks to take the victory.

On a very competitive day, with the top six separated by just six marks, Manuel Alcaraz kept his championship hopes alive with another consistent finish in third position. Sam Connor was well in the mix with a very strong sixth position where every mark counted with the marks being so close.

Ben Hemingway took ninth and it was good news for Jonny Starmer as he once again scored championship points in 14th position. As Dan Thorpe returned home Ian Austermuhle, Michael Philipson and Joe Baker all remained focussed on that top-15 finish.

RESULTS: 1: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP) 29; 2: Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas-GBR) 31; 3: Manuel Alcaraz (Montesa-ESP) 32; 4: Frederic Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 34; 5: Dario Re Delle Gandine (Montesa-ITA) 35; 6: Sam Connor (Bultaco-GBR) 35; 7: Stefano Dellio (Montesa-ITA) 41; 8: Gregory Eyries (Gas Gas-FRA) 48; 9: Ben Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 48; 10: Fabio Lenzi (Beta-ITA) 50.

GREAT BRITAIN: 14: Jonny Starmer (Montesa) 61; 19: Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 71; 20: Michael Philipson (Beta) 74; 24: Joe Baker (Bultaco) 85.

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FLASHBACK 1999

THE EUROPEAN TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

It’s full concentration for Ian Austermuhle as he holds the Beta on-line in Spain.

It’s ‘Tongue Out’ time for Dan Thorpe on the Gas Gas in Spain. Dan contested the first few rounds of the European Championship.

Friends become ‘minders’: Mark Harrison is the man in Spain on the spare Beta looking after Ian Austermuhle.

Enthusiasm from friends and sponsors helps so much for the riders who have travelled abroad over the years. In 1998 Joe Baker was riding a Montesa with support from a small trials dealership, Trialsport South West, owned and run by Anthony ‘Ant’ Tennet and his wife Tracy. In 1999, at their own expense, they flew out to all the European rounds to help and support Joe. They continued the support for many years after. Joe is externally grateful for this support and remembers these years as very good times in his life.

Total control and feet-up from Jonny Starmer on the Montesa. He collected two points in France, finishing in 14th.

Round 4: 08/08/1999 – Germany Thalheim – 3 Laps x 14 Sections – Entry: 55 This typically German industrial town stands close to the Ore Mountains and welcomed the 55 riders to round four of the championship. Once again the battle for supremacy would be between Spain’s Manuel Alcaraz and Adam Raga. After three close-scoring laps it was Alcaraz who held the upper hand as these two finished clear of third-placed Gregory Eyries. The battle for the final step on the podium had included seven riders, with the biggest loser Martin Crosswaite who finished seventh.

Raga still headed the championship but Alcaraz was closing in on him.

Ben Hemingway took a single point in 15th as Jonny Starmer just missed out. As you can see, the battle for the points in the top 15 positions was very intense; marks lost wise, every single one counts. With six British riders in the top 20 round five could not come quick enough.

Round 5: 22/08/1999 – Czech Rep Kramolin – 3 Laps x 14 Sections – Entry: 39 It was now time for the gloves to come off as the fight for the championship headed into the home stretch; Raga knew he needed to win. As it happened it was it arch rival Manuel Alcaraz who once again took a very hard-fought victory, pushing Raga into second position.

For Sam Connor it was a fantastic day as he gave the ‘new’ Bultaco its maiden trip to the podium with a strong third position; he was a very happy man. On the other side of the fence it was a disaster for Martin Crosswaite, who saw any chance of the championship disappear with a slump in form dropping him to 18th. Jonny Starmer once again showed the form that had taken him to the Youth A Class championship earlier in his young career with a superb 11th position, just one mark in front of Ben Hemingway.

RESULTS: 1: Manuel Alcaraz (Montesa-ESP) 9; 2: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP) 12; 3:

RESULTS: 1: Manuel Alcaraz (Montesa-ESP) 24; 2: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP) 27;

Gregory Eyries (Gas Gas-FRA) 20; 4: Fabio Lenzi (Beta-ITA) 20; 5: Dario Re Delle Gandine (Montesa-ITA) 22; 6: Sam Connor (Bultaco-GBR) 22; 7: Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas-GBR) 24; 8: Sergio Leon (Montesa-ESP) 24; 9: Andreas Lettenbichler (Montesa-GER) 25; 10: Stefano Dellio (Montesa-ITA) 29.

3: Sam Connor (Bultaco-GBR) 29; 4: Dario Re Delle Gandine (Montesa-ITA) 33; 5: Frederic Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 39; 6: Sergio Leon (Montesa-ESP) 41; 7: Paval Belas (Gas Gas-CZE) 47; 8: Stefano Dellio (Montesa-ITA) 55; 9: Gregory Eyries (Gas Gas-FRA) 56; 10: Alex Van Den Broek (Montesa-NED) 58.

GREAT BRITAIN: 15: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 48; 16: Jonny Starmer (Montesa) 55;

GREAT BRITAIN: 11: Jonny Starmer (Montesa) 63; 13: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 64;

18: Joe Baker (Bultaco) 57; 19: Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 58; 22: Michael Philipson (Beta) 65.

16: Michael Philipson (Beta) 68; 18: Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas) 75; 21: Joe Baker (Bultaco) 89; 22: Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 95.

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FLASHBACK 1999

THE EUROPEAN TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

Looking very confident – and with good reason; Martin Crosswaite finished second in France after a poor result in Italy a few weeks earlier.

After a good start to the season in Spain Ben Hemingway (Beta) was back in the points in France.

Round 6: 29/08/1999 – Poland Krakow – 2 Laps x 18 Sections – Entry: 38 Who would have believed that after six hard-fought rounds Manuel Alcaraz and Adam Raga would finish losing the same amount of marks in Poland. On the tie-break decider Alcaraz was the winner of the trial and with it took the 1999 European Trials Championship title with it. After very much looking like a championship title contender, Martin Crosswaite eventually finished sixth overall as Sam Connor, in fourth position overall, took the award for the best rider from Great Britain.

Ben Hemingway would finish 13th with Jonny Starmer in 15th. The other Brits had gained invaluable experience, which would no doubt make them better riders. This six-round championship worked very well and as you can see from the scores some of the rounds saw quite high-scoring winning rides. Many of these riders remain the best of friends, having spent the time ‘roughing’ it living in the backs of vans — it’s what we call ‘The Trials Family’.

RESULTS: 1: Manuel Alcaraz (Montesa-ESP) 37; 2: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP) 37; 3: Fabio Lenzi (Beta-ITA) 40; 4: Frederic Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 45; 5: Sam Connor (Bultaco-GBR) 50; 6: Dario Re Delle Gandine (Montesa-ITA) 51; 7: Santiago Navarros (Montesa-ESP) 54; 8: Andreas Lettenbichler (Montesa-GER) 55; 9: Gregory Eyries (Gas Gas-FRA) 55; 10: Sergio Leon (MontesaESP) 57; Sam Connor (Bultaco) started to show good form in France having scored points in the opening two rounds with a strong sixth position.

Michael Philipson (Beta) waits to start in France.

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GREAT BRITAIN: 12: Jonny Starmer (Montesa) 60; 14: Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas) 65; 17: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 71; 18: Michael Philipson (Beta) 71; 21: Joe Baker (Bultaco) 80; 23: Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 103.

The win from Manuel Alcaraz over Adam Raga in the Czech Republic set the scene for the title decider in Poland one week later which went in Alcaraz’s favour. Third place in the Czech Republic went to Sam Connor.

Standing proud in front of the scoreboard in the Czech Republic, Sam Connor’s form had come too late in the six-round championship.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FLASHBACK 1999

THE EUROPEAN TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

Sam Connor (Bultaco) did not need the ambulance, he was showing good consistent riding which was rewarded with a third in the Czech Republic and fifth in Poland one week later.

Michael Philipson (Beta) came so close to his first point in the Czech Republic finishing in 16th position.

1999 European Trials Championship RESULTS: 1: Manuel Alcaraz (Montesa-ESP) 109; 2: Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP) 106; 3: Frederic Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 64; 4: Sam Connor (Bultaco-GBR) 59; 5: Dario Re Delle Gandine (Montesa-ITA) 59; 6: Martin Crosswaite (Gas Gas-GBR) 53; 7: Gregory Eyries (Gas Gas-FRA) 52; 8: Sergio Leon (MontesaESP) 50; 9: Stefano Dellio (Montesa-ITA) 47; 10: Fabio Lenzi (Beta-ITA) 41; 11: Andreas Lettenbichler (Montesa-GER) 30; 12: Santiago Navarros (MontesaESP) 28; 13: Ben Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 21; 14: Alex Van Den Broek (Montesa-NED) 18; 15: Jonny Starmer (Montesa-GBR) 16; 16: Anders Nilsson (Gas Gas-SWE) 12; 17: Paval Belas (Gas Gas-CZE) 11; 18: Marco Reit (Beta-NED) 5; 19: Xavier Vilaseca (Montesa-ESP) 2; 20: Martin Kroustek (Gas Gas-CZE) 2; 21: Jerome Delair (Beta-FRA) 1.

Wins The title was well deserved for Manuel Alcaraz as he took the most round wins; as we have already 84

Joe Baker (Sherco) – the smile says it all as he waits to start in the Czech Republic.

Ian Austermuhle using another friend as a minder: Ben Ludgate in the Czech Republic.

stated Adam Raga still competes, now in the 2019 Trial World Championship, Martin Crosswaite remains a very popular and successful rider in Yorkshire Centre trials, and, as for Manuel Alcaraz, we have no idea where he is?

MANUEL ALCARAZ (MONTESA-ESP): 3 Germany, Czechoslovakia and Poland ADAM RAGA (GAS GAS-ESP): 2 Italy and France MARTIN CROSSWAITE (GAS GAS-GBR): 1 Spain

Manufacturers MONTESA: 9; Gas Gas: 7; Beta: 4; Bultaco: 1 The event was very well supported by the manufacturers. Of the points-scoring riders the Montesa was the most popular machine, with the Cota 315R next followed by the Gas Gas. Dougie Lampkin was the FIM World Trials Champion on Beta. With one Bultaco in the points in the European championship the name would move to Sherco for 2000 and the start of a new era for motorcycle trials.

Thank You Trial Magazine would like to thank the ‘Guardian’ of trials Charly Demathieu and his website: www. trialonline.org for his help in the generation of this article, and the late Peter J Beardmore for the superb pictures.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

YOUTH

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

It's a Dance double act Jack Dance (JST Gas Gas UK)

This year’s ACU British Youth Trials Championship, sponsored by Belle Trailers, has seen a strong group of riders across the five classes supporting the series. As for the Dance family, it was a winning double act, as the two brothers took the top spots in the A Class with Jack and in the D Class Medium Wheel class with Max. The B Class story was about two riders, with Buxton’s Harry Turner the eventual winner in front of Harry Hemingway.

Upholding Hemingway family honours though was the younger brother George, who took the top spot in the C Class Standard Wheel with one round remaining. In the C Class Medium Wheel Elliot Smith remained as strong as ever and, making it a good day for the electric OSET machines, Mason Crawford kept his cool in the D Class Small Wheel to take the win in the championship from Jacob Wilson.

All the action unfolded in the sunshine at the final round at the Bracken Rocks venue in Derbyshire as the experienced Mansfield Maun club tested the riders over three laps of 12 hazards ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA

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Reece Gazzard (BMS Scorpa)

A Class

Disappointingly, only two riders entered the final round of the sevenround series: the eventual championship winner Jack Dance and his closest rival for the title Reece Gazzard. It was surprisingly Dance who looked the more nervous, as two five-mark penalties on his opening lap showed, to the single mark of Gazzard. Try as he might Dance could not pull back the marks on Gazzard, who did all he could to fight for the tilte knowing it would need a retirement from his rival to take the 2019 crown.

As the championship points show, the four wins to Dance against the three wins from Gazzard tells its own story of just how closely these two are matched.

RESULTS: 1: Reece Gazzard (BMS Scorpa) 12; 2: Jack Dance (JST Gas Gas UK) 18.

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Jack Dance (JST Gas Gas UK) 131; 2: Reece Gazzard (BMS Scorpa) 128; 3: Cameron Brice (Beta) 76; 4: Harvey Taglione (Gas Gas) 71; 5: Frankie Rhodes (Beta) 63; 6: Ross Galloway (2T Off-Road TRS) 54; 7: Malcolm Summers (Scorpa) 30; Alice Minta (BMS Scorpa) 18.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

YOUTH

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Ashton Brightmore (JST Gas Gas UK)

Harry Turner (Gas Gas)

B Class

Going into the final round it was a nervous Harry Turner who, despite holding the championship lead, wanted that final victory of the year. Having lost two British championships at the final round in previous years at this venue he did not start well as he closed his opening lap tying with two other riders: Harry Hemingway and, showing really good form, Jaime Galloway, all on six marks each. On the second lap Hemingway put in a feet-up ride parting with no marks as Turner dropped two and Galloway seven.

On the final lap, and with the nerves out of the window, Harry Turner kept his calm to take a single-mark win, his sixth of the seven rounds, over Hemingway, with Galloway very happy to make the podium in third after the long journey from Scotland. With very close riding between Harry Turner and Harry Hemingway it will be worth keeping an eye on these two as they progress through the final phase of the schoolboy classes in their riding careers.

Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK)

RESULTS: 1: Harry Turner (Gas Gas) 10; 2: Harry Hemingway (BetaUK) 11; 3: Jaime Galloway (2T Off-Road TRS) 17; 4: Ashton Brightmore (JST Gas Gas UK) 22; 5: Harry Bowyer (Gas Gas) 25; 6: Tom Shepherd (Gas Gas) 39; 7: Joe Snelling (Beta) 39; 8: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 50; 9: Owen Chestnut (Knight Gas Gas) 51; 10: Kaytlyn Adshead (Beta) 110; 11: Max Agar (Beta) 114; 12: Jake Jones (Beta) 141; 13: Reece Legg (Beta) 144.

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Harry Turner (Gas Gas) 137; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK) 122; 3: Ashton Brightmore (JST Gas Gas UK) 96; 4: Harry Bowyer (Gas Gas) 84; 5: Jaime Galloway (2T Off-Road TRS) 77; 6: Owen Chestnut (Knight Gas Gas) 73; 7: Oliver Smith (Scorpa) 56; 8: George Clarke (BVM Sherco) 52; 9: Joe Snelling (Beta) 48; 10: Tomos Price (Gas Gas) 38; 11: Tom Shepherd (Gas Gas) 23; 12: Max Agar (Beta) 21; 13: Kaytlyn Adshead (Beta) 17; 14: Corrie Peters 16; 15: Jay Piper 14.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Jaime Galloway (2T Off-Road TRS) 89

YOUTH

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

George Hemingway (Beta-UK)

C Class Standard Wheel

Upholding the family honours, George Hemingway was a clear winner and opted out of the final championship round to ride on the harder B Class route. Having won six rounds from six starts in the championship it was quite fitting that his nearest challenger Euan Sim took the final round win. Between them Sim and Jasper Fox have had their own battle for the runner-up spot all season, with Harrison Skelton always waiting to join in the fight.

In a show of class Euan Sim stayed feet-up on his opening lap as Fox parted with two, but the fight for the victory was by no means over.

Staying strong Sim parted with one more as the challenge from Fox was stopped by a five-mark loss on the second lap. The drama was far from over though as it was the turn of Sim to take a five on the final lap, but he had done enough to secure the victory and the second place in the championship.

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RESULTS: 1: Euan Sim (Beta) 7; 2: Jasper Fox (Beta) 9; 3: Harrison Skelton (Andy Metcalfe Beta) 12; 4: Stefan Mewett-Richardson (Beta) 18; 5: Ross Allen (Beta) 22; 6: Charlie Ashwood (Beta) 97.

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: George Hemingway (Beta-UK) 140; 2: Jasper Fox (Beta) 130; 3: Euan Sim (Beta) 129; 4: Harrison Skelton (Andy Metcalfe Beta) 108; 5: Ross Allen (Beta) 64; 6: Stefan Mewett-Richardson (Beta) 62; 7: Charlie Astwood (Beta) 60; 8: William Sagar (Beta) 41; 9: Thomas Wright (Beta) 36; 10: Jack Challice (Beta) 31; 11: Freddie Stephenson 9; 12: Harry Cripps 8; 13: Summer Peters 8; 14: Euan Davies 8; 15: Harry Bayman 6.

Harrison Skelton (Andy Metcalfe Beta) 90

Jasper Fox (Beta)

Euan Sim (Beta) OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

YOUTH

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Elliot Smith (OSET)

C Class Medium Wheel

Two very talented young riders, Elliot Smith and Stanley Cubbon have both fought tooth and nail in this 2019 series. With six wins from the eight rounds Smith has had the upper hand but Cubbon has never given up the fight, taking the other two wins. Watching the determination from these two at the final round only highlights just how competitive the youth classes are. Both parted with a single five at some point over the three laps but they both recovered, showing some very calm and controlled riding despite their young ages.

Joe Drysdale (Beta)

With no chance of improving on his third position in the championship Joe Drysdale was another rider who rode out-of-class on a harder route.

Third place on the day and fourth overall in the championship was just reward for Matilda Arbon, showing her rivals that motorcycle trials is not just a young man’s sport.

RESULTS: 1: Elliot Smith (OSET) 18; 2: Stanley Cubbon (Beta) 25; 3: Matilda Arbon (Beta) 33; 4: Harrison Lightfoot (Beta) 45; 5: Archie Bremner (OSET) 46; 6: Rhys Mosey (Beta) 93.

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Elliot Smith (OSET) 152; 2: Stanley Cubbon (Beta) 142; 3: Joe Drysdale (Beta) 105; 4: Matilda Arbon (Beta) 96; 5: Archie Bremner (Oset) 94; 6: Harrison Lightfoot (Beta) 89; 7: Rowan Dean 18; 8: Rhys Mosey (Beta) 10; 9: Mason Vasey 9.

Matilda Arbon (Beta) 92

Stanley Cubbon (Beta) OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

YOUTH

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Max Dance (Gas Gas)

Ruari Younie (Beta)

Connor Watson (Beta)

D Class Medium Wheel

Quite rightly, the Dance family must be immensely proud of the fact that younger son Max backed up his elder brother Jack’s Youth British Champion title in the A Class with his D Class Medium Wheel title. With only one defeat at round six Max wanted to close the championship with another victory, but he was pushed all the way on the day by Connor Watson with Corey Shepherd just a handful of marks behind. After the close of the three laps of 12 hazards Max took the victory by a single mark, such was the rivalry between these two, and he was once again happy to take the top spot on the podium.

RESULTS: 1: Max Dance (Gas Gas) 35; 2: Connor Watson (Beta) 36; 3: Corey Shepherd (Beta) 45; 4: Zachary Sellers (Beta) 59; 5: Ruari Younie (Beta) 62.

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Max Dance (Gas Gas) 155; 2: Connor Watson (Beta) 137; 3: Ruari Younie Corey Shepherd (Beta)

(Beta) 118; 4: Corey Shepherd (Beta) 100; 5: Kai Fairhurst (Beta) 74; 6: Bailey Holmes 48; 7: Rhodri Tamplin (Beta) 46; 8: Zachary Sellers (Beta) 24; 9: William Sparkes 21.

Bobby Crabtree (OSET)

Tom Gibbins (OSET)

Robbie Bremner (OSET)

D Class Small Wheel

Mason Crawford (OSET)

With 17 point-scoring riders over the season’s nine rounds, as an introduction to the youth programme of trials, this class is working very well. It’s been a very up-and-down season as we arrived at the finale. Eventual championship winner Mason Crawford had three wins to his name and Jacob Wilson two, with Tom Gibbins and Bobby Crabtree on one each.

Under the sunshine at this demanding Bracken Rocks venue both Jacob Wilson and Mason Crawford dropped seven marks each on the opening lap with neither giving an inch! On the second lap Wilson made his push for the victory with a clean feet-up lap as Crawford parted with just four marks; it was still game on. On the final lap they once again matched each other on four marks each, giving the title to a much-relieved Mason Crawford as Bobby Crabtree and Tom Gibbins finished a close third and fourth.

Jacob Wilson can hold his head high with the runner-up position in the championship. He gave it his all at the final round by taking the win, you cannot ask any more than that.

As for Mason Crawford it was his greater consistency that made him the ‘King’ of the D Class Small Wheel championship in 2019.

RESULTS: 1: Jacob Wilson (OSET) 16; 2: Mason Crawford (OSET) 20; 3: Bobby Crabtree (OSET) 23; 4: Tom Gibbins (OSET) 26; 5: Edwyn James (OSET) 30; 6: Evan Arnold (OSET) 42; 7: Robbie Bremner (OSET) 46; 8: Fletcher Ely (OSET) 47; 9: Callum McKay (OSET) 47; 10: Joshua Witting (OSET) 56; 11: Zac Lund (Beta) 60; 12: Samuel Lefevre (OSET) 71; 13: Carter Cubbon (OSET) 90; 14: Jenson Fox (OSET) 107.

FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Mason Crawford (OSET) 135; 2: Jacob Wilson (OSET) 133; 3: Tom

Jacob Wilson (OSET) 94

Gibbins (OSET) 112; 4: Bobby Crabtree (OSET) 110; 5: Robbie Bremner (OSET) 98; 6: Edwyn James (OSET) 82; 7: Fletcher Ely (OSET) 74; 8: Samuel Lefevre (OSET) 53; 9: Dan Bruce (OSET) 47; 10: Joshua Witting (OSET) 42; 11: Carter Cubbon (OSET) 31; 12: Callum McKay (OSET) 30; 13: Jenson Fox (OSET) 26; 14: Evan Arnold (OSET) 24; 15: Zac Lund (Beta) 21.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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Signature:____________________ Date:_____________ OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW EVENT

SHETLAND TWO-DAY

Simmer Dim

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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW EVENT

SHETLAND TWO-DAY

The current Scottish Trials Champion Andrew Anderson (East Neuk Scorpa) made sure the first event win stayed in Scotland.

‘Simmer Dim’ is a phrase from the northern islands of Scotland which refers to the part of the year around midsummer when, thanks to the fact that the Shetland Isles are closer to the Arctic Circle than they are to London, you can enjoy 23 hours of daylight during midsummer. This is far from the only thing that makes the Shetland Islands such a special place though!

Over the weekend 29th and 30th of June, organised by the Aberdeenshire based Bon Accord Motorcycle Club, 110 riders from all over the UK plus one international entrant enjoyed a unique opportunity to be among the first to come and ride a competitive motorcycle trial in the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, the Shetland Two Day Trial.

WORDS: YOOMEE & JOHN HIRD • PICTURES: MATT BETTS, BRIAN GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE PRINTS FROM THE EVENT SHOULD CONTACT BRIAN GRAY VIA HIS WEBSITE: WWW.BRIANGRAYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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e first found out about this proposed new event at the 2019 Scottish Six Days Trial over a ‘pint’ with our good friends John Hird and Matt Betts, two very keen off-road enthusiasts who are also behind some of the most spectacular filming and pictures you will ever see from the SSDT. The two-day trial would be set out on completely unused ground among the stunning coastal scenery on the west and sunny side of Shetland, this was a chance to experience trials riding at its finest. An all off-road course, of approximately ten miles in length, with moors, bogs, hills, rocks,

Just look at the stunning backdrop as Gary MacMillan (Gas Gas) wheelies up the rocks.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

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NEW EVENT

SHETLAND TWO-DAY

Jonathan Wren (TRS) in full control.

Enjoying the weekend with his friends, Tom Middleton (Inch Perfect Beta) remains calm as Boyd Webster prepares to catch him.

burns but no trees — Shetland is well known for having virtually no trees — so make sure you have a side stand on your machine! And they planned to make use of that extended daylight.

With catering and entertainment provided on the Saturday evening, this was going to be a weekend to remember. The event would consist of three laps of 15 sections on the Saturday and two laps of mainly different sections on Sunday.

A good entry One-hundred-and-ten riders from all over the UK, plus one international entrant, arrived to compete. The lap was an all off-road, ten-mile route on what most riders described as a jawdroppingly stunning venue at West Burrafirth. A small band of Shetland trials enthusiasts had set up a start field that would shame some far larger international events. They were supplemented for the weekend by members of the Aberdeenshire based Bon Accord MC who ran the sporting side of the event and laid out 15 tough sections on both days. There were three routes in each section aimed at suiting riders of all abilities, but the blue hard route was considered to be too hard by many expert clubmen. This was mainly caused by the ground not holding up as well as expected.

Although the majority of sections were on solid grippy rock they also had grass parts which cut up badly and became extremely difficult to find grip in. Bear in mind though that this was the first running of the event and many lessons have already been learnt. Yeadon Guiseley rider John Lydamore commented: “I was having to take extra care whilst riding on the route as I couldn’t stop staring at the beautiful scenery rather than looking where I was going!”

Everyone one who was in attendance entered into the spirit of the event which also gave a welcome boost to the tourism figures as many had never been to this far-fetched part of the world before.

The Shetland Two Day Trial was open to everyone.

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A conducted route with ten sections each day was set up near the start field for the youngsters to enjoy, and was well received by the small group of riders.

Day one At the end of the day on Saturday, day one, the current Scottish Trials Champion Andrew Anderson on the Scorpa was leading the premier class on an outstanding score of only four marks dropped. This included a clear lap of the last and most slippery one. He was followed up by a group of English riders with Russ Rooksby on 11, Tom Middleton on 14, James Johnson on 23 and Boyd Webster on 31 before there was a large gap to the sixth-placed rider with over 110 marks dropped.

The green Clubman route saw a much tighter spread of scores across all classes riding this route, with the over 50s class being particularly interesting with old foes Billy Mathews, Ali Stewart and Billy Ross holding the top three places and continuing a competition that’s been playing out since they were schoolboy riders. The yellow Easy route certainly wasn’t easy given how slippery the ground was, but at least these riders only had two laps to worry about.

Bon Accord MC Club member Gav Lewis, sporting ‘Viking’ horns on his helmet, led the way at the end of day one.

Young Logan Tulloch (Beta) receives some encouragement from the eventual winner Andrew Anderson

All the hazards were well marked out as Alan Mudd (Beta) negotiates a stream section.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

NEW EVENT

SHETLAND TWO-DAY

It’s a full-on attack of the rocks from Connor Paton (Scorpa).

Using every ounce of throttle control to keep going forward is Callum Gammie (TRS).

Day two Sunday’s trial was cut to two laps for all riders following overnight rain which meant an early start for the Clerk of the Course and his team who went out to simplify the course, given how much the sections had cut up on Saturday. A mile was also cut off the lap length to aid timing and allow people to head off to the ferry back to the mainland on time. Even with these changes an extension to the first lap completion cut-off time had to be put in place and riders were given the ‘Hurry Up’ for lap two.

Though the weather became overcast, the competition stayed as hot as ever across all classes. Russ Rooksby and Andrew Anderson rode together, keeping a very close eye on one another. Russ looked particularly serious and slowly ate in to Andy’s lead but not by enough to overturn it, which meant the very first S2DT trophy stayed with a Scot.

The green route also stayed very competitive with Yorkshireman Harry McLoughlin (Youth A) taking the overall honours from over 40s Alan Mudd, with over 50s Billy Mathews of Inverness taking third.

On the yellow route David Edes (beginners) overcame Gav Lewis (over 50s) to take top spot on this route, with Shetlander Gordon Tulloch well chuffed to take third on home soil. A conducted route with ten sections each day was set up near the start field for the youngsters to enjoy, which was well received by the small group of riders.

Ruby Lawrie took the win with an excellent score of only seven marks dropped. Second was Graeme Whittaker and third Alfie Wright.

Clerk of the Course John Hird: “I am quite open to admit that the blue sections were a little 102

Carolyn Young: “We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to the people of the Shetlands, not only for the warm welcome we received from them but for then turning out in droves to help us observe over the weekend; none of us can remember seeing so many at once”.

Openly exposed: you can see the rugged terrain found on the Shetlands Isles here on this hard-route section.

on the tough side especially on the Saturday, but was delighted to see every man, woman and child I spoke to beaming with smiles having thoroughly enjoyed their weekend. A special mention needs to be made of everyone involved in the challenge of arranging an international trial on this remote island but especially the locals who came out in numbers to observe and were cheery all day both days, to the point that many riders made a point of complimenting them. It’s always good when local people embrace what’s happening close to them. We have learnt so much this year and look forward to putting an even better event on in 2020”.

Trial Secretary Carolyn Young: “We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to the people of the Shetlands, not only for the warm welcome we received from them but then turning out in droves to help us observe over the weekend; none of us can remember seeing so many at once. We are truly grateful for your help, there are far too many of you to list. Huge thanks also to the Shetland Trials Group and their respective ‘WAGs’ and kids for their efforts in all the little things that make a trial a success. My thanks to Di Stuart and Jacqueline Muir for their help in keeping on top of the trial chaos over the weekend and we hope to see everyone again soon.”

The Shetland Isles Getting to Shetland doesn’t take five minutes so, having made the effort to get here, why not stay for a few days in 2020 and have a look around?

Described as the last untamed corner of the UK, there is plenty to see and do for all ages and tastes. Wildlife lovers will savour the chance to see killer whales, porpoises and

otters, ornithologists will want to spot the amazing seabirds including Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Kittiwakes and Shags which can all be easily viewed. History lovers will head to Jarlshof, a Norse settlement dating back some 4,000 years or maybe Old Scatness, the UK’s largest archaeological excavation. Sports fiends can play golf, go fishing or kayaking.

An evening in Lerwick, with live traditional music, good food and craft beers, can only be the perfect way to round off your stay.

Getting to Shetland will require a bit of commitment on the part of the riders, with the only practical way of getting there being the overnight ferry which leaves once a day from Aberdeen harbour. It can be expensive, but a van can hold many trials machines and ferry foot passengers are relatively inexpensive. The key to riding this trial is to try to arrange to get together in groups and share transport to spread the cost.

Thanks to our generous friends at Northlink Ferries we were able to offer 2019 Simmer Dim trial entrants an additional 30% discount to the regular advertised vehicle and passenger fares, and hope to be able to do the same in following years.

The awards were very fitting for the Shetland Isles.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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EAST NEUK

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TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

SALES • SET UP • SERVICE 03/07/2019 09:18

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OPTIONS FREEDOM

LIFE IN THE

OPEN WORLD

Life in modern times of 2019 is all about options and choices, and we are not talking PCP or PPI or mobile phone contracts. We are talking about freedom of the two-wheeled variety. I, for one, really enjoy having a ride out in comfort rather than on an uncomfortable trials machine, and I like the new range of options that the trials manufacturers are offering us.

For many years, we had alternatives from the trials world of trail-type trials models, but things just got even better with the now popular electric start button. Yes, you heard me, right! You know the one; you get stuck, stall the engine and press a button and, hey presto, the engine comes back into life. Brilliant, to say the least!

ARTICLE: JOHN HULME • PICTURES: BETA, ELECTRIC MOTION, GAS GAS, MONTESA, SCORPA, TRS, JOSH TURNER AND TRIALS MEDIA

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iving in the Peak District, for many years I've packed a small amount of fuel in a bottle and some ‘get-me-home’ tools, food and drink, then go for a ride out on my trials machine. When John Shirt Jnr was chasing a win in the Scottish Six Days Trial and, in particular, the Scott Trial, we had some superb ride-outs on a mid-week afternoon.

Enjoying the open tracks and trails near where we lived, we would ride for many hours while also stopping and taking in some trials hazards.

These were superb times, believe me.

For me, what was missing was the comfort of 106

Not that long ago, in 2012, I used an Ossa Explorer supplied

by Nigel Birkett, and it dawned on me just how good it was.

a decent seat, and of course we were limited to the distance we could ride due to the limited fuel in the machine and what we could carry. The trial model was good but after a while of riding not ideal, not for myself anyway. It was very uncomfortable sat in a crouched position on the road and trails!

Not an enduro machine Various manufacturers made variants of their successful trials models as I always considered an enduro machine to not be any good for what I wanted.

In the '70s the three major motorcycle trials manufacturers; Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa, produced a similar type of machine that we have today, but once again, the gearing was more suited to trials riding than the open trail.

During my trials years, if my memory serves me correct, the nearest I got to this was with the machines from Beta, Gas Gas and Montesa.

Not that long ago I used an Ossa Explorer from Nigel Birkett, and it dawned on me just how good it was. I had also used the Montesa 4Ride, another superb option for a ride out and the opportunity to attempt some hazards at my local OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

OPTIONS FREEDOM

An invitation to Spain for the launch of the new Montesa 4Ride model in the spring of 2016 further fuelled my desire for an option on trials riding.

With the 2017 Gas Gas Contact model in the rain in Derbyshire, this is the preelectric start model. My good friend Josh Turner was in charge of the photographs.

A shot of the trail version fitted with the optional larger seat and fuel tank, as used on my day out with ‘Birks’.

On an enjoyable day in the Lake District in late 2018 both myself and the official UK importer of Scorpa Nigel Birkett had a super day out, with Nigel on the trials version.

practice area at Hawk’s Nest. Such was their very agile handling, I could ride all the way up in trials style on both of these machines.

An invitation to Spain for the launch of the new Montesa 4Ride model in the spring of 2016 further fuelled my desire for this form of open riding – it was fun!

Later in 2016, John Shirt loaned me a Gas Gas Contact, the trail version, on which I had a really enjoyable afternoon. I am sure you are getting the message: I really love these trials/trail type machines. These were all good motorcycles, but one thing was always missing when you were tired — an electric start.

Press the button For a long time the Beta Alp, more of a long-distance trial type of machine, had the option of an electric or a mechanical start, with a kick-starter lever, before Gas Gas came along with one on its TXT EGD in the latter part of 2017. I used one of these at a few world rounds in 2017 as a ‘Press’ machine, they were easy to ride, and the electric start button was a pleasure to push.

Introduced with a larger fuel tank and seat, the trail riding was made so much easier with the ‘sat-up’ riding position, and you could even enter a few hazards if you wanted to brush up on your trials riding.

In 2018, I had the use of a four-stroke Montesa 4Ride, courtesy of the Repsol Honda team at the world rounds and HondaUK at the Scottish Six Days Trial. This is a very strong, robust machine for both trial and trials use that I love to ride, but once again, I was disappointed by the fact it has no electric start.

In 2018, I was also able to sample the little 125cc four-stroke Scorpa F, which did have an electric start button. On an enjoyable day in the Lake District, both myself and the official UK importer, Nigel Birkett, had a super day; Nigel on the trials version and me with trail version fitted with the optional larger seat and fuel tank. That was certainly a day to remember and, trust me, ‘Birks’ can still ride a bit!

TRIAL MAGAZINE • OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Beta UK importer John Lampkin has sold the four-stroke Beta Alp model for many years. With a choice of a mechanical start with a kick-start lever or electric start the machine is available in either 200cc or 400cc versions. This is the popular 200cc model.

At the 2018 Scott Trial: Steve Saunders with the very first TRS XTRACK imported into the UK; when questioned then about an electric start model all I got was a ‘Saunders’ smile!

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OPTIONS FREEDOM

Yes, it’s red, the 2020 Gas Gas Contact Estart model.

The starter motor on the Gas Gas is very compact.

‘Dual purpose’ immediately springs to mind with the 2020 TRS XTRACK model.

Going forward As we progressed through 2019, the relatively new TRS manufacturer from Spain introduced its electric-start X-Track model and, along with the Gas Gas, these are two superb alternative machines. The electric start mechanisms are very good and, on making enquiries, both work very well. The ‘dead easy’ trials are the bread and butter of many clubs, and we wondered how long it will be before we see a class for these machines.

Following the trend of these new generation machines, the hard-parts manufacturers S3 in Spain can offer an electric-start option for the Montesa 4Ride model. Why not a full electric machine?

French manufacturer Electric Motion now has an ‘E’ option with its ePure Escape model.

These new models are opening the doors for many off-road riders who have always struggled to start their own machines. With a worldwide decline in the sale of off-road motorcycles,

manufacturers have to offer the buying public more options. I firmly believe that electric start option, or the full electric one, could change the tide of sales of trials motorcycle if the manufacturers adapt their machines to facilitate the ‘touch of a button’ starting method.

My next question to any trials manufacturer is 'how long it is going to be before we see an electric start option on your trials dedicated models?' Watch this space!

It’s a very simple deign which brings the TRS into life with the electric starter motor assembly, by the touch of the starter button on the handlebars.

Why not a full electric machine! French manufacturer Electric Motion now has an ‘E’ option with its ePure Escape model.

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Where will the future take us! Maybe to the electric market, who knows?

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

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