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REGULAR SECTIONS TALK TRIALS: TONI BOU
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NEWS
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OBSERVATION: BERNIE SCHREIBER
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Cover: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) Photo Credit: Trials Media
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Talk trials • Toni Bou
WORLD CLASS ACTION
DABILL DOES IT AGAIN
Xim quoditatGia deligen deliquae latempore repudignam nisto beatestiur simin culla net, nihit hiliquamus sinciendi sit, consequidist et, sed eos quia volores exeristia dit et earitibus ducilitem eaque soles estis atur alicidentios quatus quo exceate et re ma sectatecti id ut dolor apiste aperfer chiciatem vid eatis sust in nis doluptius des repro et eat. Bis ma asitae porecte exceatis es molor rerferi aeprae. Itae etur, voluptat. Ga. Nemquia dus con explibus molorib erestium iumendi stiatibus, que necus a elibus quasimus exceaqu iatur? Words: John Hulme • Images: Name One, Name Two and Name Three Idexpliscia volo et fugia voloreh enimendia assim voluptur, aliti acest alitate volecus pelesequi repellic te consequi quasitat. Verore quuntur, omnimusam non con non nobis andicie nesectatur? Eprat faciuntiam faces remporia quassuntem. Ipsae ra pore, qui con pore pro consequam eos et la quata dolorrum facea ex excepre hendel int ea aut magnis paruntus ex est eosam volores issequi odictota nonsequam, id magnam fugia dunt, torem cullecumquo offic te conseque et labore est, voluptate quo vitatem fugiaturest quibea soles sinihit explab ipit venitatae et et laborem nihiciet unduci consequam fugiani mentus dolupta cum re re volorrumquam rest dolore mi, offic te ea dolorrum libus volupta saped maio que resciam, videlestis volorepe nis magnatia sitionsequid et aut volest et officidis eaquaturitis est parcimod quas ut hil ini odi cone comni volut dolupta turibus aperrovit, aliquod mo mi, ut porrovi taturerum rentur? Natem esti utem. Diatusandae plaut ut etur sum anda sintios et, acerferias dolorio nsequis im fugit dolum idunda sed quam et quidell uptatas peditatio omnihitium auta sus cus ut voluptae net prorest ibusdae lis verspellande voluptatem facest essi odia non nes eariatem aspiet, quia volorehendis aut quam ationse ndandes experio. Rumquaestio. Ita sed eosam, sin nimus dia incitati vollecae dendele cestrum fugia nonsequiscia et iduntem exces aut alit exerro cum fugita delest in ni ipsam illa ventibus, aut etur, occatis rereraturio delitio. Reperum apic tet is mos dolecus cipsus excerumqui niatemp ostios nis ipis nobit, sinctatem dolent. Utem vollandi rem ationse distia doloresseni ut re net occuptatem. Nam, int.
quisquo que laut pelesti debissu saeped maio Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo) 9; 3: Toby Martyn omnis inciamu sapiducia volupiscient erspere, (Beta) 13; 4: Richard Pallot (Beta) 87; 5: Adam Le sapelit doloreicit odior si rerum etur, qui tem nobis Cheminant (Gas Gas) 97. pelicate sequi te cus, qui sed quas debitemquam CONTACT dent vel idis doluptaes essin nonserorum dolut quates voleni rehende llitiatem doloristiae idi di qui volut aut reicatur ad quod et quiam, consequos ea quasper spitiamet lata non ped quaspit laborporum aceaqui antior acidem in reius doloreror siti tessin res et experumque as magnis verion planimu santur aperect uritiae velis parchiti aut laborerio. Itatum dolupic tet reiciet arum sunt re pra volorro viducient hit plique omniaeped ea derchillam rentis voluptatque suntusdame res maio digenim fugiasp ellatestori des expedis ium antota etur audi que aspist et hitatemo entis que pra aceaque vella nihic to ma dolesto tatecae quas niam aliquiatquas nonsere perions erspien dandiorem veria voluptisque dio cum simusaes et lam acest, tem. Quoditatin pa dem alique laccus cuptatem a volut dolorae porerspe velita dolescilit et quiatem issum quiae. Nam, il iumquiatem qui rerum rem. Et ut laccusdam eaquam aut ut dolo est volupta porions I arrived in Italy for the final two rounds of the 2020 FIM Trial ediciis dolenistet aut qui natiis isit quasperio. World Championship expecting a ‘battle royal’ once again Beratetus qui della solum, ipsae porerest, cus et with my constant rival Adam Raga. It was not to be as, for quod mo quam si cores consedi ipitius. whatever reason, he had a dip in his usual form and I secured Ebis sandanducil et por min nus resciae perferum mynonsequis 28th – yes, esectum invenderores ea nos et lamyou read it correctly – my 28th FIM Trial World Championship, lat fugition nesci con porro bernatempore et in my 14th in TrialGP. nonsequae nus, omnim harum aut prectur? Words: Toni Bou with John Hulme • Pictures: Trials Media and Montesa/Honda Luptatis as et et fugiate etur renihic te as es experore doluptis es rera pores These a quas are conem very challenging, unprecedented times with the global Covid-19 quaepelecat volumetur? situation. Despite the restrictive conditions, I must praise the FIM for making Es voloritatur? Us et accati the cusda 2020 venderibus season happen. Yes, it has been a very condensed series with the rounds in France, Spain and Andorra in September before the move to natibus, imus aut faccupturethree nonem rae num ipis magnat molorum, tem ratis est, round ipsunt fourquatusaerum, in Italy in October. Still, the organisation has been second to none velic temquasimin plis earumatvelende all the rounds llorehewith the trials ‘family’ working well together. nimagnime quid magnia dolutAfter officiithe scidebis niggling mint problems with my old back injury in the first three rounds, I ex estia cum labore litat. was very fit and well for the fight in Italy. On day one on the opening lap, I held Ommolore nonsentius posanimin smallreribus, advantage over Jaime Busto, followed by Adam. At the close of the estruntia con rene inus eici officta second menditat lap, I could raerfer not believe my advantage as I was the only rider in single chillessimin plabore prepudifigures! tect. The team kept their eye on the other riders’ scores as Raga dropped down the order to eventually finish seventh. As I leapt out of the final hazard, EVENT TITLE AND the YEAR team were waiting to congratulate me — we were world champions once SECOND RESULTS LINE again; everyone was thrilled. I must say that when they carried me up onto their shoulders to give EXPERT ROUTE: 1: Jack Price (Gas Gas) 7; 2:me the celebratory 14 ‘Bumps’; I was quite concerned for my safety as they were so elated! It did all turn out well, I might add. Apart from the usual pressure I put myself under on day two, it was a really enjoyable event. I rode very confidently, making it my own trial, and I think the winning 35-mark margin told its own story as I took my 118th TrialGP victory. To everyone who has contributed to any one of my victories, I would like to thank you all for the successful times. The ‘Toni Bou Show’ will continue in 2021. Until then, stay safe and keep well — Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou.
#28 CHAMPION
CROSSHEAD STYLE ONE
Dolo et pedipsa perchiliae paris et ipsam, sandi is nobitio eos voloria num fuga. Et is dolupta sint iurio del iur apit, id mi, inim exeriam suntion conem harcia voluptatemod molupta tiaestion conse andus modi acepror iandunt iistrupta nobissimolla natquis atur, incipie ntiore, odis et vellandi sitistrunt. Andaerio vollam nulpa simpores aut lacepudam exces nistrum voloreptis solentem nus, sus utemperum est aute volenes simus dolum reptatu reculpa ne porporentisi aut ut aces rem est officiur rention sequibus etureribus, consend ucidus, sunti dolo eatur aut vendandit alisintis mo doluptatus del mincipid qui test, cum doluptatur? Quibus, cuptis voluptatur mos earunt apernatem nam, idis nam cus volorro blab in nis sam, et maxim quoditat explab im qui diaerrovidit que con rentis deliciti
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“For two or three seasons Toni and yself are no longer progressing”
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
75 YEARS. STILL GOING STRONG.
MONTESA HONDA – UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS OF WORLD TRIALS The history of Montesa dates back to 1944, when a young Barcelona industrialist, Pere Permanyer Puigjaner, began to produce his own gas generators for automobiles – thus opening a new branch of activities in the motorcycle industry. Fast forward 75 years, and 28 consecutive indoor and outdoor World Trials titles later, Montesa are still flying high and remain firmly on the top step of the World Trials podium. With an enviable reputation, Montesa Honda machines are renowned for their exclusive technological features, as well as for being models of superior quality and proven reliability. Call 0345 200 8000 or visit your local specialist dealer to find out more.
honda.co.uk
0345 200 8000
News • The world of trials
RG TRIALS TEAM
Rudi Geiser, from Switzerland, has called time on his RG Trials Team at the close of the 2020 season. In his career, he has worked at all levels of team management, organisation and, most importantly, on giving the younger riders the opportunity of the stepping stone into the FIM Trial World Championship. His international team has become a well-recognised one around the world. Success has come in many ways, with the icing on the cake coming from one of his young proteges Gabriel Marcelli from Spain who made the podium in TrialGP on day two in Spain 2020. Marcelli also gave the team the 2019 FIM Trial2 World Championship. Such was the profile of the team over the last few years, Montesa recognised the team’s commitment
and supported it with the supply of the four-stroke Cota 4RT machines. In a fitting tribute to the team, the three-team riders carried the words’ Thanks Rudi’ on their S3 riding kit in Italy. Rudi Geiser: “This has been a fantastic time, and I am very proud of what has been achieved as the only satellite team running in TrialGP, the very cutting edge of the sport. Through my network of sponsors, we have been able to bring the dream to reality for so many riders. I have had tremendous support from everyone, including my right-hand man Walter Wermuth. “At 60 years old, it’s now time for me to enjoy my life on the other side of the fence in the paddock. I will still be attending world championship events,
VERTIGO WINNERS
TRIALS MODELS
It’s always good to witness young riders turn into winners, and it was a well-deserved FIM Trial125 World Championship for Spain’s Pau Martinez and Vertigo in Italy. It was a double celebration as the Vertigo took its first FIM World Championship title. Pau has worked hard for this title and it was a very emotional family celebration at the final round. For the Vertigo it was the final reward for supporting the young rider as he delivered the title. From a dream of the man behind Vertigo, Manel Jane, to manufacturing a world championship winning machine, it’s just rewards for his support to the world of motorcycle trials. The success started with the team manger Dougie Lampkin, himself a seven-times outdoor world champion, at the Scottish Six Days Trial during the machine’s debut year in 2015. During the manufacturer’s short life so far more titles have come their way, but this latest success strengthens their name in the sport.
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but this time as an interested spectator. I would like everyone who has been involved with the RG Trials Team to be proud of being a part of it, and I want to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the success in any way, shape or form – Thank you”.
Model manufacturer, Trialreplic, is proud to announce that Yoomee will be the sole official UK importer for its range of motorcycles. TrialReplic is a family business that was created out of a passion for our wonderful sport of motorcycle trials. The company is dedicated to the manufacture of 1:6 scale replicas of motorcycle trials models, using both metal and plastic materials in their production. Currently models include Honda, Montesa and Ossa. More models are planned for the future. Sold as display models, they make the perfect gift for the motorcycle trials enthusiast. See the advert on page 88 or get yourself along to the website: www.yoomee.co.uk to start collecting these exciting models now on sale in the UK. You can also call: 01663 749163 for more information.
2020 SOUTHERN EXPERTS TRIAL
The 2020 Southern Experts Trial will be run on Sunday 13th December 2020 at Hookwood Trials Centre at West Horsley, Surrey, KT24 6EA, signed on the A246 at West Horsley. The Southern Experts Trophy will be presented to the best adult and best youth riding an elite Expert route. The event will be run by the Witley & DMCC in conjunction with their annual Reg Bowker Trial – named after Reg, who is the father to Witley members Neil and Peter Bowker. Reg was always a hard-working enthusiast who helped all our local clubs. There will also be standard separate expert, inter, clubman routes incorporated in the trial. Food 2019 Southern Expert Toby Marty will be available at the start.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
250cc / 280cc / 300cc
AVAILABLE NOW FROM YOUR NEAREST VERTIGO DEALER Key Features Black Factory Tech forks with gold details
Reiger 3 way adjustable rear shock
Black Renthal handlebar
Black billet alloy footpegs
Carbon engine case protectors
Red clutch and brake lever adjusters
Intercooler in anodised black
Black finish of the silencer
Exhaust with engraved Busto logo
New Vertigo racing triple clamps
Carbonfibre induction tube
Factory machined rear wheel rim
Busto fluo-red frame and wheel hubs
High compression Busto spec cylinder head (300cc model)
Busto personal map settings
Racing throttle body
www.vertigomotors.com
www.shopvertigotrial.com
News • The world of trials
SAMMY MILLER IS STILL WINNING
Sammy and the Museum Trust were delighted to hear that Sammy and the Motorcycle Museum were shortlisted in two separate categories in the 2020 Historic Motoring Awards: personal achievement and museum/collection of the year. The world Historic Motoring Awards were organised by Octane magazine, and the online presentation of awards took place on the evening of Thursday 22nd October 2020. The ceremony started with presentations from Derek Bell, Jay Leno and the editor of Octane, James Elliott. The evening was hosted by Amanda Stretton, racing driver and presenter. The 22 judges included Derek Bell MBE and Jay Leno amongst journalists, magazine contributors and notable people who are connected in some way to motoring. Sammy won the personal achievement award against nominees Daniel Geoghegan of Bicester Motion, Peter Mullin of The Mullin Museum, Mark Perkins of Historics and Phil McGovern of Caffeine & Motion. Nominees in the Museum/Collection of the Year included Hagerty, The Petersen Museum – winners of this category, Brooklands Museum, The Mercedes-Benz Museum and Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim. Sammy felt very honoured to have been nominated against these great names.
THANK YOU FROM TRIAL MAGAZINE
With Christmas and the New Year up on us, Trial Magazine would like to thank everyone who continues to support us during these challenging COVID-19 times. We have not missed publishing a copy of your favourite read and it continues to thrive in both print and digital formats. The main difficulty we are having is with the overseas shipping timeframe, over which we have no control. All we ask is kindly remain patient. If you are experiencing problems, please contact us. We have so many exciting Christmas gift ideas but once again if you are wanting to place an order do not leave it too late, we would advise you to order sooner than later to avoid disappointment. The gift of a subscription lasts for 12 months, to be enjoyed all year. Have a Happy Christmas and New Year, Thank you – Trial Magazine.
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ANDRES COOK It was a sad day when the news came into the office that the well-known face in all forms of two-wheeled off-road sport, Andres Cook, had passed away. It did not matter whether it was with or without an engine, you knew when Andres was about; he was a character so full of life. He passed away on a mountain in France, after suffering a heart attack whilst enjoying life to the full with his MTB friends. Our thoughts are with his family of a genuine nice guy. (Picture Credit: Neil Concannon).
TRUN RACING: JOHN LEE MOTORCYCLES
Always on the lookout for new products, John Lee Motorcycles are proud to announce that they are the new official UK importer for all Trun Racing Products. For 16 years, the Italian engineer, Andrea Tron (pictured right), was responsible for the technical side of the Italian Gas Gas trials importer Claudio Favro. In more recent times you will have seen him in the paddock at the Scottish Six Days and FIM Trial World Championship rounds, supporting the official Gas Gas team. He has worked with many top riders including Adam Raga, Jorge Casales and Michael Brown, to name but a few. He now works with his company alongside Team Spea Gas Gas Italy, TRRS Italia AXMoto, and on suspension with the Team Sembenini RedMoto Honda. As a technician he is involved with the Gas Gas factory and with the racing service of Tech Suspension. Chas Lee: “We are excited to be importing a wide range of products to upgrade and improve your machine with the excellent range of after-market products from Trun Racing. These will start to be added to our website over the coming months”.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS
TONI BOU 14 x FIM X-Trial World Champion (Indoor) 14 x FIM Trial World Champion (Outdoor)
To discover the MICHELIN Trial range visit: www.michelin.co.uk/motorbike
Paddock • Caught on camera
SMILE
OFF
AND PULL
RIPCURL
STAY SAFE
ROAD CREW
SPLASH
WATCHING
TRIBUTE - ITA
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JUST CHECKING
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Caught on camera • Paddock
CATCH
GOT IT
EJECT
TECHNICAL
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
DEEP
NO DIVING
MECHANIC
TEAM
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Shopping • What’s new
WHAT’S ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST?
APICO WHEEL BLING
TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS
Security Bolt – Dust Cap. All Models Web: www.apico.co.uk
TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS GO2 ON Helmet. Various Colour Ways. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
SIDI TRIAL ZERO 2 BOOT All-new boot. Web: www.feridax.com
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Step5 Shirt and Pants. Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
S3 PARTS HARDROCK FOOTRESTS Aluminum - Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
TRIALENDURODIRECT STYLMARTIN
IMPACT REV Boots. Black and Red. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
RAINER BOOTS
New ‘Florescent’ Model Web: www.birkettmotosport.com
SPADA ROCK HELMET Various Colour Ways Web: www.feridax.com
APICO FORMA BOOT Boulder ‘Dry’ Web: www.apico.co.uk
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
What’s new • Shopping
YOOMEE REPLICA MODELS Honda Montesa Ossa. Web: www.yoomee.co.uk
APICO HEBO HELMET
Zone 4 Balance Helmet. Various Colour Ways Web: www.apico.co.uk
DVD 25 YEARS OF TRIALS Box Set: 5 Discs – 11 Hours! Web: www.trialmaguk.com
APICO HEAT SHRINK KIT TIMBERLAND SHEDS
Heat Shrink Tubing. Detail the Finish. All Models. Web: www.apico.co.uk
All styles, shapes and sizes supplied. Web: www.timberlandsheds.co.uk
SCORPA LONG RIDE
Seat and Fuel Tank. 4.2 Litre Range. Fits all Models Web: www.birkettmotosport.com
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
TRRS UK BALANCE BIKE For the Next Generation Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com
OSET STICKER KITS Customise Your Bike — Vorova Web: www.osetbikes.com
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Observation • Schreiber’s Section
2019 four-stroke power
SCHREIBER
FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
The digital transformation is a development that doesn’t stop for crafts and trades, and the electrical industry is no exception. There is nothing that falls from the sky as ‘Future Technology’ in any domain. Trending technology + past established technology = Future Technology. Having said that, I feel that in general, the trials manufacturers have made tremendous progress over the past few years in the electric domain. It should be something the sport of trials must continue to explore.
information, services and products that meet the criteria of the three ‘Cs’: Clean, Convenient and Cool. No emissions and no
noise factor is a clean advantage, followed by little maintenance of fuel, filters or gears, which is for many a great convenience. The ‘cool’ factor is the appeal to a vast range of ages and riding interests, from youth to adult riders. Children can develop and learn trials skills, starting with an OSET, and electrify their future into TrialGP in the same category. My first electric-bike experience was the 2020 Electric Motion, and it was an emotional ride. At first, you get the feeling of an electric bicycle due to lightness and noise levels, but once you find the standing foot-peg position, throttle, clutch and brakes the unique emotion becomes a new experience as a traditional trials rider. After about 30 minutes of powerratio and body-position adjustments, I began to translate my past riding skills into new electrifying techniques. Electric motors are known for their instant torque. This low-speed power is a boom for most trials enthusiasts, but just as important as the instant power is the controlled application of torque that electric bikes can offer. The engine noise is a bit strange at first, but with a helmet on you adapt very quickly and, most importantly, you can turn slowly without a clutch once you learn the precision throttle control. These machines are a lot of fun, user friendly and, for newcomers into the sport, you get that touch-and-go feeling immediately. Several manufacturers are beginning to make headway with their own electric trials models, and the momentum is here to stay. New electric machine classes and championships are being developed globally within the sport, so I can’t wait to see what kind of exciting progress is in store for the industry and sport of trials over the next few years! Let’s ride into the off-road electric world and see what our future holds. Keep safe and well – Bernie Schreiber.
Words: Bernie Schreiber with John Hulme
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t can definitely be a great innovative technology for the sport. Trials motorcycles have always been designed to go in places others cannot. Still, with so many government restrictions on motorised vehicles because of noise and pollution, the sport can innovate one step further into transporting skilled riders in places others cannot ride. Many customers seek 22
2020 electric power
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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www.gasgas.com
Authorised Dealerships:
Photos: Future7Media, Mitterbauer H.
GET ON THE GAS!
AMS Motorcycles, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
ET James & Sons, Rhayader, Powys
JD Racing, Saltash, Cornwall
CCM Racing, Tallaght, Dublin
Eurotek, Ripon, North Yorkshire
John Lee Motorcycles, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire
Gear 4 Motorcycles, Market Deeping, Peterborough
John Shirt Motorcycles, Buxton, Derbyshire
CPS Motorcycles, Hinckley, Leicestershire
Holeshot Motocross, Sailsbury, Wiltshire
Marsh MX, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Craigs Motorcycles, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
HTM Motorcycles, Ballymena, N.Ireland
Triple D Motosport, Kendal, Cumbria
CF Racing, Corwen, Denbighshire
Drysdale Motorcycles, Perth, Tayside
Take your offroad riding skills to the next level! The 2021 GASGAS trial range builds upon the proven technology that has clinched over a dozen world titles since the 1990s. Now it’s easier than ever before to get yourself on a new GASGAS Trial bike and have a blast, thanks to our expanded global dealer network. #GetOnTheGas @gasgas.official
Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations! The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
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New Models • Vertigo
VERTIGO 2021
JAIME BUSTO REPLICA
Vertigo Motors is proud to present the new Limited Edition 2021 Vertigo Jaime Busto Replica. Available in 250cc, 280cc and 300cc engine sizes, this new Replica model has been created to celebrate the great achievements of the 2020 season. With a total of four podiums and an impressive third place in the overall standings, this is by far the best results for Vertigo in the premier class, TrialGP, since the green brand entered the World Championship. Words: James Duxbury and Trialmaguk • Pictures: Vertigo
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n order to compete at the very highest level and achieve such great results, Jaime is very demanding on the level of performance his machine must give him. The Vertigo is set up and fine-tuned to give him an extremely powerful, responsive and precision-handling machine so that he can extract the maximum from his riding on every occasion. This is a true race replica in every sense. All of Jaime’s own preferences in terms of suspension geometry, power delivery and map settings have been incorporated into this new model which also includes a wealth of high-end racing components. These include new Tech Factory specification forks in black with gold details, in combination with the multi-ad 26
justable three-way Reiger rear shock. This provides extremely smooth and responsive feedback to the rider whilst also allowing any rider to further fine-tune their suspension setup depending on their individual riding style. The stainless-steel exhaust is engraved with Jaime’s personal logo, and the silencer has a striking matt-black finish, which helps set it aside from all other models in the Vertigo range. Again, the new-design airbox is carried over from the R2 and 21 Works models, to greatly increase engine performance at higher revs. It is more rigid and slimmer than previous models, giving a leaner and more aggressive look. A two-position mapping switch is
incorporated into the airbox. A new highcompression cylinder head together with a carbon-fibre admission tube, along with the Vertigo intercooler, all help to contribute to the extremely high performance. Renthal handlebars are clamped into the all-new billet-machined, ultra-lightweight triple clamps, which are again unique to this new model. Vertigo’s signature multi-tubular frame has a stunning fluo-red finish which contrasts nicely with the black anodised wheel rims. Matching fluo-red wheel hubs are fitted with Vertigo’s own-design alloy footrests together with 0.5cm lowered footrest supports for increased stability. The new textured red, white, black and green graphics give a very youthful and aggressive look to the Vertigo, which is of course very fitting to Jaime’s personal character! To leave no one in doubt as to whose replica machine this is, each Jaime Busto Replica model comes with its own limited-edition engraved metal plate and custom Busto work mat. The Vertigo Factory will produce only 75 exclusive units, for worldwide distribution. December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
GasGas • New Models
GASGAS 2021
TXT RACING
You only have to see the superb results in the FIM Trial World improving riders looking for increased power and super-agile handling. Like all GASGAS trial models it’s fitted with high-quality parts, Braktec Championship from Jorge Casales to understand that the 2021 model changes are a significant improvement. This four-machine hydraulic clutch and brakes, as well as leading suspension to ensure reliability and a whole lot of riding fun. model range has an engine capacity to suit riders of all levels of ability. From the 125cc winner on the world scene with Jack 250 Dance through to the hands of Jorge Casales, GASGAS has made A classic motor displacement from the GASGAS trials range, the TXT them proven winners. RACING 250 ensures the perfect balance between usable two-stroke Words: Trialmaguk • Pictures: GASGAS
300
Class-leading power, top-level handling, and a serious amount of torque! This TXT RACING 300 is a trials workhorse that delivers a plentiful supply of strong, clean and tractable power, ensuring all skilful riders can push their limits to the edge. Not for the faint hearted, the 300cc two-stroke is built to scale the hardest climbs and meet the toughest challenges head-on. With impressive manoeuvrability, low running costs, leading suspension brands, a strong and reliable transmission for precise shifting as well as hydraulic clutch and brakes from Braktec — it says it all.
280
Sitting perfectly between the well-loved 250cc and the awesome 300cc models, the TXT RACING 280 offers the perfect blend of two-stroke power, weight and manoeuvrability. It is the ideal stepping stone for Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
power, torque and nimble handling. The 250cc two-stroke is easy to use, versatile, and leads the way in tough, technical terrain thanks to its strong, manageable power. Fitted with selectable engine maps at the flick of a switch, Braktec hydraulic clutch and brakes and class-leading suspension, the TXT RACING 250 delivers the perfect balance of power and fun.
125
The GASGAS TXT RACING 125 is the perfect model for riders to develop their skills of all ages and abilities. With a lightweight construction and easy-to-manage character, this smallest two-stroke model from GASGAS allows youngsters and older riders alike to have fun while building their confidence. Featuring smooth, strong power the 125cc motor has a flat and continuous torque curve, ideal for helping riders find grip while pushing deeper into the exciting world of trial riding. With class-leading suspension, selectable engine maps and Braktec hydraulic clutch and brakes, the TXT RACING 125 features a collection of top components that ensure quality and reliability for the owner. 27
New Models • TRRS
TRRS 2021
ONE RR
In its fifth year of life, the new TRRS ONE RR 2021 model range reaches an optimal moment in terms of maturity, reliability and fun as it takes a big step forward in terms of quality and performance for the rider. The innovative design with asymmetric shapes maintains the DNA of the brand that was present on the GOLD and One R 2021 models that preceded it. Constant attention to detail and production changes continue to bring such a high level of performance for the owner and the option of the superb and innovative electric starter button has to be an option worth considering, such is its ease of use. With a wide range of engine capacity sizes, you really have a choice of machine performance to suit riders of all ages and abilities. Words: Trialmaguk • Pictures: TRRS
T
his two-stroke single-cylinder watercooled engine has been completely redesigned in order to fit the new aluminium injection-cast crankcases whilst substantially improving the surface finishes and also achieving better behaviour at lowspeed engine revolutions and increasing pre-compression. The new clutch cover with a sight glass for oil level and filling, all on the same side, facilitates easier maintenance for the owner. The incorporation of a temperature sensor makes it possible for better control of temperature variations. The starting point of the cooling fan is now optimised and controlled by a new CDI unit. The ONE RR establishes itself as a benchmark motorcycle for a wide variety of users from the learner right through to the ones at the very top end of the sport.
Attention to performance has also been given to the ONE RR 125cc engine. It has been significantly improved with its new crankshaft, piston and cylinder head which provide a considerable increase in terms of power and performance as well as reduced vibrations. Also, the final drive transmission has been reduced by the use of an 8 x 45 sprocket combination which in turn gives a better response, and the optimum use of the first three gears is achieved. The new TRRS ONE RR, like the rest of the brand’s models, are available in two versions. You can argue that the electric start models are a luxury, but why not take the option to further enjoy your day’s riding. The TRRS ONE RR 2021 model range is available in 300cc, 280cc, 250cc and 125cc engine sizes with the optional electric start available on all except the 125cc.
28 December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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International • FIM Trial World Championship
TRIALGP
SUPER ‘BOU’ SHOW We all knew, with Covid-19 taking such a hold on the travel situation around the globe, that it was a brave move by the FIM to run any form of a world championship in 2020. As it happened, they pulled it out of the bag with a successful, if condensed, four-round series run over a short period starting in France, Spain, Andorra in September and finally concluding in Italy in early October. For once Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) did not have it all his own way as his constant rival Adam Raga pushed him for the title to the final round with two wins to his name. A battle royal was expected in Italy, but Raga was unexpectedly off-form, and Bou took title number 28 — 14 indoor and 14 outdoor — to secure the championship victory on day one; ‘Super Bou’ had delivered once again. Article: Trials Media 30
Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP): Never one to concede victory easily, Raga has once again been the main motivation that has pushed Toni Bou towards another world title. He had looked strong to fight for the title in Italy but an unexplained loss of form at the final two rounds removed this ambition. This was his 300th world round!
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
FIM Trial World Championship • International
Jamie Busto (Vertigo-ESP): An on-form combination of Busto and the Vertigo is so good to watch in action; when the clean rides come, he is so smooth and effortless. He must know that he needs to start winning soon if he is to move up to take on the mantle of being a serious world championship contender.
It was a fantastic finale for the final world round as the Moto Club Lazzate presented a well-run event despite the difficult conditions with Covid-19. A hard-standing paddock welcomed the riders and teams with just a short ride to the nine sections in the club’s trials park, with section 10 set adjacent to the paddock and podium. All the hazards were man-made, consisting of a selection of well-placed large rocks secured in the soil in a heavily wooded area. On both days the ten sections were ridden three times, with similar weather conditions of a cold, damp start until the sun shone through on this industrial part of Italy found not far from Milan. A selection of the hazards had been modified for the action on day two.
BOU ON A ROLL
After the opening lap on day one Bou held a small five-mark advantage over Jaime Busto and his nearest championship challenger Adam Raga but, as we have seen happen in the past, the others were soon out of the fight for the victory. On the second lap, Bou was just a class act, parting with just seven marks to further extend his advantage as Raga unexpectedly dropped right off the pace and was struggling to stay in touch. On the second lap, it was a rejuvenated Takahisa Fujinami who had had a very poor opening lap but was pulling himself
Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP): Along with Toni Bou and Adam Raga, Jeroni has been around for what seems like an eternity in the world championship. When on form he is another rider who can still make the podium, and it was an excellent finish to the series with the second step of the podium taken in Italy on day two.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
Jorge Casales (GASGAS-ESP): It was a brave move to the re-branded GASGAS for Jorge but he has proved everyone wrong with some superb and confident riding. He is one of the younger generation of rider who is ready to start taking the fight to Bou in 2021.
back up the order with a loss of just 14 — the second-best lap score behind Bou. With just a further nine marks lost, Bou secured the victory and the title as Raga came home a lowly seventh at the close of the day. The fight for the podium positions had gone in the favour of a fighting Jorge Casales as Busto rounded off the top three. It was celebration time for the Repsol Honda team as Bou took his 14th consecutive TrialGP world title.
DEMONSTRATION DAY
Never one to let up in his constant quest for perfection, it was a Toni Bou demonstration on day two in Italy as he slaughtered the opposition with a huge 35-mark winning margin. Adam Raga was secure in second position in the championship, but it was another off day as he finished in sixth position. Once again, the focus of attention moved to the fight for the second and third podium positions. Casales looked very confident, but no-one expected the challenge to come from Jeroni Fajardo. After a mediocre opening lap, he came storming back up the leader-board as the battle went to the last lap and the final few sections to secure second position in front of a huge fight for third. Would you believe, three riders each finished on 61 marks lost. It was Casales who held his nerve to secure the final step on the podium in front of Gabriel Marcelli and Miquel Gelabert.
Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP): It was going to happen sooner than later, and it was a jubilant Marcelli who took his maiden TrialGP podium in Spain on day two. Riding as part of the three-man RG Trials Team on the Montesa Cota 4RT he most certainly is the most promising young rider, finishing on the same points as Fajardo at the close of the season.
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International • FIM Trial World Championship
Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN): Would you believe that as ‘Fujigas’ signed off for the season in Italy it would be his 25th consecutive season in the premier class of the sport! His 7th place was his lowest in the championship since he arrived in 1996, when he also finished 7th.
Jack Price (Vertigo-GBR): A heavy crash on day one in Spain put Jack out of the championship. In a brave move he did try to continue, but it was a wise and sensible decision to miss the last two rounds in Italy.
BOU #14
As Bou and Raga battled for the championship, settled in Bou’s favour with title number 14, another separate fight was on for the final step on the podium between the two younger Spanish rivals Jamie Busto (Vertigo) and Jorge Casales (GASGAS). The advantage had run with Busto, who had looked very on-form at the opening of the championship. Still, a drop in his consistency opened the door for a rejuvenated Casales to make his way to the podium in Andorra and Italy. As Busto lost his form, Casales improved, but in this shortened series he could not take the fight any further to Busto, who took the bronze medal in the championship. Of the best of the rest Jeroni Fajardo (Shero-ESP) showed that his form and talent are still in striking distance of the podium with a superb third position at the opening round in France followed by a second position on day two in Italy. Finishing sixth in the final championship positions was the young talent that is Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP). His breakthrough podium finish with third on day two in Spain showed his potential, moving him up into sixth position to finish on the same points as Fajardo. The TrialGP class is still dominated by the Spanish riders, which looks very much like it is going to continue into 2021..
Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP): Moving from the Vertigo team mid-year to a private team riding the GASGAS had the young rider racing to prepare for the world championship. Some ‘sparkle’ appears to be missing in his riding, for what-ever reason.
2020 TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
POSITIONS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 152; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 121; 3: Jamie Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 105; 4: Jorge Casales (GASGAS-ESP) 98; 5; Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 82; 6: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 82; 7: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 78; 8; Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP) 75; 9: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 62; 10; Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 45; 11: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 42; 12: Jack Price (Vertigo-GBR) 32. MACHINES TOP 12: 1: Montesa 3; 2: Beta 2; 3: GASGAS 2; 4: Sherco 2; 5: Vertigo 2; 6: TRRS 1.
ITALY: LAZZATE, ROUND 7 POSITIONS: 1: Bou 39; 2: Casales 61; 3: Busto 66; 4: Fujinami 70; 5: Fajardo 73; 6: Marcelli 73; 7: Raga 75; 8: Gelabert 79; 9: Dabill 80; 10: Peace 125.
ITALY: LAZZATE, ROUND 8 POSITIONS: 1: Bou 20; 2: Fajardo 55; 3: Casales 61; 4: Marcelli 61; 5: Gelabert 61; 6: Raga 63; 7: Busto 63; 8: Fujinami 78; 9: Dabill 88; 10: Peace 136.
Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR): Still finding his feet in the TrialGP class, it’s been a tough year for the older of the two brothers. In this short series he has had no break to try and find some of the form that is still missing amongst a very high level of riding.
James Dabill (Beta-GBR): Still Great Britain’s number one rider in the premier class, ‘Dibsta’ will not be happy with his 9th position overall. With marks very close at the events, small mistakes have been heavily punished and he has been kept further down the order than he would have liked.
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Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA): After a superb 4th place in Spain a crash at round three in Andorra finished the French rider’s year.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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International • FIM
Trial World Championship
TRIAL2
MATTEO’S MASTER CLASS
Introduced in 2017 Trial2 class was given full FIM Trial World Championship status with Iwan Roberts (Beta-GBR) taking the title. After a successful trials career at the top level in the TrialGP class Italy’s Matteo Grattarola, having finished 10th in 2017, moved down to the Trial2 class in its second year in 2018. The fireworks started as soon as he arrived with a battle between himself and Great Britain’s new ‘hot-shot’ Toby Martyn. Both were riding the four-stroke Montesa in separate teams and very evenly matched as the championship went to the final round in Italy. Grattarola took a clear victory as Martyn’s form took a dive and he finished in third position, cruelly denied the title by an observer’s contentious decision at the final section. It was a four-stroke fight again in 2019 between Grattarola and Spain’s Gabriel Marcelli, with the Italian the victor in the championship by a single point! As Marcelli moved up to TrialGP, Matteo Grattarola made a move to the twostroke Beta in 2020 and arrived on a mission in the shortened four-round championship. Article: Trials Media 34
Alexandre Ferrer (TRRS-FRA): Very mature in experience and riding ability, expect to see the French rider at the cutting edge of this class for a few years to come. There is a title win in there but it is that old word, consistency, that needs to be applied to get the required result.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
FIM Trial World Championship • International Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR): One of a new breed of younger riders coming through the results, Toby is a genuine worldtitle contender who just needs to believe in the ability that is on tap in abundance. He proved with the win at the final round that he just needs to fine-tune some small areas to become the complete package of a winner.
Jack Peace (ShercoGBR): Well on target for a strong finish to the season and a topthree championship finish, Jack lost the form when he needed it most. Still a young rider in this class, he dropped to fifth overall after two low points-scoring rides in Italy.
In the scorching heat of the opening round in France, it would be a question of who could take the opening advantage. Grattarola was quietly confident on the Beta. But, throw in French rider, Alexandre Ferrer in a home round, a new TRRS team member, Toby Martyn, along with fellow ‘Brit’, Jack Peace and a new breed of young riders wanting a taste of the action, no one could predict where the title would go. As expected, it was Grattarola and Ferrer who battled one another over the two days with a victory and a runner-up position each. The sunshine carried itself with the riders to Spain, and the action was just as hot. Grattarola scored another important victory in front of Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) on day one. On day two, the Trial2 class celebrated a new round winner with Aniol Gelabert (TRRS-ESP), importantly with Grattarola second. As Ferrer showed a loss of form, scoring only five points, his Italian rival started to open up a crucial points advantage. In truth, with two wins in the rain of Andorra one week later it almost secured the Trial2 title for Matteo and Beta as they headed to Italy.
Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR): Flashes of brilliant riding have shone though this year, with two visits to the third-place spot on the podium in Spain and Italy.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
HOME ADVANTAGE
It would have been a brave man who would bet against an Italian winning in Italy on an Italian machine, and that’s exactly what happened. I am not sure that the huge winning advantage of three marks lost playing 31 is really how it was, but Matteo Grattarola on the Beta looked super confident all day. His championship challenger, Ferrer, should have raised his game to push the title fight to day two but in truth he never looked like even challenging for the title, finishing a lowly fifth on the day. The man on form was Aniol Gelabert (TRRS-ESP) who finished second which, in the process, gave him sight of the bronze medal in the championship. As Toby Martyn started to show his true ability with fourth position a drop in form pushed Great Britain’s Jack Peace away from the fight for the top three positions in the championship.
AT LAST
This world of motorcycle trials is a very strange one as to be competitive you need to be consistent, and it’s that consistency that has kept Toby Martyn away from challenging for the Trial2 title in the past.
On day two in Italy, he became involved in a close fight for supremacy with Gianluca Tournour (TRRS-ITA), Grattarola and Gelabert. On the first lap, both Martyn and Tournour parted with nine marks apiece, with Gelabert on 10 and the new world champion Grattarola on 12. Martyn and Tournour matched each other again on the second lap with 10 marks lost, as Gelabert came storming into the equation on seven marks lost. On the final lap, Grattarola rode at his very best as a worthy champion, losing just one mark. It was not enough for the victory though as Martyn remained calm and consistent to take a very satisfying victory at this final round, parting with four on his last lap. Once again, an unexplained loss of form and finishing 13th, unfortunately, dropped Jack Peace down to fifth in the championship. Great Britain’s only other rider in this class, Billy Green (Montesa), showed that his ability is not in question. He held the lead on various laps in Andorra, and the low championship position does not reflect the effort and commitment shown by him. No doubt, with more experience, he can only get better.
Aniol Gelabert (TRRS-ESP): Now having made the breakthrough win in Spain on day two, it will raise the all-important confidence levels. Training with his older brother Miquel, who rides in TrialGP, has to help and push the level of riding higher, and he finished the championship with two strong performances in Italy
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International • FIM Trial World Championship
Arnau Farre (TRRS-ESP): You have to admire the sheer determination of this Spanish rider as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury. Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA): Riding on home soil in Italy did not produce the results that he expected and he finished seventh in the championship.
2020 TRIAL2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
POSITIONS: 1: Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 149; 2: Alexandre Ferrer (TRRSFRA) 97; 3: Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR) 96; 4: Aniol Gelabert (TRRS-ESP) 87; 5: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 86; 6: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 80; 7: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 65; 8: Arnau Farre (TRRS-ESP) 60; 9: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 58; 10: Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA) 58; 11: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 55; 12: Hugo Defrese (Vertigo-FRA) 47; 13: Billy Green (Montesa-GBR) 28; 14: Gianluca Tournour (TRRS-ITA) 23; 15: Andrea Riva (TRRS-ITA) 20. MACHINES TOP 15: 1: TRRS 7; 2: Montesa 3; 3: Beta 2; 4: Vertigo 2; 5: Sherco 1.
ITALY: LAZZATE, ROUND 7 POSITIONS: 1: Grattarola 4; 2: Gelabert 31; 3: Haga 41; 4: Martyn 47; 5: Farre 47; 6: Petrella 49; 7: Peace 49; 8: Riva 50; 9: Gondola 52; 10: Tournour 55; 11: Suarez 57; 12: Ferrer 59; 13: Miquel 60; 14: Moret 64; 15: Defrese 71.
ITALY: LAZZATE, ROUND 8
Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP): A member of the Montesa talent school, he will be very happy to have finished third in France on day one and second in Spain, also on day one, on the four-stroke machine.
POSITIONS: 1: Martyn 23; 2: Tournour 26; 3: Grattarola 28; 4: Gelabert 28; 5: Defrese 35; 6: Petrella 40; 7: Gondola 40; 8: Haga 45; 9: Riva 54; 10: Ferrer 54; 11: Moret 56; 12: Farre 56; 13: Peace 57; 14: Green 62; 15: Rabino 67.
Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA): It’s so good to watch the progress of this young Italian rider, who looks more mature and stronger with the passing of each year.
36
Billy Green (Montesa-GBR): Never dropping his head, despite some difficult results, he will be disappointed with his 2020 season. Definitely a talent in the making, when on form he has shown he can compete at the front and just needs the experience to hold this until the close of the final lap.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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International • FIM Trial World Championship
TRIAL125
PAU’S VERTIGO POWER
It has been a pleasure to watch this very young talent turn into an FIM Trial125 World Champion. In a day for a double celebration for the relatively new Spanish motorcycle trials manufacturer, Vertigo secured its first-ever FIM World Championship title. In truth, Pau Martinez has dominated the series, showing a very high level of mature riding and on a very good machine, and the success is well deserved. With five wins, two seconds and a fourth in Italy on the final day, it may well look like he has had an easy victory, but this has not been the case. Pau has fought for the victories in a very competitive class which has seen three new winners. On day one, in Andorra, we had Leo Guiraud (Beta-FRA) with Scotsman Ben Dignan (Vertigo) on day two with another opportunity to play the national anthem for Great Britain when Jack Dance (GASGAS) won the final round on the second day in Italy. Article: Trials Media 38
Leo Guiraud (Beta-FRA): As we have seen in the past, it takes good riders to push one another to achieve the best results. We will be seeing much more of this French Federation rider who is most definitely a talent to watch.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
FIM Trial World Championship • International Ben Dignan (Vertigo-ESP): Working hard towards a career in trials, the final touch came with the experience from a past 125cc World Champion Alexz Wigg as his minder. Ben needed the edges polishing on his riding, and the world-round win was just reward for his efforts on his way to third in the final world championship standings.
At the series-opener in the French sunshine, Pau Martinez immediately locked horns with Leo Guiraud (Beta-FRA). Pau took a good win on both days to gain the physiological advantage as Guiraud finished with two third-place finishes. David Fabian (Beta-CZE) and Alex Canales (TRRS-ESP) showed their championship aspirations with consistent riding. Both scoring valuable early-series points as Great Britain’s Harry Turner (GASGAS) took a very confidence-inspiring sixth position on day one. Moving to Spain, on day one Pau and Pau Dinares (Vertigo-ESP) made it a Vertigo one-two as Great Britain’s Harry Hemingway made his first trip to the podium in third position. For Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR) his championship hopes were dented when he was forced to retire.
Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR): Growing in strength and character all the time and with every ride, Harry has shown that he can make it to the podium as he did in Spain on day one. Expect to see more success come his way as next year he will have one eye on the Trial125 title.
On day two, as Pau took a decisive tie-break win from his closest challenger Leo Guiraud, Ben Dignan found his way to the third step on the podium and Dance made up for day one with fourth position. For Alex Canales, his championship dream was over as he had to miss both days due to illness. In the high altitude rounds in Andorra, Guiraud turned the tables on Martinez with a clear ten-mark victory on day one. On day two, it was a very proud moment for Scotland and Ben Dignan as he took his first victory to carry on the Vertigo-winning trend; he was delighted! Focussed on the world championship, Martinez was, once again, second. With the fight for the podium positions, Pau Martinez went to Italy knowing what he had to do to secure the title after building up a strong haul of championship points.
Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR): Very much a family team effort in the world championship, the DNF in Spain stopped Jack from challenging for the title. A strong, mature, young rider, keep your eye on the name Jack Dance in the future, as no doubt more success will be coming his way.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
David Fabian (Beta-CZE): Sixth overall in the championship was a good performance and no doubt bodes well for the future.
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International • FIM Trial World Championship Alex Canales (TRRS-ESP): Missing three world rounds through illness meant that his championship aspirations were over for the young Spanish rider. He will return as a real championship contender in 2021.
Harry Turner (GASGAS-GBR): Small in stature and large on ability, Harry has done himself proud with two sixth places. Growing and learning all the time Michael Brown came on board with the team in Italy where Harry was all ears, listening and learning, which he did at all times.
VERTIGO’S VICTORY
With the trials legend and Vertigo team manager, Dougie Lampkin watched from the shadows as Pau Martinez went out to take his first-ever FIM World Championship the way it should be won — with another victory. With his mother, father and sister in attendance, it was a very much-treasured family moment; a Spanish winner on a Spanish machine welcomed with a proud handshake from Lampkin. Alex Canales came fighting back to the championship with a second place in front of Jack Dance. With Leo Guiraud securing second position in the championship, the fight for the bronze medal would become a battle of Great Britain between Ben Dignan and Jack Dance.
JACK ATTACK
It was to be a superb day of action in Italy on day two seeing the top seven riders separated by just 10 marks. The day opened with Martinez became the early leader, with the only clean on section two showing his championship-winning confidence shining through. As the lap closed, both Dance and Digna were way off the pace on 24 and 26
marks lost. On the second lap, these two were locked in a battle to fight for that vital third place in the championship with the best lap scores, both in single figures, as Martinez maintained his lead by just two marks from Leo Guiraud; the gap was closing. On the third and final lap, it was Dignan who made his push for the victory with a stunning lap of just seven marks lost, but it was not just enough as a jubilant Jack Dance was announced the winner. With Jack Dance on the top step, Ben Dignan on the second and Harry Hemingway in fifth it was a very proud moment for Great Britain when the national anthem played once again after Toby Martyn’s earlier victory in Trial2. For Dignan the huge smile told its own story as he secured third position overall in the championship. Well done, that man!.
72; 8: Pau Dinares (Vertigo-ESP) 59; 9: Rodney Bereiter (Beta-DEU) 54; 10: Enzo Rossi (ScorpaFRA) 52; 11: Harry Turner (GASGAS-GBR) 52; 12: Jonas Schiele (Beta-DEU) 47; 13: Audry Agnolin (Beta-FRA) 35; 14: Milosz Zynzowski (Beta-Poland) 23; 15: Philipp Eberharter (TRRS-AUT) 10.
2020 TRIAL125 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
ITALY: LAZZATE, ROUND 8
POSITIONS: 1: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 147; 2: Leo Guiraud (Beta-FRA) 115; 3: Ben Dignan (Vertigo-ESP) 98; 4: Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR) 95; 5: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 85; 6: David Fabian (Beta-CZE) 83; 7: Alex Canales (TRRS-ESP)
MACHINES TOP 15: 1: Beta 7; 2: Vertigo 3; 3: GASGAS 2; 4: TRRS 2; 5: Scorpa 1.
ITALY: LAZZATE, ROUND 7 POSITIONS: 1: Martinez 37; 2: Canales 41; 3: Dance 57; 4: Guiraud 75; 5: Dignan 80; 6: Turner 80; 7: Dinares 82; 8: Fabian 84; 9: Hemingway 86; 10: Schiele 89; 11: Rossi 90; 12: Agnolin 102; 13: Zynzowski 103; 14: Cristian Bassi (Beta-ITA) 106; 15: Bereiter 107.
POSITIONS: 1: Dance 40; 2: Dignan 41; 3: Canales 41; 4: Martinez 43; 5: Guiraud 47; 6: Bereiter 47; 7: Hemingway 50; 8: Schiele 54; 9: Fabian 58; 10: Bassi 69; 11: Turner 69; 12: Dinares 72; 13: Luca Ruffoni (Beta-ITA) 73; 14: Agnolin 77; 15: Zynzowski 78.
Pau Dinares (Vertigo-ESP): Another young rider finding his way in the world championship, he was delighted to be on the podium with Pau Martinez on day one in Spain.
Enzo Rossi (Scorpa-FRA): It was good to see the Rossi and Scorpa combination in the championship, where the French rider showed the potential of the orange machine on the world stage.
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December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
International • FIM Trial World Championship
TRIALE
CABESTANY TAKES IT TO THE WIRE
With only two rounds and four points-scoring days, the TrialE class arrived in Italy for its conclusion, with French rider Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion) holding the six-point advantage as he won on both days in France. After a long and successful FIM World Championship career Spanish veteran Albert Cabestany (GASGAS), at the ripe old age of 40, completed a sensational comeback with two wins to retain the FIM TrialE Cup on a tie-break on the last day of competition at the Italian TrialGP. Article: Trials Media
Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA)
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Using all his experience, Cabestany backed up his clear day-one win with another clear victory on day two. This result left Chatagno and Cabestany tied on 74 points each, with Cabestany retaining the title by virtue of his better result on the final day of competition. The French rider & machine combination, on the vastly improved Electric Motion machine, had no answer to Cabestany and his supremacy, and the dream of the title had gone. In truth, the TrialE class deserves much better support from the other manufacturers as this is, without a doubt, the future of the sport of motorcycle trials. It may be many years away, but at some point, they will have to invest in this electric technology. We applaud both the championship winners GASGAS and Electric Motion for supporting this FIM World Championship. Albert Cabestany: “I am very happy with another TrialE title, and the results in France were also a very positive way to finish the championship season off. It is a great result in Italy for both myself and the new GASGAS brand. It was obvious that the opposition had done work during the closed season, but I had every confidence in the GASGAS. The team behind
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
FIM Trial World Championship • International
Julien Perret (Electric Motion-FRA)
the electric machine knew that we needed to do our very best here this weekend and that we needed to win both days, and that is exactly what we achieved. We made some small changes between France and Italy, and they obviously worked. As the sections this weekend were not too difficult, I knew that being focused and riding consistently, without silly mistakes, would be the key factor in winning. To retain this title means a lot to me and GASGAS and bodes well for the future of the electric machines in our sport.”
2020 TRIAL125 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
POSITIONS: 1: Albert Cabestany (GASGAS-ESP) 74; 2: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) 74; 3: Julien Perret (Electric Motion-FRA) 60; 4: Jerome Delair (Electric Motion-FRA) 48; 5: Martin Pochez (Electric Motion-FRA) 26. MACHINE: 1: Electric Motion 4; 2: GASGAS 1.
ITALY: LAZZATE, ROUND 3 POSITIONS: 1: Cabestany 7; 2: Chatagno 25; 3: Perret 61; 4: Delair 114.
ITALY: LAZZATE, ROUND 4 POSITIONS: 1: Cabestany 5; 2: Chatagno 15; 3: Perret 51; 4: Delair 89.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
Jerome Delair (Electric Motion-FRA)
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International • FIM Trial World Championship
MANUFACTURER
Alexandre Ferrer (TRRS-FRA) was the second wheel in the machine, riding in the Trial2 class to secure the manufacturers’ title.
Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) has been the driving force in the TrialGP class for the Spanish manufacturer.
MANUFACTURERS
IT’S TRRS TIME
From a dream and a vision by the seven-time FIM Trial World Champion, Jordi Tarres, the Spanish brand, TRRS now proudly topped the prestigious FIM Manufacturers’ Trial World Championship in 2020. It took TRRS two years to become a reality with the first preproduction prototype after being tested by our own Trial Magazine test rider Phil Disney in late 2015. In a real-life ‘David and Goliath’ scenario, they took on the might of the trials world, and in the process also became the only manufacturer, with Adam Raga on board, to threaten the dominance of the Toni Bou in the FIM TrialGP World Championship in recent times. Article: Trials Media
When FIM World Championship status was awarded to trials in 1975, Bultaco, with Great Britain’s Martin Lampkin, became its first winners. Montesa, with Sweden’s Ulf Karlson, won in 1980. Since then Montesa has dominated the championship holding the most wins with 22 titles to their name. As the FIM Trial World Championship has evolved, so have the changes for the awarding of the points for the manufacturers’ title. In 2017, nominated riders from TrialGP and Trial2 were paired to score the manufacturers’ points. In 2018, the ruling changed to the highest-placed riders in TrialGP and Trial2 on the same brand of machine. These had been the only changes to the manufacturers’ title since its inception in 1975. Trial Magazine would like to acknowledge the help of Charley Demathieu and his website: www.trialonline.org in the generation of this article.
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FIM MANUFACTURES TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY: 1975–1979, Bultaco; 1980–1981, Montesa; 1982–1984, Honda; 1985, Fantic; 1986, Honda; 1987–1988, No Award; 1989, Fantic; 1990–1991, No Award; 1992, Aprilia; 1993–1995, Gas Gas; 1996, Montesa; 1997–1999, Beta; 2000–2004, Montesa; 2005, Gas Gas; 2006–2019, Montesa; 2020, TRRS. MOST WINS: Montesa, 22; Bultaco, 5; Gas Gas, 4; Honda, 4; Beta, 3; Fantic, 2; Aprilia, 1; TRRS, 1.
2020 FIM MANUFACTURES’ TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
POSITIONS: 1: TRRS, 262; 2: Montesa, 238; 3: Beta, 220; 4: Sherco, 174; 5: Vertigo, 170; 6: GASGAS, 106; 7: Scorpa, 9.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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Flashback • Scott Trial 2000
SCOTT TRIAL 2000
ALL OR NOTHING
Inset image: A bulletproof machine was needed for the win in 2000. The Montesa Cota 315R prepared in the importer Jim Sandiford’s workshop, proved the ideal tool for the job.
Winner takes all. Yes, that’s the truth of the Scott Trial. It’s a case of all or nothing if you want to win. Yorkshire’s Wayne Braybrook is now better known in the enduro world with his successful race events. In an earlier life, he had become a very competent trials rider at both world and national level, before the move to enduro in the latter part of the ‘90s. From a very young age, he had attended the Scott Trial both as a spectator and as part of the team from Colin Appleyard Motorcycles that manned the fuel stops. After many attempts since the first one in 1987, the win still eluded him in 1999. He would eventually take 16 gold spoons — yes, you read that correct — and one silver spoon. Words: John Hulme with Wayne Braybrook Pictures: Eric Kitchen Andrew Stewart Trials Media Montesa 1999 was going to be your year at the Scott? After many Scott Trial podiums and consistent top-six finishes, I felt that 1999 was possibly my best chance of the win. The 315R Montesa was arguably the best machine for the job with its bulletproof Honda motor. Torrential rain had turned the event into hard work, but I was well up on time. On the wet off-camber grass riding into the hazards at Blackhills, I lost the front wheel. I put my hand down as I slid off, only to quickly realise that the palm had been slashed open through to the bone on a sharp slate stone; it was game over! I rode to the sections and realised there was no way I could continue as the blood dripped out of my glove. This was the only time I had not finished the Scott Trial. 46
Wayne has enjoyed a very successful trials career, seen here in 1989 in the FIM World Trials Championship on the Beta in Northern Ireland.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Scott Trial 2000 • Flashback Were you riding the two-stroke Montesa 315R? It was a lovely machine to ride — well manufactured and proven to be at the very cutting edge in the hands of both Marc Colomer, and then Dougie Lampkin, in the FIM World Trials Championship, but it had never won the Scott. I had three years of experience with the 315R. I prepared it myself at the importers Jim Sandiford Motorcycles in their workshop. I never liked anyone to touch my bike before the Scott. My theory has always been to leave nothing to chance — if you plan well and prepare well the day of the trial can only go as it does. Having tried mousses in the past, as opposed to inner tubes — riding Enduros all year with them in — bizarrely I opted for a tube in the front, and regular tubeless Dunlop Rear. We were very fortunate with the Montesa; build quality and reliability was never an issue. Did you train differently for the event? I was not always the best person to be around in the lead up to the Scott! I took it super-seriously. Training always got serious from the 1st of September with extra riding and thrashing around our ‘lap’ of the local moor with two long streams. I used to train every other day. Testing different front mudflaps, stiffer fork settings to deal with faster riding, bedding new chains in, testing different gearing — we did the lot. In the week leading up to the trial, everyone around me knew exactly what I was trying to achieve in Saturday’s event. Monday and Tuesday were machine preparation, Wednesday tools, spares, and van pack, then Thursday was double-check everything we had done the previous two days. Tell us about your winning ride in 2000 Every year when I arrived at the start field, I had my routine, locked away in my thoughts; the hard work had always been done in training and preparation. For years I’d imagined what I’d say on the stage if I ever won the Scott. I remember doing my warm-up in the car park. I couldn’t engage with anyone once I was ready to be fair. I remember never looking anyone in the eye just before the start. I heard every word of encouragement before and during the event, but don’t remember seeing any faces. My focus was always to have my engines stinking hot before I left the start. I knew, as soon as that flag dropped on the Scott Trial, the race was on. As I rolled onto the start line, I remember hearing Janet Hemingway growl, “Go on, Wayne”, and that was it, the touch paper was lit. I could never understand anyone wanting to try to win the event on observation; it’s a time and observation trial, and it should be ridden in that vein. As we arrived at Surrender, I was up on time. I felt fresh and relaxed, having only lost two marks to that point. I was very settled. Just as I arrived at Bypass, I clipped a rock and arrived into the fuel check with a flat front tyre. As my crew started flapping and running for wheels, I remember casually saying, “no worries. I’ll fix the puncture here”. Out came the wheel, tube out of my bag, and promptly flashed the tube, and crucially stayed within the rules. Fuelled up, radiator cleaned and off we went again. In the Bypass hazard, I remember John Lampkin telling me very simply what to do and which rock to hit. I had a wobble halfway up and went way off line, but I just kept my feet on the footrests and cleaned the section — almost in slow motion. That’s how every one of the 75 sections went that day; it was like riding over everything just happened with hardly any fuss. Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
On his way to fifth in 2008 on the Gas Gas supported by John Shirt.
Enjoying the moment at the 2008 Scott with his son, Joe.
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Flashback • Scott Trial 2000 Was it a dream come true? My 2000 Scott Trial win is, without doubt, the greatest win of my riding career. Yes, I’ve had British Championship success in trials and enduro, Extreme Enduro success in Europe, the UK and stateside, not to mention five ISDE Gold medals, but honestly, nothing comes close to my Scott win, and more importantly being the highest Gold Spoon winner in the history of the Scott Trial. From nine years old, I had watched the Scott when I used to help Stuart Feeney from Colin Appleyard Motorcycles do the fuel check near Rawcroft. Watching the likes of Martin Lampkin and Malcolm Rathmell riding off the hillside. Who would have known that the lad from Haworth would one day win the event? I always knew I could win it; I just didn’t know when. Ironically, my win year was probably the most relaxed run-up ever. If the Scott is in your veins — it never leaves you! Where is Wayne Braybrook in 2020? I now run RAW Enduro events and spend lots of time coaching Enduro riders as my job. Just recently, I managed to buy a 315R Montesa, which I’m fettling up to play on and remember the good old days as I’m now in my 50th year. I must say to anyone who reads this who knows me, thank you for all the support at the Scott from my first attempt in 1987 to 2012, which was the last time I rode. To anyone who wants to win the Scott, good luck; anyone who knows they will win it one day, Follow your dreams. I did, and they came true after 14 years of believing.
SCOTT TRIAL 2000
2012 was his last Scott. Here he takes on advice from his good friend, Malcolm Rathmell.
My strongest part of all my Scott Trials was always from petrol checks five and six to the finish. Honestly, I could always go faster at that stage in the trial than pretty much everyone else. Diet, hydration and training always allowed me to feel no one could be any better prepared. I remember talking with John R Shirt who was sat on his Gas Gas at the finish and said, “How have you got on, pal?” I leant across and said, “18.” “You what?” he said. I replied, “I dropped 18 marks, pal.” The look of disbelief on his face was a picture. At that point, I’d gone on the worst-case scenario regarding observing. I knew I’d had a good day. As usual, Graham was playing his cards close to his chest saying he’d done okay. It’s always nice to get the Scott done and dusted. The agony is then waiting for the official result! Was this the highlight of your off-road motorcycle career? Having sat through the Scott presentation on many occasions, the reverse-order reading of the results was always exciting. I remember being in the Scotch Corner hotel standing just outside the function room as the runner-up was announced: 18 on observation, 5 on time. ‘Well, that’s me,’ I thought; I knew I had lost 18. And then, the name was announced: ‘Graham Jarvis’. The room went mental as everyone looked at me and started to shake my hand, at which point I remember saying to someone just hang on until my name is called. Shit – I might have just won the Scott. Then it was official. “The winner of the Scott 2000: Wayne Braybrook.” YES, I’d done it! Then when Doug Lampkin, Amos Bilbao and pretty much all of the Sandiford Montesa team lined the corridor to the room on their knees bowing, I knew we’d achieved that number one after so many years of hard work. It only hit me after I’d done the ‘thank-yous’ and tried to conclude my speech, choked up; I remember saying, ‘Never again.’ 48
POSITONS: 1: Wayne Braybrook (Sandiford Montesa) 22; 2: Graham Jarvis (Sherco) 23; 3: Ian Austermuhle (Beta-UK) 45; 4: Ben Hemingway (Beta-UK) 52; 5: Amos Bilbao (Sandiford Montesa-ESP) 55; 6: James Lampkin (Sandiford Montesa) 57; 7: Henry Moorhouse (Gas Gas) 58; 8: Sam Connor (Sandiford Montesa) 52; 9: Philip Alderson (Bultaco) 63; 10: Dan Hemingway (Beta-UK) 63; 11: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas) 69; 12: Joe Baker (Bultaco) 72; 13: Robert Crawford (Beta-UK) 76; 14: Michael Phillipson (Beta-UK) 83; 15: Nathan Wrigglesworth (Bultaco) 89; 16: John E Shirt (JST Gas Gas) 90; 17: James Noble (Sandiford Montesa) 91; 18: Sam Ludgate (Bultaco) 91; 19: Martin Crosswaite (Scorpa) 92; 20: Jonny Starmer (Montesa) 101; 21: Paul Bolton (Beta) 102; 22: Richard Gaskell (Yamaha) 105; 23: Roger Williams (Yamaha) 107; 24: Colin Ward (Bultaco) 116; 25: Simon Sharp (Bultaco) 116; 26: Peter Sharp (Beta) 123. FASTEST TIME: Henry Moorhouse (Gas Gas) BEST ON OBSERVATION: Wayne Braybrook (Sandiford Montesa) 17 Marks Lost + 5 on Time = 22 MACHINES: Beta: 7; Bultaco: 6; Montesa: 6; Gas Gas: 3; Yamaha: 2; Scorpa: 1; Sherco: 1 MONTESA SCOTT TRIAL WINNERS: 1972: Rob Shepherd (Montesa Cota 247); 1974: Rob Edwards (Montesa Cota 247); 1975: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa Cota 348); 1976: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa Cota 348); 1979: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa Cota 349); 1980: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa Cota 349); 2000: Wayne Braybrook (Montesa Cota 315R); 2006: Dougie Lampkin (Montesa Cota 4RT); 2007: Dougie Lampkin (Montesa Cota 4RT).
Wayne Braybrook in 2019 at a Beta trials test for Trial Magazine.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Flashback • Scott Trial 2010
Graham Jarvis (Sherco): Try as he might, he could not catch the flying James Dabill.
James Dabill (JST Gas Gas).
SCOTT TRIAL 2010
GAS GAS GAS, IT’S A BLAST
Along with the cancellation of the 2020 Scottish Six Days Trial in May, the news that the Scott Trial in October would also not run was a tough decision for the organisers to make. Respecting the government guidelines regarding the Covid 19 situation put the respective clubs in challenging situations. They had to look at preserving the future of these two legendary motorcycle events which both carry a sporting heritage of over 100 years, and long may this continue. In the early days of the magazine, and whilst still getting to grips with a Nikon D700 SLR camera as opposed to the Renthal handlebars and grips of a trials machine, I took hundreds of pictures as I honed my picture-taking technique. In the archive, we have thousands of photos that will never be used, or maybe even seen by the public, so here in this article we ‘Flashback’ to the 2010 Scott Trial. Article: John Hulme 50
Michael Brown (Sherco): He set the quickest time around the Yorkshire moors at 05:08:48.
R
iding on a high in 2010 was Yorkshire’s James Dabill. Spanish manufacturer Gas Gas had not won the ACU British Trials Championship since 2004 with Steve’ Showtime’ Colley until Dabill won in 2009 and again in 2010. At the Scottish Six Days Trial Dabill, by his own admission, was disappointed with his sixth place after time penalties had spoiled his week. In the FIM World Trials Championship, he had taken over from Dougie Lampkin (Beta) as Great Britain’s highest-placed finisher in sixth position. A first Scott Trial win would be the icing on the cake both for Dabill and Gas Gas.
INTERESTING
It’s always good to look at the past to secure a future, and I find it happens so much in the world of motorcycle trials. In 2010 it was interesting to look back who had won the event starting with Wayne Braybrook (Montesa) in 2000. 2001 was the year of the Foot and Mouth outbreak, with no event run, before Michael December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Scott Trial 2010 • Flashback
Jonathan Richardson (Sherco): ‘Jono’ wanted to follow in his father Gerald’s footsteps as a Scott Trial winner.
Phillipson (Beta) rocked the establishment with his win in 2002. In 2003, the Scott’ Legend,’ Graham Jarvis, started adding to his previous four wins from 1996 on a Scorpa to 1999 on the Bultaco/Sherco and dominated the event until 2005. At the back end of a fantastic FIM World Trials Championship career Dougie Lampkin (Montesa) returned to the event in 2006 and registered the first four-stroke victory since 1966, when his uncle Alan ‘Sid’ Lampkin had won on the BSA. Dougie won again in 2007 before Graham Jarvis (Sherco) rattled off two more wins in 2008 and 2009. The fight for the 2010 victory would be as close as ever as once again the event, as we have seen in the past, would witness some drama that would affect the end result. As 200 riders rolled up to the start field at Marske to do battle with the event the aim was to finish in once piece, such is the reputation of this time and observation trial. For the top riders, the opportunity to put their hands on the much sought-after Alfred A. Scott memorial trophy was up for grabs.
MAN AND MACHINE
You can argue that the rugged North Yorkshire moors, high above the market town of Richmond where the Scott Trial is run, still offers the ultimate test of man and machine as the toughest one-day trial in the world. Heavy rain and high winds in the night had fortunately relented on the cold morning of the event, and it was just a light drizzle that welcomed the riders at the start area. For the majority of the entry, the trial is all about getting to the finish – or as far they can get around the course. A Scott Spoon is awarded to the top 26 riders, but for many, a Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
Ross Danby (JST-Gas Gas): It’s all action as he jumps the river at the bottom of Surrender.
Sam Connor (Beta-UK): Looking wetthrough but very fresh at the finish.
finish in the allocated time allowance would be most welcome and is rewarded with the certificate to prove they have finished ‘The Scott’. The event is unique in the fact that it’s a fine balance, between riding well in the 70-odd sections to have a good observation score and also keeping on the pace to finish in time, and this is what makes it so special. The majority of the top contenders are certainly physically fit enough and well equipped to cope with the hammering riders and machines get riding on the open moor, but it is also the mental aspect which comes into the
Ben Hemingway (Beta-UK): 100% concentration from the younger of the two brothers at Whaw Bridge.
winning equation. The event is run under the ‘No-Stop’ rules, which have proved favourable for this type of event where the hazards are more open and flowing.
HERE WE GO
Dabill looked fit and confident; does he push to the front and take the chance on the sections that are still virgin and never been ridden? Or, maybe sit just off the pace at the front to aim for that all-important observation score? I am sure these were the thoughts going through his mind. Graham Jarvis had been the master of this 51
Flashback • Scott Trial 2010
George Morton (Beta-UK): This was a super ride amongst some very good riders. Dan Thorpe (JST-Gas Gas): Fighting to stay on line at Reels Head.
Sam Haslam (JST-Gas Gas): Putting on the style at Reels Head.
Best First Time Rider: Richard Sadler (Sherco).
fine balance on nine occasions; Dougie Lampkin winning three. All eyes in the trials world were on this event. In 2009, Dabill had come very close to winning, posting the fastest time but in the process losing too many marks in the sections, which had him missing the win by just two marks as Jarvis made him put the champagne on ice for one more year. As the light mist and drizzle wrapped itself around the start area, local rider, Chris Tennant, knew he was in for some punishment as he rode his Fantic twin-shock down the start ramp to a large round of applause. It was a look of ‘here we go’ on the faces of the rest of the entry, which soon disappeared into the wilderness and the challenge that is simply known as The Scott.
RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH
Jonny Walker (Gas Gas): Finishing 20th, the move from trials to enduro was just about to happen; the rest is history.
Anyone who has ever ridden in the Scott will know that when you reach one of the early sections at the river crossing at Orgate Splash, how deep it is will indicate just how deep the rivers are going to be for the rest of the day. In 2010, with the overnight rain, the river level was quite high and, as usual, it gave a few of the early numbers a cold, refreshing bath as they tumbled into the fast-flowing water! The top riders take a quick look at the water level before plunging in a fight to be among the front runners. The previous winner, Dougie Lampkin, picked up a rear-wheel puncture whilst riding across the river and he quickly stopped and carried out an immediate repair. Just a few minutes later it was game over. Being forced out of the event was a repeat of what happened two years earlier when he suffered an electrical failure on his Factory Beta. Found at just over an hour from the start is Fremington Edge and the exposed Reels Head hazards. Consisting of large limestone rocks, wheel grip soon becomes a premium as the mud is carried onto the rocks. Once the first rider has appeared, the others start to arrive in quick succession. On a charge were the younger riders pushing hard, including Will Brockbank, Jack Sheppard, Joel Sadler and eventual winner of the Best Newcomers Award, Richard Sadler. Of the fancied winners, Michael Brown arrived first with 2002 winner, Michael Phillipson, on his tail. They were quickly followed by youngsters Jonathan Richardson with Alexz Wigg three minutes later. Jarvis then appeared on the scene a further two minutes behind, covered in mud as he had been charging early on in his quest to get to the front. On the other hand, Dabill looked very calm and collected. Ross Danby on his way to a best Scott finish of sixth was next up, followed by the Hemingway brothers and Craig Robinson. Good friend George Morton and ‘sometime’ trials rider Southerner Sam Connor, would eventually take a strong fifth place.
NO SURRENDER
David Dench, through his car dealership at Chesterfield, supplies Trial Magazine with a four-wheel drive to help us cover the event – Thank you.
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The riders would soon be passing through such aptly named Scott sections as Shaw Gutter, Faggerghyll, Whaw Bridge, Black Hills, Tank Trap, Grand Canyon and Bye Pass, before arriving at the quite rightly named Surrender. It’s not a particularly difficult hazard, but you are well into the Scott Trial route and have just come off the famous, punishing 60-minute ride named Grouse Moor. Michael Brown would arrive first, and he jumped across the deep river crossing at the bottom with Richardson a few seconds later pushing him. Dabill, 20 seconds later, still looked very calm following the other two riders for a perfectly executed clean ride. Jonny Walker was next, followed by Jarvis who was not far behind. December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Scott Trial 2010 • Flashback
Emma Bristow (JST Gas Gas): The lady who would become a legend of this event stays calm at Whaw Bridge.
Best Lady: Katy Sunter (JST-Gas Gas).
The ride from the last fuel stop is one of the hardest parts of the course to deal with. Both leading lady riders, Katy Sunter and Emma Bristow, were still on course to finish in time. The casualties were coming thick and fast, such as Alexz Wigg as his tyre punctured and came completely off the wheel-rim way out on the moors. First-timer, young Jack Sheppard, was out as he punched a hole in the crankcases, which allowed the all-important oil and water to escape. Leading front runner, Ian Austermuhle, would also disappear just ten sections from home. At the finish area, the atmosphere was very tense, as Michael Brown appeared as the first rider back followed by Richardson. Dabill was greeted by sponsor John Shirt Jnr, who was hoping Dabill had done enough to give Gas Gas their first win. The other riders then started to appear, battered and bruised, but credit was due to all the finishers, having just finished the toughest one-day trials event in the world.
SCOTT TRIAL 2010
RESULTS: 1: James Dabill (JST-Gas Gas) 42; 2: Graham Jarvis (Sherco) 59; 3: Michael Brown (Sherco) 65; 4: Jonathan Richardson (Sherco) 73; 5: Sam Connor (Beta-UK) 90; 6: Ross Danby (JST-Gas Gas) 101; 7: Ben Hemingway (Beta-UK) 105: 8: Sam Haslam (JST-Gas Gas) 105; 9: George Morton (Beta-UK) 108; 10: Dan Thorpe (JST-Gas Gas) 124; 11: James Lampkin (Beta-UK) 127; 12: Craig Robinson (JST-Gas Gas) 133; 13: Dan Hemingway (Beta-UK) 140; 14: Michael Phillipson (Beta-UK) 141; 15: Richard Sadler (Sherco) 143; 16: Philip Alderson (Gas Gas) 145; 17: Guy Kendrew (AM-Gas Gas) 147; 18: Aran Drachenberg (Beta) 150; 19: John Sunter (Montesa) 154; 20: Jonny Walker (Gas Gas) 156; 21: Harold Crawford (Beta) 162; 22: Sam Ludgate (Gas Gas) 164; 23: Ben Morphett (Beta-UK) 166; 24: Chris Pearson (Sherco) 167; 25: Andy Chilton (Beta) 167; 26: Adam Milner (Acklam’ s-Beta) 171.
Best Over-40 Rider: Paul Bennet (Sherco).
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
Last Official Finisher: Mark Coulson (Gas Gas) with a time of 07:38:36.
Little did he know at the time, Gas Gas UK importer John R Shirt on the right had a winner with James Dabill.
MACHINES: Beta 11; Gas Gas 9; Sherco 5; Montesa 1. FASTEST TIME: Michael Brown (Sherco) 05:08:48. BEST ON OBSERVATION: James Dabill (JST-Gas Gas) 39. BEST FIRST TIME RIDER: Richard Sadler (Sherco). BEST OVER/40 RIDER: Paul Bennet (Sherco). BEST LADY: Katy Sunter (JST-Gas Gas). LAST OFFICIAL FINISHER: Mark Coulson (Gas Gas) 07:38:36. BEST TEAM: Sherco A. FINISHERS: Two hundred started with 73 officially finishing within the allocated time.
Master photographer Eric Kitchen presents the 2010 Scott Trial winner James Dabill with the superb Alfred A. Scott memorial trophy.
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Oliver Smith (OSET)
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Back in 2004, when beginning to ride in the sport, no one within the motorcycle trials community would have been encouraged to ride other machines other than a Yamaha PW50, TY80 or Gas Gas 50. Moving a little up the age group, the small and medium Beta machines have also paved the way for the future generation of riders. For decades these motorcycles had kick-started the careers of budding trials enthusiasts and other disciplines alike. However, as with other parts of the motor industry, it was clear to see that electric power had its benefits over petrol counterparts and so the evolution began. The more useable power and silent nature of the electric motorcycles allowed children to find their feet in the back garden without the neighbours going mad from the persistent noise or smell of a small two-stroke engine! As a very young Oliver Smith began showing the capabilities of the OSET on YouTube and in the media, many other young riders and their parents took notice around the globe of what the new electric machines could do for someone so young. Words: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media Dance Family OSET
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Evolution • Electric
Team Dignan
PIONEERS
Ben Dignan (Vertigo)
F
ast-forward 16 years to the present day and there would be a winner at FIM Trial World Championship level who started on an OSET! Yes, all those years ago after dipping their toes into the world of motorcycle trials, Ben Dignan and Jack Dance were world round winners.
PROGRESS
Ben Dignan, from the highlands of Scotland, took a commanding win in the mountains of Andorra to solidify his place amongst the world’s best riders in the FIM Trial125 class. In Italy, his results were strong enough to get him on the podium again, putting him in third position overall in the FIM Trial125 World Championship. The now factory-supported
Vertigo rider has been making heads turn for years now, slowly working his way up through the youth ranks in the UK before moving up into FIM Trial World Championship and ACU British Championship classes. In 2019, Ben dominantly took the coveted ACU Trial125 title, winning seven out of eight rounds as well as finishing third in the top European Youth category. Most recently, in the domestic championship, he rode in the highly competitive Trial2 category on his 125 Vertigo finishing a respectable 11th in front of some well-established riders. At just 17 years old, Ben has a bright future in front of him.
Jack Dance (OSET)
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
It’s not as if he is alone as an OSET pioneer in the World Championship either. Three other riders have been battling it out for podium glory in the Trial125 class, and have succeeded. Next to take on the world scene is 15-year-old Jack Dance, from the south-east of the country. Jack was one of the very first people in the UK ever to swing a leg over an OSET. At the age of just two, Jack was following his father, Adrian, around events, desperately trying to join in the fun. This is where the OSET range of youth machines has been so successful; it’s the connection between the child and the parent, dad and lad. So many children want to emulate their parents even at a very young age, and the safety of electric power has allowed this to happen. None of this has changed over time either, as Jack now joins a group of successful youth class riders to have come out of the UK with a staggering four championships titles. He is set to take another title this year as he is on target to win the ACU Trial125 Championship, having won all rounds up to now. Not only did he win his class, but he also
Jack Dance (GASGAS)
65
Electric • Evolution
Harry Hemingway (OSET)
Harry Hemingway (Beta)
beat the entire Expert class on bigger-capacity machines. He also took one podium position in the FIM Trial125 World Championship in Andorra before finally making the top step on day two in Italy to claim fourth overall in the championship. Since a young age, and because of his learning on the OSET, Jack has always ridden a higher age group to advance his riding, which makes his achievements even more outstanding.
THE TREND CONTINUES
Finishing fifth in the 2020 FIM Trial125 World Championship and the youngest competitor, at just 14 years old, Harry Hemingway started his trials journey on the OSET16.0 Eco before progressing to the 20.0 Racing model. Since then, Harry has lit the trials world alight. Along with his younger brother, George, they will be looking to be riding in the world championship in 2022. All the way through the youth ranks and continuing, Harry Hemingway has had a consistent rival and friend who he has been battling since the 2014 ACU D Class championship on their OSET 20.0 Racings which continues to the present day. Harry Turner, of Buxton, started, as many do, on the 12.5 OSET, with guidance from his father, Paul. Together, these two have travelled the length of the country participating in the British Championship. Using the skills, he learnt from his OSET, Harry has won three championships and many individual wins. Now in his first season of the FIM World Championship, Harry is finding his feet and climbing the standings, finishing the year in 11th position overall after a superb sixth place on day one in Italy. What has been great to watch has been the progression that these two riders have made together. In each class, they have entered, they have quickly made their way to the top. Eight years after their first title bid they are still exchanging places with each other. As with any great rivalry, this has brought their level of riding to extraordinary heights. 66
Harry Turner (OSET)
Harry Turner (GASGAS)
LOOKING AHEAD
Ben, Jack and the two Harrys have paved the way for the upcoming generation of riders who first got going on the OSET electric machines. The group immediately behind them is very promising indeed, with riders such as George Hemingway, Euan Sim, Elliot Smith, Harrison Skelton and many more looking to make their mark like the pioneers before them. With many of the other motorcycle manufacturers waking up to the idea of the benefits of the electric machines and their ease of use, the door opens are now even wider to embrace riders’ abilities at a very young age. In fact, the way the electric machines work makes for even more understanding of the key element in the trials world, which is throttle control.
Flashback Team OSET
Elliott Smith (OSET)
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
r o f r e l Dea
Sport • ACU BTC SOLO
TRIAL GB
ROBERTS RULES I, for one, am thrilled to see we have 2020 ACU British Trials Champions during this very challenging Covid-19 situation. We applaud the efforts of the ACU, in particular, Brian Higgins and his team of helpers. Without Brian, we would have had no championship; it’s a fact! He is quick to make the point that without the support of the clubs who organised the final two rounds no Championship would have happened. Under challenging weather conditions, with driving rain and high winds, at Tavistock in Devon, everyone battled on to give the riders two good days of competition for the double-header that was round two. It was then the move up north to Dudwood Farm and the welcoming face of Barry Burton for the final round. It’s a credit to everyone for supporting the series so they could crown the Champions in all four classes: Trial GB, Iwan Roberts (TRRS UK); Trial2, Ross Danby (TRRS UK); Trial Expert, Sam Yeomans (Vertigo UK); and Trial 125, Jack Dance (John Shirt MCS GASGAS). Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and Heath Brindley 68
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
ACU BTC SOLO • Sport
James Dabill (Beta)
Toby Martyn (TRRS UK)
Just to put the record straight, we had six riders who did not compete in the Trial GB class at round two, the double-header in Devon. James Dabill (Beta), Dan Peace (Sherco), Jack Price (Vertigo), Toby Martyn (TRRS), Jack Peace (Sherco) and Billy Green (RG Montesa/Honda UK) all opted out. In these difficult and challenging Covid-19 times they were committed to their FIM Trial World Championship. They had to compete in Europe in the final two rounds of the championship in Italy before returning to the UK for the BTC at Matlock. Jack Price was also injured from a crash in Spain so would not have competed anyway in Devon.
KING ROBERTS
Dan Peace (Sherco)
As he missed the opening round of the 2020 championship, Iwan Roberts (TRRS UK) returned to the series at round two, and in doing so, he scored maximum points with the other riders opting not to compete. He went to Matlock and round three with the crown already on his head. Not a full-time professional rider anymore, but one who still enjoys his trials riding, he knew he would have a tough battle against the top riders in the UK. The point was proven as he finished battling for the lower positions in this competitive Trial GB class, but history will still record him as the 2020 champion.
MASTER MARTYN
With a wide variety of hazards to test the riders, it was the 2019 champion, James Dabill, who parted with the first marks on lap one, on what turned out to be a very low-scoring event. Everyone stopped amongst the huge rocks in section ten, but this was Martyn’s only loss on the opening lap as he was followed closely by Dan Peace on six, and Dabill on seven marks lost. An unexpected stop in the opening section at the start of lap two left Martyn with some hard work to do if he was to challenge for the win as Dan Peace took the lead at the close of the lap. As Dabill had the ride of the day to pass through section ten for the only feetup ride of the event, it was all to play for on the final lap. Raising his game, Toby Martyn was on fire and, encouraged by his minder Matt Dixon, his last-lap score of just three marks lost made him the winner by just a single mark from Dan Peace, with Dabill in third.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
Billy Green (RG Montesa-Honda UK)
69
Sport • ACU BTC SOLO
FINAL PUSH
With the introduction of the extra mark added to the overall score for the best performance of each lap in 2020, it was the extra two marks from Matlock on the first and last lap that lifted Martyn up into second position overall in the championship in front of James Dabill, who settled for third overall. As the top three battled for the podium a fight between the other riders, it would influence the final championship positions to finish in the top five. On the opening lap, it was Jack Price who looked the man on form, losing just eight marks, but as the event progressed and still returning from injury, he dropped off the top-three pace. It left Billy Green and Jack Peace to fight it out for fifth in the championship with Price in the middle of it. Neither Green, Price or Peace gave an inch as they matched each other mark for mark. Of the three, it was Jack Peace who came fighting back, but it was not enough to deny Billy Green fifth place in the championship as Iwan Roberts rounded off the results.. Jack Price (Vertigo UK)
2020 ACU TRIAL GB BRITISH TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS UK) 55; 2: Toby Martyn (TRRS UK) 39; 3: James Dabill (Beta) 37; 4: Dan Peace (Sherco) 34; 5: Billy Green (RG Montesa/ Honda UK) 23; 6: Jack Peace (Sherco) 23; 7: Jack Price (Vertigo) 22. MACHINES: Sherco: 2; TRRS: 2; Beta: 1; Montesa: 1; Vertigo: 1.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 2: PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 73.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 3: PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 33.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 4: DUDWOOD Jack Price (Sherco)
RESULTS: 1: Martyn 17; 2: Dan Peace 18; 3: Dabill 21; 4: Green 38; 5: Price 40; 6: Jack Peace 41; 7: Roberts 45.
TRIAL GB PROMOTER
BRIAN HIGGINS
It has been a big challenge to get the series completed this season. When we were at the planning stage this time last year, no one knew what was around the corner. We had eight very good organisers on board with a new venue being introduced into the series, which is always good, and with all of our top riders confirmed to do the whole series, everything seemed bright. Immediately after the first round, circumstances changed. We stayed positive that rounds two and three would go ahead as planned, but as the country came under the grip of the virus, they soon had to be abandoned. As the summer progressed, my team was constantly looking at possible alternatives as we wanted to give something back to the teams, riders and sponsors who stuck with us throughout. Towards the end of July, as the ‘new normal’ became apparent, it was evident what changes would need to be made, and I think we adapted quite well in a short space of time. I would like to go on record as thanking all the organisers this year, who had to adapt to make the events happen. Secondly, we now have a good working relationship with all partners, and I would like to build on this to enhance the championship as we go into a new era, as I am convinced we will have to adapt even more for 2021. The plan that I will submit to the ACU Trials & Enduro Committee is for another eight-round series. It will be primarily based on the original organisers from this year, with the possible reintroduction of a round in Cumbria. There may be some minor tweaks to the rules, notably the championship points for the best laps in each class which may be reduced to just the overall best lap. Generally, very few riders have been ‘timed out’ in the sections this year with the reintroduction of the one-minute allowance, but again this will be looked at in the next couple of months.
70
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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ACU BTC SOLO • Sport
TRIAL 2
RAMPANT ROSS
After the seven-mark win at round one by Sam Connor (Beta-UK), and with the next five riders covered by a handful of marks, this Trial 2 championship was always going to be competitive. After a poor ride, by his own admission, in the rain at the opening round in Devon in the shortened four-round series, it was a ‘Rampant’ Ross Danby (TRRS UK) who came good at the finish, winning day two and the final round at Dudwood Farm. His ninemark winning advantage over Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa) was down to his experience in staying calm under pressure to win what many argue is the most competitive of the ACU British Trials Championship classes. With 17 points-scoring riders, one of any of the top six riders is more than capable of winning on the day. A new, late addition to the championship came in the way of Michael Brown. Moving to pastures new, and away from two-stroke machinery, he went to the event on one of the new generation Electric Motion machines. Finding his feet after a break from trials, it’s maybe now time to include a ‘Best Electric Machine award’ to this class to encourage the evolution of the sport.
Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa)
Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and Heath Brindley
COOL CHILLI
On the superb Peter Tavy piece of trials ground in the driving rain and high winds, it was Andy Chilton who took the win, as the top six were once again separated by just a few marks to put him onto the top of the Championship table. For the eventual championship winner Ross Danby, he had done his championship hopes no good with his fourth-place finish. On day two, it was a different story. Danby came out with all guns blazing to put in a super ride to put him right back into contention. He was followed home by Richard Sadler as fellow championship contenders, Chilton and Connor, had no answer to the riding of these top two; it would be winner-takes-all at Matlock.
Richard Sadler (John Shirt MCS GASGAS)
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021 73
Sport • ACU BTC SOLO
Sam Connor (Beta-UK)
Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa)
A CALM APPROACH
Ross Danby went to the event with a very calm approach, which was reflected in his opening lap score of just a single mark to apply the pressure to his rivals with Chilton the next best on four. A second-lap score of another single figure of just five increased his advantage as he kept his rivals at bay. With it, almost in the bag, a last-lap score of nine marks lost increased the pressure, but he was greeted at the finish by a very relieved and happy TRRS UK importer, Steve Saunders, who now had the top two championships in the bag with Iwan Roberts and Ross Danby...
2020 ACU TRIAL2 BRITISH TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP
Sam Haslam (John Lee MCS Montesa)
RESULTS: 1: Ross Danby (TRRS UK) 75; 2: Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa) 66; 3: Richard Sadler (John Shirt MCS GASGAS) 61; 4: Sam Connor (Beta-UK) 56; 5: Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa) 51; 6: Sam Haslam (John Lee MCS Montesa) 44; 7: Dec Bullock (Beta-UK) 35; 8: Chris Stay (BVM TRRS UK) 28; 9: James Fry (Sherco) 25; 10: Hugo Jervis (TRRS UK) 25; 11: Duncan MacColl (Beta) 23; 12: Oliver Smith (SW Trials TRRS) 14; 13: Michael Brown (Electric Motion UK) 10; 14: Ben Dignan (Vertigo UK) 9; 15: Luke Walker (Sherco) 4. MACHINES: TRRS: 4; Beta: 3; Scorpa: 2; Sherco: 2; Electric Motion: 1; GASGAS: 1; Montesa: 1; Vertigo: 1.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 2: PETER TAVY
RESULTS: 1: Chilton 72; 2: Minta 75; 3: Sadler 75; 4: Danby 76; 5: Connor 79; 6: Haslam 80; 7: Bullock 88; 8: Stay 92; 9: Fry 98; 10: Jervis 100; 11: MacColl 100; 12: Brown 102; 13: Dignan; 116; 14: Smith 119.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 3: PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Danby 31; 2: Sadler 47; 3: Chilton 56; 4: Connor 57; 5: Bullock 60; 6: Minta 62; 7: Stay 63; 8: Haslam 64; 9: Smith 80; 10: Jervis 80; 11: Dignan 87; 12: MacColl 88; 13: Brown 97; 14: Fry 98.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 4: DUDWOOD
Michael Brown (Electric Motion UK)
74
RESULTS: 1: Danby 13; 2: Sadler 16; 3: Chilton 18; 4: Minta 23; 5: Connor 25; 6: Haslam 36; 7: Fry 49; 8: MacColl 53; 9: Bullock 59; 10: Stay 61; 11: Smith 63; 12: Jervis 69; 13: Brown 74; 14: George Morton (BMS Scorpa) 76; 15: Jake Hanlon (Beta) 88.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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ACU BTC SOLO • Sport
EXPERT
SAM’S THE MAN
When youth challenges experience, you can guarantee that you will witness a good battle for supremacy. Vertigo mounted, Sam Yeomans, took the win at round one at the Hookwood trials venue. It was a very close victory in front of Lloyd Price (John Shirt MC/s GASGAS) and Dan Thorpe (John Shirt MC/s GASGAS) – all separated by a single mark. Little did Thorpe know at the time that this third-place finish would determine the outcome of the series at its conclusion. Under pressure to perform at the final round, Yeomans proved that it’s not always experience that wins the day as he stayed calm to take the title by a single point. With 19 points scored over the four rounds and strong entries, this class still proved as popular as ever. The nature of the hazards makes it a good class if you want to test your British Championship aspirations.
Dan Thorpe (John Shirt MCS GASGAS)
Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and Heath Brindley
RAIN MASTER
Already said before, the two points-scoring rounds over the varied terrain at the Peter Tavy venue for round two included a wooded area with a river passing through and a very exposed open headland of rocks. It would test the resilience of the riders on both days in the persistent heavy rain and high winds. The rain master was Dan Thorpe, who pulled himself right back into championship contention with a maximum haul of points. On day one, he and Yeomans had their own battle as the three-mark penalties controlled who won and, on this occasion, it went to Thorpe by two marks as Tom Affleck lost on the tie decider for second position – how important was that for Yeomans! On day two, it was also a battle for survival as the river levels came up to worrying levels. Thorpe was once again at his best and took a clear victory as his constant threat Yeomans finished second once again, setting up a grand finale at the final round.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
Lloyd Price (John Shirt MCS GASGAS)
77
Sport • ACU BTC SOLO
MY TRIAL
Dudwood Farm in Matlock is very much a more modern venue as opposed to the more traditional hazards, and this suited Yeomans down to the ground. When he parted with just a single mark on the first of the three laps of 12 sections, he fired a blast at Thorpe that said he wanted the win and the title. For Thorpe, all the damage was done on the opening lap with a score of six. On the second lap, Yeomans increased his advantage and, even though Thorpe posted the best last lap score, the Trial Expert title would go to the green corner and the combination of Yeomans and the Vertigo. As Lloyd Price held on to third in the championship after an attack from Tom Affleck, who beat him on the day, it was the FIM TrialGP Women’s World Champion Emma Bristow who showed her true form to take the final step on the podium.
2020 ACU TRIAL EXPERT BRITISH TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS: 1: Sam Yeomans (Vertigo UK) 77; 2: Dan Thorpe (John Shirt MC/s GASGAS) 76; 3: Lloyd Price (John Shirt MC/s GASGAS) 55; 4: Thomas Affleck (Sherco) 53; 5: Connor Atkinson (SW Trials TRRS) 40; 6: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 39; 7: Gwynedd Jones (Beta) 31; 8: Dan Hemingway (Beta-UK) 26; 9: Brad Bullock (Beta) 22; 10: Charlie Smith (Inch Perfect Beta) 20; 11: Ben Morphett (Montesa) 15; 12: Tyler Rendall (BVM Vertigo UK) 15; 13: Johnny Starmer (Beta) 14; 14: Radford Chugg (Vertigo UK) 11; 15: Joseph Collins (Montesa) 11.
Tom Affleck (Sherco)
MACHINES: Beta: 5; Vertigo: 3; GASGAS: 2; Montesa: 2; Sherco: 2; TRRS: 1.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 2: PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Thorpe 72; 2: Yeomans 74; 3: Affleck 74; 4: Price 82; 5: Bristow 83; 6: Atkinson 88; 7: Hemingway 89; 8: Jones 96; 9: Rendall 98; 10: Bullock 99; 11: Bevan Blacker (GASGAS) 107; 12: Smith 108; 13: Chugg 108; 14: Collins 111; 15: Iwan Jones (TRRS) 114.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 3: PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Thorpe 16; 2: Yeomans 24; 3: Affleck 24; 4: Price 24; 5: Bristow 35; 6: Atkinson 40; 7: Smith 45; 8: Jones 47; 9: Chugg 47; 10: Bullock 48; 11: Collins 50; 12: Rendall 52; 13: Hemingway 52; 14: Jones 68; 15: Kieran Tovey (Sherco) 72.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 4: MATLOCK RESULTS: 1: Yeomans 7; 2: Thorpe 12; 3: Bristow 16; 4: Affleck 16; 5: Price 18; 6: Bullock 26; 7: Jones 33; 8: Alford 35; 9: Atkinson 36; 10: Starmer 39; 11: Hemingway 40; 12: Rendall 42; 13: Smith 45; 14: Simon Beecroft-Penny (TRRS) 52; 15: Collins 53. Connor Atkinson (SW Trials TRRS) Emma Bristow (Sherco)
Radford Chugg (Vertigo UK)
78
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Sport • ACU BTC SOLO
TRIAL 125
DANCE DOMINATES
This is where the future of the sport lies. In truth, we have some of the hottest 125cc property in the world contesting this class. Jack Dance (John Shirt MC/s GASGAS) was the dominant force, taking a full house of wins. Even under pressure during the events, he simply upped his game for the conclusive win. The fantastic battle between the eventual second-place finisher Harry Turner (John Shirt MC/s GASGAS), and his friend, Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK), went literally went all the way to the wire. Both were very evenly matched on ability, and it was good to witness them remain so dignified with one another even in the heat of the battle. Alice Minta (BMS Scorpa) did the ladies proud as both Harry Bowyer (GASGAS) and Cameron Brice (Inch Perfect Trials Beta) enjoyed the championship with some inspired riding. It was quite fitting that the final round was run at Dudwood Farm, as the leading contenders have spent many hours at this excellent venue competing against one another. Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and Heath Brindley
Harry Turner, Jack Dance and Harry Hemingway
2020 ACU TRIAL2 BRITISH TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS: 1: Jack Dance (John Shirt MC/s GASGAS) 89; 2: Harry Turner (John Shirt MC/s GASGAS) 66; 3: Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK) 65; 4: Alice Minta (BMS Scorpa) 41; 5: Harry Bowyer (GASGAS) 39; 6: Cameron Brice (Inch Perfect Trials Beta) 33; 7: Reece Gazzard (BMS Scorpa) 13. MACHINES: GASGAS: 3; Beta: 2; Scorpa: 2.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 2: PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Dance 67; 2: Turner 78; 3: Hemingway 96; 4: Bowyer 107; 5: Brice 125; 6: Minta 129.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 3: PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Dance 30; 2: Hemingway 37; 3: Turner 46; 4: Bowyer 67; 5: Brice 76; 6: Minta 80.
TRIAL GB, ROUND 4: DUDWOOD Harry Turner (John Shirt MCS GASGAS)
80
Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK)
RESULTS: 1: Dance 6; 2: Turner 16; 3: Hemingway 33; 4: Bowyer 42; 5: Brice 77; 6: Minta 120.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Untouchable • 1959-1969
SAMMY MILLER UNTOUCHABLE
I love motorcycle trials statistics and, as editor of Trial Magazine, I find myself in my ideal world constantly looking at who, what, why, where and when. The ACU British Trials Championship has always fascinated me, to the point that I have a very good record of the winners. It was whilst looking at these records to fill in the 2020 details that I noted the glory years of Sammy Miller when he was, without a doubt, untouchable between 1959 and 1969. It’s notable as we close the door on 2020 that 50 years ago this month, Miller was knocked off the top spot in 1970 by Gordon Farley at the season-closing Knut Trial. Words: John Hulme • Pictures: Brian Holder, Eric Kitchen and Alan Vines Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
1963 and it’s ‘Miller Magic’ on GOV 132.
83
1959-1969 • Untouchable
His last four-stroke Scottish Six Days Trial victory in 1964.
S
ammy Miller and statistics go together once you start delving into the motorcycle archives. A successful road racer in his own right, he made the career decision that he would pursue his twowheeled dream in the world of motorcycle trials in the late ‘50s.
OLD SCHOOL
In the closing years of the 1950s moving into the ‘60s, Great Britain dominated the world of motorcycle trials. With its mighty presence in the world of motorcycle manufacturing, it had the winning combination of man and machine – very old-school, of course, I might add. Riders were coming through the ranks, many being of quite outstanding off the back of being despatch riders during the compulsory National Service subsequently being picked by the leading manufacturers all being from Great Britain. Great names had won the ACU British Championship such as Percy’ Jim’ Alves (Triumph) 1950, Bill Nicholson (AJS) 1951 and
Oozing with confidence, the tongues were wagging as he won the 1965 Scottish Six Days Trial on the Bultaco, the first for a foreign machine.
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Nothing was going to stop Miller winning the 1965 ‘Scottish’.
1952, Jeff Smith (BSA) 1953 and 1954, Gordon Jackson (AJS) 1955 and Jonny Brittain (Royal Enfield) 1956. In 1957, the championship did not run due to the Suez petrol crisis. Still, the year becomes more significant as a certain Sammy Miller from Northern Ireland was starting to make his way to the top in motorcycle trials. In 1958, it would be Gordon Jackson on the four-stroke AJS who would once again be crowned the British Champion before it would return to the hands of Miller from 1959 until 1969.
DOMINATION
When Sammy Miller took the first of his 11 consecutive British Championship titles in 1959, it was the start of the domination of himself and possibly the most recognised trials motorcycle in the world, the four-stroke Ariel 500cc, registration number GOV 132. He took the trials world by storm. Not only did he make his mark in the British Championship but he also made an impact at other significant events
He was denied the 1965 Scott Trial victory by a flying Arthur Lampkin (BSA).
such as the Scottish Six Days and Scott Trials. Using his engineering expertise, he turned the Ariel into a winner as he reduced its overall weight and increased its performance. He would win the Scottish Six days in 1962 and 1964 and the Scott Trial in 1958, before a winning double in 1962 and 1963. Numerous other wins would come in the majority of the events he entered with the Ariel. Not one to rest on his laurels, he became more and more frustrated with the management of the once-great motorcycle manufacturers in Great Britain. They had witnessed first-hand his single-minded development of the great ‘lump’ of the Ariel into a lightweight fourstroke winner. His thoughts fell on deaf ears as he explained which direction the development of the trials motorcycle was going in — lightweight two-strokes was the answer, in Miller’s eyes. He then dropped what I still see as possibly the biggest bombshell ever in the trials world – he handed his notice in at Ariel in late 1964!
Between 1965 and 1970 he won so many trials, which started the trend to move to the Spanish Armada of Bultaco.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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SIDMOUTH, DEVON
1959-1969 • Untouchable In 1969 a certain Gordon Farley had moved from Greeves to Montesa to take the fight to Sammy Miller.
Sammy on his way to his last Scott Trial win in 1970.
SPANISH IDEAS
In secret, Miller had made numerous visits to the Spanish motorcycle manufacturer Bultaco. They had a really nice 196cc air-cooled two-stroke off-road model in their machine range. In December 1964, he announced to the world that he was moving to Bultaco to defend his rapidly growing collection of trials victories. In a short period of time, literally days, he had transformed the 196cc Sherpa into the new 244cc Bultaco Sherpa’ T’ trials model. In his hands, it would be a winner from day one. Many members of the trials world waited for the ultimate test, the Scottish Six Days Trial. Miller took it all in his stride to win the event; the very first for a foreign machine. As the year closed, he was still the ACU British Trials Champion, taking the transformation from the Ariel to the Bultaco in his stride. Between 1965 and 1970, he would win a further two Scottish Six Days Trials (1967 and 1968), and four Scott Trial victories. In the British Championship, the opposition was closing in. Two other Spanish manufacturers were developing new trials models, as Montesa led the way with Ossa following. The old school of the domination of the British manufacturers was falling by the wayside as the top riders slowly followed what Miller had done and moved to the Spanish Armada.
1970 KNUT TRIAL
UNDER ATTACK
In December Sammy Miller announced in the motorcycling press that he was retiring from mainstream trials. He would continue to be heavily involved, as the new team manager for Bultaco in the UK and the Spanish manufacturer would retain him to help develop a new bigger engine 325cc model. As it happened, Gordon Farley (Montesa) retained the title in 1971. The Miller years, as a winning rider, did continue, but on a much lower key. What he achieved in the years from 1965 changed the course of motorcycle trials development and the domination of the once-mighty manufacturing of trials motorcycles in Great Britain forever.
In 1969, a certain Gordon Farley had moved from Greeves to Montesa. When I spoke with him a few years ago, he was quite open to the fact that at every event he entered his sole aim was to beat Sammy Miller. Once again in 1969, Miller had proved untouchable, but Farley had other ideas in 1970. Riding the new red Montesa Cota 247, Farley was on a mission to dethrone Miller and Bultaco. When the ultra-reliable Bultaco put Miller out of the penultimate round of the 1970 ACU British Trials Championship with an electrical fault, he knew that it would be very difficult to defend the title with just one round remaining. Sammy Miller and the Bultaco won the Knut Trial, the final round. Still, a very nervous Gordon Farley did enough by finishing seventh to realise his dream — he was the 1970 British Trials Champion.
Yes – Gordon Farley (Montesa) was the 1970 ACU British Trials Champion
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RESULTS: 1: Sammy Miller (250 Bultaco) 21; 2: Rob Edwards (250 Montesa) 24; 3: Ian Haydon (250 Montesa) 31; 4: Lawrence Telling (250 Montesa) 33; 5: Paul Dunkley (250 Bultaco) 37; 6: Chris Leighfield (125 Sprite) 39; 7: Gordon Farley (250 Montesa) 41; 8: Mick Andrews (250 Ossa) 45; 9: Dave Thorpe (250 Ossa) 48; 10: Ken Brooker (175 Greeves) 48.
1970 ACU BRITISH TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Gordon Farley (250 Montesa) 105; 2: Sammy Miller (250 Bultaco) 101; 3: Rob Edwards (250 Montesa) 56; 4: Paul Dunkley (250 Bultaco) 53; 5: Dave Thorpe (250 Ossa) 47; 6: Mick Andrews (250 Ossa) 45; 7: Geoff Chandler (250 Bultaco) 42; 8: Lawrence Telling (250 Montesa) 35; 9: Derek Adsett (175 Greeves) 26; 10: Malcolm Rathmell (250 Bultaco) 20.
IT’S OVER
Make sure that at least once in your lifetime you visit the superb Sammy Miller Museum!
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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Honda TLR
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Montesa Cota 247
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Honda RTL WHITE
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Traditional • 1970 Mick Andrews (250 Ossa) – Solo 1970 Northern Experts winner.
1970
NORTHERN EXPERTS
Once again, a scanned batch of pictures from the Malcolm Carling collection in the Yoomee Archive brought back memories of a young John Hulme from 1970. Along with the rest of his family, they were observing the top hazard at Hawk’s Nest. A long rock-filled gully of exposed sandstone, it was infamous back in the ’60s and ’70s as a very challenging hazard and tested the top riders to the limit. It is still used in the present day, but with the passage of time, it is not the feared hazard that it once was. As was usually expected in late December, the start at the Cluelow Cross Garage near Wincle, Macclesfield, was shrouded in early morning mist and a light drizzle of rain for the 10.00am start. There was plenty to look at as Mick Andrews was riding the prototype Ossa and Malcolm Rathmell was out for the first time on the pre-production 250 Bultaco Kit Campeon. To encourage observers the club had a collection bucket at the start for riders to throw any loose change in. After the start, a raffle was drawn of observers’ names, and Len Eyre was the lucky recipient of four pounds. Words: Eric Adcock and John Hulme • Pictures: Malcolm Carling and Yoomee Archive
In more recent time times, Trial Magazine editor, John Hulme, had called to see Eric Adcock and had a very educational afternoon in his company going through his good friend Malcolm Carling’s pictures. Eric sadly passed away earlier this year, on the 18th March. Both Eric and Malcolm had contributed reports and photos to both the weekly motorcycle newspapers Motor Cycle and Motor Cycle News. They were a mine of information, always more than happy to help with both Trial Magazine and Classic Trial Magazine articles.
THE ONE TO WIN
Run by the Manchester 17MCC on Sunday 13th December, the Northern Experts was the end-of-season ‘One to Win’ in the north of the country. It had attracted a strong, healthy entry of 42 solo and ten sidecars to compete over a 35-mile single-lap course which wound its way across the Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire borders. One of the main focusses of attention was Mick Andrews and the new Ossa. His appearances in the UK had been limited as the Spanish motorcycle manufacturer had sent him as far away as the USA on promotional riding tours to help with brand awareness of the Ossa name in the rapidly expanding off-road motorcycle market. Andrews and Montesa-mounted Rob Edwards had held a very close level-pegging early on, but a succession of stops and the five-mark penalties that go with it had pushed Edwards down the order at the close of the day. With spectators wanting to see Andrews at his best on the prototype Ossa, a crowd of close-on 100 leaned forward to see
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
Jack Matthews/Gordon Ruffley (500 BSA) Sidecar – 1970 Northern Experts winner.
him stay feet-up on the dreaded Hawk’s Nest, where his father, Tom witnessed a rapturous round of applause. Andrews never stopped all day, with his highest single loss being a three-mark penalty in the water at Plantation near Wildboarclough. As Edwards slipped down the leaderboard, it was 21-year-old Martin Lampkin who was out on his recently acquired Jim Sandiford supported Bultaco. He looked strong and confident, and along with Andrews cleaned the notorious Hawk’s Nest hazards on his way to the runner-up position. It was a significant result for the youngest of the three Lampkin brothers.
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1970 • Traditional
Rob Edwards (250 Montesa): With Gordon Farley crowned the new ACU British Trials Champion just a few days before, Montesa were taking the fight to Spanish rivals Bultaco as the red Cota models became more popular in the UK.
Martin Lampkin (250 JAS Bultaco).
THREE-WAY BATTLE
Malcolm Rathmell: Taken at Dane Bower Quarry, this machine was one of the first pre-production 250 Bultaco Kit Campeon models to arrive in England. The first three had arrived at the end of November in the hands of Geoff Chandler, Ignacio and Oriol Bulto and were ridden at the European Championship round run by the Hillsborough Motor Cycle Club.
Dave Thorpe (250 Ossa): Just a few weeks before this the Sheffield based rider had taken his first international trials win in Great Britain, starting at the Sheffield Wednesday Football Ground. Dave was still riding the old Ossa Pennine trials model with its dominant green fibreglass fuel tank and rear mudguard.
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The fight for third position was much closer as Dave Thorpe (Ossa), Edwards and motocross rider, Malcolm Rathmell, remained only a handful of marks apart at the end, with Edwards getting the fourth place from Rathmell on the most cleans tie-break decider. Rathmell had won the previous month’s British Experts trial riding with a broken wrist, but now the plaster cast had gone, he was now well on his way to recovery. Despite the news that Suzuki UK was pulling out of trials, John Hemingway took the 125cc Alta Suzuki to sixth position just in front of many-times North-Western centre champion Jim Sandiford on the Bultaco. With time at a premium so late in the year, it was Great Britain’s ex-motocross champion, Jeff Smith on his 175cc BSA Bantam, who set the pace at the front of the field, but in the process, he parted with a massive 122 marks lost. He had attended a Manchester 17 MCC function as a guest of honour the night before and stayed at the home of Dave
John Hemingway (125 Alta Suzuki): A master of the ‘Micro’ machines, John would soon move to Montesa with the Cota 247 before moving later to the new Cota 123.
Rowlands, the head of the section-marking team for the Northern Experts. He had just returned from the Trans-AMA motocross series in America and admitted being a little ‘rusty’ on a trials machine. The only consolation was the huge smile on his face at the finish after he admitted he had really enjoyed the event. Out on new Sprite machines were the previous year’s Northern Expert winner, Brian Hutchinson, and Midlands-based rider, Dennis Jones. Under the watchful eye of the Sprite’ Gaffer,’ Frank Hipkin, neither riders featured in the final results. Despite the charge of the Spanish Armada of Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa, the entry still contained some of the many ‘Micro’ engine machines that had sprung up from a cottage industry in the UK. They included Cotton, Dalesman, DOT, Sprite and, of course, Peter Gaunt with his amazing 90cc Jawa engine machines. Having taken his first major success on the Jawa at the Irish Experts a few weeks before, he struggled on the steep, demanding rocky outcrops found in the Northern Experts.
In the background is the bridge at ‘Washgates’ where, from left to right, Martin Lampkin and Malcolm Rathmell enjoy the moment with Jim Sandiford. During their respective successful trials careers Jim would help to steer these two riders to greater success.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
1970 • Traditional
Jeff Smith (175 BSA): It’s a foot down in the river for ‘Smithy’ at ‘Worsley’s Wash’, named after Chris Worsley, who used to come from his Manchester home on his BSA sidecar outfit with his wife and family to observe week after week. Yes this is the man, Henry Rosenthal, who along with the late Andrew Renshaw would bring us the many-time world championship winning aluminium Renthal handlebars, chain and sprockets.
Norman Eyre (250 Ossa): A manager at the nearby Duron Brake Linings factory, as a youngster in 1961 he rocked the trials world on his 200 Triumph when he beat the legend Sammy Miller on his 500 Ariel in the Victory trial at just 16 years of age.
SIDECARS
John Roberts (250 Montesa): His wife Pat was the secretary of the Northern Experts. He was also the man behind the successful Motorcycle Centre dealership based at Stockport, as well as a member of the James and Francis Barnett trials teams.
It was the ex-motocross rider ‘Jumping’ Jack Matthews with a new ‘virgin’ passenger in the sidecar, Gordon Ruffley keeping the third wheel down in the Ariel, who took the win. It was a clear 17 marks in front of Steve Kenworthy and Frank Griffiths on the Ariel. The Pre-65 four-stroke machines were still the ones to have in the three-wheel trials world, and the entry included a good mix of Ariel and BSA. Matthews was on the 500cc BSA Goldstar model. A haulage contractor by trade, Jack and Gordon had been good friends for years. They would eventually open a trials dealership between them, Town and Country Motorcycles based at Ashton Under Lynne. It’s perhaps significant that they would become the very first sponsors of John Hulme in the mid-70s on an Ossa.
1970 NORTHERN EXPERTS
SOLO 1: Mick Andrews (250 Ossa) 17; 2: Martin Lampkin (250 JAS Bultaco) 21; 3: Dave Thorpe (250 Ossa) 28; 4: Rob EdwardS (250 MONTESA) 31; 5: MALCOLM RATHMELL (250 BULTACO) 31; 6: JOHN HEMINGWAY (125 ALTA SUZUKI) 35; 7: JIM SANDIFORD (250 BULTACO) 37. SIDECAR 1: Jack Matthews/Gordon Ruffley (BSA) 23; 2: Steve Kenworthy/Frank Griffiths (Ariel) 40.
REMEMBERING Dave Rowland (250 Montesa): Based at Chapel-en-le-frith, Dave will always be remembered for his runner-up position on the ‘Thing’, his 175 BSA Bantam, at the 1967 SSDT. He was also instrumental in the introduction of the ‘Two Marks Lost’ addition to the marking in ACU trials when he was a committee member.
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Dave Murray (250 Bultaco): ‘Chippy’ as he will be remembered passed away in 2020 due to the dreaded Coronavirus. He was a regular rider in Cheshire Centre events for many years, always with a smile on his face and words of wisdom, He owned a fish and chip shop at Macclesfield for many years.
In this article, we also remember three riders who are no longer with us and who were very much a part of the Manchester 17MCC in the ’70s: Norman Eyre, Dave Rowland and Jonny Roberts. We also remember Dave ‘Chippy’ Murray, who was a casualty of Covid-19 earlier in the year.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
My Travels • Rene Opstals
Having made friends with so many people on my travels to trials around the globe, it’s always interesting to hear a story from the other side of the fence. I had seen and spoken to Rene Opstals around 1988, and we came into contact again when he rode a Gas Gas and stayed at the home of the UK importers the Shirt family at Stable Lane in Buxton, Derbyshire. We briefly met again at last year’s Dutch world round and then got talking on the internet. Here we take a look at his Scottish Six Days memories from over 30 years ago. Words: Rene Opstals with John Hulme • Pictures: Rene Opstals, Eric Kitchen and Toon van De Vliet 94
Seventeen years old and living the dream at the SSDT in 1988.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Rene Opstals • My Travels
Friday 1988: Riding too hard and fast on the many open tracks and moorland Rene had five punctures! Taking pride of place in the Rene Opstals house are his SSDT awards.
1988: Enjoying the atmosphere on Ben Nevis, aiming the Fantic for the top.
1988
This year did not have a particularly good start, as shortly before the ‘Scottish’ my specially prepared Wim Vos Fantic 303 was stolen in Tilff, Belgium. This Fantic was really a replica of the factory models used by Thierry Michaud and Steve Saunders. Weight reduction was carried out wherever possible. Even the cooling fins on the cylinder head and barrel were cut in half. Many titanium parts were used and many holes drilled. We had to arrange for a new 303 with great urgency and be able to prepare it completely! Fortunately, a new one arrived very quickly, and we were able to test again to get used to this engine and setup. We used the Belgian championship trial to prepare for the SSDT. My sponsor supported the trip, but the problem was that I was only 17 years old, and I did not have a driving license for the UK roads.
A solution for this was quickly found. My training friend, Rini Nijssen, was slightly older and blond like me. He also had a trials license, so we left for Scotland with a flat cap to disguise me and avoid being recognised! Peter Van Enckevort was my teammate, and we competed on the Wim Vos team on the Fantic 303. My dad, Hay Opstals, and trainer, Tjeu Scheurs, a classic rider, was with us in the Mercedes 307 and we took the ferry from Rotterdam to Hull. Our B&B in Fort William was on Achintore Road, which was very close to the paddock.
COLD AND WET
We had heard about the cold and wet conditions, but to be honest, it was all part of this adventure. A little pain in the sport is part of the game, and in my case, it always made me try harder! I must admit though it takes some time to adjust during the six days of riding found in Scotland. Getting used to the six-day course, with entirely different conditions than I ever had encountered before, each day was certainly an eye-opener. Day one was all about learning how the event runs around the Scottish mountains with the time-card and the delay system which, in truth, is easier than it looks. By day two, I understood the delay time rule, but I found the observing a little hard to accept as in the Netherlands we were hopping and also going backwards in the sections, but in the SSDT it’s a direct five-mark penalty, no questions asked. I had some strange looks from the crowd as I cursed myself in my home language. Fortunately, because they did not understand what I was saying, no offence was taken! As a young rider, you don’t think about the police speed cameras during the day, but they were there. I was very, lucky but I seem to remember that several riders, including some of the Japanese ones, had been disqualified.
BEN NEVIS
1990 Wim Vos Cargo, our sponsor, had arranged free passage on a freight boat for the sea crossing.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
My favourite memory of the 1988 SSDT was the Ben Nevis waterfall sections. What an incredible number of trials fans there were who had ventured into the mountains to watch us! I can still hear how they cheered the riders through the non-stop flowing sections; every year, it was the same. In the middle part of the week, I drove to the hotel where the Dutch journalist, Toon van De Vliet, and Ferry Brouwer were staying. It was good to catch up with my fellow countrymen, and we had a nice meal and a few ‘Scottish’ drinks. We had a really great night. As Ferry Brouwer worked at Arai crash helmets, I picked up a new sponsor for my trials career. Looking back, it’s quite funny to think that as you approach the end of the week, you think it’s nearly over – and it nearly was for me. I was 95
My Travels • Rene Opstals
Going for gold on his best-ever day in Scotland. Rene rides out clean at the top of Lagnaha on the Wednesday, losing just two marks for the day.
riding too hard and too fast on the many open tracks and moorland, and I had five punctures! I was rushing as my Fantic needed some work on it to complete for the final day. I drove over 20 kilometres with a flat front tyre, which pushed my endurance to the limit. Despite a disappointing last two days, I finished with a first-class award, which took pride of place in my home.
1989
Staying warm was one of the biggest problems. My trainer had suggested I take some ‘heating tablets’ for the long routes on the road on extra cold days. I think it was on the second cold day of snow, rain and mist I took a tablet before breakfast and after five minutes I was on fire – but from inside. I could barely breathe, so I panicked. It was a close call. We were contemplating calling an ambulance, but fortunately, with some breakfast inside me, it all cooled down. It was a very cold day. I remember that many riders couldn’t get their hands off the handlebars due to the cold! I was well wrapped up for the cold, and at the sections, I decided to remove my jacket before I attempted them, which worked well. During the day, I managed to miss an entire group of sections, but someone had noticed
Concentration is the key at the SSDT.
and told me. I made a U-turn, and I raced back with duct tape over my numbers to avoid anyone noticing. All the corners were cut on the incredible road next to the Loch, maximum speed, and luckily I was able to return to the missed sections without anyone noticing. I quickly removed the duct tape from the numbers and rode the sections without looking. I overtook a Swedish rider, but soon he passed me again as I tired, so I slowed down. A little further on the Swede lay stuck in the swamp, and you could barely see his handlebars! We waited for two more riders so that we could free his Montesa and continue. This is also a wonderful part of the SSDT; the camaraderie and readiness to help each other. After a tough learning week, the reward was another first-class award.
1990
Together with my new teammate, Marco Reit, on the new Wim Vos Beta Zero, we once again arrived in Fort William, but what a journey! Wim Vos Cargo, our sponsor, had arranged a free passage on a freight boat for our crossing. On the English side, the customs authorities were strictly checking our foreign cargo. We did not have consignment notes, so we had to call the Wim Vos Office. It took a long time before we could continue our long drive towards Fort William, and we made the paddock just in time.
Another clean ride goes on the score card.
It got worse when our Bed and Breakfast was given to other people as we had arrived late! Fortunately, the SSDT organisers provided us with an alternative hotel. After day two, Marco had engine problems, putting him out of the event. This helped as he gave me the backup support that is so important in the ‘Scottish’.
MY DAY
The hotel was quite upmarket at the time, and we were warned not to polish our boots on the automatic machine in the lobby! Marco took his own chocolate flakes everywhere, including breakfast; this was my ‘Scottish’ food. On Wednesday on the Ben Nevis sections, I showed my true form and finished as the second-best rider on the day, amongst my good friends, Steve Saunders who had dropped one mark, and Robert Crawford who had also dropped two, I was very happy. Not one flat tyre, no machine problems with the new Beta Zero, and a great stay at the Caledonian Hotel. I had finished in 20th position amongst the best trials riders in the world. At the end of the week, you could also see on the wallpaper the contours of our riding kit; we had to dry it somewhere! This SSDT result is my best trials memory from my 20-year career. My Special First-Class Awards have been in the living room for years.
1990: Holding on for the clean ride at Garbh Bheinn on his way to 20th position overall.
A return visit many years later, and Rene remembers the fantastic view with this superb picture.
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December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
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Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
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Dealer Visit • JSM
DEALER VISIT
JOHN SHIRT MOTORCYCLES Think of Gas Gas motorcycles, and you think of the Shirt family from Buxton in Derbyshire. As the official UK importers for Gas Gas since 1988 with father John E Shirt and son John R Shirt, they inspired the factory in Spain to produce what would turn out to be a world championshipwinning range of off-road machines in the trials and enduro world. A change of ownership announced in September 2019 put the GASGAS brand in the safe hands of the KTM Group alongside KTM, Husqvarna and WP; a similar business model to the automotive VAG Group. Trials bike manufacture remains in Girona, Spain and the MX/Enduro now moves to Mattighofen in Austria and can be found a short distance across the German-Austrian border, east of Munich and north of Salzburg. So where did this leave the Shirt family as the importers? Words: Trial Magazine with John R Shirt Pictures: Trial Magazine and Iain Lawrie 98
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eing the importers of Gas Gas ended for John R Shirt as the Austrians would be supplying the newly branded GASGAS machines direct to the dealers around the world. With his father now retired and son, John, at the head of the company along with Jude Mellor, they would open up for business as an official GASGAS dealership under the name of John Shirt Motorcycles Ltd. It was time to go and find out what has been happening in Buxton, Derbyshire, as Trial Magazine shared a coffee with ‘Shirty’. Tell us briefly about your time as the Gas Gas UK importer. It all came about in 1987 when my father was looking for a new direction as he had successfully manufactured the Majesty trials machine making it into a world round winner. He was heavily involved with the groundbreaking mono-shock Yamaha model, working with the Japanese to make it as successful as it was. I had come through the youth trials scene in the UK. After a spell on the HRC supplied RTL model in 1988, I moved to Gas Gas after my father started to import them. As they say,
Yes John’s early days were on his Yamaha TY 80 converted Majesty, seen here with his late mum, Margaret.
In 1989 John rode in his first Scottish Six Days Trial on the Gas Gas.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
JSM • Dealer Visit
Father and son, the two Shirts, John E (left) with John R. John E is now retired.
John Shirt Motorcycles: Jude Mellor and John R Shirt.
the rest (31 years) is history. One day I will write a book! You survived so many highs and lows as the importers. Yes, that’s true; but then all businesses do. In the early years, the models were not great but had massive potential. My own trials career suffered in the early years (1988 to 1992) because the opposition were on better machinery. Still, after Dad’s influence, the first ‘CONTACT’ model arrived in 1992, and things started to improve. From then on, with the fantastic support from some good solid dealers and supporting many good riders, the brand grew. I am a ‘Racing’ man, and if you get good results, then the sales should follow. I personally
did okay on a national trials level, but at a crucial time, when I came out of Schoolboys, Dad did not have the money for me to compete in the full FIM World Trials Championship series. Also, in all honesty, I wasn’t 100% as committed as I thought I was back then. We needed better riders, and for me, the main one was Steve Colley. Very few people know how hard Steve worked in his career. When I started Enduro in 1996, it was a similar story. I started with a machine with great potential, but it had many problems. With the family business in mind, I have always stood by Dad and pushed the Gas Gas brand, and in time the business outweighed my personal success. All in all, I did okay, now I just love riding motorcycles.
Feet-up and riding the rocks at the 2019 SSDT, John has ridden in everyone since his first attempt in 1988 on the four-stroke Honda.
It’s a GASGAS at John Shirt Motorcycles.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
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Dealer Visit • JSM
S3 Parts play a huge part of Trialendurodirect.
The Buxton base is also the home to the UK distribution of all Renthal trials products.
John Shirt Motorcycles So, as we move towards the end of 2020, the new John Shirt Motorcycles shop is open for business. It is a new venture for me in the off-road world. I am now a motorcycle dealer, which is a change of direction and completely different from being a motorcycle importer. I say motorcycle importer because we are still the official UK importers for the leading brands: S3 MOTS, STYLMARTIN and TECH. I have the utmost respect for dealers, and I know it’s tough out there. I can assure you that being an importer is also not as easy as some may think. It’s a decision that I am both excited and fearful about because I have a lot to learn, and I don’t mind admitting that. We have over 30 years knowledge and experience of the GASGAS brand so I will continue to push GASGAS and, in time, other brands. We have some very knowledgeable and loyal staff who will also adjust to dealing more with the retail customers.
John Shirt Motorcycles also stock Rieju enduro models and clothing.
It’s not just S3 hard parts, the clothing is available in a wide variety of colours.
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So you are now open for business? Yes, the doors are open. We can now welcome customers to come and visit us. One thing that will take time is getting the public to realise that they can now buy machines from our shop here in Buxton after we have spent 30 years pushing customers to dealers – that is where we have changed. Okay, we’ve always retailed parts, accessories and clothing, but most of our retail business has been mail order. To now open the customer’s mind that our shop is open to the general public regarding machine sales will take time. GASGAS is in my DNA, so, naturally, we will continue to focus on GASGAS. Who knows what the future will bring, but as we’re still undergoing significant changes in our business, I don’t want to rush into other brands. All our loyal staff are very knowledgeable with the GASGAS trials models, and they too will take time to adjust to dealing with more face-to-face customers.
MOTS branded helmets, clothing and boots are always in stock.
December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
JSM • Dealer Visit Long serving John Shirt Motorcycles rider Dan Thorpe has achieved well over 100 National trials wins during his long career, the majority on the Gas Gas.
International success has been achieved in 2020 with JSM supported rider Jack Dance on the 125cc GASGAS.
Have your staff been with you for a long time? My right-hand lady is Jude Mellor, who is also a Director. She came on board in 1997, and without Jude, we would have no business; it’s a simple as that. She has stood by Dad and me through the tough times, and I have a deep respect for her. Jude and I work well together, sharing the many duties directors have to manage. We have excellent workshop facilities as well as what I consider to be the best GASGAS trials mechanic in the world, Kev’ Factory’ Hipwell. Since joining us in 2002, he has, without a doubt, the best knowledge and experience of the GASGAS trials machines having prepared machines at all levels right up to the winning ones. You only need to ask some of the Trial riders we have supported such as Steve Colley, James Dabill, Michael Brown. As for Enduro, ask Juan Knight and Danny McCanney; yes, it’s quite a long list. We have had a lot of success in both Trials and Enduro competition, and a big part is down to Kev’s machine preparation which is second to none. Now all machines bought from John Shirt Motorcycles go through his hands so you can
In the safe hands of John Shirt Motorcycles mechanic ‘Factory Kev’ Hipwell you can guarantee that any machine that comes out of the well-equipped workshop is prepared to the highest level.
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
be assured that you have a very well-prepared machine. We are also looking for a young apprentice to help Kev in the workshop. He will be trained the correct way and hopefully grow as the business grows. We have Jane in accounts and Dot, Abbie and Peter who are also valued staff members and part of our John Shirt Motorcycles family. It’s these guys who do all our mail order parts, clothing and accessories as well as being on the front line to our phone customers. Is the new shop the complete GASGAS package? Yes, we now have a new showroom – which at the moment is very red and very GASGAS! I have met all the criteria for the new owners of the brand. We stock all the GASGAS range; Enduro, Motocross and Trials. All our new machines come with a full PDI, carried out to the highest standard by Kev in the workshop. We will be stocking other brands, but right now, we are focusing on GASGAS. We have finance facilities in place and will consider part exchange, especially on a used GASGAS. We carry a huge stock inventory of GASGAS spare parts for the machines, covering the
majority of the models right back to the early water-cooled models. We will continue to push the brands we import, including S3 MOTS, STYLMARTIN and TECH. We also sell other quality products of companies we work with. Tell us about your team riders in Trials and Enduro? I have always been a big believer in ‘Race on Sunday, sell on Monday’ so supporting riders is still so important for me and the business, getting the John Shirt Motorcycles name out there. It’s also very much a family ethos, to put something back into the sport, which goes right back to the early days of the business. I am no longer responsible for marketing the GASGAS brand nationwide and now need to focus on what is best to support our business and the sports we are involved with. This is not easy for me because GASGAS has been my life for a very long time, not just a business. ‘TEAM JSM GASGAS’ will continue but will focus more on supporting the riders that can also support our business and the products we sell. We want to have fun on the machines and products we sell and support local riders!
‘Team’ the staff at John Shirt Motorcycles are all very important to its future success.
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Northern Ireland • Training
NORTHERN IRELAND
DUNMORE OFF-ROAD ACTIVITY CENTRE
I think it is quite safe to say that 2020 has been a challenging year; COVID-19 has swept the nation by storm, grinding all sense of ‘normality’ to a halt. Many have been affected, both financially and mentally. Unable to do the things they enjoy and spend time with people they care about, riders found their motorcycles parked in their sheds and garages, gathering dust, longing to be ridden again. With no sign of any events or practice sessions, something had to change to give people hope, happiness and something to look forward to at the end of the hard week. Motorcycle trials is more than a sport; many of us make life-long friends through the activity; we form close communities which become our extended family. We look forward to conquering sections with our friends and seeing each other achieve things on our motorcycles we never imagined. We forget all the stresses and worries of everyday life; without trials, our worlds simply became a little darker. Words: Adam Stanex • Pictures: Chris Sharpe, David Rowan, Two Brothers Photography and Pauline Williams Photography
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remarkable characteristic of humanity, however, is our resilience in the face of adversity. We have a unique ability to spot opportunities in chaos and to innovate. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we too rose with our community to find a solution to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our cogs started to turn as we began to engineer a solution; a plan was set in motion. Until, finally, Dunmore Off-Road Activity Centre was born.
Riding out to enjoy the Dunmore Off-Road Activity Centre.
DUNMORE OFF-ROAD ACTIVITY CENTRE
Many of the previously enjoyed venues had closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, creating a need for a new space; one that was COVIDcompliant to help ensure riders that they were safe, where they could again relax and kickstart their engines. Dunmore Off-Road Activity Centre is a space made for riders, by riders, covering a massive 180 acres of hill, rocks, rivers and drops. The centre is located just outside the small town of Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland; it is a must-ride location for anyone living in or visiting the area. Surrounded by the iconic, world-famous Mourne Mountains, it provides some awe-inspiring views as you ride up the rivers and around the mountains. The centre caters for trials, enduro and other off-road vehicles through our organised events, and features a large hard-standing car park, toilet facilities and a machine-washing area. The land can be Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
COVID-19 guidelines are followed.
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Training • Northern Ireland privately booked to allow other clubs and individuals to run events at the centre. We believe that the community will only continue to grow and thrive if we work together to get through this challenging time and implores any rider from mainland UK to come over to Northern Ireland for a full weekend of riding. The centre is a short one-hour drive from the ferry station and in close proximity to other clubs that hold trials, providing easy access to a weekend of riding. Dunmore Off-Road Activity Centre prides itself on catering for riders of all ability ranges, from novice to elite.
FAMILY FUN
There’s room for everyone to enjoy a good day out.
Signing on is part of the criteria to use the facility.
With a focus of being an affordable space for families to have a good day out, the land has flat surfaces and small hills for those only just beginning their journey on a trials machine. It also has challenging rock faces and the iconic ‘Waterfall Section’ for those that want to get the adrenaline pumping as their engines roar across the terrain. With 180 acres of open land to explore, Dunmore Off-Road Activity Centre allows riders to go at their own pace. You can simply explore the land freely with your friends and family, uncovering unridden sections that will leave you longing to explore more! Through private lessons with one of the best motorcycle trials riders Northern Ireland has ever produced, riders of all ability ranges can learn from Robert Crawford (RC LIVE) – a former top-seven FIM trials rider. Robert can help guide and teach you new tricks and skills that will get you conquering sections you previously thought impossible.
PAY AND PLAY
One of the more popular events is its ‘Pay & Play’ day. It is as simple as it sounds, you pay the entry fee, and you ride; no time limit and no set sections. While the sun is in the sky and you have the fuel you can ride wherever, whenever. Riders have the opportunity to explore freely
and without limits allowing them to let go and have fun again — a great reason to free the machines from their workshops and load them onto the trailer with eager anticipation. The journey to its opening day has been nothing short of exciting. As previously mentioned, humanity, when faced with adversity, bands together to find a solution and work together to overcome that issue. Within minutes of its first event being announced, the amount of support we received from our trials community was nothing short of inspiring. Aware the sport would outlive COVID-19, the community wanted to get those engines roaring again, giving everyone something to look forward to at the weekend.
SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER
The day finally arrived: the launch of Dunmore Off-Road Activity Centre. The sky was blackened by dark cloud threatening to dampen the day with rain. The officials were riding around in an organised panic, making sure everything was in place and ready for the day ahead. As 9.00am approached, slowly but surely trailers and vans began to fill the car park. An hour before signing on even opened, riders in excitement kickstarted their machines with the roar of engines filling the air. At 10.00am, two Jeeps eagerly awaited the swarm of riders as they flocked to sign on, many of whom warmed up on the small section in front of signing on, smiling and laughing, finally having the opportunity to enjoy being back out with their community. The sun slowly emerged from behind the clouds, its rays dancing on the fresh morning dew – nothing was going to spoil the day. Disappearing in groups to explore the unknown, they rode off with the sun on their backs and smiles on their faces. Around one o’clock the riders began to slowly filter back to the car park, covered in mud but
It’s a team effort.
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December 2020-January 2021 • Trial Magazine
Northern Ireland • Training
Nine-year-old Mason Crawford, the ACU D Class Small-Wheel British Champion, enjoys the facilities.
A wide variety of terrain is available, including rocks and rivers.
hungry for more. They had their lunch, refuelled their engines, and set out again on their journeys conquering hills, rivers, rocks and drops. With the first event such a big success, the community’s support humbled all those involved at the centre.
A GREAT ADVENTURE
Dunmore Off-Road Activity Centre wants to provide an excellent adventure for those that visit, giving riders a breath-taking experience every time. The centre wants to help its community thrive, working with clubs and individuals who have the same love and passion as it has for the sport. Get involved: now more than ever, everyone needs something to look forward to. The sport will outlive COVID-19; the community will always overcome adversity. Welcome to the strong trials community in Northern Ireland — we are waiting for you!
Jake Hanlon is another one to benefit from riding at the Dunmore Off-Road Activity Centre.
It’s time to get out and ride!
Trial Magazine • December 2020-January 2021
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Locator • Find your local dealer
DEALER LOCATOR 01 2T-Offroad
Tel: 01592 772867 Email: trials2t-offroad@Hotmail.com Area: Kirkcaldy, KY1 4DE
02 AB Motorcycles
Tel: 01685 382100 Email: barrie-ab@hotmail.com Web: www.abmotorcycles.co.uk Area: Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2SR
03 Acklams Motorcycles
Tel: 07957 148588 / 07540 591410 Email: sales@acklamsbeta.co.uk Web: www.acklamsmotorcycles.com Area: Harrogate, HG3 2BG
04 Active Bikesport
Tel: 01761 241887 Email: activebikesport@gmail.com Area: Radstock, BA3 4PD
05 AG Bikes
Tel: 01748 886356 Email: gebrownson@f2s.com Area: Reeth, DL11 6NH
06 Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles
Tel: 01287 638030 Email: andymetcalfemotorcycles@gmail.com Web: www.andymetcalfemotorcycles.com Area: Guisborough, TS14 7DH
07 Birkett Motosport
Tel: 01229 716806 Email: nigel.birkett@talk21.com Web: www.birkettmotosportukltd.com Area: Broughton in Furness, LA20 6EZ
08 Bob MacGregor Trials Academy
Web: www.trialsacademy.co.uk Area: Annick, KA3 4EH
09 BVM Moto UK
Tel: 01453 297 177 Email: sales@bvm-moto.co.uk Web: www.bvm-moto.co.uk Area: Stroud, GL5 5EX
10 Camio Moto
Tel: 01246 792033 Email: sales@camiomoto.co.uk Web: www.camiomoto.co.uk Area: Dronfield, S18 7SD
11 Craigs Motorcycles
Tel: 01924 488117 Email: aaron@craigsmotorcycles.com Web: www.craigsmotorcycles.com Area: Dewsbury, WF13 1HX
12 East Neuk Trials Motorcycles
Tel: 01333 311744 Email: duncan.wood@btconnect.com Area: Fife, KY10 2RB
13 Edmondson Racing
Tel: 01543 450150 Email: fasteddyracing@hotmail.com Web: www.fasteddyracing.com Area: Cannock, WS11 9UH
14 Feetup
Tel: 01723 865577 Email: alanatfeetup@gmail.com Web: www.feetuptrialsport.co.uk Area: Scarborough, YO12 4QB
15 Inch Perfect Trials
Tel: 01200 448130 Email: sales@inchperfecttrials.co.uk Web: www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk Area: Whitewell, BB7 3AU
16 Inta Bikes
Tel: 01622 688727 Email: intabikes@btconnect.com Web: www.intabikes.co.uk Area: Maidstone, ME15 6HE
17 John Lee & Sons Motorcycles
Tel: 01933 312827 Mail: johnlee.mc@btconnect.com Web: www.johnleemotorcycles.co.uk Area: Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BP
19 Mickey Oates Motorcycles
Tel: 0141 332 7374 Email: sales@mickeyoates.com Web: www.mickeyoates.com Area: Glasgow, G4 9XP
20 RAS Sport
Tel: 01484 711720 Email: andrew@rassport.com Web: www.rassport.com Area: Brighouse, HD6 1LH
21 RCM Trialsport
Tel: 01209 820896 Email: rcm-trialsport@hotmail.com Area: Redruth, TR16 5PN
22 South West Trials
Tel: 01395514287 Mail: southwesttrials@gmail.com Web: www.swtrials.co.uk Area: Sidmouth, EX10 9DN
23 St Blazey MX
Tel: 01726 816181 Web: www.stblazeymx.co.uk Mail: sales@stblazeymx.co.uk Area: St Blazey, PL24 2RN
24 TrialEnduroDirect
Tel: 01298 766 813 Email: sales@trialendurodirect.com Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Area: Buxton, SK17 9JL
25 Trail & Trials UK
Tel: 01334 840414 Email: john@tytrials.com Web: www.tytrials.com Area: New Gilston, KY8 5TF
26 Trials UK
Tel: 0113 281 8242 Email: sales@trialsuk.co.uk Web: www.trialsuk.co.uk Area: Horsforth, LS18 5NX
18 Marsh MX
Tel: 01685 385201 Email: Anthony@marshmx.co.uk Web: www.marshmx.co.uk Area: Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8PE
FOR THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND DEALS, HAVE YOU 108
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#take it to the line
JAMES DABILL -
ACU TRIAL GB BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP DUDWOOD FARM