Trial Magazine Issue 94 August-September 2022

MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC • COMPETITION • FEATURES

www.trialmaguk.com

94

BRAND

GASGAS

WHAT’S NEW

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ISSN

August-September 2022

ISSUE 94 • UK: £5.99

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1753-0040

ELECTRIC MOTION INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING

EM

TRIAL GP

200 WINS • 1 HANDLEBAR • T O N I B O U • 7 3 X - T R I A L • 1 2 7 T R I A L G P • 6 7 3 FAT B A R ®

RENTHAL ® 673 FATBAR ®

www.renthal.com

PHOTO CREDIT : TRIAL MAGAZINE

Trial Magazine • Welcome

CONTACT Online: www.trialmaguk.com Email: england@trialmag.com Address: 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX United Kingdom

WELCOME FEATURES

INTERNATIONAL

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WHAT’S NEW

62

MEETING

68

ELECTRIC

78

SPORT

84

CATCH UP

94

FIM Trial World Championship Electric Motion 2023 Jack Challoner

Executive Director Philippe Benhamou Editor John Hulme

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

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GASGAS 2023

THE TEAM Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou

(NUJ No: 949620)

BRAND

OSET Chapter Two

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ACU British Championship Oliver Smith

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

CELEBRATION

Santigosa Three Day

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Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com

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Printing: Buxtons Press Distribution: Warners Group Publications © 2022 CJ Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publishers.

Great care is taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication, but neither CJ Publishing Ltd or the editor can be held responsible for its contents.

The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers.

Trial Magazine is published by: CJ Publishing Limited, registered in England Number: 5947718.

Trial Magazine: ISSN: 1753-0040.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

REGULAR SECTIONS

94

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

8 14 18 22 24 58 108 110 112

Cover: 2023 GASGAS Michael Brown (GBR) Photo Credit: Trials Media

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News • The world of trials

TRRS ONE R 2023

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND GASGAS

Straight out of the starting blocks with the new 2023 model range is TRRS with its ONE R, the intermediate model between the ONE and ONE RR. The ONE R is presented with the latest technical innovations from the Spanish brand to consolidate this model as a reference point in the competitive motorcycle trials marketplace noted for its performance and reliability. It comes equipped with aluminium injection crankcases, a one-way Reiger rear shock absorber, 28mm Ø Keihin PWK carburettor and aluminium TECH front suspension, all aimed at increasing rider performance and pleasure.

As with the new GOLD model, released earlier, aesthetically, the colour red takes a more prominent role in its design, enhancing the prominence of the silver frame. This fourth generation of the ONE R is aimed at helping riders of all ages and abilities to develop their riding skills further. The ONE R provides the owner with more specialised components than the ONE model, taking you closer to the level of performance and handling found at the top of the TRRS model range with the ONE RR. This new 2023 model range is available with or without an electric start.

Kickstart: 125cc, 250cc, 280cc and 300cc. Electric Start: 250cc, 280cc and 300cc.

Once again, looking forward to 2023, the TRRS model range is the most complete and includes the ONE, ONE R, ONE RR, XTRACK, XTRACK RR and the ON-E kids, available in a choice of two wheel sizes.

It goes without saying that motorcycle trials is important to GASGAS, and that’s exactly why they are collaborating with the FIM in 2022 to become an official partner of this year’s FIM Trial World Championship. Aside from competing with GASGAS Factory Racing’s official riders, Miquel Gelabert and Benoit Bincaz, GASGAS as a motorcycle manufacturer, wants to do all it can to support the TrialGP series while maximising trial visibility to the broader motorcycle audience.

In addition to maximising their TrialGP visibility with the FIM, GASGAS is pushing hard to introduce motorcycles trials worldwide to a new generation.

For example, at the recent Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, the GASGAS’ Extreme Trial Challenge’ introduced a new event to the iconic Austrian hard enduro competition, with more than 300 participants competing on GASGAS TXT RACING machines in front of thousands of excited fans.

Rene Esterbauer, GASGAS Head of Global Marketing, said, “Motorcycle trials is in the DNA of GASGAS, and we want to do all we can to help it grow and to get new riders involved in it. By partnering with the FIM Trial World Championship, we will work together with the sport’s governing body to promote and increase awareness of trials, which is very important to us.

“From our first trial machine in 1985 to the first GASGAS TrialGP title in 1993 and on to today, trials is hugely important to GASGAS from a production motorcycle point of view, motorsport perspective and brand awareness.”

MINTEX TRIAL 2022

The youth version of the world-famous Scott time and observation trial, the Mintex Trial, takes place on 11th September 2022, for Youth A and B class riders only.

To test the younger riders and prepare them for the adult Scott Trial, the competition covers two laps of 20 miles of open moorland riding, with 30 sections per lap. Some of the sections from the adult event are used in a fair and challenging day’s riding to determine the winner.

If you are interested in riding, you need to get along to the online ACU entry system, and for more information, please visit the organising club’s website: www.richmondmotorclub.com.

The secretary of the meeting is Sandra Fowler who can be contacted on: 01969 624146.

As always, the reality of putting on an event of this nature needs many observers and officials.

If you can help in any way, please email: email: sandra.fowler@richmondmotorclub.com or get in touch with the club.

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2021 Mintex Winner: Harry Hemingway (Beta). Photo credit: Erik Kitchen

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

WINNERS 2015

2016

2017

2018

2022

NEW DL12 REPLICA COMING SOON

News • The world of trials

TRIALS TO HARD ENDURO APICO HARD Knowing that there’s a serious crossover of skills between trials and hard enduro, GASGAS dreamed up the ultimate challenge to see just how close the two disciplines actually are. The plan is to take the top privateer finisher at the Scottish Six Days Trial and give that rider the full GASGAS Factory Racing treatment to take on the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. And that’s exactly what they did with British trials ace Tom Minta, who reached Carl’s Diner and walked away with an incredible 28th place finish!

With around six weeks between the SSDT finishing and the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo starting, there wasn’t a tremendous amount of time for the competition winner Tom to become fully acquainted with his new EC 300.

But after a few phone calls and messages exchanged Picture Credit: GASGAS between the Brit and GASGAS Factory Racing’s hard enduro legend Taddy Blazusiak, the 23-year-old from Shrewsbury, England, was quickly dialled in, up to speed, and ready to take on the toughest one-day hard enduro in the world.

Tom was able to hold his own and battle his way around the world’s gnarliest motorcycle dirt track. By successfully reaching Carl’s Diner, he finished alongside some of the biggest names in the 2022 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. Well done Tom Minta!

PARTS

You read it correctly. The after-market company Apico has added a range of hard-parts trials products to its huge inventory of riding kit and parts found under its roof at its headquarters near Burnley in Lancashire. These are available for a wide range of machines and, as always, come with the quality that you would expect from this forward-thinking company. Check out your local trials dealer to see the latest range of Apico hard-parts products.

THE MAGAZINE MAN

VERTIGO SUCCESS

It is quite hard to believe just how far, as a motorcycle manufacturer, the Vertigo brand has come in such a short space of time.

The mainstay of the success comes from Dougie Lampkin with his five Scottish Six Days Trial wins, starting in 2015 with Vertigo’s first win, followed by 2016, 2017, 2018 and finally in 2022. The icing on the cake came with their first FIM TrialGP World Championship victory in the opening round of the 2022 series in June, in Spain, with Jaime Busto knocking Toni Bou and Adam Raga off the top step of the podium.

Supply and demand for all models of the green machines continue to be strong, and you just have to see the new Busto replica in the flesh to appreciate its stunning looks.

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A long-time supporter of both Trial Magazine and Classic Trial Magazine, Brian Ashley passed away on the 5th June. With a business established more than 30 years ago, Brian could be found at motorcycle shows all over Europe to become known as ‘The Magazine Man’; you name the title, he stocked it.

John Hulme: “I have known Brian and his family for many years. It was he who first showed me the very first copy of the French Trial Magazine in 2002 at a Stafford Classic Show. We became good friends, and he was very instrumental in the early days of our titles in getting them out and about and into the public domain. In addition, he was very supportive of any new ideas I had for anything with two wheels, including our other title, Motorcycle Retro Replay. He will be sadly missed”.

A service of Brian’s life was held on the 5th July at Alsager, close to his home at Church Lawton near Stoke-on-Trent.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

CONGRATULATIONS Toni BOU The winner of his 200th FIM Grand Prix in Andorra on Day Two 2022 127 FIM TrialGP wins and 73 FIM X-Trial wins.

To discover the MICHELIN Trial range visit: www.michelin.co.uk/motorbike/home-motorbike

Picture Credit: Trials Media

THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS

2023 125 | 250 | 280 | 300

Visit our website for more information.

TRS Parts UK

NEW PARTS NEWORDERING PARTS ORDERING WEB SITE WEB NOW SITE LIVE NOW L OFFICIAL UK IMPORTER TRS Motorcycles UK, Cheltenham, Glos.

T: 01242 675015

w.saundersextremesports.com www.saundersextremesports.com www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com E: sales@trsmotorcyclesuk.com

Talk trials • Toni Bou

200 TONI BOU

AND COUNTING

My life revolves around performing at the highest level on the four-stroke Repsol Honda; we win as a team, and we lose as a team. Everyone involved in the Repsol Honda team always gives 100%. We don’t do pressure; we just focus on the best performance in all areas. Therefore, I do not personally keep a close eye on the winning and, believe me, the 200th FIM World Championship round win was something that was a huge surprise as no one had told me!

Words: Toni Bou with Trials Media • Pictures: Repsol Honda Trials Team – Pep Segales

We arrived at the start of the 2022 season very well prepared, and I was injury-free — a huge bonus, believe me! I felt confident in my riding as I also led the FIM X-Trial World Championship before arriving at the FIM TrialGP season in Spain. As expected, the heat would be a huge problem, but we train hard to deal with these conditions.

A second place and a win were taken from the opening round in Spain before the move to Andorra one week later. The heat and altitude made the two rounds even more challenging, and Adam pushed me into second on day one.

On day two, I felt good all day but little did I know that my good friends had calculated that I could make Andorra my 200th individual round win. The new team manager, my good friend Takahisa Fujinami, confirmed this, and with my latest win, I had taken 127 FIM TrialGP wins and 73 FIM X-Trial wins since 2003, when I moved into the premier league of trials.

As always, to everyone who has supported me over the years, a huge thank you; let’s just hope the wins just keep coming as I set my sights on two more titles in 2022.

Until next time, stay safe and well – Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou.

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August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Competition-ready performance.

Always at the pinnacle of competition, and constantly evolving, the Cota 4RT 301RR Race Replica is the choice of the ultimate trial champion. We’ve taken the best and made it that little bit better by creating a Race Replica that includes a distinguished World Championship decoration. Visit honda.co.uk to find out more.

Moved by Dreams.

Paddock • Caught on camera

SMILE

ONE DAB

100% ALWAYS

ATTACK

MANAGERS

PROUD

SERIOUS

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REDEMPTION

SHOWTIME

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Caught on camera • Paddock

COOL

FRENCH

BOSS TRRS

HAPPY

TEAM

THIRSTY

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

THINKING

TOP SCOT

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EVO FACTORY PRICES

125 200 250 300

£6395 £6495 £6795 £6795

116 YEARS OLD

Shopping • What’s new

WHAT’S ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST? www.apico2b.co.uk 01282 473190

HARD PARTS

Twin Air Montesa Cota 4RT Air Box Wash Cover

Elite Short Trial Levers All Types

Kick-Start Montesa Cota 4RT Handlebar Mounting Kit

MIRO products

www.miroproducts.com Info@casadelsmiffy.com

Steel Motorcycle Stand Hebo Montesa Classic Kit in RED (Shirt and Pants Sold Separately)

Hebo Repsol Montesa Team Zone 5 Helmet

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Riding Kit – Shirt and Pants. Various Colour Ways

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

What’s new • Shopping

www.trialendurodirect.com 01298 766813

Gloves ‘NUTS’ – Angel Colours

Angel Riding Kit: Shirt and Pants (Red/Black)

Angel Riding Kit: Shirt and Pants (Black/Green)

Mots GO2 helmets. Various colours.

Gloves – Billy Bolt

Fat Bar – All Colours

www.comastrial.com 01246 792033

Workshop Carpet

Lanyard – Various Colours

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Vest Protection

Transparent Raincoat

Race Gloves Various Colours

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Talk trials • Toby Martyn

TOBY MARTYN

LEARNING G THE GAME E

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

TRIALGP, yes, it’s Premier League time in my world, and what a huge step it has been from winning the FIM Trial2 World Championship in 2021 to start mixing it with the big boys in 2022! I must say, everyone has made me very welcome, and I feel it’s where I need to be at this point in my career. In reality, it’s learning the game all over again, such is the move into the big time.

The whole game plan changes and I am slowly but surely finding my feet again — feet-up as much as I can!

Words: Toby Martyn with Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media I am in the safe hands of the ‘Big Wigg’ — Alexz Wigg to everyone else — for 2022, and boy have I needed him!

Everything in TrialGP is bigger, from the rocks, drops and steps to the crowds, as well as dealing with the extra pressure I put myself under to succeed; it’s all in there. Every move of mine and the TRRS has to be so precise because if you are literally a few millimetres of line, you will not get up or through a section.

Riding at the front of the TrialGP pack is difficult because you cannot see any of the lines that the likes of the top five riders have taken.

With Spain, Andorra and Germany completed, I had an eighthplace finish on day one in Andorra, which is closer to where I want to be, but I am learning all the time, so I have to be happy with that.

I pulled myself back into contention in the ACU British Trials Championship by winning the last two rounds. The win at the West of England was particularly satisfying as it was in front of my ‘Home’ supporters; I really do appreciate all the support.

We now have a small break in the world championship after Germany, so all my efforts will be focused on getting the TRRS on

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the top spot of the podium in Yorkshire at the next BTC. To everyone supporting Mush#212 in 2022, as always, a huge thank you.

Keep your eyes open and give me a cheer — Toby ‘Mush#212’ Martyn

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

www.gasgas.com

GET CHECK IT OUT!

Master the moment on one of our newest generation GASGAS TXT RACING or GASGAS TXT GP bikes! Built to ensure all riders can take their skills to the next level, all our high-performance bikes have been developed together with the GASGAS Trial Factory Racing team. Boasting next level rideability, we’ve enhanced our clean running motors, improved our chassis and suspension performance, while using even more premium components to further increase the all-important fun factor. With improved durability for 2023, our versatile competition ready bikes take trial performance to the next level. #GetOnTheGas

Photos: Sebas Romeo, Mitterbauer H.

ON THE

GAS!

@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.

Brand • Gas Gas

GASGAS

RED DNA DAY An early start to the day had rich rewards when we departed Manchester airport on a 06.05 Tuesday morning flight to Barcelona in Spain. We arrived to be welcomed by the air-conditioned transport to the Mas Salagros Ecoresort resort near Vallromanes, and I just knew we were in for a special few days. After a relaxed lunch and a rapid power-hour of sleep, it was time to register with our hosts for the next few days, GASGAS. I had Michael Brown for company as our official Trial Magazine test rider for the launch of the new GASGGAS MY23 trials model range. Soon we were surrounded by a pack of similarly enthusiastic journalists and test riders from around Europe. As we registered, I noted amongst them Albert Cabestany, Miquel Gelabert and Laia Sanz; we were in good company, I think you will agree. After an extensive development programme, the next generation of GASGAS trial machines is now rolling off the production line in Terrassa, Spain. So the time had come to visit the new purpose-built GASGAS facility for the MY23 trials launch due at 17.00 hours.

Words: John Hulme and Michael Brown Pictures: Trials Media and GASGAS 28

Signing on at the Mas Salagros Ecoresort resort near Vallromanes.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

GASGAS •Brand

Team GASGAS management are introduced.

F

or the next few days, our chaperone would be the head of GASGAS marketing in the UK, Simon Roots, supported by the super-enthusiastic factory personnel. As the security doors opened on the brand-new GASGAS facility, one thing was for certain the DNA was still red.

WELCOME

It was very warm under the afternoon sun, but so was the welcome, which included some light refreshments, including dark brown bottles with Estrella Damm written on them in ice buckets! Before the factory doors opened, our ‘Master of Ceremonies’ representing GASGAS, presenter Josh Sampiero, a largerthan-life American, introduced the heads of departments at the new factory and their various roles in this fresh environment which is GASGAS. He presented each one of them individually, starting with Fabian Simmer, Managing Director GASGAS Spain; Maria Frey, Brand Marketing Specialist; Albert Cabestany, Trial Team Manager; Javier Zapata, Technical Product Manager; Gordon Vom Bauer, Product Marketing Manager; Joachim Sauer, Product Manager; and Miguel Alcover, Team Leader Brand Marketing. In addition, I noted some older names from the past who still had the GASGAS DNA, including Javier Zapata and Albert Cabestany.

Walking through the new factory doors was a special moment for me as I had visited the old Gas Gas factory in 1987 and then the new factory at Gerona in 2002 when it opened. Two decades later, the proud Managing Director of GASGAS Spain, Fabian Simmer, gave us a brief talk on the heritage of the brand name before turning his focus to the new facility and its exciting future with its new owners which come under the PIERER Mobility Group. They are Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

This new factory is fresh from the ground up.

Welcome to GASGAS.

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Brand • GASGAS

Unveiling the new GASGAS MY23 models.

Europe’s leading manufacturer of powered twowheeled motorcycles and, alongside GASGAS, include both the KTM and Husqvarna brands.

We were then taken on a factory tour through the various offices, where each of the heads of departments gave us an in-depth explanation of their key roles and what was expected from their specialist areas.

QUALITY AND PRODUCTION

In the office of Albert Cabestany – Race Team Manager.

It’s all new.

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Walking into the huge warehouse soon exposed the massive investment and infrastructure designed to deliver what they promise for the GASGAS brand. The passion and obsession of the product manager, Joachim Sauer, for perfection in the production process was almost scary. He went through every production process, from the market-leading bar code system of logging components into the factory through to the end of the production process with the building of each engine. His emphasis on build quality endorses once again the factory’s commitment to addressing any process problems, which can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Trial Magazine on tour.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

GASGAS •Brand

The pursuit of perfection by Product Manager Joachim Sauer in the production process was almost scary!

Production is already in full flow.

When you take into account that the build of each MY23 trials model takes around two hours, you start to understand the process even better. Once the machine builds are finished, they are bar-coded onto the system, ready to be transported to Austria, the home of the PIERER Mobility Group, for worldwide distribution.

As the temperature outside started to drop, we witnessed a superb display of the new models off the production line by the company’s FIM TrialGP World Championship rider, Miquel Gelabert. It was then a short ride back to the hotel for a meet and greet to learn about the new factory personnel who were in attendance and more than happy to talk GASGAS.

UK journalists present made us proud and put us on the podium.

After a long hard day, even for your humble photographer, it was time to have a short break around the resort’s swimming pool before an evening meal and the ‘Olympics’ presentation. Then, it was time to celebrate as we had Michael Brown as the overall trials winner and the very excitable Chris Northover as the overall motorcycle entertainment winner.

After breakfast the following day, it was time to return to Barcelona airport for the two-hour flight home. Was it a good few days? You bet it was, and it bodes so well for the new name you will be talking about for quite a while — GASGAS.

WHEELIE WEDNESDAY

It was another early start. After a hearty breakfast, we were back on the coach heading to the dedicated trials park at Cent Peus. Split into groups, GASGAS had laid out five sections to test the machines under the watchful eyes of the observers and GASGAS staff.

In temperatures approaching the high 30s, the invited test riders could swap between the brand-new 125, 250, 280 and 300cc models from the TXT Racing four-model range. It was very much a case of ‘Wheelie Wednesday’ as we witnessed some exciting riding.

After a much-needed and welcome lunch break, it was time for the GASGAS Olympics. It included various disciplines, including riding under the ‘Limbo’, a stop-and-start test to music and, in English terms, a form of ‘Chicken’ which basically involved four riders trying to stay feetup for the longest in a marked-out square. I am pleased to say that the four

Ready for testing at the dedicated trials park at Cent Peus.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

New GASGAS MY23 models await dispatch to Austria.

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Brand • GASGAS

A new head-stock angle will make the GASGAS more stable.

This new cylinder head with interchangeable inserts for customized power.

They have improved the rigidity of the clutch case.

MY23 GASGAS: WHAT’S NEW

This new generation of GASGAS trial machines revealed in Spain has a long list of improvements across both TXT RACING and TXT GP ranges. The TXT RACING models will be available in 125, 250, 280 and 300cc engine sizes, whilst the two TXT GP models will be 250 and 300cc. Of the new model range, 80% is claimed to be new, with the aim to improve reliability and rider enjoyment.

Still, beneath the brand-new bodywork and aesthetics, it’s where the real developments have been made, featuring a long list of improvements.

MY23 GASGAS TXT RACING • New lightweight steel frame made from cast and tubular parts.

• New aluminium front hangers create a strong connection between the steering head and a larger skid plate, allowing easier engine access.

• New bodywork with moulded graphics and modern styling.

• New stronger clutch cover improves durability and rider feedback.

• New footrest design for improved control.

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This TECH rear shock is standard.

• New exhaust and silencer with a durable end cap.

• New redesigned kick-start lever for improved starting and boot connection.

• New cylinder head with interchangeable inserts for customised power.

• New, shorter and adjustable TECH forks offer 174.5mm of travel.

• NEKEN handlebars and RENTHAL grips.

• Rear TECH shock allows for a personalised rebound and spring preload set-up.

• BRAKES hydraulic clutch and brakes.

• Strong and lightweight wheels with CNC machined hubs.

• Michelin Trial X11 tyres are fitted to the front and rear for maximum traction.

• Patented 4/6-speed transmission

MY23 GASGAS TXT GP • New lightweight steel frame made from cast and tubular parts.

• Newly developed, black anodised aluminium front hangers create a strong connection between the steering head along with a larger skid plate.

• New bodywork with moulded graphics styled in line with GASGAS Factory Racing.

• New cylinder head with interchangeable inserts for customised power.

• New redesigned kick-start lever for improved starting and boot connection.

• New NEKEN handlebars and RENTHAL grips, and GASGAS Factory Racing-inspired bar pad.

• TECH branded front fork with 174.5mm of travel and a KASHIMA coating for enhanced sensitivity.

• Rear TECH TJ3 shock absorber, fully adjustable for riders to create a personalised set-up.

• CNC-machined aluminium triple clamps anodised in black.

• BRAKTEC hydraulic clutch and brakes.

• Strong and lightweight wheels with CNC machined hubs and a lightweight rear rim.

• Michelin Trial X11 tires are fitted to the front and rear for maximum traction.

• Patented 4/6-speed transmission.

• FIM-approved rear brake disk.

Thanks to the obvious and considerable investment made by PIERER Mobility AG to the new GASGAS brand and its longstanding passion and commitment to the sport of motorcycle trials, they are, quite rightly, very proud of the MY23 model range.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

GASGAS •Brand

Trials time.

Developed over the past two years, along with a strengthened Research and Development team, a re-energised GASGAS Factory Racing trials team and a clearer, more detailed testing process, they are very confident that the end customer will be very happy with their latest creations.

The TXT RACING four model range will land in dealerships worldwide from late August 2022, with the two TXT GP models arriving shortly after.

TRIAL MAGAZINE TEST RIDER MICHAEL BROWN – #GASGAS MY23

MB: “Working with Jack Dance, I obviously had an insight into the transformation from Gas Gas to GASGAS when it came under the PIERER Mobility AG umbrella to join both KTM and Husqvarna just a short period ago. As a trials motorcycle manufacturer, they have always been a forward-thinking brand, and with the new owners, they have had the opportunity to push those technical advances even further.

They have embraced this new era of GASGAS with an exceptional two-stroke model range for 2023, as you are about to find out.

“The diaphragm clutch is at the heart of the single cylinder two-stroke engines. In my opinion, still the best in the trials world. The biting point is so precise and strong that when you want to feed the power in, you will never suffer from clutch drag but just a sharp, instant response. They have also improved the rigidity of the outer case, which, in turn, appears to give the biting point an even better feel as it has removed any flex in the casing.

“The production models now offer the option of the interchangeable cylinder head by way of an aluminium insert, once again aimed at individual rider set-up.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Michael Brown: “I always feel that the 280cc is sharper with more than enough power.”

“You may ask why they have stayed with the mechanical carburettor as opposed to the electric fuel injection? Again, it’s just my opinion but all the models I tested, including the little 125cc, performed faultlessly when it came to the carburetion, so why move to the more complex fuel injection? Only time will tell which way this option goes, but for the moment, GASGAS is more than happy with the carburettor set-up.

“There’s a small change in the kick-start lever where the boot makes its purchase but a huge one, which helps to keep your foot firmly on the lever when starting the machine. It was also

interesting to note when the product manager Joachim Sauer was explaining the enginebuild process, just how much more detail has gone into the assembly, quality control and inspection of the components, with the aim of improved reliability.

“On the frame side, this is where a huge improvement has been achieved by introducing the removable front aluminium hangers, making engine maintenance and removal much easier. The headstock area used to consist of ten separate parts, now reduced to five, which means less welding and heat induction. The headstock has been reduced by 7.5mm to lower

Michael Brown: “A super, fun-loving machine, that’s the 125cc.”

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Brand • GASGAS

And the overall trial winner is – Michael Brown.

Michael Brown: “GASGAS red DNA is present everywhere with super-smooth flowing aesthetics.”

the front of the machine; the front forks are also shorter. With a slightly different steering head angle, they are confident that the loose feel at the front of the machine on previous models will now be eradicated. More, stronger in-board footrest location points also add to the improvements. A super-flexible rear mudguard will no doubt hit the profits in the spares department, as it appears to be unbreakable!

“The strong red DNA is present everywhere, and the super-smooth, flowing aesthetics give a very strong modern bold appearance.

“The four test models were very well set up, and I did not even change the handlebar or lever positions. That’s one of the beauties of the Spanish machine; they are so rider-friendly and easy to ride for every level of ability.

“The five sections in the test area were bone

Let’s play the GASGAS MY23 Chicken game!

34

dry due to the extreme summer heat, which meant that the all-important traction on the rocks was at its very best. With so much grip on the rocks and the loose, dusty, bone-dry ground in between, it highlighted the lower front-end changes of the machines. The 7.5mm reduction in the headstock length may not sound much, but it has finally removed the ‘twitchy’ front end that the older models were notorious for.

In addition, with stronger footrest mounting points, it gave a solid, planted feel when riding the rocks.

“With an impressive suspension package which includes the TECH branded products at the front and rear, I could not fault the action on any of the four models. Easy starting and ease of gear change are familiar to all the models in the TXT RACING, made even better, I am sure,

by the quality and inspection of components during assembly.

“I am not the biggest of people, as many of you will know, and believe it or not, swapping around on the four-engine capacities available, I would always arrive back at the 125cc. A super, fun-loving machine, it has more than enough horsepower for the majority of riders, and there was not much that I could not get it to go up.

“Such is the overall performance of the 250cc, it will always be a best seller. I know for a fact that the Trial Magazine editor, John Hulme, used to always prefer this engine size for its allround capabilities.

“Now we come to the ‘280cc or 300cc’ debate.

The 300cc is a power-house: you aim it, open the throttle, and the sky is the limit if you have the ability. I always feel that the 280cc is sharper with more than enough power and if — and that’s a big ‘if’ — I had a rush of blood to the head and decided on a comeback into the Trial2 level of riding, this would be the machine for me.”

THANK YOU

John Hulme: “I had a super time at the GASGAS MY23 launch, and if enthusiasm was rewarded with machine sales, no doubt the new era of this legendary off-road motorcycle manufacturer will continue to go onwards and upwards.

“I would like to thank Simon Roots at GASGAS UK for making it all happen, Michael Brown for his passion and feedback whilst testing the machines, and everyone at GASGAS in Spain for the opportunity to meet friends, old and new, and to enjoy exploring more about this ever-expanding brand. Thank you.”.

John Hulme: “With my good friend Javier Zapata – Technical Product Manager”.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

JACK DANCE (GASGAS-GBR) FIM Trial125 World Champion

TRIAL LUBRICATION JUST REACHED A WHOLE NEW STANDARD Ask your local trial shop for Motorex

International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

THREE DOWN, THREE TO GO

TrialGP Championship Leader: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP)

TrialGP Andorra: Team Toni Bou 200 Wins

36

What a super start to the six-round 2022 FIM Trial World Championship. This year the series visits Spain, Andorra, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy with ten points-scoring days. Already the action has been really hot at the opening three rounds under the baking sun in Hospitalet de L’Infant, south of Tarragona in Spain, for round one before moving to the high-altitude venue at Sant Julia de Loria, Andorra.

Round three then moved to the cooler area of Neunkirchen, which can be found 60 miles east of Cologne. The championship leaders are TrialGP Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP), Trial2 Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP), Trial3 Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR), TrialGP Women Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR), Trial2 Women Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER).

With the manufacturers, Montesa leads the way with its top two riders in TrialGP and Trial2, Toni Bou and Pablo Suarez.

Article: Trials Media Pictures: Trials Media and Repsol Honda August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Trial2 World Championship Leader: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP)

In Spain, the TrialGP, TrialGP Women, Trial2 and the new Trial3 (formerly Trial125 class) would attract a solid entry of just under 90 competitors, with the majority of the 12 sections located in the local dried-up river bed at Llastres found just outside the host town. Made up of huge, dry rocks and climbs based around the river, the riders would compete over two laps on the 12-kilometre course.

Riders arrived at Sant Julia de Loria, Andorra, for another two points-scoring days. As we have seen so many times in the past, this location had a varied selection of sections from the dry, rugged exposed rocks on the hillside overlooking Sant Julia de Loria before moving to the rocky river found on the opposite side of the hillside in the shaded wooded area. This 12-kilometre course would take in 12

TrialGP Women Championship Leader: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR)

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Trial3 World Championship Leader: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR)

sections to be ridden over the two laps.

After Spain and Andorra, the championship moved to Neunkirchen in Germany, 60 miles east of Cologne, for round three. The classes to be contested would be the TrialGP, TrialGP Women and Trial2, as well as the first round for the Trial2 Women. The four classes attracted a strong entry of just over 80 competitors. This location has a varied selection of sections split into two halves with a mixture of man-made sections near the start area and followed by more natural ones close by in the very steep wooded hillside area. This compact five-kilometre course would take in the mandatory 12 sections to be ridden over the two laps.

With a summer break in the championship now, let’s look at what’s happened so far in the first three rounds in 2022.

Trial2 Women World Championship Leader: Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE)

37

International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

TRIALGP

TONI ON TARGET As expected, it’s the 35-year-old trials superstar that is Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP), who is heading the 2022 championship. With Busto winning the opening round in Spain, however, it looked like the last 15 years of domination by Bou may have been coming to an end.

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and Roger Rovira Media 38

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP)

Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP)

Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP)

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP)

He bounced back on day two, though, before his oldest rival, Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP), knocked him off the top spot on day one in Andorra. As we have witnessed so much in the past with Bou, when under pressure, he performs at his very best and three consecutive wins at the last three rounds have proved this.

A very frustrated Adam Raga was disqualified in Germany on day two for allegedly cutting the course — it’s hard to believe, considering how compact it was — but, with no points, there he is now a distant third in the championship.

Of the younger riders wanting to move up in this premier class, no one has really made their mark apart from Busto and, at times, Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP), but the older guard of Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) and Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) keep interrupting them. Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) keeps missing his top form, but in truth, the younger riders have a huge gap to bridge if they are to challenge for the podium.

A newcomer to the class in 2022, the efforts of Great Britain’s Toby Martyn (TRRS) are not being reflected in his results, but as the experience grows, we are sure this will change.

Even after three rounds, Toni Bou and the four-stroke Repsol Honda remain in charge. He has managed to open up a clear championship advantage with just Jaime Busto (VertigoESP) managing to hang onto him. But, with a 23-point advantage already, is he on course so early in the season for title number 16; we will have to wait and see.

Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA)

39

International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP)

Jorge Casales (Scorpa-ESP)

2022 FIM TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SPAIN: ROUND ONE, DAY ONE RESULTS: 1: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 29; 2: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 35; 3: Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP) 45; 4: Aniol Gelabert (Beta-ESP) 51; 5: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 51; 6: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 60; 7: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 62; 8: Jorge Casales (Scorpa-ESP) 63; 9: Benoit Bincaz (GASGAS-FRA) 64; 10: Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 71; 11: Toby Martyn (TRRSGBR) 74; 12: Luca Petrella (GASGAS-ITA) 82; 13: Teo Colairo (Beta-FRA) 98.

SPAIN: ROUND ONE, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 10; 2: Busto 11; 3: Raga 32; 4: Casales 43; 5: Marcelli 45; 6: Miquel Gelabert 50; 7: Aniol Gelabert 54; 8: Grattarola 58; 9: Bincaz 62; 10: Fajardo 64; 11: Martyn 86; 12: Petrella 88; 13: Colairo 108.

ANDORRA: ROUND TWO, DAY ONE RESULTS: 1: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 39; 2: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 48; 3: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 61; 4: Jorge Casales (Scorpa-ESP) 63; 5: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 68; 6: Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP) 69; 7: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 70; 8: Toby Martyn (TRRSGBR) 78; 9: Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 78; 10: Aniol Gelabert (Beta-ESP) 85; 11: Luca Petrella (GASGAS-ITA) 90; 12: Benoit Bincaz (GASGASFRA) 92; 13: Teo Colairo (Beta-FRA) 101.

ANDORRA: ROUND TWO, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 18; 2: Raga 28; 3: Fajardo 30; 4: Busto 33; 5: Grattarola 34; 6: Casales 36; 7: Marcelli 43; 8: Miquel Gelabert 46; 9: Bincaz 52; 10: Aniol Gelabert 52; 11: Martyn 60; 12: Petrella 64; 13: Colairo 78.

40

Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR)

GERMANY: ROUND THREE, DAY ONE RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 29; 2: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 39; 3: Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 44; 4: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 45; 5: Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP) 47; 6: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 50; 7: Jorge Casales (Scorpa-ESP) 58; 8: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 61; 9: Aniol Gelabert (Beta-ESP) 67; 10: Benoit Bincaz (GASGAS-FRA) 72; 11: Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR) 76; 12: Luca Petrella (GASGAS-ITA) 76.

GERMANY: ROUND THREE, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 15; 2: Grattarola 25; 3: Busto 25; 4: Fajardo 40; 5: Miquel Gelabert 44; 6: Marcelli 46; 7: Bincaz 56; 8: Aniol

Gelabert 56; 9: Petrella 60; 10: Martyn 66; 11: Casales 71; DNF: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP).

THREE OF SIX ROUNDS COMPLETED – SIX POINTS-SCORING DAYS POSITIONS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 114; 2: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 91; 3: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 73; 4: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 71; 5: Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP) 65; 6: Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 64; 7: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 59; 8: Jorge Casales (Scorpa-ESP) 58; 9: Aniol Gelabert (Beta-ESP) 49; 10: Benoit Bincaz (GASGAS-FRA) 40; 11: Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR) 34; 12: Luca Petrella (GASGAS-ITA) 28; 13: Teo Colairo (Beta-FRA) 12.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

www.comastrial.com Exclusively imported into the UK by Camio Moto Trade enquiries welcome by contacting 01246 792033 or sales@camiomoto.co.uk

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

TRIAL2

OH SO CLOSE

Wow, where do you begin with Trial2? With four winners, three rounds down and six pointsscoring days, it is oh so close at the top as Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) and Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) tie on 98 points.

Article: Trials Media

Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR)

42

Spain: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP)

Suarez on the Montesa has been the sensation of the series with three round wins, two in Spain and one in Germany, which gives him the advantage on the four-stroke.

Haga has yet to hit the top spot of the podium but he remains close to his rival as the only rider on the podium at all of the six rounds; will consistency see him through in the second half of the season?

It was a huge redemption day for Great Britain’s hungry young rider Billy Green (Scorpa) in Andorra.

Sensationally disqualified on a technicality with his minder after posting the lowest score on day two in 2021, he went out and won on day one this year. He was absolutely delighted, as were many of his followers; it was well deserved.

Slowly but surely, the confidence is coming for Billy, but he knows he needs to visit the podium more if he is

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Andorra, Day One: Billy Green (Scorpa-GBR)

Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP)

Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR)

to get close enough to challenge Suarez and Haga for the title.

The other individual round winners are Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) in Andorra and Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP) in Germany on day two. This rounds off the top five positions, with the top 15 in this class staying so competitive. If you look at the winning scores in the majority of the rounds, they are quite low. This is not a reflection of the severity of the sections but the competitive level of riding. It’s also worth noting the progress of Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA), the only electric rider. Excuse the pun, but he was electric in Spain with a shock fourth position, looking very confident. With the FIM TrialE Class now finished, he has opted to ride in the Trial2 class; his tenth position in the championship standings speaks volumes for the French manufacturer’s progress in developing electric machines. Chatagno can also ride pretty well, as we have already seen.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA)

43

International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

Hugo Dufrese (Vertigo-FRA)

2022 FIM TRIAL2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SPAIN: ROUND ONE, DAY ONE RESULTS: 1: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 2; 2: Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP) 7; 3: Sondre Haga (BetaNOR) 17; 4: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) 20; 5: Billy Green (Scorpa-GBR) 21; 6: Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA) 22; 7: Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) 22; 8: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 25; 9: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 28; 10: Mattia Spreafico (Vertigo-ITA) 29; 11: Alex Canales (Sherco-ESP) 32; 12: Hugo Dufrese (Vertigo-FRA) 32; 13: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 33; 14: Gerard Trueba (Beta-ESP) 34; 15: Jarand Gunvaldsen (TRRS-NOR) 36.

SPAIN: ROUND ONE, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 17; 2: Jack Peace 17; 3: Haga 24; 4: Green 25; 5: Dufrese 25; 6: Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR) 30; 7: Tournour 30; 8: Dan Peace 32; 9: Trueba 33; 10: Farre 34; 11: Canales 35; 12: Gandola 35; 13: Chatagno 40; 14: Tsuyoshi Ogawa (Beta-JPN) 47; 15: Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA) 49.

Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR)

GERMANY: ROUND THREE, DAY ONE RESULTS: 1: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 23; 2: Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) 26; 3: Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP) 27; 4: Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) 32; 5: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 33; 6: Billy Green (Scorpa-GBR) 35; 7: Alex Canales (Sherco-ESP) 36; 8: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 36; 9: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) 40; 10: Hugo Dufrese (Vertigo-FRA) 40; 11: Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA) 41; 12: Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA) 43; 13: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-GER) 51; 14: Marco Mempor (GASGAS-AUT) 51; 15: Gerard Trueba (Beta-ESP) 51.

GERMANY: ROUND THREE, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP) 8; 2: Haga 20; 3: Green 20; 4: Suarez 24; 5: Canales 26; 6: Dufrese 29; 7: Jack Peace 31; 8: Gandola 35; 9:

Kadlec 42; 10: Rabino 42; 11: Tournour 46; 12: Mats Nilsen (TRRS-NOR) 49; 13: Dance 50; 14: Dan Peace 51; 15: Martinez 51.

THREE OF SIX ROUNDS COMPLETED – SIX POINTS-SCORING DAYS POSITIONS: 1: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 98; 2: Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) 98; 3: Billy Green (Scorpa-GBR) 82; 4: Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP) 73; 5: Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) 58; 6: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 57; 7: Hugo Dufrese (Vertigo-FRA) 49; 8: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 39; 9: Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA) 38; 10: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) 33; 11: Alex Canales (Sherco-ESP) 31; 12: Gerard Trueba (Beta-ESP) 29; 13: Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR) 28; 14: Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA) 18; 15: Mattia Spreafico (Vertigo-ITA) 16.

ANDORRA: ROUND TWO, DAY ONE RESULTS: 1: Billy Green (Scorpa-GBR) 8; 2: Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) 13; 3: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 16; 4: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 17; 5: Hugo Dufrese (Vertigo-FRA) 19; 6: Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR) 20; 7: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 20; 8: Gerard Trueba (Beta-ESP) 25; 9: Mattia Spreafico (Vertigo-ITA) 27; 10: Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA) 28; 11: Gianluca Tournour (GASGASITA) 28; 12: Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) 31; 13: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 32; 14: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) 33; 15: Alex Canales (ShercoESP) 34.

ANDORRA: ROUND TWO, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) 2; 2: Haga 4; 3: Farre 7; 4: Green 9; 5: Trueba 11; 6: Suarez 11; 7: Mats Nilsen (TRRS-NOR) 11; 8: Chatagno 11; 9: Dufrese 13; 10: Jack Peace 13; 11: Dance 14; 12: Tournour 15; 13: Spreafico 16; 14: Dan Peace 17; 15: Rabino 20.

44

Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA)

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

TRIAL 3

HARRY’S GAME The heat is on for everyone in the newly titled FIM Trial3 World Championship. Still with an engine capacity limit of 125cc, it has produced three winners from the first four rounds. The opening two rounds in Spain and Andorra in the first half of the eight points-scoring championship days have endured blistering temperatures and the hot action to go with it.

Article: Trials Media

Great Britain’s number-one prospect for this title, Harry Hemingway (Beta), took the initiative at the opening round to lead the way with an impressive opening day victory. On day two, he was beaten by David Fabian (Beta-CZE) after two fives from Harry; one from taking the wrong route in a section on the second lap did not help!

Competing at a high altitude, the 125cc machines were on the edge of their power outputs in the second round in Andorra.

However, this did not stop a tremendous ride from Scotland’s Jamie Galloway (TRRS), who went all the way to take his first FIM Trial World Championship win in a close-fought battle with Harry, the older of the two Hemingways, on day one.

On day two and riding at the very top of his game, Harry put in a masterclass performance to part with no marks for the win, with his younger brother George close behind him on just three marks lost. It was a very proud day for the Yorkshire-based Hemmingway family as the elated parents, Dan and Emma, witnessed their two young sons standing on the podium in first and second position, a world championship first. Jamie Galloway stood with them in third position, moving up to second overall in the points standings.

Great Britain’s only other rider in this class, Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo), continues to work hard with a career-best of eighth position on day one in Spain, consistently scoring points in the other three rounds.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Jamie Galloway (TRRS-GBR)

47

International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

David Fabian (Beta-CZE)

2022 FIM TRIAL3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPAIN: ROUND 1, DAY 1

RESULTS: 1: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 7; 2: Adria Mercade (Scorpa-ESP) 12; 3: David Fabian (Beta-CZE) 21; 4: Jamie Galloway (TRRSGBR) 24; 5: George Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 26; 6: Jorge Iglesias (GASGAS-ESP) 31; 7: Hugo Barrera (Sherco-ESP) 36; 8: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo-GBR) 37; 9: Giacomo Brunisso (Beta-ITA)

George Hemingway (Beta-GBR)

37; 10: Mirko Pedretti (Beta-ITA) 45; 11: Romeo Piquet (Beta-FRA) 46; 12: Alex Overby (Beta-DEN) 49; 13: Anton Riedel (Beta-SWE) 58; 14: Mateu Crespi (TRRS-ESP) 58; 15: Lilian Bailly (Beta-FRA) 63.

7: Iglesias 47; 8: Barrera 48; 9: Pedretti 48; 10: Mercade 49; 11: Piquet 56; 12: Overby 58; 13: Anton Parkkonen (TRRS-FIN) 61; 14: Lampkin 62; 15: Audry Agnolin (Beta-FRA) 71.

SPAIN: ROUND 1, DAY 2

RESULTS: 1: Jamie Galloway (TRRS-GBR) 20; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 21; 3: Mirko Pedretti (Beta-ITA) 24; 4: David Fabian (Beta-CZE) 28; 5: George Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 33; 6: Hugo Barrera (Sherco-ESP) 37; 7: Mateu Crespi (TRRSESP) 41; 8: Giacomo Brunisso (Beta-ITA) 43; 9: Adria Mercade (Scorpa-ESP) 44; 10: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo-GBR) 51; 11: Jorge Iglesias (GASGASESP) 43; 12: Romeo Piquet (Beta-FRA) 54; 13: Alessandro Ame (TRRS-ITA) 55; 14: Audry Agnolin (Beta-FRA) 60; 15: Anton Riedel (Beta-SWE) 61.

RESULTS: 1: David Fabian (Beta-CZE) 4; 2: Harry Hemingway 15; 3: Galloway 28; 4: George Hemingway 35; 5: Brunisso 43; 6: Crespi 47;

ANDORRA: ROUND 2, DAY 1

ANDORRA: ROUND 2, DAY 2 RESULTS: 1: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 0; 2: George Hemingway 3; 3: Galloway 11; 4: Fabian 17; 5: Pedretti 17; 6: Brunisso 20; 7: Mercade 24; 8: Iglesias 25; 9: Barrera 25; 10: Lampkin 29; 11: Agnolin 30; 12: Alex Overby (Beta-DEN) 37; 13: Piquet 39; 14: Crespi 42; 15: Ame 43.

TWO OF FOUR ROUNDS COMPLETED – FOUR POINTS-SCORING DAYS

Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo-GBR)

48

POSITIONS: 1: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 74; 2: Jamie Galloway (TRRS-GBR) 63; 3: David Fabian (Beta-CZE) 61; 4: George Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 52; 5: Adria Mercade (Scorpa-ESP) 39; 6: Mirko Pedretti (Beta-ITA) 39; 7: Giacomo Brunisso (Beta-ITA) 36; 8: Hugo Barrera (Sherco-ESP) 34; 9: Jorge Iglesias (GASGAS-ESP) 32; 10: Mateu Crespi (TRRS-ESP) 23; 11: Alfie Lampkin (VertigoGBR) 22; 12: Romeo Piquet (Beta-FRA) 17; 13: Alex Overby (Beta-DEN) 12; 14: Audrey Agnolin (BetaFRA) 8; 15: Anton Riedel (Beta-SWE) 4.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

TRIALGP WOMEN

EMMA’S IN CHARGE

Seven-time FIM winner in the TrialGP Women’s World Championship, Great Britain’s Emma Bristow continues to lead the way in this year’s series.

Article: Trials Media Head and shoulders above the rest on ability, it is usually in the easier, lowscoring events where she is the most vulnerable, and the door is left open in the event of any marks being parted with. Spain’s Berta Abellan on the Scorpa is her nearest challenger, who proved she can win with her first visit to the top step of the podium in Andorra on day one, and on day two in Germany.

With three championship rounds now completed, Emma holds the advantage at the top of the points table; she knows how to remain focused as her nearest rival, Abellan, tries to reel her in.

Fighting for the final step on the podium has seen some very strong battles between Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA) and Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) in the opening rounds. Very evenly matched on ability at each of the first six events, they remain very close in the championship table.

Spare a thought for Great Britain’s young Alicia Robinson. A nasty accident on day one in Spain whilst carrying out the section inspection could have had some very serious consequences if it was not for the quick-thinking action of the people close by, including her minder Matt Dixon. Now back in action, it was a huge sigh of relief when she made her way into the points in Germany after being unable to complete the Spanish event and having to miss Andorra as she recovered from her injuries.

50

Andorra: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP)

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA)

Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR)

Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA)

2022 FIM TRIALGP WOMEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPAIN: ROUND ONE, DAY ONE

RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 4; 2: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP) 9; 3: Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) 21; 4: Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA) 23; 5: Huldeborg Barkved (GASGAS-NOR) 26; 6: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-GER) 39; 7: Madeleine Hoover (GASGAS-USA) 55; 8: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 58; 9: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 65; 10: Alessia Bacchetta (GASGAS-ITA) 66; 11: Erika Melchior (GASGAS-NOR) 67; 12: Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) 70.

SPAIN: ROUND ONE, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 2; 2: Abellan 16; 3: Rabino 31; 4: Monnier 33; 5: Wachs 53; 6: Barkved 54; 7: Ter Jung 58; 8: Giro 61; 9: Melchior 68; 10: Hoover 71; 11: Gallieni 72; 12: Bacchetta 75.

ANDORRA: ROUND TWO, DAY ONE RESULTS: 1: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP) 23; 2: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 24; 3: Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) 51; 4: Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA) 54; 5: Huldeborg Barkved (GASGAS-NOR) 57; 6: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-GER) 57; 7: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 66; 8: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 67; 9: Erika Melchior (GASGAS-NOR) 67; 10: Madeleine Hoover (GASGAS-USA) 68; 11: Alessia Bacchetta (GASGAS-ITA) 77.

ANDORRA: ROUND TWO, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 12; 2: Abellan 27; 3: Monnier 34; 4: Rabino 35; 5: Barkved 37; 6: Wachs 49; 7: Ter Jung 50; 8: Gallieni 53; 9: Hoover 57; 10: Melchior 57; 11: Bacchetta 61.

GERMANY: ROUND THREE, DAY ONE RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 18; 2: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP) 23; 3: Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA) 42; 4: Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) 43; 5: Huldeborg Barkved (GASGAS-NOR) 53; 6: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 62; 7: Sarah Bauer (TRRS-GER) 63; 8: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-GER) 67; 9: Madeleine Hoover (GASGAS-USA) 71; 10: Jule Steinert (TRRS-GER) 72; 11: Erika Melchior (GASGAS-NOR) 85; 12: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 86.

GERMANY: ROUND THREE, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP) 5; 2: Bristow 12; 3: Rabino 32; 4: Monnier 42; 5: Robinson 60; 6: Barkved 61; 7: Wachs 61; 7: Ter Jung 66; 8: Bauer 62; 9: Steinert 65; 10: Hoover 76; 11: Melchior 90; 12: Gallieni 91.

THREE OF FOUR ROUNDS COMPLETED – SIX POINTSSCORING DAYS

Andorra Podium – Day One

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

POSITIONS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 114; 2: Berta Abellan (ScorpaESP) 108; 3: Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA) 84; 4: Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) 84; 5: Huldeborg Barkved (GASGAS-NOR) 64; 6: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-GER) 58; 7: Madeleine Hoover (GASGAS-USA) 41; 8: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 36; 9: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 35; 10: Erika Melchior (GASGAS-NOR) 35; 11: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 21; 12: Alessia Bacchetta (GASGAS-ITA) 20; 13: Sarah Bauer (TRRS-GER) 17; 14: Jule Steinert (TRRS-GER) 13; 15: Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) 12.

51

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

TRIAL2 WOMEN

WOMEN ALL EQUAL

It would be the third round of the FIM Trial World Championship in Germany that would welcome the 2022 Trial2 Women’s class to the series.

As it turned out, it would a very close fight between Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) and Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER), who both took a win each.

Article: Trials Media

Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE)

This feeder series for the talented ladies, Trial2, has turned out to be a very keen contest. The opening two rounds in Germany produced two very clear winners. Riding in front of a home crowd, it was a delighted Sophia Ter Jung on the TRRS who took the win on day one after she and two other riders, Theresa Bauml (Vertigo-GER) and Keity Meier (TRRS-EST), had all tied after the opening lap, on nine marks lost. On the second lap, Ter Jung upped her game to part with just four

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

more marks as Pechackova did a superb recovery job to part with just five marks and pushed Bauml down to third.

Great Britain’s Kaytlyn Adshead on the TRRS recovered from a poor opening lap of 16 marks lost to climb up to finish fourth, with Keity Meier fifth.

After overnight rain the sections were more difficult on day two as the mud was carried onto the many rocks, which was reflected in the higher winning score of 15 from Denisa Pechackova. Her

clear winning score put her well in front of her rivals, who had no answer to her two-lap scores of eleven and four.

Sophia Ter Jung kept her calm in a close contest with Theresa Bauml, outpointing her by just two marks, as Bauml stopped in the final section of the day.

With this championship only being contested over two rounds and four points-scoring days, it will be all to play for at the final round in Italy in September.

53

International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER)

Theresa Bauml (Vertigo-GER)

Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR)

2022 FIM TRIAL2 WOMEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GERMANY: ROUND ONE, DAY ONE

RESULTS: 1: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 13; 2: Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) 20; 3: Theresa Bauml (Vertigo-GER) 21; 4: Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR) 25; 5: Keity Meier (TRRS-EST) 28; 6: Alycia Soyer (TRRS-FRA) 31; 7: Sara Trentini (Vertigo-ITA) 32; 8: Alessia Bacchetta (GASGAS-ITA) 35; 9: Marine Auriers (GASGAS-FRA) 37; 10: Laia Pi Ramirez (Beta-ESP) 37; 11: Regitze Jensen (Vertigo-DEN) 50; 12: Seline Meling (Beta-NOR) 51; 13: Justyna Lonycz (GASGAS-POL) 64; 14: Hannah Schneider (BetaGER) 73; 15: Margaux Pena (Electric Motion-FRA) 76.

GERMANY: ROUND ONE, DAY TWO RESULTS: 1: Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) 15; 2: Ter Jung 27; 3: Bauml 29; 4: Meier 31; 5: Soyer 31; 6: Trentini 33; 7: Adshead 33; 8: Bacchetta 50; 9: Auriers 55; 10: Lonycz 58; 11: Schneider 60; 12: Meling 61; 13: Pena 65; 14: Pi Ramirez 6; 15: Chantal Deraaff (GASGAS-NED) 83.

ONE OF TWO ROUNDS COMPLETED – TWO POINTS-SCORING DAYS

Podium Day Two — The championship top three

54

POSITIONS: 1: Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) 37; 2: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 37; 3: Theresa Bauml (Vertigo-GER) 30; 4: Keity Meier (TRRS-EST) 24; 5: Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR) 22; 6: Alycia Soyer (TRRS-FRA) 21; 7: Sara Trentini (Vertigo-ITA) 19; 8: Alessia Bacchetta (GASGAS-ITA) 16; 9: Regitze Jensen (VertigoDEN) 12; 10: Justyna Lonycz (GASGAS-POL) 9; 11: Laia Pi Ramirez (Beta-ESP) 8; 12: Seline Meling (Beta-NOR) 8; 13: Marine Auriers (GASGAS-FRA) 7; 14: Hannah Schneider (Beta-GER) 7; 15: Margaux Pena (Electric Motion-FRA) 4.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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What’s new • EM 2023

EM 2023

SWITCHED ON With its presence growing year on year in an ever-changing world, particularly in motorcycle trials, the ‘switched on’ EM company, better known as Electric Motion, continues to raise the bar with its electric-powered model range in this significant area of securing the future of the sport. The Production of the electric motorcycles is at the new factory, which was opened in 2019 and can be found in Vendargues, France. Around this new production facility, you can find a beautiful business area, with the opportunity to expand when the time arrives. A machine test area is easily accessible, as is the nearby motorway. We use the words’ switched on’ again because that’s the entire vision of the motorcycle manufacturer’s future secured with the knowledge and experience of its leader, the superenthusiastic Philippe Arresten and a team of young, forward-thinking staff. This year the official 2023 model launch would again take place at the superb Moto-Club Sommierois, found just outside Villevieille, France.

Words: Trial Magazine – John Hulme • Pictures: Jean Finiels Trial Club and Ulrich Masen

Philippe Arresten on the far right enjoys EM DAY 2023.

62

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

EM 2023 • What’s new

A world first for EM: the 2022 Scottish Six Days Trial.

A

quick catch-up with Philippe Arresten is always welcome, and he is more than happy to tell you just how pleased he is about how the new generation of EM models is driving the change in the sport of motorcycle trials.

Philippe Arresten: “Already 2022 has been a fantastic year, starting with the efforts of our French rider Gael Chatagno and Matthew Alpe, our official UK importer, at the Scottish Six Days Trial in May. We were ridiculed and laughed at when we made it apparent that the two riders would enter this historic six-day event on our EM machines, but we had every faith in our product. I was confident that the battery life was capable of taking on this arduous challenge; the electric machines are homologated to the equivalent of 125cc fuel-aspirated machines, and the suspension and cycle components are very similar to the same motorcycles.

“Both riders did EM proud, with Gael finishing 19th and Matthew 72nd. The icing on the cake was the award for the Best Foreign Rider and Best up to 200cc machine against some very strong opposition for Gael.

“Winning the 2021 FIM TrialE World Championship was another first for a French motorcycle manufacturer before the class was removed in 2022. In this situation, we moved Gael Chatagno into the FIM Trial2 World Championship.

Gael Chatagno has been a revelation on the EM in the FIM Trial2 Class World Championship.

Jean Pena, the Commercial Director of Marketing at EM, takes to the stage.

Christophe Bruand puts on his ‘Dust’ display.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

63

What’s new • EM 2023

2023: This new Domino throttle is to improve the power control and sensitivity.

2023: The Epure Race, now equipped with a Reiger TwoWay rear shock absorber.

2023: A new brake pedal tip with an improved design and quality.

He again showed the considerable potential for electric-powered machines with a superb fourth-place finish in Spain on day one. Off the back of these monumental moments in motorcycle trials, I am happy to present the 2023 four-model EM range to you.

“Bringing Marc Colomer’s experience and understanding of the EM models into the whole project, he has helped to refine the mechanical and electrical aspects arriving to deliver the 2023 machines. Marc’s input really deserves the utmost respect from everyone at EM”.

2022 EM DAY – BIGGER AND BETTER

Jean Pena, Commercial Director of Marketing: “As we move forward in this ever-changing world, we are so happy and grateful that most of our partners, distributors and collaborators have come to this third edition of the EM DAY. For the last three years, at around the same period at the end of June and the beginning of July, we have organised this event to present our new technologies and innovations to all our partners. This year was very special as we had the pleasure and honour of having the presence of the legendary rider Takumi Narita, who is also our Japanese importer. Takumi was involved in our ‘Legend Trial Contest’ that we organised with our riders Gael Chatagno (FRA), Christophe Bruand (FRA) and the 1996 FIM World Trials Champion Marc Colomer (ESP). It was awesome to have this team trial contest, with Marc and Christophe challenging Takumi and Gael in five sections in front of all our EM partners. Christophe also performed twice during the day, demonstrating his crazy shows with flips and jumps on his ‘DUST’ structures supported

by Gael, who showed his pure trials skills”.

The EM DAY is also the day of the official presentation of the new EM models.

JP: “Everyone invited can test the new models, and this is also the perfect moment to see all our suppliers, EM importers, EM dealers, EM ambassadors, EM riders, press, etc., to discuss, organise meetings and workshops, and share the experiences all together. It is a good opportunity to meet everyone, and share experiences of the EM machines face to face, where we can all speak openly. We have seen most of our EM distributors worldwide, including Belgium, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Japan and the United Kingdom. The following day was spent training them through specific workshops and sessions during the visit to our EM factory. This helps all our importers and dealers to be more efficient in the quality and speed of service they can provide to the end consumer”.

2023: A new metallic-grey frame colour.

In the flesh it all looks bold and vibrant.

2023 EM MODELS

One of the significant features of the 2023 EM range is the AntiReverse which is available on all EM models. This innovation allows the opportunity to stop the rear wheel in extreme conditions for more safety as it will avoid the machine going backwards by activating the Progressive Regenerative Brake (PRB).

The new 2023 EM models include many improvements and new features: new map settings for more efficiency, more traction and more power; a new brake pedal tip with an improved design and quality; a new Domino throttle to improve the power control and sensitivity for more 64

It goes as good as it looks!

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

EM 2023 • What’s new

2023: EM EPURE.

2023: EM EPURE RACE.

EM ESCAPE.

2023: EM ESCAPE R.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

65

What’s new • EM 2023

Matthew Alpe has played a major part in the success of EM.

2022: The very first all-EM trial.

precision; and a new metallic grey frame colour.

The manufacturer’s best-seller, the Epure Race, is now equipped with a Reiger two-way rear shock absorber with hydraulic and spring settings and a new flywheel for more inertia and power at high rpm.

Moreover, both of the top range models, 2023 Epure Race and Escape ‘R’ are also equipped with: a new clutch and clutch piston for more reactivity, better strength when under load; the TKO (Tick Over) on three maps instead of two; and new Neken handlebars for EM. Matthew Alpe, Official UK EM importer: “Attending the EM day is always an enjoyable time as I can see first-hand what innovation the engineers at the French motorcycle manufacturer are bringing to the new model range. All the new parts and upgrades are aimed at helping the rider make the transition from fuel-aspirated engines to electric as comfortable as possible.

“Since day one, when we became the official UK EM importers a few years ago, the machine sales have increased, and more recently, we have seen a promising trend of more riders making the change.

“I am very proud to state that as the UK importer, we have played an essential part in this with our open and training days.

“After the success we achieved at the Scottish Six Days Trial, where EM became the first motorcycle manufacturer to enter and compete in this iconic event with electric-powered motorcycles, it immediately changed the mindset of many riders. There were no dramas for either myself or Gael, just 100% fun and enjoyment; no worries over deep river crossings or air filter changes; both EM machines came out with flying colours, proving the battery life and reliability”.

“After the Scottish Six Day Trial success, the telephone lines became electric with many potential new customers wanting to come and try the EM machines on our excellent training facility at my sister company Inch Perfect Trials. Here we can provide dedicated staff to go out with riders wanting to purchase the 66

electric machines to show them how easy it is to transition from petrol to electric power.

“With so much interest in the brand in the UK, just a couple of months ago, we organised the first all-EM trial at Inch Perfect. With an encouraging entry of close-on 40 riders from all walks of life and of very different ages, we had a super day. We set out a course around the training facility with ten sections, included with observers and helpers in all the sections. I also had training staff dedicated to the business’s electric side to help explain how to get the best out of the other French machines.

“Without a doubt, the electric side of motorcycle trials, and off-road riding generally, is growing faster than most people realise. We have to be honest with ourselves and also take note of the change in the automotive sector.

At one time, not many people would have even considered an electric car, but now the trend has changed. It is the same with the off-road transition, and no doubt it will just continue to grow, which should open the door to more areas where the machines can be ridden with less noise and pollution. I am a one-hundred per cent convert to the two-wheeled electric world.

Why not get in touch and come and try one

of the new EM models? I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised. Philippe Arresten is quite rightly proud of what he has achieved with EM; I know I am”.

John Hulme, Trial Magazine: “I tested the Electric Motion trials models many years ago and witnessed first-hand the slow transition with the general public to make the change in a world so aware of a changing mindset over the future of the planet, never mind motorcycle trials. In 2022 they are very good, very different, but most importantly, becoming much more accepted. Not just in appearance but also in the way they ride. Being very linear and smooth, I would describe them as similar to a four-stroke motorcycle.

“No doubt, at some point, the other major trials manufacturers will start to look seriously at the future of electric-powered machines. I love my diesel Mercedes Vito van but working alongside Kia cars, one of the magazine supporters through Triangle Kia and David Dench; I have driven all-electric and hybrid cars. When the mindset of what you drive changes, so does the enthusiasm. I am sure I will soon become converted to a cleaner way of driving”.

2022: Matthew gets the message across: electric is the future.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Meeting • Jack Challoner

JACK CHALLONER

RIDE ON SUNDAY, SELL ON MONDAY

It is an age-old saying, ‘Ride on Sunday, sell on Monday,’ but it is one that still works in the modern world of motorcycles. I first came into contact with Jack Challoner at the back-end of a very successful youth trials career in late 2006. He was a lovely young lad; if anything, a little shy when I first met him, maybe reserved is a better description, but very ambitious. Dougie Lampkin has influenced a whole generation of trials riders, you can argue he still does, and a young Jack always looked up to his hero. The lifespan of a professional trials rider can be short but enjoyable; success and championships can be won before the move into the sport’s premier league, now named the FIM TrialGP World Championship, is made. But, as you are about to discover, Jack made his mark before injuries forced him away from the world championship dream. He still enjoys his trials riding but can now be found heavily involved in the sales department at Craigs Honda as part of a very successful two-wheel road-based dealership. So just remember when you enquire about a motorcycle purchase at Craigs Honda, and Jack Challoner picks up the phone, the ‘Ride on Sunday, sell on Monday’ still applies to someone with a huge amount of experience in the motorcycle world.

Words: Trials Media with Jack Challoner • Pictures: Trials Media 68

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Jack Challoner • Meeting

Selling road-going motorcycles was a huge new area to work in.

W

ith a very rewarding and successful youth career behind him, he moved into the adult world in 2009, and it was tough, to say the least. As part of the Top Trial Team based in Italy, he won and finished fourth in the 2009 FIM Junior World Trials Championship before taking a hard-fought title in 2010.

In his debut in the 2011 FIM X-Trial Indoor World Championship, he finished sixth and ninth in the FIM World Trials Championship.

It was time to speak with Jack about his world championship career.

2011 was when it all got serious Jack Challoner: “I was living in Italy with the Bosi family, who were the Top Trial Team, using Beta machinery. Before this, for the last 12 years, my parents had helped finance the whole job. They have been a total inspiration throughout even the toughest moments. I can never forget my minder Michele Bosi and the whole Bosi family at Miton Top Trial Team.

2011 was the fourth year I had ridden for the Top Trial Team.

“I moved to the Bosi team to meet the family at the end of 2007. John Lampkin, the Beta UK importer, introduced me to the team, and during a meeting with them, I explained my ambitions. Michele said he would do everything he could to give me the best chance of winning the 2008 World Youth Championship, and we won it!”

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Working at Craigs Honda has been a steep learning curve.

Winning the ACU Youth A Class in in 2007.

69

Meeting • Jack Challoner

2008: With my right-hand man, my father Simon.

Finishing in 24th position and taking the Best Newcomer award at the 2008 SSDT.

You were very much a part of their family.

JC: Michele’s father, Riccardo, has also been very supportive in my career; his machine preparation is second to none, the Beta was always awesome. Whenever I was out in Italy, they treated me like part of the family, which was fantastic; it created a very relaxed, stress-free atmosphere within the team. I also had the best Italian food in the world as Daniella, Michele’s mother, looked after the cooking and I can tell you it’s something special! These were fantastic times with some of my best memories from my world championship days.”

2012 was a good year.

JC: “On paper, it all looked very promising, and it was! Looking back on my career, everything was in place, and on reflection, in 2022, 2012 was a very good year. I moved up to seventh in the world, scoring points in every round, including a sixth-place finish in Spain. Unfortunately, 2013 was the opposite and turned into a challenging year. I damaged my ankle. It made training and riding difficult. I also lost a significant financial sponsor; I struggled, if I am honest. Despite scoring points again in every round, I dropped to tenth in the world championship.”

Chilling out on the guitar in 2009.

70

Champagne time: winning the 2008 FIM World Youth Championship

2009 FIM Junior World Trials Championship action in Ireland.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Jack Challoner • Meeting

Indoor action at the Sheffield Indoor.

For 2014, you then moved to Ossa.

JC: “It was a new machine and, in truth, very good, but too fragile. The year turned into a disaster after starting with a bad crash in two indoors. First, I broke my right hand at Sheffield’s opening FIM X-Trial world championship. It was on the wooden ‘sleeper’ section. The rules were new for 2014, and you would be penalised one mark if you ‘sumped out’ — if your machine’s sump plate touched the hazard. I went up the first part of the big step okay then, usually, I would have killed the machine’s speed by sumping out on the top. On this occasion, I tried to ride it a little quicker, but I was too fast. It meant I had to jump down from the top, around five metres, and I landed with a very heavy impact. The Ossa suspension and the tyres absorbed most of this, but my throttle hand slipped, and my hand bent under the handlebars resulting in the injury — it hurt! I then badly gashed my leg

2014 with the Ossa, a year ruined by injuries.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

2012 was a very good year, scoring points in every round of the FIM World Trials Championship to finish seventh including a career best sixth place finish in Spain.

in Austria at an invitation indoor; I was falling out of love with my passion for motorcycle trials. It was at that moment I realised that I needed a back-up plan.”

Tell us about your introduction to trials.

JC: “My life started in Halifax, Yorkshire, where I first put my leg over a Honda QR50 when I was four. Unfortunately, the Honda was stolen, and it wasn’t until I was seven that my father, Simon, bought me a Yamaha TY80 to play on. I wanted to be like my father, a speedway rider in his day, but the slower world of trials really caught my interest.

“After progressing through the local Yeadon and Guiseley youth series, I won my first ACU Youth National Championship crown, which was the C Class, in 2003. I was 12 years old.

Two years later, in 2005, I won the B Class Championship.

“I always rode Beta machinery, gaining

support from John Lampkin at Beta UK in 2003. I won the A Class in 2007, two European Youth Championships in 2006 and 2007, and the 2008 FIM Youth World Championship before moving into the adult world.

Wind the clock forward to 2015 JC: “I knew my time as a full-time professional trials rider was over at the end of 2014, but I had a building apprenticeship lined up; this was my plan B. Then when my good friend Martin Crosswaite asked me if I wanted to join him in doing stunt shows. It was a huge breath of fresh air for 2015. Martin’s words were, “You learn how to backflip, and then we’ll sell shows” – he wasn’t joking! So we built a foam pit in his garden, and after plenty of crashes, I mastered the trick. It was a fantastic opportunity, one I will always be grateful to Martin for, along with our commentator Wayne Kershaw. Together we created ‘On The Edge Motorcycle Stunt Show’

Martin Crosswaite asked me if I wanted to join him in doing stunt shows in 2015. His words were, “You learn how to backflip, then we’ll sell shows.” He wasn’t joking! This is the Trial Magazine poster.

73

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Jack Challoner • Meeting

In 2016 Aaron Holmes invited me to join Craigs Motorcycles.

and had a great year. After that, I was still on a trials motorcycle, and life looked much better.

“In early 2016, I made another career change though, when Aaron Holmes from Craigs Motorcycles offered me the opportunity to join his dealership with a job in sales.”

Craigs Motorcycles JC: “I’ve known the Holmes family for many years, having gone to school with Craig’s other son Matthew. I’m very thankful they saw potential in me even though I had zero sales and customer-facing experience. Despite having many motorcycle franchises under one roof, they took on Husqvarna, and my initial job role was to focus on Husqvarna sales. That soon led to selling all brands and learning a lot about the industry. Then in September 2017, I was contacted by Vision Ramps, who were working with Cirque Du Soleil on the design of a potential new show in Las Vegas, USA. They asked if I’d be interested in going to Montreal, Canada, to do a ‘showcase’ to try and sell the show to MGM resorts.”

Off-road sales was a new learning area.

Las Vegas – Showtime; how cool does that sound?

JC: It sounded like a dream, and I contacted my good friend Michael Brown to see if he was interested. We went for three weeks of rehearsals in Canada, followed by the showcase at the end of the trip. It was a fantastic experience and the start of our journey with Cirque du Soleil. I continued working at Craigs.

Aaron was very supportive about the new venture in the USA, and Craig told me there would always be a job for me at the dealership. It was quite a while before I was contacted again, and both Michael and I were offered contracts.

Cirque du Soleil would run a new stunt show called RUN. “After we returned home, I was offered a contract. It was to ride an electric trials machine, an Electric Motion, in the ‘RUN’ show that would be set in the theatre of the Luxor Hotel and Casino on the Vegas Strip. We would do two shows per night, five nights a week for 48 weeks of the year; the contract was until the end of 2020 — the money was pretty good too.”

2018 with two of my best friends, Martin Crosswaite and Arron Holmes.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

It was time for the Atlantic Crossing.

JC: “This was a massive life decision for me as I had to leave my son Luca, who was only four years old at the time, but we made it work, and he came to see me in Vegas with my father.

“Michael and I went to Canada to the Cirque du Soleil’ HQ’ in mid-May 2019 for five weeks of training with the entire cast before moving to Vegas at the start of July — or at least that was the plan until I crashed whilst training and broke my ankle, again!

“I stayed a further eight weeks in Montreal on my own in Cirque Du Soleil’s rehabilitation centre, which was tough. They put me in the best shape I’ve ever been, and I was ready for Vegas. The rented house I would be sharing, along with some FMX riders, was just 15 minutes from the Vegas strip. The training carried on when we arrived in Vegas; our rehearsal time was 12-hour days in the beginning, as well as physical fitness classes.

“Each show was 75 minutes long, separated into different scenes. We were integrated into most of the scenes, which involved both Trials

Totally on the limit in the 2018 FIM Trial World Championship round at Addingham Moorside on the way to 11th in the Trial2 Class on the Montesa scoring points.

75

Meeting • Jack Challoner

Having fun in Vegas, it was a blast in the USA.

and FMX, as well as having our own scene near the end of the show. We used the 2019 Electric Motion trials machines in the shows, which had no exhaust emissions.”

Escaping from Covid-19.

JC: “It was quite apparent after a couple of months of shows that we knew that ticket sales weren’t going as planned. We were in the process of starting a revamp of the show in the new year, but this never got started as the agreement between Cirque du Soleil and MGM resorts was terminated at the start of March.

“Our last show was the 8th of March, but things soon went from bad to worse with the outbreak of Covid-19. With the USA stopping international travel, we all returned as quickly as possible.”

Back to reality JC: “That was pretty much it in reality; as good as his word, Craig had a job waiting for me on my return, although now at the company’s other branch, ‘Craigs Honda,’ selling road models with Matthew. It was another completely different venture for me in the beginning, as I didn’t know a thing about road motorcycles, but now, more than two years in, I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve got Matthew to thank for that. In addition, I have just recently bought a house with my girlfriend and partner-in-crime, Sopphire, where we have a great setup with Luca and her son Arlo.

With Danny Cockshot and Aaron Holmes at the 2022 SSDT.

76

We take it you still love riding in trials?

JC: “I’ve got to start this by saying a major thank you to Aaron, who has literally kept me riding a trials motorcycle. He’s an exmotocross rider who is now the keenest trials rider this side of the planet, and his enthusiasm for the sport, along with the support through Craigs, has been phenomenal.

“We rode the Scottish Six Days Trial together this year along with Danny Cockshott; we had an amazing week. I would also like to thank Graham Foster-Vigors at Honda UK for the support up there with the Montesa Cota 4RT, a superb machine for the event.

“There are so many people to thank that have supported me through my trials career, and I will be forever grateful to them all. The biggest one goes to Josie and big Si, Mum and Dad, and my sister Brooke; it would have all been impossible without them – thank you.”

Still 100% enjoying trials at the Scottish Six Days Trial on the Montesa.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Electric • Oset

ELECTRIC

A TRIUMPH FOR TRIALS

The Press Release announcing the acquisition of OSET by Triumph Motorcycles went global and put the word ‘Trials’ in front of a truly worldwide audience. Big News indeed; amongst all the speculation that resulted, the Press Release was left to speak for itself. No interviews were granted, with the exception of this one for Trial Magazine…

The OSET story has always been interesting. But wow, it has now become even more intriguing, even more interesting, and even more exciting! If any of you have been hiding under a rock, you may have missed the news. OSET Bikes have been acquired by Triumph Motorcycles. Yes – one of the premiere motorcycle companies in the world, and by far and away the biggest British brand, has dipped its toe back into the trials universe. OSET founder Ian Smith confirms: “For me, this is a perfect match. OSET remains OSET, with the support and backing of the very best company we could ever dream of working with. Triumph are huge players on the global stage and are venturing into the off-road sector in a big way. The future could not be any more exciting!”

Words: Words: Ian Smith and TM • Pictures: Triumph and Trials Media 78

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Oset • Electric

Above: Triumph are the sole engine supplier to the Moto2 series.

Top left: Triumph’s ‘Factory Tour Experience’ features a two-storey museum.

Bottom left: Historic bikes including the 1902 ‘first bike’ are on display.

I

n last month’s Trial Magazine, Ian revealed OSET’s own bold strategy. A complete makeover of the foundations of the business has been going on since 2018. This is about to bear fruit, with new products in the pipeline. Ian predicts 2023 will be a big step forward for OSET. Ian Smith: “I already revealed that OSET will have new, ground-up redesigns of our existing trials range. What I couldn’t reveal before was the tie-in with Triumph. We are only a month into this ‘new beginning’, but I can safely say that the chocks are off the wheels and we’re ready to fly. I can’t reveal anything other than short-term plans, so will leave the market to speculate for itself.”

Tell us more about the relationship with Triumph.

IS: “Triumph have purchased OSET from myself and Louise.

Triumph are very much behind OSET as a brand and wish us to continue everything as we have done before, but with their backing, support and advice. We will remain in exactly the same structure, with the same OSET HQ location, the same staff, and the same involvement in the sport of trials. I am CEO, and Louise is still integral to the business on a daily basis. We have no intention of switching off and are actually more enthusiastic about the future than ever before.”

And presumably more power in the market?

IS: “We can all see that electric products are ‘hot’ and part of our futures. Electric cars, bicycles and skateboards are enhancing and expanding those core markets. I see the same for trials and off-road motorcycle products. BUT, in the great scheme of things, OSET have been swimming in a small pond — despite selling 40,000 bikes in our time.

Bigger fish will be coming into the market and OSET would struggle to fight to expand our ’space’ in the future. With Triumph behind us we have the best of both worlds. We can remain with our ethos and outlook, and stay firmly based in the trials universe, but we also have potential to expand into other areas. It’s been a dream of mine to swim with the bigger fish, and now I know we can do it. Nothing happens overnight but I see our future as very bright.”

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Ricky Carmichael and Ivan Cervantes are working on the Triumph off-road range.

Steve McQueen. A legend who loved his Triumphs.

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Electric • Oset

The Triumph factory is huge, housing almost 700 staff.

involved with at some level. For fun, for sport, for training and for high-level competition. Trials is ‘THE’ best basis for becoming an expert in any form of motorcycling. Our bikes have always allowed people from many backgrounds to try trials and get involved with motorcycles from a young age.”

The Triumph TE-1 is a ground-up electric project coming close to fruition.

TM: Do you see trials growing as a sport?

IS: “Yes, our entire ethos from the beginning has been to make our sport more accessible and grow it from the youngest riders up. Triumph is absolutely on board with this and understand that feeding the market this way is necessary for motorcycling to become healthier in general. The demographic of motorcycle riders is getting older and older, and it needs to get younger. Trials used to be huge in comparison to today. We’ve all seen the pictures from the heyday of the Scott and Scottish Six Days Trial with huge crowds of people. Trials now is complicated and subjective. MX and MotoGP races are simple… finish first and you win! Mistakes add excitement in racing. Mistakes in trials look like… mistakes. I don’t have complete answers for the future but I do believe that electric bikes will be part of a resurgence.

At its best trials is something that everyone on the planet who likes two wheels can be

Back to Triumph. Tell us a bit more about what they are up to.

IS: “I’ve been lucky enough to spend time with Triumph and seen some amazing projects. It’s huge; there are 698 employees at a massive facility in Hinckley. Triumph will be entering the off-road market with an all-new range of MX & Enduro machines. They are working with names I expect we have all heard of. Ricky Carmichael is known as the GOAT — the ‘Greatest Of All Time’ with 12 highest level MX and Supercross Championships. Also with five-time enduro World Champion Ivan Cervantes. The team they have put together is incredible. Triumph are deeply involved in Road Racing too, as the engine supplier for Moto2 and competing in various championships around the world. They are also very advanced with their TE-1 electric street bike. It is fair to say that, at any given time, Triumph have a lot of interesting things going on!

Triumph recently celebrated a million bikes sold since the 80s relaunch.

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August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Electric • Oset TM: And of course, Triumph have a big history in off-road, and in trials.

IS: “Yes, about 30% of the entry in the 2022 Pre65 Scottish are on Triumph’s Tiger Cubs, 350s, etc. In fact, most of the winners, 21 one of them since it started in 1984, have been on Triumphs.

Triumph have a rich history in almost every facet of motorcycle sport. Their first motorcycle was built in 1902, and since re-establishing in the 80s they have sold over one-million machines.

They have just had their biggest sales year in their entire history, and it’s onwards and upwards from here. An amazing company, doing amazing things. It’s great to be a part of it.

You have mentioned your desire to enter the full-size trials market before.

IS: “I’ve said many times that I want to enter this market. It’s hotting up, with Electric Motion getting some great results at the SSDT and at the FIM World Championship Trials, Yamaha teasing with their TY-E, and with rumours of others. Trials is the perfect sport for electric machines to compete straight-up against petrol ones. The OSET range has always been

Production of 20-30,000 bikes will come back to the UK soon.

competition-capable straight out of the box. Our premise has always been to make the best tool for the job. In youth trials, we have proven that it can be electric. This has opened trials to many more people. I believe we could do the same for adult trials.”

How has the reaction been in the marketplace?

IS: “Overwhelmingly positive. We’ve been out every weekend at events and practice days and spoken to a lot of people directly and indirectly.

We have received press coverage all over the world — with the sport of trials featured in all.

We have been congratulated by pretty much everyone we’ve come across. If I had to sum up the reaction from all over the world, there’s really only one word to describe it. Excitement. For OSET, and for the sport of trials.”

Triumph linking up with OSET can lead in many directions, but one thing is certain: Ian Smith, and OSET, are now part of Triumph Motorcycle Group and this is huge news. The future has yet to unfold, but from where we’re standing, this combination could have some very positive impacts on this sport we love. Watch this space!

Triumphs feature in a lot of films, from Bond to Mission Impossible.

Gary MacDonald, the winner of the 2022 Pre-65 Scottish.

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August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

Toby Martyn (TRRS UK)

TRIAL GB

TOBY ATTACKS

Despite its introduction in 2022 to reverse the order of starting positions, where the winner from the previous round in ACU Trial GB class will be the first rider to start, followed by the other riders’ finishing positions, meant the fight for supremacy remains between the current championship leader Jack Peace and the defending champion Toby Martyn on the TRRS. Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Heath Brindley and Trials Media

With six rounds contested, Jack and Toby have three round wins and three extra points for the best-lap scores. The twopoint championship lead the younger of the two Peace brothers holds is the result of the second-place finish from older brother Dan in the Lake District round held at Torver as he pushed Martyn into third. Of the last four rounds, the Lake District event proved to be on the low-scoring side, leaving no room for error, whilst Addingham Moorside near Silsden is always a hard venue, reflected in the winning score of 30 marks lost. The move to the Devon double header and the exposed Peter Tavey venue was again affected by rain and wind, resulting in a tough day’s riding on the rocks and mud, with Martyn’s winning score of 53 marks lost the highest of the year.

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Jack Peace (Sherco)

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

Dan Peace (Sherco)

At the heavily wooded area of Kelly’s Farm near Newton Abbot, it was Martyn who rose to the occasion, knowing he needed to win to keep his championship hopes alive. Using all his skill, he took a clear victory from Jack Peace.

The remaining two rounds, one in Yorkshire and the final in Wales, should prove very interesting in the fight for the premier title on the UK trials scene; these are two totally different venues.

Dan Peace holds a strong third position as Billy Green (Scorpa) looks for that elusive first podium of 2022, followed by the newcomer in this class Jack Dance who is learning all the time on the GASGAS.

ROUND 3, TORVER RESULTS: 1: Jack Peace (Sherco) 12; 2: Dan Peace (Sherco) 18; 3: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 19; 4: Billy Green (Scorpa) 25; 5: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 34.

Billy Green (BMS Scorpa)

ROUND 4, SILSDEN RESULTS: 1: Jack Peace (Sherco) 30; 2: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 36; 3: Dan Peace (Sherco) 55; 4: Billy Green (Scorpa) 78; 5: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 100.

ROUND 5, PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 53; 2: Jack Peace (Sherco) 59; 3: Dan Peace (Sherco) 66; 4: Billy Green (Scorpa) 88; 5: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 89.

ROUND 6, NEWTON ABBOT RESULTS: 1: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 32; 2: Jack Peace (Sherco) 53; 3: Dan Peace (Sherco) 74; 4: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 90; 5: Billy Green (Scorpa) 128.

2022 ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 6 OF 8 ROUNDS

Jack Dance (JST GASGAS)

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

POSITIONS: 1: Jack Peace (Sherco) 114; 2: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 112; 3: Dan Peace (Sherco) 88; 4: Billy Green (Scorpa) 78; Jack Dance (GASGAS) 70.

85

Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

Iwan Roberts (TRRS UK)

ACU TRIAL 2

ROBERTS REMAINS STRONG With four winners from the opening six rounds, a strong Iwan Roberts (TRRS) holds the lead over a very determined young Harry Hemingway (Beta).

Article: Trials Media Pictures: Heath Brindley, Leah Robinson and Trials Media The opening two wins in this class came from the vastly experienced Sam Connor (Beta), who remains consistent, and Ross Danby (TRRS), whose primary focus in 2022, moved to Enduro.

Losing out on the most cleans to Roberts in round three in a tense low-scoring event at Torver inspired Hemingway to his first win in Trial 2 on home ground in Yorkshire. He knew a win was needed if he was to maintain his 2022 championship challenge and duly delivered as Harry Turner (Scorpa) made his first podium appearance in this class in third.

Using his vast experience Iwan Roberts made it to the top spot on the podium on a difficult day in the high-scoring Peter Tavey round with a clear win in front of his rival as a new name appeared on the podium with Chris Stay (TRRS) taking the final spot.

On the second day of the Devon ‘double header’, they traded

86

Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK)

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

Harry Turner (BMS Scorpa)

Oliver Smith (TRRS UK)

places again, but this time it was Harry Hemingway on the top spot with Roberts second and a return to the podium for Turner. With two wins each, Roberts still holds the overall championship lead with the points advantage gained in the opening two rounds.

A newcomer to the class in 2022, Scorpa rider Harry Turner continues to improve to hold third position in front of Oliver Smith (TRRS), with the first-round winner Sam Connor in fifth.

But, no doubt, all eyes will be on Roberts and Hemingway in the final two rounds in the fight for the 2022 championship.

ROUND 3, TORVER RESULTS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 15; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 15; 3: Andy Chilton (Scorpa) 20; 4: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 22; 5: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 28; 6: James Fry (Sherco) 31; 7: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 40; 8: Sam Connor (Beta) 40; 9: Chris Stay (TRRS) 42; 10: Sam Yeomans (Vertigo) 43.

ROUND 4, SILSDEN RESULTS: 1: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 18; 2: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 27; 3: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 29; 4: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 36; 5: Dec Bullock (Beta) 50; 6: Chris Stay (TRRS) 58; 7: Sam Connor (Beta) 60; 8: James Fry (Sherco) 64; 9: George Morton (Scorpa) 65; 10: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 74.

ROUND 5, PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 49; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 69; 3: Chris Stay (TRRS) 81; 4: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 82; 5: Sam Connor (Beta) 82; 6: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 90; 7: George Morton (Scorpa) 93; 8: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 94; 9: James Fry (Sherco) 106; 10: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 111.

ROUND 6, NEWTON ABBOT RESULTS: 1: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 24; 2: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 29; 3: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 35; 4: James Fry (Sherco) 45; 5: Chris Stay (TRRS) 48; 6: Sam Connor (Beta) 55; 7: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 59; 8: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 73; 9: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 77; 10: George Morton (Scorpa) 84.

2022 ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 6 OF 8 ROUNDS

Chris Stay (TRRS UK)

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

POSITIONS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 110; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 102; 3: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 72; 4: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 62; 5: Sam Connor (Beta) 58; 6: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 56; 7: Chris Stay (TRRS) 54; 8: James Fry (Sherco) 51; 9: George Morton (Scorpa) 33; 10: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 31.

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ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

TRIAL EXPERT

THORPE THRILLER

Dan Thorpe (JST GASGAS)

With the highest entry of all the four 2022 ACU British Championship classes, finding a winner in Trial Expert was always going to be hard to predict. Brad Bullock (Beta) stole the glory in round one before Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) came fighting back in round two, leaving the title fight wide open.

Article: Trials Media Pictures: Heath Brindley, Leah Robinson, Trials Media George Gosden (Beta), based on the Isle of Wight, made the third round his own with a clear, convincing win as Thorpe and Emma Bristow fought for the remaining podium positions.

On the abundance of rocks found on the hillside at Addingham Moorside overlooking Silsden, it was a female who led the way home. An elated Emma Bristow put in an excellent effort to claim the win in front of an on-form Charlie Smith (Vertigo), who was followed home

by Sam Beecroft-Penny (TRRS) as Thorpe was pushed down to fourth. Only one championship point separated Thorpe and Bristow as they ventured south for the Devon double header at Peter Tavey and Newton Abbot.

Two very different venues would produce just one winner, Dan Thorpe. In the wet and wind at the exposed Peter Tavy, he would use his many years of experience to work his way through the demanding sections parting with marks where necessary to

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Emma Bristow (Sherco)

89

Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

George Gosden (Beta-UK)

produce a clear win in front of a determined George Gosden who finished second. Smith was again third as Bristow slipped down to finish fifth.

Round six on the steep wooded climbs found at Kelly’s Farm produced another win from Thorpe as Bristow came storming back to take second and Smith finished third, as this time it was Gosden who dropped off the pace to finish fifth behind Brad Bullock. Emma Bristow needs a strong performance in Yorkshire at round five if she is going to become the first female rider to take an adult ACU British Championship title. Still, Dan Thorpe will undoubtedly look to add to his past championship wins.

Charlie Smith (Inch Perfect Vertigo)

ROUND 3, TORVER RESULTS: 1: George Gosden (Beta) 20; 2: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 32; 3: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 36; 4: Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) 45; 5: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 49; 6: Charlie Smith (Vertigo) 51; 7: Brad Bullock (Beta) 54; 8: John Sunter (Montesa) 61; 9: Danny Gamble (TRRS) 72; 10: Brett Harbud (Beta) 73.

ROUND 4, SILSDEN RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 18; 2: Charlie Smith (Vertigo) 21; 3: Sam Beecroft-Penny (TRRS) 27; 4: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 27; 5: George Gosden (Beta) 28; 6: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 32; 7: Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) 34; 8: Brad Bullock (Beta) 38; 9: Joseph Collins (Beta) 41; 10: Corey Dubik (Vertigo) 43.

ROUND 5, PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 34; 2: George Gosden (Beta) 57; 3: Charlie Smith (Vertigo) 63; 4: Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) 72; 5: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 74; 6: Corey Dubik (Vertigo) 76; 7: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 81; 8: Cameron Brice (Beta) 81; 9: Brad Bullock (Beta) 81; 10: Joseph Collins (Beta) 85.

ROUND 6, NEWTON ABBOT 1: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 16; 2: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 22; 3: Charlie Smith (Vertigo) 23; 4: Brad Bullock (Beta) 23; 5: George Gosden (Beta) 27; 6: Sam Beecroft-Penny (TRRS) 31; 7: Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) 33; 8: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 35; 9: Corey Dubik (Vertigo) 41; 10: Joseph Collins (Beta) 45.

2022 ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 6 OF 8 ROUNDS

Brad Bullock (Beta-UK)

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POSITIONS: 1: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 110; 2: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 96; 3: George Gosden (Beta) 86; 4: Charlie Smith (Vertigo) 79; 5: Brad Bullock (Beta) 70; 6: Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) 61; 7: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 54; 8: Corey Dubik (Vertigo) 38; 9: Sam Beecroft-Penny (TRRS) 34; 10: Joseph Collins (Beta) 26.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

Jamie Galloway (TRRS UK)

George Hemingway (Beta-UK)

TRIAL 125

JUMPING GEORGE

Putting the hammer down early on in the championship with five straight wins gave George Hemingway (Beta) the advantage as this championship now approaches its conclusion.

Article and Photos: Trials Media George jumped to the head of the points table as Scotland’s Jamie Galloway (TRRS) raised his game to start pushing him as the year opened out. Hemingway’s winning margins were a huge void for Galloway to close down, but he has achieved this step by step, culminating with the win in round six. It was always going to happen, as he made his intentions clear that he was closing in at rounds four and five.

On the Vertigo, Alfie Lampkin remains strong in third position in the championship despite problems at round five, which pushed him down to fourth on the day, leaving the door open for Jay Piper (Beta) to make his first 2022 podium visit.

92

Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo UK)

ROUND 3, TORVER RESULTS: 1: George Hemingway (Beta) 29; 2: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 43; 3: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 54; 4: Jay Piper (Beta) 103; 5: Finlay Rule (Scorpa) 110; 6: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 127.

ROUND 4, SILSDEN RESULTS: 1: George Hemingway (Beta) 28; 2: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 28; 3: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 43; 4: Jay Piper (Beta) 98; 5: Finlay Rule (Scorpa) 104; 6: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 141.

ROUND 5, PETER TAVY RESULTS: 1: George Hemingway (Beta) 54; 2: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 56; 3: Jay Piper (Beta) 113; 4: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 120; 5: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 133; 6: Finlay Rule (Scorpa) 134.

ROUND 6, NEWTON ABBOT RESULTS: 1: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 27; 2: George Hemingway (Beta) 35; 3: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 53; 4: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 82; 5: Finlay Rule (Scorpa) 85; 6: Jay Piper (Beta) 88.

2022 ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 6 OF 8 ROUNDS POSITIONS: 1; George Hemingway (Beta) 122; 2: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 107; 3: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 88; 4: Jay Piper (Beta) 77; 5: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 65; 6: Finlay Rule (Scorpa) 64.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Catch up • Oliver Smith

OLIVER SMITH

CASA DEL SMIFFY When your passion in life involves two wheels, you soon become part of a larger family of enthusiasts.

In the case of 21-year-old Oliver Smith, the hand of friendship from myself goes back to a very wet day in Derbyshire in 2008, would you believe! Near to where I live is Victory Quarry, a well-known off-road motorcycle trials venue near Buxton in Derbyshire.

It was the very early days of my career with Trial Magazine, and I had gone along to watch a YMSA trial when I spotted a very out-of-place family — you may ask, why out of place? It was July 2008, and in a very heavy summer downpour, there was this family with no waterproofs. So it was a dash back to my van for umbrellas and waterproofs and a huge thank you from a very appreciative Ian Smith, his wife Louise and the rest of the young family. It was my first introduction to the oldest of the children, Oliver, and my first sighting of the new OSET electric trials machines. As they say, the rest is history. Wind the clock forward to 2022, the relationship has grown, as has the family. From that very day, we all remain the very best of friends. With a massive passion for motorcycle trials, it was time to learn about the new world of ‘Casa Del Smiffy’ and his latest project.

Full concentration in the 2022 ACU British Trials Championship.

94

Words: John Hulme with Oliver Smith • Pictures: Trials Media, Andy Withers OSM and Leah Robinson

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Oliver Smith• Catch Up

On the early OSET in 2008.

The first question has to be – why Casa Del Smiffy?

Oliver Smith: “It all started with Stuart and Sarah Hammond, who started calling me ‘Smiffy’, which was quickly adopted by the large group of friends that all rode at Hookwood’s Trials Centre at the time. Eventually, there was a Facebook Messenger group chat to arrange a ride at my small plot of land in St Leonards with a group of friends, and on a whim, it was named ‘Casa Del Smiffy’, which literally means ‘House of Smiffy’. The small and rather insignificant name morphed into the parent company that it is today. The inspiration for the logo stems back to Stuart Hammond, who kindly made a sign to hang up in the riding area, which I now proudly have in my room at Uni.” Why clothing?

OS: “Riding kit is a necessity, as we all know when competing. Some brands do it better than others but also stand at contrasting price points. For me, there was a gap in the market for inexpensive yet high-quality gear that can be used and abused every weekend. I set out to fill this gap and am pleased to see it coming to fruition. I have a product that I would genuinely choose to buy over the established brands due to its durability and price. It will be difficult to compete in an already saturated market, but I hope that people will see the work that has gone into it to make a quality product for the public to enjoy.”

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Oliver with his father Ian at the 2019 Scottish Six Days Trial.

Tell us briefly about your OSET connection.

OS: Without OSET, there would be no Oliver Smith within trials today, as would be the case for many of the riders coming up the youth ranks. Watching the brand grow alongside me has been fascinating, to say the least, taking in machine development and what it requires to run a successful business but also noting the hardships and the commitment it takes

to keep everything afloat. All of these will prove invaluable in my future journey with my business.

“In terms of my trials career, the opportunities that OSET has opened for me have been brilliant, allowing me to meet incredible people along the way and compete across the globe.

These are things you cannot learn behind a desk and for which I am forever grateful. I have

OSET has been Oliver’s life from the very early models through to the present range.

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Catch up • Oliver Smith

Younger brother Elliot, alias ‘Chubb’ is a very competent rider, seen here in 2019.

been extremely fortunate to experience these alongside my family, where we have shared endless experiences at the countless venues we have visited over the years. To also see my younger brother Elliot’ Chubb’ rise through the ranks is something I am incredibly proud of. He has turned into quite the little rider, but more so a cracking personality, with everyone I meet exchanging hilarious stories of some of his antics. I am just waiting for the day he beats me at a trial; ask me how I feel then!”

Did you enjoy school?

OS: “School has always been a bit of a struggle for me, with my brain usually stuck somewhere in a section from the weekend. However, I have always been keen to learn creative subjects, which has eventually led me to where I am now: in university, studying marketing and learning how to promote a business and brand to consumers. I have always struggled with the numbers aspect of the business, but I hope to improve in the coming years with the experience Casa Del Smiffy will give me. This should all build a well-rounded knowledge of how to operate a business in today’s tumultuous climate.

“Coming to university has also allowed me to move to Derbyshire. The riding up here is second to none, and I can enjoy a multitude of venues within an hour and more venues accessible within 2-3 hours. In addition, it has allowed me to explore different aspects of my riding, which was not possible in the southeast.

“The biggest help in my move has come from a few key people. First on the list are Barry and Sally Burton from the famed YMSA Trials, who took me under their wing from the word go. We have had endless hours of fun on the rocks of Dudwood Farm, with Barry giving me a hard time and teaching me more than is possible 96

to say – on and off a motorcycle! Also, Paul Turner. He pulled me out of some precarious situations and offered his hospitality and help whenever possible. They have all helped no-end with advice and knowledge in my first year of attempting to be more grown-up and responsible, and without them, I would be more lost than I already am.”

2022: MIRO Prototypes before the production run.

What’s your vision of the two-wheeled off-road future?

OS: “Coming from a background of electric bikes, I can see the future being turned in that direction. I am a massive fan of the current trials machines we have on the market today, but electric power could undoubtedly take over. Personally, I think we are

Living the ultimate trials dream, competing in the 2022 Scottish Six Days Trial.

Posing in some early MIRO designs.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Catch up • Oliver Smith still a few years away from achieving the same level of performance. My TRRS is a phenomenal motorcycle that I have not reached the full potential of, whereas current production electric bikes do not match the potential for the higher-level riders.

“For children, there is no question that the OSET bikes are the best place to start your riding career. My younger brother Elliot is an example of someone who only wants an electric bike. He doesn’t enjoy the petrol models, at least at the moment.

“As technology keeps advancing, I believe that electric power will overtake and open up the doors for more innovative events that can break away from the stale state of the trials world at the moment. Electric bikes could make way for urban events, which will draw in the public interest and create a general knowledge of our niche sport.

When will you finish university?

OS: “At the moment, I have finished my first year of university, which seems surreal. I have another three years starting in September. In the short term, I will focus on my business over the summer, developing new products for the next production run. I want to push the MIRO brand as much as possible around the UK, which means lots of different events to compete in to gain exposure and improve myself in competitions. I still love riding my motorcycle more than anything else in the world, so I expect an unhealthy number of hours will be spent on the TRRS training for the Scott and 2023!”

2022: ‘Casa Del Smiffy’ has his sights set on an off-road future.

WHO IS — OLIVER SMITH

What’s your vision for the business in ten years?

OS: “It is impossible to say where myself or the business will be in 2032, but you can visit my website — www.miroproducts.com — to see the direction I am going in. Casa Del Smiffy is an umbrella company that houses MIRO underneath it, so there is room for future expansion beyond the MIRO brand. I want to see MIRO grow into a significant player in the trials game in that time. I believe we can offer what other brands cannot, and I hope to carry this into the future.”

Finishing the 2022 SSDT with friends Tom Hawthorne and Hugh Barker.

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Looking the part in the 2022 MIRO riding kit.

FULL NAME: Oliver Robert Lindsay Smith DOB: 28/03/2001 WEIGHT: 11st HEIGHT: 6ft1inch WAIST SIZE: 30” CHEST SIZE: 35” SHOE/BOOT SIZE: 11 LOOKS: Slightly homeless!

RELATIONSHIP: Single FAMILY: Mum, Dad, Elliot’ Chubb’ and Ella PETS: Rufus and Milo LIVES: Derby, Derbyshire LIKES: Vans, multitools and motorcycles DISLIKES: Aubergines BEST MOMENT: Tuesday in Scotland 2022 with the boys WORST MOMENT: Having to take time off motorcycles FAVOURITE RIDERS: Tommy Hawthorne, ‘Fujigas’ and Travis Pastrana FAVOURITE FOOD: Salmon and Chorizo FAVOURITE DRINK: Rattler FAVOURITE COUNTRY: UK DREAM CAR: Renault Traffic 2.5L LWB MAGAZINES: Trial Magazine NEWSPAPER: MCN TRANSPORT: Renault Traffic 2.5L LWB MOTORCYCLE: TRRS 300 MUSIC: Royal Blood OTHER SPORTS: Mountain Bikes, Trials Bicycles CRASH HELMET: Airoh RIDING KIT: MIRO Products RIDING BOOTS: Stylmartin DREAM: To win an adult ACU British Championship CURRENT SPONSORS: TRRS UK, SW Trials, OSET Bikes, MIRO Products, YMSA Trials

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Celebration • Santigosa Three-Day Trial

SANTIGOSA: 1972-2022

A GOLDEN JUBILEE

As a base point of fact in history books, we all look to the Scottish Six Days Trial in Scotland as the most famous motorcycle trial in the world.

Since 1909, it has given ideas and inspiration to so many other events over the years. As we all know, the sport grew from its British origins of man and machines before the European interest in the 1960s. Spanish motorcycle manufacturers, inspired by the great Sammy Miller and his move to Bultaco in 1965, wanted a piece of the trials action. Over the next few years, they would push the once-mighty British motorcycle manufacturers aside. Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa were the machines to own, and with such interest in them, the sport of motorcycle trials would continue to grow in Europe. The Spanish looked in envy at the famous Scottish Six Days Trial; they wanted their own event. As a competition, Santigosa was born in 1970 with a one-day trial, driven by three friends, Oriol Guixà, Jordi Permanyer and Miquel Canal. With the idea in place and with more support from a large number of people from Sant Joan de les Abadesses in 1972, the Santigosa Three-Day Trial was born.

Words: Trial Magazine with support from the Moto Club Abadesses and Josep Cubi Pictures: Joan Valls, Nacho Bertran, Pep Segales and Narcis Sans 100

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Santigosa Three-Day Trial • Celebration

At the very first Santigosa One-Day Trial in 1970 the local people came to see what trials was all about.

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resented with a book by my good friend Carlos Casa at the Scottish Six Days, it catalogued the history of the Santigosa Three-Day Trial from 1972 to 2022. I felt very privileged to receive it. Using the book as a reference point, I have included some words from it to give you an insight into the event.

CONNECTIONS

The parents of Oriol Guixà had purchased the Santigosa estate, and in 1970 he and Jordi Permanyer, the son of the owner of Montesa, had an idea for a one-day trial. It would be a low-key event for local riders, but word soon got around just how good the organisation was and — the most important factor — the trials area to be ridden on.

In the early days, chalk-boards were used to record the results.

Discussing a section in 1973 are Oriol Guixà, Jordi Permanyer and Jordi Magnet.

Trial Magazine • August-September 2022

Local people embraced the trial and welcomed it into the town.

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Celebration • Santigosa Three-Day Trial

Gas Gas has the most wins in the trial; this is the first one in 1989 with Joan Freixas.

The first two competitions were excellent, and, with the connections through Montesa that Jordi Permanyer had, it attracted many of Spain’s leading riders. The success of these first two events planted the seed for them to organise a Spanish, Scottish Six Days Trial. The three-day trial would come to life in 1972 when the third key person in this success story, Miquel Canal, came on board. He was the connection that was needed with the local community, who enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to bring the event to life.

Jordi Magnet and the late Ricard Pinet would join these three, who would both play vital roles in its early success.

Pinet was a huge trials supporter and a very knowledgeable Clerk of the Course. He was a selfless and key figure in the organisation for almost 40 years.

Word soon started to circulate on the international trials scene about this new event, and in 1976 the Moto Club Abadesses came to life, which continues to organise the Santigosa Three-Day in 2022.

The late Ricard Pinet with Mick Andrews in 1994.

A TRIAL FOR EVERYONE

The theme has always been about a motorcycle trial for everyone, from the clubmen riders of the two-wheeled sport through to the full-time professionals. An event born in the ‘boom times’ of the sport, the three mighty manufacturers of Bultaco, Montesa and Ossa would soon be fighting for supremacy. They would all send their leading riders to win what was the ‘One to Win’ in Europe, and the success sold motorcycles, which kept everyone happy as the sport grew at an alarming rate.

Over the 50-year period, 15 manufacturers have their names on the winner’s trophy, with Gas Gas winning the most with 19 victories and Montesa next with 12 wins.

The concept of the three-day trial remains the same, but many changes have had to be made to accommodate the modern world. Most of the changes have been small and made, in general, to improve the event and the logistics of accommodating so many riders and visitors to the area.

In the small town of Sant Joan de les Abadesses, with a small population of 3,000, many have become involved in the sport and the event; becoming an observer or official is something that runs in the family blood. However, with an international event like this, nothing is left to chance.

The infrastructure is a huge task ever for a professional organisation to undertake, but on all occasions, the Moto Club Abadesses has shown itself as more than capable.

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Carlos Casas (Vertigo-ESP) has been highly instrumental in attracting overseas riders to the event.

All ages are welcome.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

Celebration • Santigosa Three-Day Trial

Montesa have supported the event from the very beginning.

2022 AND BEYOND

The formation of Moto Club Abadesses was founded to keep the event secure from its origins in 1976 into the present day and beyond. Younger people are actively encouraged to become involved in the many roles that make the event happen. The club has a bike park to encourage children to try the sport on bicycles before moving into the motorcycle world.

In the last twenty-year period, the club has invested a great deal of time and money ensuring that they comply with an ever-changing world of rules and regulations.

THE BOOK: SANTIGOSA THREE-DAY TRIAL FROM 1972–2022

For any motorcycle trials enthusiast, this is a must-have book. As well as Spanish and Catalan, the book includes English text and a huge selection of period and present pictures related to this superb event.

For information, visit the club’s excellent website: www.motoclubabadesses.cat.

Trial Magazine would like to thank the club and Carlos Casas for their support with the words and pictures for this feature. Thank you.

A winner in 2022, Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP).

SANTIGOSA THREE-DAY WINNERS 1972–2022

WINNERS: 1972: Pere Pi (Montesa-ESP); 1973: Walter Luft (Puch-AUS); 1974: Benny Sellman (Montesa-SWE); 1975: Rob Edwards (Montesa-ESP); 1976: Malcolm Rathmell (MontesaGBR); 1977: Jaime Subira (Montesa-ESP); 1978 & 1979: Toni Gorgot (Bultaco-ESP); 1980 & 1981: Toni Gorgot (Ossa-ESP); 1982: Eddy Lejeune (Honda-BEL); 1983: Toni Gorgot (MontesaESP); 1984: Lluis Gallach (Merlin -ESP); 1985: Toni Gorgot (JJ Cobas-ESP); 1986: Lluis Gallach (Montesa-ESP); 1987: Eddy Lejeune (Honda-BEL); 1988: Gabino Renales (Montesa-ESP); 1989: Joan Freixas (Gas Gas-ESP); 1990: Lluis Gallach (Gas GasESP); 1991 & 1992: Lluis Gallach (Alfer-ESP); 1993 & 1994: Joan Pons (Gas Gas-ESP); 1995: Josep Ribera (Gas Gas-ESP);1996: Joan Pons (Fantic-ESP); 1997: Dougie Lampkin (Beta-GBR); 1998: Marc Catlla (Gas Gas-ESP); 1999 & 2000: Marc Freixa (Gas Gas-ESP); 2001: Amos Bilbao (Montesa-ESP); 2002 & 2003: Jordi Pascuet (Gas Gas-ESP); 2004: Joan Pons (Sherco-ESP); 2005 & 2006: Jordi Pascuet (Gas Gas-ESP); 2007: Marc Freixa (Scorpa-ESP); 2008: Marc Freixa (Gas Gas-ESP); 2009, 2010 & 2011: Jordi Pascuet (Gas Gas-ESP); 2012: Jordi Pascuet (JotagasESP); 2013: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP); 2014: Marc Freixa (Gas Gas-ESP); 2015: Jaime Busto (Montesa-ESP); 2016: James Dabill (Vertigo-GBR); 2017: Takahisa Fujinami (Montesa-ESP); 2018: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP); 2019: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP); 2020: No Event; 2021: Jorge Casales (Gas GasESP); 2022: Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP).

MANUFACTURERS: 1972–2022 Great Britain’s Jack Dance (GASGAS) entertains.

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MANUFACTURER WINS: Gas Gas: 19; Montesa: 12; Sherco: 3; Alfer: 2; Bultaco: 2; Honda: 2; Ossa: 2; Fantic: 1; JJ Cobas: 1; Jotagas: 1; Merlin 1; Puch: 1; Scorpa: 1; Vertigo: 1.

August-September 2022 • Trial Magazine

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

05 Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles

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

07 Bob MacGregor Trials Academy

Web: www.trialsacademy.co.uk Area: Annick, KA3 4EH

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

09 Camio Moto Tel: 01246 792033 Email: sales@camiomoto.co.uk Web: www.camiomoto.co.uk Area: Dronfield, S18 7SD

10 Craigs Motorcycles Tel: 01924 488117 Email: aaron@craigsmotorcycles.com Web: www.craigsmotorcycles.com Area: Dewsbury, WF13 1HX

11 East Neuk Trials Motorcycles

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13 Inch Perfect Trials Tel: 01200 448130 Email: sales@inchperfecttrials.co.uk Web: www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk Area: Whitewell, BB7 3AU

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01933 312827 johnlee.mc@btconnect.com www.johnleemotorcycles.co.uk Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BP

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17 Michael Brown Racing Tel: 01723 371597 Email: michaelbrownracing@yahoo.com Web: www.michaelbrownracing.com Area: Scarborough, YO11 1SR

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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 SJ Trials Tel: 028 2013 0140 Email: sam@sjtrials.com Web: www.sjtrials.com Area: Ballymena, BT42 1LJ

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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 Mickey Oates Motorcycles

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