Trial Magazine Issue 95 October-November 2022

MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC • COMPETITION • FEATURES

www.trialmaguk.com

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FIM WORLD ALEXZ CHAMPIONSHIP WIGG MEETING

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October-November 2022

ISSUE 95 • UK: £5.99

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TRIAL3: HARRY HEMINGWAY (BETA-GBR)

TRIAL GP

VISIT

MEETING

HARRY’S HANDLEBAR H A R R Y H E M I N G WAY • 2 0 2 2 F I M T R I A L 3 W O R L D C H A M P I O N • 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 FOCUS

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NEW MODELS

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INTERNATIONAL

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TRANS-ATLANTIC

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

MEETING

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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.

VISIT Talon

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RETRO

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SPORT

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DL 12 Indoor

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

(NUJ No: 949620)

Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks

2023 Starts Here

FIM Trial World Championship

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Bernie Schreiber Alexz Wigg

USA 1992 ACU British Championship

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

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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 • October-November 2022

REGULAR SECTIONS

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NEWS 8 TALK TRIALS TONI BOU 14 PADDOCK 18 SHOPPING 22 TALK TRIALS TOBY MARTYN 24 POSTER 58 SUPERSTORE 96 DEALER LOCATOR 110 SUBSCRIPTION FORM 112

Cover: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) Photo Credit: Trials Media

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News • The world of trials

SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL 2023

This iconic event will take place from Sunday, 30th April through to Saturday, 6th May 2023, based at its home in Fort William, Scotland. After the considerable interest in the 2022 event after the enforced pandemic break, the Edinburgh & District Motor Club Ltd was delighted with the success of its return to the trials calendar. It is expected that it will be possible to enter the 2023 Scottish Six Days Trial in late October. If you want to enter, remember to keep your eyes on the club’s social media feeds and its website.

Search #ssdt, or visit: www.ssdt.org

2022 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

COMAS IN THE UK

PICTURE CREDIT: REPSOL HONDA TRIALS TEAM PEP SEGALES

On 1st September, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme announced the cancellation of the final round of the 2022 X-Trial World Championship scheduled to be held in late October in France, handing the world title directly to Spain’s motorcycle superstar Toni Bou. The Repsol Honda Trial Team rider competing on the four-stroke Montesa Cota 4RT has four wins out of four indoor competitions this year. He has won in Nice and Chalon-sur-Saone, in France, as well as Madrid and Barcelona, Spain, securing a total of 87 points being 20 points per win, plus bonus points for having won seven of the eight total laps held. This has led to a 30-point advantage over Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) in second place.

With one trial left to go in Andorra on 8th October and a maximum score of only 22 points up for grabs, Toni Bou is officially crowned as the 2022 FIM X-Trial World AB Champion.

MC's TrialMag 0921.pdf 1 12/09/2021 10:13

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Just to avoid any confusion in the trials world, the official UK importer for all Comas products is Richard Timperley, the owner of Camio Moto. Alongside his successful trials dealership near Chesterfield, he imports the full range of Comas products from As a regular competitor, Richard carries the full range of the RCMSpain.

TrialMag 0116.pdf 1 15/01/2016 19:17 Comas riding kit in his well-stocked showroom for customers to view.

The South West’s only Dedicated Trials Dealer for:

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October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

News • The world of trials

YAMAHA E MODEL 2022 In late March, Yamaha announced that it had released a new, developing prototype of the TY-E 2.0 electric trials motorcycle, which approaches achieving carbon neutrality from the perspective of motorcycling fun.

The company had planned to enter the motorcycle in select rounds of the 2022 FIM Trial2 World Championship. Instead, it surfaced at the French world round in August, at Cahors, with Kenichi Kuroyama from the Yamaha Factory Racing Team. He also serves as a development rider competing on the electric machine.

In 2021 the company reviewed its group’s 2050 environmental plan. Originally formulated in 2018, it set a new goal of aiming for carbon neutrality throughout all of its business activities, including across the lifecycle of its products, by 2050.

The TY-E 2.0’s development progressed based on the first TY-E model announced in 2018 and features a newly designed monocoque frame made of composite laminates, housing an electric power unit with improved performance through a combination of mechanical parts and electronic control. The bike also mounts a newly developed lightweight battery with approximately 2.5 times the capacity of the previous model.

2023 MONTESA 4RIDE

One of Trial Magazine’s favourite ‘Press’ models is the superb Montesa Cota 4Ride.

Montesa’s interpretation of an all-round, off-road motorcycle whilst maintaining the characteristics and performance abilities of a trials motorcycle is the Cota 4Ride.

Incorporating a seat, it provides an upgrade in terms of comfort.

The model is also compliant with the latest Euro5 emissions regulations.

This 2023 model comes with new decoration, blacked rear brake pedal and a new front fork paint finish. The main features are a 259cc four-stroke engine, twin-spar aluminium frame, frontDave TECH fork and rearMag R16V shock system, 4.3L fuel tank, 22:51 rear brake pedal in black Cooper Trial 0817.pdf 1 14/08/2017 anodized finish, longer kick-starter lever in silver finish, and under-seat storage for riding kit.

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2022 MINTEX TRIAL REPORT AND PICTURE: CHARLOTTE BROWN

Sunday 11th September saw Richmond Motor Club run the annual Mintex Youth Time and Observation Trial — often referred to as the ‘Mini Scott Trial’.

Before the start, the Clerk of Course, Nathan Stones, briefed the riders, and a two-minute silence was held as a mark of respect for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The trial consisted of two laps Jamie Galloway (TRRS) of 30 sections, and 63 riders set off onto the course at 30-second intervals across some wellknown Scott Trial ground.

Scottish lad, Jamie Galloway (TRRS), was the last rider to set off and raced ahead to be the first rider back to the Start Field, setting the Standard Time of 2h59m30s and receiving the Mintex Cup and a Michelin rear tyre, kindly donated by Team Michelin.

RESULTS: 1: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 19; 2: Callum Fowler (Beta) 48; 3: Euan Sim (Beta) 59; 4: Jacob Reeday (Beta) 66; 5: Jasper Fox (Beta) 68; 6: Charlie Cripps (Beta) 75; 7: Harry Blackwell (Beta) 78; 8: Bill Reeves (Sherco) 79; 9: Harrison Skelton (Scorpa) 96; 10: Elliot Cock (Vertigo) 98.

TEAM HEMINGWAY SUCCESS

With the 2022 FIM Trial3 World Championship title taken by the older of the two Hemingway boys, Harry, in France a few weeks earlier, the family then made the trip to the final round of the European Championship in Italy. Next, it was the turn of younger brother George to secure the 2022 Youth Championship on day one and of the two-day event,1117.pdf followed by1 Harry securing the 2022 Trial Trail Trialmag 13/11/2017 22:21 Adult Championship on Sunday’s day two.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Photos: Sebas Romeo, Mitterbauer H.

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Talk trials • Toni Bou

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AND STILL COUNTING

This is almost beyond words; my 32nd FIM World Trials Championship title is now safe and secure in my pocket for another year! I started winning FIM world titles in my 20s, and now I am approaching my mature 30s, I do have to take a reality check and look in the mirror now and then. Staying fit and well in both body and mind is imperative to continue with success. At this very moment, I feel like a fine wine, just getting better with age.

Words: Toni Bou with Trials Media • Trials Media and Christian Valeri In the early part of any season, it is always difficult to see what level of riding the opposition are achieving. At the opening round of the FIM TrialGP Championship, I was beaten by Jaime Busto on day one in Spain. I knew he would be good, but could he be consistent? Winning on day two was a huge relief as it proved I was at the correct level of riding.

Adam Raga is always waiting to win; if the opportunity occurs, he will always take it — he is such a strong competitor, winning on day one in

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Andorra. By winning on day two, I knew we were at a very high level once again, and we needed as a team to stay at that level.

Taking two wins in Germany was good; after the win in Belgium, I knew just how important France would be. As we have seen in Belgium, Busto has the level of ability demonstrated by leading on the first lap, but I am always stronger under pressure on the second lap.

In my opinion, the win in France was pivotal to taking the 16th world title; the opposition pushed

me, but they had no answer.

With one hand on the trophy, Italy was the icing on the cake for another year; I was very happy.

As you will have seen already, with the cancellation of the final round of the 2022 FIM X-Trial World Championship, I am the king of trials for a mind-blowing 32nd time! Without the team and the support, we would not be winning; I thank each and every one of you, Until next time, stay safe and well – Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

The pinnacle of competition.

Championship dominating 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.

For 2023, the enhancements include improved rear Showa® suspension settings, a solid rear sprocket for FIM Race compliance, and updated graphics, replicating the World Championship-winning motorcycle from 16-times World Trials Champion, Toni Bou. Click honda.co.uk to find out more.

Are you moved by Dreams?

Paddock • Caught on camera

SMILE

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CLASSIC

DUST UP

GET ON

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THANK YOU

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SNACKS

WAIT

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

Caught on camera • Paddock

FENDER BENDER

QUEEN B

MEETING

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WINNER

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

YANKS

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116 YEARS OLD

Shopping • What’s new

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STEP6 Gloves

ZONA2 Boots – various colours

Clutch Replacement Kits • Various Models

Cylinder Heat Insert • Various Models

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October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

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Talk trials • Toby Martyn

TOBY MARTYN

A STEEP LEARNING CURVE This year has certainly been a steep learning curve. I started off the year with high expectations of myself, aiming for top-five results. The reality is Trial GP is a tough class to learn, with no room for mistakes or slack marks! Although my aim is and will continue to be top five, I will go into the following season with more of an understanding of the level, confidence and experience I need to achieve. After having a podium at the FIM X-Trial, I believed I could easily achieve high in the TrialGP season, but I was proved wrong.

Words: Toby Martyn with Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media The level of everything is very high in Trial GP compared to the level I was used to in Trial 2. For the past five years, the podium has always come rather easy in terms of riding, but the focus within the heat of a competition and keeping my concentration was the hard part. Whereas this year, I’ve learnt that I need to have both these things perfect throughout TrialGP in order to succeed and achieve the results I want. The confidence you need to attack the sections is a learning curve in itself. Unfortunately, due to my expectations of myself, I’ve wound myself up this year and put far too much pressure on my results, which hasn’t worked out.

Many of my results this year have been one or two fives away from respectable results, which is extremely positive; I now need to piece all the parts together in order to achieve the results I know I am capable of. I will be going into next year positively, having learnt a lot, with a strong head and pushing for the top five results. With a winner-takes-all on offer at the final round of the ACU British Trials Championship, I will be fully focused on retaining the title in the Trial GB class.

As always, a huge shout out to everyone who supports my trials career in any way, shape or form. Thank you.

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

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October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

Focus • DL12 Indoor

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DL12 INDOOR

HEMINGWAY JOINS BOU & CO Recently crowned FIM Trial3 World Champion Harry Hemingway will line up alongside Toni Bou, Adam Raga, Jaime Busto, Gabriel Marcelli, and other soon-to-be confirmed top riders at the inaugural DL12 Indoor Trial at the Utilita Arena, Sheffield, on Saturday, 7th January 2023.

he 16-year-old British sensation has earned his right to take to the stage with his more established rivals after dominating the Trial3 class this season ahead of him moving up to Trial2 next year.

Harry Hemingway: “I wasn’t too sure if Dougie Lampkin was being serious or not when he told me. I was getting to grips with having just become the FIM Trial3 World Champion, and then next, I am being asked to ride at Dougie’s first indoor event!

I didn’t take long to say yes, though! It will be a fantastic experience for me, especially in front of many British fans and so close to my home in Yorkshire.

“With the outdoor season almost done, I have now got a few months to focus on the bigger capacity engine in the Beta and to get plenty of indoor practice under my belt. I can’t tell you how excited I am for this opportunity, and I would like to thank Dougie for believing in me.”

Dougie Lampkin added: “With only eight rider places up for grabs, it is important that each rider selection is made on merit. Despite his age, Harry has already shown that he has the ability to compete at the highest level, and I am sure that once he moves to the bigger engined Beta, he will go up to another level.

“We have all had to start somewhere when it comes to indoor events, and I know it’s going to be a big ask for Harry on the night, but I also know he won’t lack confidence and will certainly have the home fans cheering him through every section.”

For standard tickets or premium passes for the chance to meet Harry Hemingway and the other riders in person, visit www.dl12indootrial.co.uk.

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October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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

FIND US ON

2023 • New Models

EVO BETA

For the EVO 2023, Beta has decided to develop its models further. Both functionally and aesthetically, they are reserving the most radical engine updates for their premier model. All modifications are introduced to satisfy ever-evolving consumer tastes and riding styles and to reaffirm the functionality and reliability for which the models have always stood out. The EVO range continues to offer a total of six different models, each with its own character and able to meet the needs of all riders.

Article: Trials Media New features across the entire 2023 range include: Radiator Grille: redesigned to optimise airflow and protection.

Fuel Tank Cover: a new, better design envelops the frame and allows all the cable routing to be covered.

Graphics: the motorcycles’ look and performance are accentuated in equal measure with the latest EVO update.

Front Fork: the settings and quantity of oil contained in the two stanchions have been revised.

Suspension Combination: in order to improve the machine’s agility, Beta has worked on the setting of the rear shock, boosting reactivity during the rebound phase, which allows the

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

rider a greater sense of lightness, particularly when ‘bouncing’ to reposition between obstacles.

FOR THE EVO 250/300 TWOSTROKE

The new components equipping the EVO 2023 include: Crankshaft and piston rod: now reduced by 1.5mm for a length of 114.5mm.

These new components offer multiple benefits on the performance side; handling is improved while vibration is reduced.

Cylinder: Brand new, the timing has been revised to improve the torque at low engine speeds while the overall weight is reduced.

Cylinder Head: New combustion chamber improves delivery at low speeds, making it more

progressive and tractable while retaining the same engine performance at mid-high speeds.

Engine Map: The engine mapping has been optimised in order to set up the components in the best possible way and exploit the power and tractability.

Exhaust Manifold: A manifold protection has been installed to avoid overheating and protect the manifold from impacts; this is also installed on the 125cc model.

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New Models • 2023

COTA 4RT MONTESA

With a strong reputation for build quality and reliability, the 2023 Montesa three-model range continues to push the evolution of the tried and tested race-winning machine even further. Aesthetic and suspension upgrades are the machine’s significant changes that still dominate the world, with the 32-time FIM World Champion Toni Bou holding the handlebars.

Article: Trials Media

2023 MONTESA COTA 4RT 301RR RACE REPLICA

Always at the pinnacle of competition and constantly evolving, the Cota 4RT 301RR Race Replica (pictured above) is the choice of the ultimate trials champion and is inspired by the FIM World Championship-winning motorcycle of Toni Bou. It benefits from new decoration introduced for 2023, with a new rear SHOWA suspension setting, a larger rubber cushion stop, and a solid rear sprocket to make it FIM Race compliant.

Main Features: a new Repsol Race livery; 300cc four-stroke Honda engine; 39mm SHOWA telescopic front fork with pre-load, rebound and compression adjustment; a ProLink rear suspension system with SHOWA shock with spring pre-load and rebound adjustment; and a new rear sprocket design,

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in solid shape, compliant with FIM race regulations incorporating Montesa design with the ‘Cota RR’ logo.

2023 MONTESA COTA 4RT 301RR

The Cota 301RR (pictured below left) is the manufacturer’s competition-orientated machine, created for the brand’s most demanding Montesa riders. It delivers instant performance thanks to its 298cc Four-Stroke Honda engine. Introduced for 2023 is a new livery and a new rear SHOWA suspension setting with a larger rubber cushion stop and solid rear sprocket to make it FIM Race compliant.

Main Features: new graphic design; 300cc four-stroke Honda engine; 39mm SHOWA telescopic front fork with pre-load, rebound and compression adjustment; Pro-Link rear

suspension system with SHOWA shock with spring pre-load and rebound adjustment; new rubber cushion stop setting; and a solid rear sprocket compliant with FIM regulations.

2023 MONTESA COTA 4RT 260R

This 2023 model (bottom right) incorporates higher quality components, including a front and rear SHOWA suspension package and enlarged aluminium exhaust from the 301RR sister model. This model is the logical evolution of the 4RT 260 Montesa, with new aesthetics and a new black anodised finished side stand.

Main Features: New graphic design; 260cc Four-Stroke Honda engine; SHOWA front/ rear suspension; 301RR enlarged aluminium exhaust; Dunlop tyres; and black finished brake/gear foot levers and side stand.

October-November 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

New Models • 2023

ONE R TRRS

Now in its fourth generation, the TRRS ONE R 2023 model is the ideal choice for those riders looking for an easy-to-ride motorcycle that transmits a high degree of safety on any type of terrain. Moreover, it is presented with the latest technical innovations from the Spanish manufacturer to consolidate this model as a reference point in the market for its performance and reliability.

Article: Trials Media

The new model TRRS ONE R provides us with more specialised components than the basic ONE model, taking it very close to the level of performance and handling of the ONE RR. However, it does not mean that the fundamentals of this machine are compromised in any way, as both the build quality and performance remain excellent in all areas.

Aluminium-injected crankcases come fitted as standard to maintain engineering excellence and closer working tolerances. This contributes to the high level of reliability of the two-stroke

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single-cylinder water-cooled engine. It is a normally aspirated engine using a 28mm Ø Keihin PWK using the tried-and-tested fuel mixture delivery through the carburettor.

For rider comfort and maximum efficiency, you will find the aluminium TECH suspension at the front and a Reiger shock absorber at the rear — two well-respected brands in the trials world.

Working well with the rest of the model range aesthetically, as with the new TRRS One Gold, the red colour plays a more prominent role in its design, with the already characteristic silver frame giving it that superior showroom poise.

Good news just gets better, as you have the choice of starting method. You have the conventional kick-start lever available on the 125cc, 250cc, 280cc and 300cc or the excellent and easy-to-use, touch-of-a-button, electric start method on the 250cc, 280cc and 300cc; you have to try this as it’s easy to use and ultra-reliable.

For another year, the TRRS trials range is proud to be the most complete on the market with the ONE, ONE R, ONE RR, ONE GOLD, XTRACK and XTRACK RR models and the ON-E KIDS electric children’s models available in two-wheel sizes.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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New Models • 2023

NITRO VERTIGO

Far exceeding initial expectations by becoming the best-selling motorcycle in the brand’s history and achieving victories in all major national and international competitions, the 2023 version of the Nitro consolidates the model in the elite class and the Vertigo brand as the clear reference for innovation, technology and performance in the trials world. Available in a wide range of engine sizes: 125cc, 225cc, 250cc, 280cc and 300cc, there is a Nitro capable of satisfying the demands of any user, from young riders in their learning years to experienced riders who regularly compete.

Article: Trials Media

This 2023 version incorporates a list of innovations that further enhance the quality of its user’s experience. Among them is the unique Vertigo battery-assisted electronic injection system, which improves and facilitates the starting of the machine while optimising the operation of all its electrical components.

Another important innovation is the new coil support with silent blocks, which notably mitigates engine noise, thus improving the riding experience and reducing maintenance.

The Nitro 2023 incorporates a detachable

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two-piece clutch cover as a standard feature, one of Vertigo’s great advances from last year in its top models and a unique engineering piece of work that adds exclusivity and style while also facilitating maintenance.

On the drivetrain side, it features a redesigned crown-tooth profile to reduce chain friction for smoother acceleration. Another addition to the new model is the lighter front mudguard featuring a design with greater protection.

The known manoeuvrability and dynamics of Vertigo’s revolutionary steel frame are matched by the 170mm Tech Factory front

fork and the Reiger two-way shock absorber anchored by micro-casting, which is adjustable in compression, rebound and preload, achieving a stable and responsive motorcycle.

Riders also have two electronic engine maps for dry and wet. Based on the information collected in the most prestigious competitions and from the tests of the manufacturer’s ‘factory’ riders, the Vertigo innovation team has developed new configurations for each of the available displacements of the 2023 Nitro that improve the performance of the engine in all circumstances.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

We’re working on a NEW Talon website until then check out our products at talon-eng.co.uk or call 01935 471508, or email orders@talon-eng.co.uk

www.talon-eng.co.uk

International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

TrialGP

TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2022

A SUPER SEASON It was most certainly a case of back on track for the 2022 FIM Trial World Championship. With the last two seasons badly affected by the pandemic with reduced rounds, in 2022, the championship did not move out of Europe, enjoying visits to Spain, Andorra, Germany, Belgium, France and Italy. Ten points-scoring days would be on offer for the TrialGP and Trial2: Spain, two days; Andorra, two days; and Germany, two days. Belgium and France would be single-day events before a final two days in Italy. The TrialGP Women would compete in Spain, Andorra, Germany and Italy with eight points-scoring days. Trial2 Women would take in just Germany and Italy for four points-scoring days, and the Trial3 class would score points at six rounds in Spain, Andorra, Belgium and France. Strong, healthy entries have been enjoyed in all the classes, making the fight for the top 15 positions and the vital championship points interesting right down the order.

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and Christian Valeri

Trial2

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Womens TrialGP

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Womens Trial2

Moving the benchmark even higher in TrialGP with his 16th outdoor title, Toni Bou has not had an easy passage. He knows the target on his back gets even bigger with the passing of each season, as we have just witnessed in 2022, but his pure drive and determination are at another level year after year.

Who would like to be a betting man in Trial2, with as many as eight potential winners at each round? Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) was looking like the winner at the start of the season, but the sheer consistency of Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) reeled him in to take the well-deserved title.

The Trial3 title was awarded to Great Britain’s Harry Hemingway on the Beta as the series concluded earlier in the season in France. It was double joy for Great Britain as 31-year-old Emma Bristow took her eighth individual title in the TrialGP Women’s class for Sherco.

In the Trial2 Women’s class there was a fight for supremacy, which was carried out between the eventual winner Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) and Theresa Bäuml (Vertigo-GER). For Bäuml, this was a tremendous result, having returned to the sport after recovering from severe brain surgery to show she is still a force to be reckoned with.

Once again, the championship has seen its surprises in the fight for the

Trial3

various class wins, with new names appearing at the top of some of the points tables. We must also mention the full season of Gael Chatagno on the electricpowered machine in the Trial2 class. A French rider on a French machine, Electric Motion has embraced this opportunity with Chatagno to show the potential of the new generation of machines entering our sport. The question is now, how much longer will it be before we witness the other manufacturers following suit in an ever-changing world of motorcycle trials?

MANUFACTURERS

After losing the FIM Manufacturers’ World Trials Championship to TRRS in 2021, it was a four-stroke back at the top of the table, with Montesa recording a 23rd win. Headed by the 16-time world Champion Toni Bou, the victories by his fellow Spanish rider Pablo Suarez in the Trial2 class helped to secure the title.

2022 MANUFACTURERS’ FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

RESULTS: 1: Montesa 338; 2: Beta 302; 3: Sherco 259; 4: Vertigo 222; 5: GASGAS 216; 6: Scorpa 208; 7: TRRS 168; 8: Electric Motion 55.

Manufacturers

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

TRIALGP

TONI CLAIMS THE TITLE

It was no surprise to everyone that the 35-year-old trials superstar Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) won his 16th FIM TrialGP World Championship at the close of the season in Italy. Over the ten rounds, we have seen wins from Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP), Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) and, on day one in Italy, Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA), but the sheer brutal consistency of Bou has left everyone in the shadow of this incredible motorcycle athlete.

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media, Christian Valeri and Future7 Media

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October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP)

After building up a commanding lead in the opening six championship rounds, the action moved to Belgium. It was the fight between Toni Bou and Jaime Busto that stole the show from the very start. Bou was on the back step after an early stop on the third section as Busto remained calm and consistent, with well-placed marks keeping them very equal before a crash of the undercut step on section nine. Bou used all his experience

Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA)

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP)

to part with a three here but stopped on section 11, leaving Busto with a slight advantage with the scores at 12 and 15.

On the second lap, it was Bou in trouble as he stopped in section two, which Busto passed through for three; the exposed roots were very hit-and-miss. But, as we have seen before, Bou knew he would have to raise his game and, under pressure, that is exactly what he did as Busto

started to lose marks. In the last five sections, Bou lost only six as Busto parted with 15 marks, making the Repsol Honda rider a clear winner.

As the action moved to France, Bou raised the bar once more, making clear his championship aspirations, and blew everyone away with an unmistakable win over a back-on-form Adam Raga. As the action moved to Italy and the final two rounds, Matteo Grattarola found his form.

Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP)

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP)

Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP)

FIM TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND FOUR: BELGIUM, COMBLAIN AU PONT RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 27; 2: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 35; 3: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 36; 4: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 42; 5: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 44; 6: Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 50; 7: Jorge Casales (ScorpaESP) 55; 8: Benoit Bincaz (GASGAS-FRA) 56; 9: Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP) 59; 10: Aniol Gelabert (Beta-ESP) 59; 11: Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR) 81; 12: Luca Petrella (GASGAS-ITA) 83; 13: Teo Colairo (Beta-FRA) 103.

ROUND FIVE: FRANCE, CAHORS RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 12; 2: Raga 25; 3: Grattarola 27; 4: Marcelli 28; 5: Miquel Gelabert 30; 6: Busto 32; 7: Bincaz 41; 8: Fajardo 43; 9: Aniol Gelabert 49; 10: Martyn 51; 11: Casales 54; 12: Petrella 81; 13: Colairo 94.

ROUND SIX, DAY ONE: ITALY, PONTE DI LEGNO Jorge Casales (Scorpa-ESP)

THE FINAL PUSH – ITALY

Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR)

Unlike we have seen before during this season, the man on a mission to secure his 16th world title, Toni Bou, found himself down in an unfamiliar fourth place at the close of the opening lap. Bou incurred five stops and the 25 marks that went with it, but Matteo Grattarola, an Italian rider on a Beta Italian machine, was leading at his home Grand Prix. He had fought hard to keep Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) behind him, and as the lap closed, the scores were at 19 and 21, with Bou on 28. However, as we have witnessed before, Toni Bou was not finished.

Despite stopping only twice on the second lap for a score of 13 marks lost, he could not catch Grattarola, whose 14-mark loss secured him his first victory in the 2022 season. But, it did not matter for Bou as he became the champion for the 16th consecutive time.

On day two, weather conditions pretty much continued with a cool but dry start to the competition. Toni Bou came out with a point to prove to the Italian Grattarola, and just one thing was on his mind, and that was winning. As it turned out, Grattarola was having none of it, and both he and Bou became engaged in a fantastic fight for the win, closing the opening lap with Bou just in front on seven marks lost to Grattarola’s nine. With the confidence that comes when you are such a master of your chosen sport, Toni Bou raised the bar even higher to give the enthusiastic Italian crowd a demonstration of his incredible two-wheeled talent. He parted with just a single mark on the super-tough section ten as everyone else failed to pass the end cards; they knew they were watching a master at work.

At the close of the day, Bou signed off the 2022 season with another win with a clear advantage over second-placed Grattarola. As the championship was finalised, one thing was for sure, Bou was still the king. Behind Bou, Jaime Busto pushed Adam Raga down to third in the championship, with Grattarola finishing fourth, well in front of the fifth-place finisher Gabriel Marcelli. Nevertheless, he kept his cool to finish in front of Jeroni Fajardo by a single point.

The ‘Rookie’ in the championship, Great Britain’s Toby Martyn, has worked hard, and his final championship position does not reflect the hard work he has put in during a very challenging opening season at the cutting edge of the sport in TrialGP.

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RESULTS: 1: Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 33; 2: Bou 41; 3: Raga 45; 4: Marcelli 49; 5: Casales 53; 6: Miquel Gelabert 54; 7: Busto 58; 8: Bincaz 68; 9: Petrella 69; 10: Fajardo 71; 11: Martyn 79; 12: Aniol Gelabert 81; 13: Colairo (Beta-FRA) 90; 14: Andrea Riva (GASGAS-ITA) 92.

ROUND SIX, DAY TWO: ITALY PONTE DI LEGNO RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 8; 2: Grattarola 15; 3: Raga 24; 4: Busto 27; 5: Marcelli 31; 6: Petrella 45; 7: Miquel Gelabert 46; 8: Fajardo 49; 9: Casales 52; 10: Aniol Gelabert 54; 11: Martyn 57; 12: Bincaz 69; 13: Colairo 83; 14: Riva 87.

2022 FIM TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 191; 2: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 140; 3: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 131; 4: Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 126; 5: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 109; 6: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 108; 7: Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP) 102; 8: Jorge Casales (Scorpa-ESP) 90; 9: Aniol Gelabert (Beta-ESP) 72; 10: Benoit Bincaz (GASGASFRA) 69; 11: Toby Martyn (TRRS-GBR) 55; 12: Luca Petrella (GASGAS-ITA) 53; 13: Teo Colairo (Beta-FRA) 24; 14: Andrea Riva (GASGAS-ITA) 4.

MOST WINS: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 7; 2: Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 1; Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 1, Matteo Grattarola (Beta-ITA) 1.

MACHINES TOP 14: GASGAS 4; Beta 3; Repsol Honda 2; TRRS 2; Scorpa 1; Sherco 1; Vertigo 1.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

CHAMPIONS CHOOSE MICHELIN TYRES. Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 2022 FIM Trial3 World Champion.

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

Picture Credit: Trials Media.

THE NEXT GENERATION

International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR)

TRIAL2

SUPER-COOL HAGA

You could argue that this was the one to win. Unlike TrialGP and the dominance of Toni Bou, the Trial2 class had seen Norwegian rider Sondre Haga take only a single win all season in France when it mattered most. Nevertheless, he came to the final round in Italy knowing that a consistent season was not over. He dug deep and kept a super cool head with a strong finish, giving him the edge over the second-place championship finisher Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP).

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Pictures: Trials Media and Christian Valeri

Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP)

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Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP)

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Billy Green (Scorpa-GBR)

At the start of the final run in the championship with rounds in Belgium, France and Italy, Sondre Haga found his form as his nearest challenger Pablo Suarez lost his and slipped down the results to give his 23-year-old Norwegian challenger the advantage. Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA) came good in Belgium to record his first championship win of the season as Great Britain’s Billy Green on the Scorpa missed the win by just two marks. As Haga finished third, Suarez was down in seventh, and for the first time all season, the championship was now getting very tight at the top.

As the championship moved to the old medieval town of Cahors in France, Sondre’s 100% podium record for 2022 with three third-placed finishes and four runner-up positions came to life with a win.

It rewarded him with a 21-point lead with just two points-scoring days left in Italy.

WINNER TAKES ALL

It was all pressure in Italy in the fight for the title, as Haga started the weekend knowing only a disaster

Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA)

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA)

could keep him away from the Trial2 title he so much wanted. The Norwegian kept his cool and rode a very well-calculated two days. As it turned out, the first day’s victory went to Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA). He recorded his first back-to-back wins as Spain’s Pablo Suarez closed in on Haga finishing three places in front of his rival in third position to pull some much-needed points back.

At the start of day two, Suarez was still very much in the championship hunt. He set the pace on the opening lap, with his score of six giving him a onemark advantage over Haga with the previous day’s winner and home hero Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS) fourth behind Arnau Farre (Sherco). Spain’s Farre was in a close fight with Billy Green breathing down his neck for third place in the championship. Looking to make it back-to-back home victories, Tournour put together an incredible second lap and was on course for a famous victory until he picked up a maximum three just a few sections from the end to destroy his dreams. His eventual total of 17 saw him fall short by two marks as Suarez claimed his fourth win of the series, but a fighting and consistent Haga

Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR)

ended the day in third on a tie-break on 19 marks lost. He out-pointed Farre on the most cleans and took the title with a clear 11-point advantage, much to his delight. In Farre’s favour, he was well in front of Billy Green to take the final step on the podium in the championship. With six individual round winners from the ten on offer, it has been a season of many surprises.

Sondre Haga was rewarded for his hard work but take nothing away from Pablo Suarez, whose inconsistent results have been the only letdown.

The top six championship finishers are capable of winning in the Trial2 class, but there can only be one championship winner, and it was Haga who had the edge.

Electric Motion made the bold move to put French rider Gael Chatagno into this class, and he waited to show the true potential of the electric-powered machine with a sixth-place finish on day two in Italy, resulting in a top ten result in the final championship standings. It has been a very close 2022 season Trial2 as it continues to be, as many would say, the one to watch.

Hugo Dufrese (Vertigo-FRA)

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR)

Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA)

FIM TRIAL2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND FOUR: BELGIUM, COMBLAIN AU PONT RESULTS: 1: Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA) 22; 2: Billy Green (ScorpaGBR) 24; 3: Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) 24; 4: Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP) 25; 5: Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) 27; 6: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 31; 7: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 32; 8: Hugo Dufrese (Vertigo-FRA) 34; 9: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 34; 10: Mats Nilsen (TRRS-NOR) 39; 11: Mattia Spreafico (Vertigo-ITA) 41; 12: Gerard Trueba (Beta-ESP) 42; 13: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) 43; 14: Marco Mempor (GASGAS-AUT) 46; 15: Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR) 46.

ROUND FIVE: FRANCE, CAHORS RESULTS: 1: Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) 10; 2: Gandola 14; 3: Farre 16; 4: Jack Peace 16; 5: Dan Peace 18; 6: Tournour 24; 7: Chatagno 27; 8: Dufrese 31; 9: Mempor 32; 10: Trueba 33; 11: Suarez 39; 12: Dance 41; 13: Tsuyoshi Ogawa (Beta-JPN) 42; 14: Nilsen 43; 15: Spreafico 44.

ROUND SIX, DAY ONE: ITALY, PONTE DI LEGNO. Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR)

RESULTS: 1: Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA) 30; 2: Gandola 31; 3: Suarez 35; 4: Farre 39; 5: Green 48; 6: Haga 52; 7: Jack Peace 53; 8: Spreafico 57; 9: Dufrese 60; 10: Dan Peace 61; 11: Dance 62; 12: Trueba 63; 13: Mempor 63; 14: David Fabian (Beta-CZE) 67; 15: Carlo Rabino (Beta-ITA) 71.

ROUND SIX, DAY TWO: ITALY, PONTE DI LEGNO. RESULTS: 1: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 15; 2: Tournour 17; 3: Haga 19; 4: Farre 19; 5: Gandola 23; 6: Chatagno 25; 7: Jack Peace 26; 8: Green 29; 9: Dan Peace 32; 10: Dufrese 34; 11: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 38; 12: Spreafico 38; 13: Nilsen 45; 14: Canales 46; 15: Mempor 46.

2022 FIM TRIAL2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) 158; 2: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 147; 3: Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP) 127; 4: Billy Green (Scorpa-GBR) 118; 5: Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) 114; 6: Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS-ITA) 105; 7: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 95; 8: Hugo Dufrese (Vertigo-FRA) 78; 9: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 73; 10: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) 55; 11: Gerard Trueba (Beta-ESP) 43; 12: Jack Dance (GASGAS-GBR) 38; 13: Mattia Spreafico (Vertigo-ITA) 34; 14: Alex Canales (Sherco-ESP) 33; 15: Mats Nilsen (TRRSNOR) 24.

MOST WINS: Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP) 4; Gianluca Tournour (GASGASITA) 2; Sondre Haga (Beta-NOR) 1; Arnau Farre (Sherco-ESP) 1; Billy Green (Scorpa-GBR) 1; Lorenzo Gandola (Beta-ITA) 1.

Harry Turner (Scorpa-GBR)

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MACHINES TOP 15: Sherco 4; Beta 3; GASGAS 2; Vertigo 2; Electric Motion 1; Montesa 1; Scorpa 1; TRRS 1.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

TRIAL3

TOO HOT HARRY

Putting on a display worthy of any FIM World Trials Champion, a super-hot Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) was just too superior for his rivals in the final two rounds of this year’s series, with two clear wins in Belgium and France. Showing a maturity way above his young age, he raised his game to another level with two of the most polished rides you could ever witness to claim the newfor-2022 FIM Trial3 title.

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and Future7 Media

Take nothing away from the strong opposition that Harry battled with; after winning the opening round in Spain, on day two, David Fabian (Beta-CZE) came fighting back to win. On day one in Andorra, another new young talent Jamie Galloway (TRRS-GBR), raised his game to take his first top-level event win; he was one very proud Scotsman, and quite rightly so. On both occasions, it was damage limitation for the older of the two Hemingway brothers as he finished second before climbing back to the top of the podium on day two in Andorra.

After the summer break, Harry knew what he had to do in the remaining two rounds to take the title: win! After that, there would be no room for error; he duly delivered two of the most professional, solid rides you would ever see to secure the world championship with clear victories in Belgium and then France. The opposition had no answer; in fact, the closest rider to him in Belgium was his younger brother, George, with David Fabian in France.

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David Fabian (Beta-CZE)

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Jamie Galloway (TRRS-GBR)

‘G-Man’, alias George, may be small in stature, but he is huge in talent, and one of the youngest riders in this Trial3 class on the 125cc machines; joining his brother Harry on the podium on three occasions was no mean feat.

For Jamie Galloway, it was very much a learning year at this level of riding — yet, he took his first significant win in Ando rra and did enough in the final two rounds to take the well-deserved Bronze medal for third in the overall championship.

Taking in his first full season of FIM World Championship events, Great Britain’s other rider in this class, Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo), had his highestplaced finish of eighth in the opening round in Spain to finish the season in 11th overall.

Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo-GBR)

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

George Hemingway (Beta-GBR)

FIM TRIAL3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND THREE: BELGIUM, COMBLAIN AU PONT RESULTS: 1: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 12; 2: George Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 30; 3: David Fabian (Beta-CZE) 30; 4: Jamie Galloway (TRRS-GBR) 34; 5: Adria Mercade (Scorpa-ESP) 38; 6: Mirko Pedretti (Beta-ITA) 47; 7: Pawel Ryncarz (GASGAS-POL) 50; 8: Alex Overby (Beta-DEN) 54; 9: Romeo Piquet (Beta-FRA) 56; 10: Hugo Barrera (Sherco-ESP) 60; 11: Anton Riedel (Beta-SWE) 62; 12: Mateu Crespi (TRRS-ESP) 66; 13: Jorge Iglesias (GASGAS-ESP) 68; 14: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo-GBR) 70; 15: Audry Agnolin (Beta-FRA) 70.

ROUND FOUR: FRANCE, CAHORS RESULTS: 1: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 12; 2: Fabian 26; 3: George Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 35; 4: Mercade 36; 5: Agnolin 47; 6: Galloway 48; 7: Pedretti 48; 8: Ryncarz 51; 9: Overby 58; 10: Iglesias 58; 11: Crespi 58; 12: Lampkin 62; 13: Riedel 64; 14: Brunisso 66; 15: Barrera 66.

2022 FIM TRIAL3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

POSITIONS: 1: Harry Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 114; 2: David Fabian (Beta-CZE) 93; 3: Jamie Galloway (TRRS-GBR) 86; 4: George Hemingway (Beta-GBR) 84; 5: Adria Mercade (Scorpa-ESP) 63; 6: Mirko Pedretti (Beta-ITA) 58; 7: Hugo Barrera (Sherco-ESP) 41; 8: Jorge Iglesias (GASGAS-ESP) 41; 9: Giacomo Brunisso (Beta-ITA) 38; 10: Mateu Crespi (TRRS-ESP) 32; 11: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo-GBR) 28; 12: Alex Overby (Beta-DEN) 27; 13: Romeo Piquet (Beta-FRA) 24; 14: Audrey Agnolin (Beta-FRA) 20; 15: Pawel Ryncarz (GASGAS-POL) 17.

MOST WINS: Harry Hemingway (GBR) 4; David Fabian (CZE) 1; Jamie Galloway (TRRS-GBR) 1.

MACHINES TOP 15: Beta 8; GASGAS 2; TRRS 2; Scorpa 1; Sherco 1; Vertigo 1.

Podium: France

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FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR)

TRIALGP WOMEN

QUEEN BEE BRISTOW

Great Britain’s Emma Bristow became an eight-time FIM winner in the TrialGP Women’s World Championship class with a superconsistent and strong performance over the final two rounds in Italy. Her nearest challenger Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP), had no answer to her dominant form and had to settle for the second step on the podium after the eight-round championship concluded, with Italian rider Sofia Rabino finishing third on the Beta.

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and Christian Valeri

Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP)

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Emma Bristow arrived at the final two rounds in Italy with the upper hand over her nearest challenger, 23-year-old Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP). Bristow had four wins to Abellan’s two, and she knew what she had to do to secure her eighth title.

On day one, she laid the hammer down on the first lap with a clear advantage over Abellan, who had fallen apart with a huge score of 26 marks lost to Bristow’s 12. However, this did not faze Abellan, and in a competitive display of riding, she came fighting back on the second lap with a score of nine, but such was Bristow’s dominance on the opening lap that she secured the victory.

On day two, and just like any worthy championship rider, Emma Bristow put on a superb display to take a very clear win and, with it, the 2022 FIM TrialGP Women’s title. As Berta Abellan secured second in the championship Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA) kept in front of 17-year-old Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA), who only one week earlier won the 2022 European title at the final round of the series.

Great Britain’s Alice Minta made an impact at the final rounds in Italy, who returned despite a problematic knee injury, finishing in a rewarding fourth place on day one.

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA)

Huldeborg Barkved (GASGAS-NOR)

Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA)

FIM TRIALGP WOMEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR, DAY ONE: ITALY

RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 25; 2: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP) 35; 3: Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA) 54; 4: Alice Minta (Scorpa-GBR) 61; 5: Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) 62; 6: Huldeborg Barkved (GASGAS-NOR) 70; 7: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-GER) 72; 8: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 75; 9: Madeleine Hoover (GASGAS-USA) 79; 10: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 79; 11: Erika Melchior (GASGAS-NOR) 84; 12: Jule Steinert (TRRS-GER) 90.

ROUND FOUR, DAY TWO: ITALY RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 19; 2: Abellan 33; 3: Rabino 47; 4: Monnier 48; 5: Wachs 58; 6: Barkved 61; 7: Hoover 62; 8: Robinson 70; 9: Minta 70; 10: Steinert 76; 11: Melchior 79; 12: Gallieni 89.

2022 FIM TRIALGP WOMEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 154; 2: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP) 142; 3: Sofia Rabino (Beta-ITA) 114; 4: Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) 108; 5: Huldeborg Barkved (GASGAS-NOR) 84; 6: Vivian Wachs (TRRS-GER) 78; 7: Madeleine Hoover (GASGAS-USA) 57; 8: Martina Gallieni (TRRS-ITA) 48; 9: Erika Melchior (GASGAS-NOR) 45; 10: Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR) 35; 11: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 35; 12: Jule Steinert (TRRS-GER) 23; 14: Alessia Bacchetta (GASGAS-ITA) 20; 13: Alice Minta (Scorpa-GBR) 20; 15: Sarah Bauer (TRRSGER) 17.

MOST WINS: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 6; 2: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP) 2.

Alicia Robinson (Beta-GBR)

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Alice Minta (Scorpa-GBR)

MACHINES TOP 15: GASGAS 5; TRRS 5; Beta 2; Scorpa 2; Sherco 1.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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WELL DONE TEAM HEMINGWAY – 2022 FIM TRIAL3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. Credit: Christian Valeri

FIM Trial World Championship • International Sport

Theresa Bäuml (Vertigo-GER)

Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE)

TRIAL2 WOMEN

OH SO CLOSE

With only four points-scoring days, this short championship in 2022 was always going to be a very tough one to call. However, out of all the titles up for grabs in Italy over the two days of competition, the most significant question mark hung over the eventual destination of the Trial2 Women’s title. After Germany’s Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS) won the opening round on home territory in round one, it was the turn of Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) on day two in Germany to make her championship intentions clear. However, as the championship moved to Italy, Theresa Bäuml (Vertigo-GER) won on day one to take the championship to the wire as Great Britain’s Isle-of-Man-based Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS) took the win. As it happened, Denisa Pechackova won the title by a mere two points from Theresa Bäuml.

Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR)

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media, Christian Valeri and Future7Media After the start of the championship, it was shaping up to be a two-way fight between Germany’s Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS) and Denisa Pechackova from the Czech Republic. They were tied on points at the top of the table following the opening round of two points-scoring days at the event in Germany.

However, it was Ter Jung who dropped off the pace on Saturday’s day one in Italy, as her compatriot Theresa Bäuml (Vertigo) moved up to second in the series with the victory, ahead of Pechackova.

With a four-point advantage heading into day two, Pechackova knew a strong solid result was needed, and it was exactly what the 15-year-old delivered. As it happened, the win went to another new hot talent — Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS) led from the first lap with seven marks lost, earning her a six-mark lead over Bäuml, with Pechackova a further three adrift.

On lap two, Adshead added an extra six to her total and with Bäuml ending the day in second on 18 marks lost, the British rider secured her first victory at this championship level. Pechackova also dropped her score to six on lap two, which was good enough to score third on the day and secure the treasured title for the first time by just two points.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER)

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International Sport • FIM Trial World Championship

Sara Trentini (Vertigo-ITA)

Alycia Soyer (TRRS-FRA)

FIM TRIAL2 WOMEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO, DAY ONE: ITALY

RESULTS: 1: Theresa Bäuml (Vertigo-GER) 26; 2: Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) 30; 3: Sara Trentini (Vertigo-ITA) 30; 4: Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR) 33; 5: Keity Meier (TRRS-EST) 36; 6: Laia Pi Ramirez (Beta-ESP) 40; 7: Alessia Bacchetta (GASGASITA) 44; 8: Alycia Soyer (TRRS-FRA) 45; 9: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 50; 10: Kylee Sweeten (TRRS-USA) 52; 11: Seline Meling (Beta-NOR) 62; 12: Regitze Jensen (Vertigo-DEN) 72; 13: Hannah Schneider (Beta-GER) 74; 14: Margaux Pena (Electric Motion-FRA) 77; 15: Justyna Lonycz (GASGAS-POL) 80.

Trial2 Podium Day One

ROUND TWO, DAY TWO: ITALY RESULTS: 1: Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR) 13; 2: Bäuml 18; 3: Pechackova 22; 4: Sweeten 28; 5: Soyer 28; 6: Bacchetta 28; 7: Trentini 31; 8: Meier 32; 9: Ter Jung 32; 10: Ramirez 41; 11: Pena 43; 12: Meling 46; 13: Jensen 49; 14: Lonycz 51; 15: Schneider 52.

2022 FIM TRIAL2 WOMEN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) 69; 2: Theresa Bäuml (Vertigo-GER) 67; 3: Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR) 55; 4: Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 51; 5: Sara Trentini (Vertigo-ITA) 43; 6: Keity Meier (TRRS-EST) 43; 7: Alycia Soyer (TRRS-FRA) 40; 8: Alessia Bacchetta (GASGAS-ITA) 35; 9: Laia Pi Ramirez (BetaESP) 24; 10: Kylee Sweeten (TRRS-USA) 19; 11: Regitze Jensen (Vertigo-DEN) 19; 12: Seline Meling (Beta-NOR) 17; 13: Justyna Lonycz (GASGAS-POL) 12; 14: Margaux Pena (Electric MotionFRA) 11; 15: Hannah Schneider (Beta-GER) 11.

MOST WINS: Denisa Pechackova (Beta-CZE) 1; Sophia Ter Jung (TRRS-GER) 1; Theresa Bäuml (Vertigo-GER) 1; Kaytlyn Adshead (TRRS-GBR) 1.

Trial2 Podium Day Two

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MACHINES TOP 15: TRRS 5; Beta 4; Vertigo 3; GASGAS 2; Electric Motion 1.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Transatlantic • 2022

ACROSS THE POND

WHISKEY GULCH TWO-DAY TRIAL

Bozeman, Montana, USA July 4th, 1982 – Independence Day – was celebrated as a travel day for those participating in the 1982 United States National Trials Championship Series. The day before, riders had completed the first national held in the state of Montana, which happened to be one of the championship’s easiest-scoring rounds ever. One week after finishing third place at the World Trials Championship round held at the Donner Ski Ranch in Norden, California, 1979 FIM World Trials Champion, Bernie Schreiber, won the event by two marks over Florida’s Jack Stites, losing only five marks in the process.

Travelling to Whitefish, MT, where the second of the two nationals would be held on July 5th, virtually all the participants hoped for a more difficult test in order to give more room for errors on the scorecards. Still, no one had an idea what was in store for them.

What is the old saying? ‘Be careful what you wish for’. Montana’s Rich Hilbun, of the hosting trials club GOTE (Glacier Observed Trials Enthusiasts), organised that second national in Whitefish and knew the sections needed to be toughened up and acted accordingly.

Mother Nature also lent a helping hand as heavy overnight rain turned the jagged rocks of Whitefish into not just a difficult challenge.

While it was simple survival for most, Schreiber again took victory, this time with a winning score of 144, as Colorado’s Morgan Kavanaugh finished second 40 marks behind. Riders finishing this event were given stickers saying ‘Clean the Fish’, but many thought ‘Five the Fish’ would have been better. Schreiber’s winning score stands to this day as the highest in the history of the United States National Trials Championship Series.

Words: Matt Liberatore • Pictures: Dallas Fischer and Mark Matteson 62

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

2022 • Transatlantic

A warm welcome was evident at the event.

F

ast forward 39 years, Rich Hilbun had the idea to contact Schreiber about returning to Montana on the 40th anniversary of those 1982 nationals. Hilbun thought Schreiber could not only conduct one of his ZeroBS Masterclass trials schools but also take part in a multi-day celebration held in conjunction with the annual Whiskey Gulch Two-Day Trial that began in 2009 and has been held uninterrupted for 12 years. The conversation resulted in Bernie Schreiber’s return to Montana between June 15th and 19th in 2022, starting with a sold-out two-day trials school followed by the celebration of Champions Day and then the Whiskey Gulch Two-Day Trial as the finale.

Geoff Aaron represented GASGAS; he is the US trials team manager.

Listen and learn; time in the classroom was very welcome.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

63

Transatlantic • 2022

GLOBAL AMBASSADOR OF MONTANA

Date Line: Butte, Montana, June 13th, 2022.

Bernie Schreiber’s return to Montana, USA, some 40 years later began with the announcement from the Whiskey Gulch Two-Day Trial promoter, Dan Larson of Mossy Rock Trials and Off-Road, that Schreiber was appointed as a Global Ambassador for motorcycle trials in the state of Montana. This affiliation would help communicate the event as Schreiber — the most successful rider from the USA — is committing his years of experience for future growth. Together with a shared interest in unique trials events, Schreiber and Larson plan to embark on a series of exciting projects demonstrating innovative solutions for motorcycle trials going forward.

THE BERNIE SCHREIBER ZEROBS MASTERCLASS SCHOOL

Date Line: Butte, Montana, June 15th & 16th, 2022.

TRRS and Hebo embraced the opportunity to promote their brands as Bernie was supplied with a TRRS 300 courtesy of Dan Larson of Mossy Rock Trials and Off Road.

Bernie Schreiber conducted his first signature ZeroBS Masterclass experience since 2019 (due to COVID-19) while riding a TRRS 300 supplied by Dan Larson of Mossy Rock Trials and Off-Road in beautiful dry conditions, much different than 40 years ago on the factory 280 SWM on rain-saturated terrain.

Schreiber treated the 30 participants to a unique, structured format based on lessons learned in becoming a World and National trials champion as well as his historic Scottish Six Days Trial win, while also relating to other sports such as golf, where direct comparisons become involved.

Classroom training, hands-on riding and the all-important mental approach were covered in great detail. The classroom setting opened this first day before ‘hands-on-the-handlebars’ riding by covering the most important aspect of motorcycle trials: the proper stance.

Motorcycle trials has always been a unique form of off-road riding. It requires specific

Hands up for trials!

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October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

2022 • Transatlantic

A very good friend of Trial Magazine, Yoyi San Martin of www.todotrial.com fame, made his first trip to the USA traveling from Spain.

Dan Larson with Bernie Schreiber.

From left: Geoff Aaron, Bernie Schreiber, Scott Head, Rich Hilbun, Dan Larson

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Bernie Schreiber not only conducted one of his ZeroBS Masterclass trials schools, he was more than happy to give one-to-one training and tips.

techniques that do not always apply to riding a ‘normal’ dirt motorcycle, especially when it comes to the basic fundamentals. Fortunately, all aspects were covered during three ‘Impact Zones’ throughout the full day of instruction.

Hammer Nutrition founder and CEO Brian Frank spoke towards the end about the often-overlooked aspect of performance in sport: nutrition. Founded in 1987, Frank told of his experiences from the beginning of the Triathlon boom when the company’s first products were manufactured to help the athlete’s body combat side effects such as fatigue and recovery from high-endurance training.

After lunch on the school’s second day, everyone was treated to instruction insight into what gave Bernie Schreiber an advantage over

Always happy to speak about and promote motorcycle trials, everyone wanted a signed Bernie Schreiber poster.

65

Transatlantic • 2022 his rivals — the technique he introduced and perfected, the floating front wheel turn. Also known as the ‘Pivot Turn’, Schreiber used this to great effect in winning the FIM World Trials Championship, and he showed exactly why this technique is just as effective now.

During each day of the school, each student was given one-to-one instruction on the techniques of this fascinating sport and an insight into what makes a World Champion: the attention to detail, leaving no stone unturned.

CHAMPIONS’ DAY

Date Line: Butte, Montana, June 17th 2022.

Royce Arneson (Vertigo)

This day of celebration was to reconnect with old friends and get to know others while recognising the achievements of Bernie Schreiber as the Guest of Honour. Also joining Schreiber were fellow past US Champions Geoff Aaron, now the US trials team manager for GASGAS, and Scott Head, who happened to be Schreiber’s teammate in 1981.

These three icons of US trials have a total of 17 National Championships between them. This was a relaxing off-day for everyone involved, getting together to enjoy the week.

THE WHISKEY GULCH TWO-DAY TRIAL

Date Line: Butte, Montana, June 19th & 20th, 2022.

Bryce Pophal (Montesa)

Murphy Aaron (GASGAS), son of Geoff.

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The final event of the five-day celebration of Schreiber’s return to Montana after 40 years was held as the fourth stop in the eight-event Conquer the West Trials Series, which began in 2017. This is a two-day event series in the western USA where riders take part in at least four events to earn points towards their respective final positions, and it has expanded to include ten two-day events in 2022.

The Whiskey Gulch Two-Day Trial brought in 122 riders from several states and countries to participate in one of the most anticipated trial events of the year.

Unlike in 1982, when Schreiber won the national round in Whitefish, perfect weather greeted the riders from the very start of the ZeroBS Master-Class school on Tuesday and continued throughout the week as the riders went off at 10am Saturday, at 15-minute intervals depending on class, to tackle ten sections three times on the beautiful Montana countryside.

The sections featured plenty of grip on a nice combination of dry rocks, log crossings, and up and down banks, with some steep loose climbs thrown in, requiring throttle control to maintain grip on the rear tyre.

William Head took the lead on this first day in the Master Class by an 11-mark margin over Chad Redman. Head continued to improve while showing the type of skill that did not surprise anyone, considering the trials career of his father, Scott.

Bryce Pophal lost only three marks on the day in the Expert Class while Geoff Aaron’s son Murphy, another rider taking after his father and displaying impressive form and talent for his age, took second position with 20 marks lost. David Taylor came in at third place with a score of 26.

Yoyi San Martin of www.todotrial.com fame, making his first trip to the USA travelling from Spain, took the first-day lead in Expert Sportsman Class by a single mark over Nick Schacht. These two riders were so close that they had the same number of clean rides, matching 24 on the day.

The Rising Stars Montana Silent Auction took place after the day’s riding ended. Rising Stars Montana is a fund dedicated to the future development of up-and-coming youth riders in Montana. One of those promising upand-comers, 11-year-old Bennett Hebner, took the lead in Intermediate Class by four marks over his father, Bob, 41 to 45 at the day’s end.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

Transatlantic • 2022

All levels of riding were catered for.

A question-and-answer session with Bernie Schreiber then took place before The Rising Stars Montana auction, raising a cheque of $2,940, which was presented in order to give a helping hand to the youth riders of Montana in reaching their full potential.

Afterwards, landowners Keith and Heather Fortin were presented with everyone’s gratitude for their continued commitment to helping grow the sport in the state of Montana.

The evening ended with the Under the Montana Stars bonfire.

SIGN ON AT 08.00

Day two began with rider sign-in at 8am sharp, followed once again by the distribution of the section scorer gift bags, thanking those who have the not-so-easy but rewarding job as an observer. Shortly before the riders’ meeting, all riders were required to be in the paddock area looking up towards the sky for the ‘Big W’ aerial drone photo, another detail making this event so special.

The staggered start helps prevent the dreaded bottlenecks that can occur with everyone going out at the same time as the riders left to face another three laps, this time with nine sections, as perfect conditions continued.

William Head again took the day’s lowest score in the Master Class by only two marks over Chad Redman, 17 to 19, and thus took the

Yoyi San Martin left the USA as a winner.

overall event victory with a grand total of 57 marks lost to Redman’s 70.

Murphy Aaron produced very impressive rides with a closing score of three to lead day two in Expert, as Bryce Pophal came in seven marks adrift with a score of 12. However, despite the outstanding ride on the day, it wasn’t quite enough for Aaron, as Pophal took the overall win with a grand total of 15.

Yoyi San Martin halved his day one score in Expert Sportsman to win again on day two by finishing with just six marks on his scorecard, while Nick Schacht fell back, losing 23 marks on the day. San Martin now has the distinction of being undefeated on US soil, as his grand total of 18 also gave him the overall win for the two days.

This time, Bennett Hebner placed second behind his father, Bob, in the Intermediate Class but took home bragging rights with the overall win by a single mark with a grand total of 59 in one of the closest finishes. The other close finish came in the Amateur class as Mark Vonmetteheim won with 17 over Wade Fuller, who dropped a total of 18 marks overall.

Afterwards, the awards presentations, drawings, and giveaways ended these five days of festivities as everyone involved showed the excitement of already looking forward to 2023!

Special thanks to Dan and Laura Larson, Rich and Yoyo Hilbun, all the sponsors, observers,

Another good friend of John Hulme and Trial Magazine, Martin Belair shakes hands with Bernie.

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media, riders, photographers and everyone involved for making such a memorable weekend for us all! More photos of this event will be available on the website. www.mossyrocktrials.com

WHISKEY GULCH TWO-DAY TRIAL 2022

TOP THREE PER CLASS RESULTS MASTER: 1: William Head 40+17=57; 2: Chad Redman 51+19=70.

EXPERT: 1: Bryce Pophal 3+12=15; 2: Murphy Aaron 20+5=25; 3: David Taylor 26+26=52.

EXPERT SPORTSMAN: 1: Yoyi San Martin 12+6=18; 2: Nick Schacht 13+23=36.

SR ADVANCED: 1: Mike Diesburg 10+6=16; 2: Lance Butler 22+12=34; 3: Brandt Kennedy 24+14=38.

ADVANCED: 1: Tony McGrath 18+9=27; 2: Richard Fullen 47+9=56; 3: Nels Arneson 41+28=69.

SR INTERMEDIATE: 1: Mark Snyder 17+1=18; 2: DJ Gottofrey 45+15=60; 3: Jeff Holman 41+20=61.

INTERMEDIATE: 1: Bennett Hubner 41+18=59; 2: Bob Hubner 45+15=60; 3: Ryan Alley 50+12=62.

AMATEUR: 1: Mark Vonmettenheim 14+3=17; 2: Wade Fuller 17+1=18; 3: Christopher Kott 22+4=26.

NOVICE: 1: Levi Sutheimer 8+12=20; 2: Brandy Kennedy 16+13=29; 3: Morgan Goetting 17+15=32.

VINTAGE: 1: Matt Parsons 4+0=4; 2: Andrew Parker 6+3=9; 3: Jacob Roberts 10+0=10.

The Rising Stars Montana fund raised $2,940 and a cheque was presented in order to give a helping hand to the youth riders of Montana in reaching their full potential.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Meeting • Alexz Wigg

BIG WIGG 2022 World Championship action from Andorra.

MINDING THE FUTURE

It was quite a privilege to give Alexz Wigg the first-ever front cover of Trial Magazine in the UK in 2007, when we presented the magazine to the trials world. As it happened, the Wigg family caught my eyes quite a few years earlier, first with his father, Julian, in Grass-Track racing and the classic trials scene, and later with his uncle, Simon. As an all-round motorcycle enthusiast, I noted the success of Simon when he dominated the crazy and fast world of Long-Track Racing, taking the FIM World Championship by storm and winning the title in 1985, 1989, 1990, 1993 and 1994. He was also the runner-up in the FIM World Speedway World Championship in 1989. I briefly met Simon through my good friend John E Shirt when John was supplying his world-famous chain guards. It was a very sad day when Simon passed away, aged 40, on 15th November 2000. I would come into contact with the Wigg family through my connections with the Shirt family again when they were the official Gas Gas UK importers. Julian Wigg mentored his son Alexz from his successful schoolboy years to win the FIM Youth World Championship title in 2006. An enriching career would continue, including the 2009 FIM Junior World title and, one year later, a memorable win at the 2010 Scottish Six Days Trial. Now retired from mainstream trials competitions, Alexz is still heavily involved in the sport taking on the minding duties with Great Britain’s number one world championship contender Toby Martyn.

Words: John Hulme with Alexz Wigg • Pictures: Eric ‘EK’ Kitchen, Heath Brindley, Trials Media, John E Shirt, Wigg Family Collection 70

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

Alexz Wigg • Meeting 2022 at the Nice FIM X-Trial.

Minding means everything.

A

lexz Wigg was born in Aylesbury on 11th November 1989 and would soon be holding the motorcycle handlebars at the tender age of four. One of the politest young men you will ever encounter, it was a pleasure to catch up with ‘Big Wigg’ to find out more about a motorcycle career that continues in the present day. He has seen and heard it all; as they say, ‘He has the tee-shirt’.

Let’s start with Toby Martyn in 2022 Wiggy: “The word ‘talent’ springs to mind, and he’s also a really nice guy; well, most of the time. Having the role of the ‘Minder’ is a huge responsibility and not one to be taken lightly; you can, at times, literally have his safety in your hands. We work very well together, and I know that Toby has the utmost trust and respect in me when we are working as a team in the FIM Trial World Championships. It’s a little more relaxed in training, but in the heat of the competition in the sections, I have to trust his ability, and he has to trust that every command I give him is the correct one. If I want him half-a-tyre to one side or a few inches further back, he knows he needs it. I trust he will have selected the correct gear, and he will give his all to negotiate the section.

“As a rider, Toby is very committed, but he is still learning in the TrialGP class — ‘Learning?’, you may ask, but it’s back to the starting blocks at each level of riding, and when you enter a new class in the world championship it’s back to basics.”

What’s so different in TrialGP? Wiggy: “Just watch how calm and controlled Toni Bou is or any of the regular TrialGP riders. They break each part of a section into so many smaller parts and ride each part as a separate hazard. On many occasions, it’s about understanding how to quickly work out a calculated solution to a difficult situation.

You will never see panic explode in a difficult situation with Toni or Adam Raga, for example, Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Toby thrives on the intensity of the FIM X-Trial.

It’s all or nothing in Belgium.

71

Meeting • Alexz Wigg

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Sometimes it does not go to plan!

Father Julian had mentored Alexz from his schoolboy years to win the FIM Youth World Championship title in 2006.

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when they hit a problem, they remain calm, listen to the minder and work out the solution. It may need the loss of marks to rescue a situation, but they will always be calculating and thinking as a team.

“The late, great Martin Lampkin used to quote of a top trials rider’s needs; ‘You have to have the brains of a mathematician, and the strength of a blacksmith’ is so true.

“Both Toby and I are working much better as the season progresses; believe it or not, we both have to work on our individual strengths and weaknesses to progress as a team. At what point does Toby concede defeat in the section, and at what point do I tell him to stop – it all sounds so easy until you are in the heat of the competition! You would not believe just how elated I feel when Toby has a good ride, and it is encouraging for him to know I understand what a good ride is. It is not always about going for the clean but also completing a section losing the least marks, such is the high level in TrialGP.” Tell us about the FIM X-Trial.

Wiggy: “This form of competition takes on a totally different mindset; riding in an arena full of people and with the heat it generates, it makes for some very tense events. FIM X-Trial is made for Toby; he loves to show some flamboyance in his riding and, on his own admission, likes to show off a little sometimes, which is a good thing. You have to enjoy what you’re doing.

“The opening round of 2022 in Nice, France, was a learning curve for both of us. Toby is a fixed rider, which guarantees an entry at each round.

A big crash from Toby did not help, but I must say secretly, I was so pleased he just got up and got on with it; he had landed heavily from quite a height.

“It was then onto Chalon-sur-Saone, once again in France. Winning the opening heat in front of the world’s best was a huge moment for Toby. I was again so pleased; you can imagine the confidence you gain from that.

He made it through to the final to join Toni and Adam on the podium; what a night, the icing on the cake was the extra championship point for the best lap of the night. The champagne tasted really cool! He missed Madrid due to the BTC commitment and was too nervous in Barcelona, but he had proved his point indoors; he could do it.”

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October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Alexz Wigg • Meeting

One of the first adult nationals was the 2007 Bemrose Trial.

TrialGP 2022!

Wiggy: “Toby is riding far better than his results show. His commitment at this high level of riding is there for all to see. In my opinion, in the 2022 season, he is a top-seven finisher all day, and his position in the final standings does not reflect the effort he has put in. He has always tried his very best, and never once have I seen his head go down. Yes, he gets disappointed, but that is only natural for any athlete wanting to perform at their best.

“On many occasions, when a world round is over, and the organisers allow it, he wants to go back and challenge the sections again such is his commitment to succeed. I have enjoyed the season, we have had highs and lows, but on the whole, we have worked very well together, step by step. I genuinely believe he will make the breakthrough to start to challenge for the higher positions.”

Team Wigg 2007: Julian, Alexz and Minder Stuart Robinson.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

On the start ramp at the 2007 SSDT.

2007 SSDT: John R Shirt and Wayne Braybrook provided the entertainment.

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Meeting • Alexz Wigg

On the Future Racing Montesa in 2008.

Tell us a little about your world championship years.

Wiggy: “Firstly, it cost so much money and took so much commitment from my mother and father, and my younger sister Lydia mostly had trials events as holidays, as did all of us. I am eternally grateful to my parents for giving me the opportunity and also to so many excellent, supportive sponsors, there are too many to mention, but I thank each and every one of them.

2009 FIM Junior World Championship action.

76

“I won many ACU titles in the different youth classes before I emulated my uncle, Simon, to become an FIM World Champion in the Youth 125cc class in 2006. In the same year, I also won the Pinhard Prize before moving onwards and upwards into the adult world of the sport.

I was runner-up in the FIM Junior World Championships in 2007 and 2008 before I finally won the title in 2009, and one year later, I had my Scottish Six Days Trial win. I had ridden Gas Gas and Beta before moving to Sherco in 2011.”

What happened in 2011?

Wiggy: “On paper, the 2011 Sherco deal looked to be very good, and my constant Minder, Harold Crawford, agreed to come with me and give me his excellent support to follow my dreams in the FIM World Trials Championship. I had consistently scored points on the Beta in the 2010 world championship and finished 12th overall, and I believed that with the support from Sherco, I could move well into the top ten in 2011. Unfortunately, the world championship did not start until after the SSDT in May. After winning the Scottish the previous year, I lost out on third position on the tie-break to finish fourth, which sort of knocked my confidence a little. The world series started straight after Scotland in Germany, where I was 13th, then 12th in France on day one and 11th on day two. There was a small break before Spain in late June, where I finished 11th again.

One week later, we were in Andorra, an event I was looking forward to. I desperately wanted to make the break into the top ten, not just for myself but also for my sponsors. However, at the high-altitude event, the machine simply did not have enough power for me. I fived four cleanable sections, which the majority of the entry achieved; 20 marks lost meant I missed out on where I wanted to be. I felt so flat that, in truth, it really hurt. The rest of the season is, as they say, better kept away from, but my year was over by the end of the year, and so was the Sherco contract.”

Was this the turning point for you as a professional trials rider?

Wiggy: “One hundred per cent, yes. 2011 hurt in more ways than one. As always, my parents were right behind me with their support, and we put enough sponsors in place to continue in 2012. It was good to be back on a Gas Gas,

On the podium with Alfredo Gomez (ESP) and Matteo Grattarola (ITA) in the fight for the 2009 FIM Junior World title.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

Alexz Wigg • Meeting

2010 winning the Scottish Six Days Trial.

and I did dip into the top ten, but once again, in the overall championship, I finished 11th.

“I had a year out in 2013 before returning in 2014, but the passion had gone. I missed the two rounds in Japan riding without a minder and finished 12th at the end of the year.

Once again, John R Shirt at Gas Gas UK was very generous with his support, and I competed in the BTC, SSDT and Scott Trials, but it was time to re-think.

“My right knee was not in a good place and required an operation, and I went working for a good and valued friend and former sponsor, Andrew Chandler, at his building company.”

Then Vegas Called!

Wiggy: “You will have read about this Las Vegas experience in the previous articles on Michael Brown and Jack Challoner in Trial Magazine. Although it did not work out, I had a super time, and spending quality time with good friends was an unforgettable experience. It also gave me time to look at my life, which, in truth, I was enjoying, but I needed some direction for the future.

gçÜå=iÉÉ=`ä~ëëáÅ=qêá~äj~Ö=MUOMKéÇÑ===N===MVLMULOMOM===OPWMR 2014 FIM World Trials Championship; the passion had gone.

IF YOU HAVE READ THIS THEN SO HAVE YOUR CUSTOMERS

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BY JACK LEE

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Trial Magazine • October-November 2022 Trial Mag House Ad EPH 0720.indd 1

77 15/07/2020 14:56

Meeting • Alexz Wigg

2022 SSDT: I still love my trials riding, socially you will never meet a better set of people.

“As you will have seen in this article, motorcycling and, particularly, trials has been the major player in my life. However, the experience gained needed a new home, and I was willing to give that to the right person who I believed would benefit from it.

Minding in the trials world is very demanding; many think it is a chance to travel the world in between catching your mate’s machine in competitions, but there is so much more.”

Moving to professional minding.

Wiggy: “This is a very strange world to move into. Many thoughts pass through your head; will the rider accept you and your experience? After all, you are only doing your best for them. Moving to professional minding includes me also earning a living. I started to work with Ben Dignan after his father approached me, and I decided to give it a chance to see how it worked out. So we went into 2020 to do a full season, followed by 2021. In truth, I really liked being a part of the world championship scene again and

It’s always fulfilling to pass on my passion.

also working with young talent such as Ben. Off the back of this, I now find myself with Toby Martyn in 2022 in TrialGP at the very cutting edge of the sport!”

What’s next?

Wiggy: “I still love my trials riding, and the recent win at the Manx Two-Day Trial reminded me of this. Socially you will never meet a better set of people than the trials. I am now in my early 30s and have to look at the future. Working with Toby is very rewarding, and we both know where he needs to be. I will be with Toby for the foreseeable future, but so many of my good friends are now married or with a partner and settled down; maybe the ‘Big Wigg’ is looking at this! Until next time, John.”

Having the role of the Minder is a huge responsibility and not one to be taken lightly.

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October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Visit • Talon

TALON

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

Those of us who have ridden trials for 40 years or more will remember the names of perhaps half-a-dozen British companies that have been synonymous with our sport over the years. Products we used, names we would see on top riders’ machines, adverts in the press and magazines perhaps. Sadly, many of those names either no longer exist or have moved into completely different areas. One or two I can think of have become more fashion orientated, and some others are now based overseas. One such company from my fairly early riding days was Talon Engineering. If you changed the gearing or replaced worn-out parts on your motorcycle back then, it was a fair bet that Talon sprockets would have been used. They also developed a range of wheel hubs, and I am sure many will remember their front disc brake conversion for the TY250 mono-shock Yamaha. There weren’t many top riders of the late 70s and through the 80s and 90s that didn’t sport the Talon logo somewhere on their machine or clothing at one time.

Words: Heath Brindley • Pictures: Heath Brindley, Michael Martin, Eric Kitchen, Trials Media 80

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

Talon • Visit

E

ngineering excellence is what Talon products stand for; it has a huge fan base in the motocross, road race, grass track and now the karting world. These markets are much bigger than the trials world, and for some years, Talon’s development has been aimed squarely at these, along with some notable projects for other companies, so we feet-up fans have seen very little of the Talon logo.

Talon is back and aiming for the top.

NEW OWNERS

I am pleased to say that new owners Rod McDonagh and Steve Bones want to rectify that situation. New machinery has been purchased, with more on the way, to enable them to produce a bigger range of sprockets in higher volume. In addition, they have some new products in design and testing that, although aimed at the motocross world, may also result in trials-related items.

With many of their new changes already in place and having given their premises in Yeovil a bit of a change-around, they opened the doors for some invited press to look around on a guided tour on what turned out to be the second-hottest day of the year!

The main machine shop still has that old engineers’ feel of too much being crammed in but a closer inspection reveals old and new equipment positioned so that worked-on items can be moved to where they are needed next with minimum restrictions. Everything that any of the engineers would need is close at hand and well organised, including a very neat ‘vending machine’ for machine tool bits. Find the item you need, tap in the code, and it gets dispensed, just like choosing a can of fizzy drink!

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

New owners Rod McDonagh and Steve Bones also own Spirit Motorcycles. Steve brings with him 25 years’ experience in Grand Prix racing with 15 Moto GP victories accredited to his FTR Moto machines, shared across Moto3, Moto2 and Moto GP.

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Visit • Talon

Engineering excellence is what Talon products stand for.

A very neat vending machine for machine tool bits!

the Far East with their logo lasered on. They have their own 3D printing machines on-site to enable full-size mock-ups to be created before the final designs are reached. This allows the design engineers to see what the final product will look and fit like, enabling them to make quick changes if needed before they start working with aluminium. Not only saving time but also cutting down on the raw materials used, which have increased in price dramatically recently.

Talon products has a huge fan base in the motocross, road racing, grass track and now the karting world.

SATISFACTION

There is something very satisfying, not only in watching aluminium being machined but also seeing the beautiful final product come out of the machine complete with all the machining marks, swoops and curves, knowing that the

design undertaken by engineers trained and experienced to know all about the stresses and strains that the product is going to have to cope with.

You can be safe in the knowledge that Talon products are not just catalogue parts from

Everything that any of the engineers would need is close at hand and well organised.

82

WHEELS AND HUBS

Across the forecourt from the main production and machinery workshop is the wheel-building area. This is set up much smarter than the machine shop, and for good reason. This is where hubs manufactured 25 metres away are teamed up with British-produced spoke sets and either Japanese Excel rims or Talon’s own branded ones to make wheelsets to customers’ requirements. The options are almost endless, and you can mix and match colours to your heart’s content. In this more comfortable, heated or air-conditioned environment, it means you can watch your wheels being built — or even have a go at it yourself!

At present, there are no trial-specific hubs being manufactured, but, as with all things, never say never. According to Steve Bones, the room next to the wheel builders has recently been reclaimed from years of ‘random stuff’ storage. What this will turn into is not yet known, but presently it provides some wellneeded storage space. One of the company’s laser engraving machines is also in this area.

You then walk through to the despatch area, where customer orders are made up, packaged and sent out once chosen from a very tidy and well-organised storage system.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Visit • Talon

Investing in new machinery is a key element to the future at Talon.

PRODUCED IN THE UK

In this day and age, it is rare and gratifying to see almost the whole process from raw aluminium to packaged, finished product.

Apart from the anodising and, of course, the Japanese-made rims, it’s all done in-house. The quality of the finish is very high, and they have recently been working on some new products that will hit the shelves soon.

We were given the first glance of a new set of front fork yokes that are adjustable in almost every way possible, including a very neat steering head angle adjustment system. Also on view were some newly improved and finished engine side-casings that are not only much lighter than before but also now finished in a very hard-wearing anodising. These were sent out on motocross machines ridden exclusively in the sand to test that the finish would

A separate, very busy department is the wheel building area.

84

withstand these very abrasive conditions. The results were a great success.

To say that the new owners want to get Talon back to where they belong in the trials market is an understatement, meaning sprocket production and stock constitute a significant part of their thinking. Expect to see their logo more visible again soon, and the availability of the items you want will improve hugely.

Changes are underway to not only create new products but also to be able to supply the old ones we all loved so much.

A HUMBLE BEGINNING

The Talon story began in 1972 when George Sartin, who had a background in aircraft engineering, established a small engineering shop. A time-served precision engineer, George produced small engineering jobs.

Raw materials await machining.

Looking for an opportunity to expand and with a passion for Grass Track, George formed a lifelong bond with the racing legend Lew Coffin, who tasked George with producing a quality Grass Track hub. This friendship and collaboration began the foundations for what is now Talon Engineering Ltd, a small but mighty engineering company with a huge passion that built a global brand.

A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS

Simon Worner, sales manager: “Talon is proud to still be run as a family business, reflecting the values driven by George and Veronica Sartin back in the early years. In 2006, after

Colour combinations leave many options open for the purchaser.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

Talon • Visit

Waiting for dispatch: a Talon wheel hub.

Looking at the future in 1974, the Mickmar engine in the MAC aluminium frame.

A fine example of Talon engineered products.

34 productive years, George handed the reins to his son Robert Sartin. Rob was a talented off-road rider in his youth, winning two ACU British Youth Trials Championships and two ACU British Enduro Championship titles. In conjunction with his competitive racing, Rob went on to study as an engineer. As a result, he came into the family business with both technical expertise and the unique experience and insight of a competitive rider.

“Rob sold the business to Rod McDonagh and Steve Bones of Spirit Motorcycles back in 2021. Steve brought 25 years of experience in Grand Prix racing with 15 Moto GP victories accredited to his FTR Moto machines, shared across Moto3, Moto2 and Moto GP. His background in road racing design and fabrication and his expertise in MotoGP broadens the depth and width of the expertise available to Talon. It consolidates its current product line-up with exciting new components planned to grow Talon’s range of parts, pushing boundaries and the Talon brand to new levels.

“The Talon brand has grown from humble beginnings, directly attributed to the knowledge, expertise and dedication of the team behind the brand. We are proud suppliers to many race teams, both in the UK and overseas, who trust and believe in the quality and safety of a Talon hub and choice of Talon or Excel rim combinations. In addition, we supply to the USA, Australia, and many countries in between.”

Check out this casing.

Based in Yeovil, a Somerset market town, Talon designs and manufactures all its hubs, expertly milled from single-billet aircraft-grade aluminium and made to the exacting standard of trusted race quality products. They are then expertly laced into wheels by hand by its skilled wheel technicians in the wheel room, which is decorated with memorabilia from local legends to worldwide motorcycle icons. These include names such as Dave Thorpe’s Honda team with Tommy Searle, David Knight, Bryan Mackenzie, Jeff Perrett and many more UK riders, as well as hooking up Robbie Madison with wheels for his various Red Bull escapades, including the awesome pipe dream and ski jump, with Chad Reed in the USA, Andre Villa in FMX, as well as supplying wheels to Hollywood movies! Talon really does cover all bases.

50 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Now established for more than 50 years and working out of 35,000sq ft of recently renovated production, office and warehouse space, the new owners are taking the business forward. Investing in state-of-the-art machinery, making production more efficient and developing the Talon brand, by introducing a more superior race quality and competition products, have earned the manufacturer its place in the offroad, road race and competition environments as well as a reputation that is second to none around the world.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

This is the restored Talon — Mickmar trials machine.

85

Visit • Talon

Tony Scarlett (Yamaha) in action using Talon products in 1985

PRECISION

Talon also manufactures its design of alloy off/on-road final drive sprockets. Each one is precision engineered to maintain standards of flatness, concentricity and tolerance. As a result, not only do its sprockets look great in their variety of anodised colours, but they also perform in the most challenging races and the most demanding environments, used by race teams all around the world, as well as grassroots weekend warriors.

The company is currently investing in stateof-the-art automated milling and turning machinery as it introduces new products and capacity to its Somerset factory to develop and manufacture some exciting new performance parts coming soon.

Talon also imports a range of complementary products and is the UK importer for the Japanese Excel rim, the popular Italian Braking System’ Braking Power under Control’ and is an RK Chain stockist. As they say, ‘It’s all happening at Talon’!

Sammy Miller (left) with George Sartin in 2007.

mechanical engineer. Over the following years, Talon would supply such famous names as Dougie Lampkin and Graham Jarvis, to name but a few, and the Beta-UK team with their products.

Look out for new Talon products breaking ground in the trials world very shortly as they climb back up to the heights of success they have enjoyed in the past with such exciting new riders as Billy Green on the Scorpa.

TALON IN TRIALS

Mention the name George Sartin at any UK trial, and the reply will be, ‘he is a lovely man who put Talon Engineering on the map’.

Everyone will say sprockets, but did you know George became part of an ambitious project to manufacture a true UK trials machine? The full story can be found in our sister publication, Classic Trial Magazine, in issues 23 and 24 (in stock at www.trialmaguk.com). Some machines were manufactured, but eventually, the project was shut down.

A very innovative man, it was George who gave us the radical grooved rear sprocket first used by his son Rob and Tony Scarlett in the mid-80s on the mono-shock Yamahas; Scarlett would finish sixth in the 1985 World Trials Championship using Talon products.

Yamaha development engineer John E Shirt turned to George for his short-stroke engines, such was his reputation as a first-class 86

In 2022 such exciting new riders as Billy Green on the Scorpa are using Talon products in the FIM Trial2 World Championship.

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

Retro • 1992

HEADING STATESIDE FIM WORLD TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

Two iconic rounds of the FIM World Trials Championship took place in the United States. These would never be repeated. The first was the round held at Roaring Branch, Pennsylvania, on June 11th 1978; the location wouldn’t be used again, where Bernie Schreiber became the first — and, still only — American to ever win a round of the championship.

The second was the last round in 1992, held at Watkins Glen, New York. Although the venue was previously used in 1981 and 1984, the 1992 series finale decided the championship winner for the first and only time on American soil.

Words and pictures: Matt Liberatore 88

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

1992 • Retro

Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP)

When Tommi Ahvala won his first FIM World Trials Championship round in his home country at Korpilandi, Finland, on August 25th 1991, he served notice to the reigning champion Jordi Tarres and world number two Diego Bosis that he had arrived.

Since signing to ride with the mighty Aprilia team in 1989 on the first liquid-cooled trials machine, the Climber model, Ahvala had steadily risen to the top of the world rankings. That first victory in Finland kept Tarres from clinching his record-setting fourth FIM World Trials Championship with two rounds yet to follow. Tarres would go on to clinch that coveted fourth title with a win at the next round in Sweden.

At that time, Tarres had also surpassed the only other three-time FIM World Trials Champions, Yrjo Vesterinen (Bultaco-FIN) and Thierry Michaud (Fantic-FRA), to become the first four-time winner.

When Ahvala took his second victory at the final round held at Nepomuk, Czechoslovakia, two weeks later, Tarres knew he would have a battle on his hands to secure a fifth championship in 1992.

The 1992 FIM World Trials Championship season began exactly as it finished the previous year, with Ahvala winning the opening round at Berga, Spain, with Bosis second and Tarres third. After a back-and-forth battle during the season between Tarres, Ahvala and Bosis, Tommi Ahvala arrived at the 12th and final round of the series in Watkins Glen with a seven-point lead over Jordi Tarres by virtue of his win in Canada the previous week where Tarres finished seventh. Before making the trip overseas to North America, however, Tarres had held a twopoint lead, a lead which had been slowly dwindling since the ninth round in Germany.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Tommi Ahvala (Aprilia-FIN)

Pressure for the top three.

89

Retro • 1992

Diego Bosis (Fantic-ITA)

WATKINS GLEN / MONTOUR FALLS, NEW YORK, USA SEPTEMBER 4TH, 1992

Diego Bosis’s Fantic KROO

Pleasant temperatures and low humidity in September prevailed at the Watkins Glen venue. As the two previous rounds in 1981 and 1984 had been held in the stifling heat of June, this was a welcome change for everyone in attendance.

On the morning of this final WTC round of 1992, one could sense the tension in the paddock between the duelling factory teams of Aprilia and Beta. This was indeed the showdown between two riders, four-time world champion Tarres and the rising star Ahvala. Nevertheless, the Aprilia and Beta factories were the strongest teams in the championship.

Aprilia was notable as the first team to push others with their extensive use of ‘exotic’ road-racing materials in their trials team effort. Nearly every single nut and bolt, including the front pipe on Ahvala’s factory Aprilia, was made of titanium; the attention to detail was second to none as Ettore Baldini prepared Ahvala’s machine in the paddock.

For Ahvala, the strategy was simple; all he had to do was finish ahead of Tarres, or if Tarres won, he needed to finish no worse than fourth to secure the championship. Of course, everyone expected Ahvala to win, but he knew that Tarres could easily make up the points that he needed.

The organiser, Carl Peters, who had also had the same duties for the WTC rounds 1981 and 1984, said that after the positive comments from the riders in the 1984 event, he set a goal of having sections that were in the same range of difficulty to suit the machine development that had taken place. His goal was about 50 marks lost for the winning score.

OBSERVING

Peters had also instructed the observers not to let the riders know what score they were having recorded during each ride. Instead of, as traditionally, holding up an arm overhead with fingers showing the current score, the arms would be kept down close to the side, hidden from view. This method worked, as there were really no arguments going on at any time during the weekend, although it was odd to everyone not knowing what each rider’s

90

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

1992 • Retro score was during or after a completed section. It should be noted that this entire issue came about because of the ‘stop without penalty’ rule. Riders had been stopping directly in front of observers and contesting their current score while riding in a section. Since stop was allowed, they could take as long as they wanted to complete the section.

On this final championship round of the year, the riders faced the same challenging type of sections that were used in 1981 and 1984, along with new sections. There were none of the long steep climbs following waterfalls, as used in the previous world rounds. The changes in machine and tyre technology would have made these too easy. Instead, sections were drastically tightened up and crossed back and forth across the waterfalls.

The 14 sections consisted of mainly slippery, steep, muddy banks, loose hill climbs and log crossings, but with much tighter turns in these sections to accommodate the modern stop-and-hop style.

The riders were given seven hours to complete the three laps, followed by a one-hour penalty grace period. A total of 47 riders took part.

As always, time was a problem.

Amos Bilbao (Gas Gas-ESP)

FIRST LAP

As the riders made their way around the first lap, it was clear that the sections were easier than expected. This was true for the top riders, especially as there were several clean and one-mark rides, the exception being the muddy climb of section nine, where threes and fives were recorded until Ahvala came through for a superb two-mark loss.

The easier sections really came to a halt at Section 12, which was a very long, steep climb with loose soil and rocks the length of two football fields.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Marc Colomer (Montesa-ESP)

Unfortunately, the start gate gave virtually no run-up to the base of the climb, and there were two platform ledges where the riders could stop to rest before going on to the top. This would have been beneficial for this section in particular since there was no time limit, so the riders could take as long as needed to balance. The only problem was that the section was nearly impossible!

Although most riders made it to the first ledge without issues, the second attack to the top was so steep, with such loose grip, nearly all riders took fives, and there were several crashes, with machines and riders tumbling back down.

93

Retro • 1992

Takumi Narita (Beta-JPN)

Not only was this a tough challenge for the riders, but the spectators also lining the lower sides of the section had the problem of dodging rocks, some the size of footballs, which became dislodged from the ground.

It was becoming apparent, rider after rider, that no one would make it to see the ends cards of section 12 – until Diego Bosis entered the section and fired the Fantic up to the first ledge clean. Then, after balancing to rest, he set off to the second ledge; using every ounce of power from his factory machine in his typical style, weight centred low with knees out while leaning the machine right to left with the throttle twisted all the way to the stop, he made it to the second platform and rested for several seconds while the crowd cheered. Bosis again accelerated on full song with authority as the Fantic ploughed its way up and crested the climb for the most amazing clean ride of the weekend, which was also followed by the most raucous roars from the crowd!

The only other riders to make it through the ends cards on this day were Marc Colomer and Amos Bilbao, both having to foot all the way to the top.

Bilbao, however, was on fire, piloting the Gas Gas to a first-lap lead of just 14 marks lost. Ahvala was second on 16, Tarres was right on his tail at 17, with Bosis on 20 as the riders went out for the second lap.

SECOND LAP

Jordi Tarres was more motivated and attacked the course with resolve, finding his lost form while pulling off a superb clean ride on section one after being out of shape, and then followed this with a series of clean rides. Tarres would only have one five on the near-impossible climb of section 12, a

94

Bruno Camozzi (Fantic-FRA)

two on section 13 and three one-dab rides to come in with a score of 11 marks lost on the second lap.

Ahvala meanwhile struggled more on this second circuit, recording the seemingly obligatory five on section 12, but looked more defensive in his riding, taking more safety dabs here and there with two threes on sections five and 17 to complete the lap on 20 marks.

Bilbao also lost the momentum of his opening lap, losing 22 marks, as did Montesa’s Marc Colomer with the same score. Bosis couldn’t repeat his opening-lap heroic ride on section 12, taking a five.

Ahvala’s concern at the beginning of the event was now becoming a reality as Tarres was in the lead and had all the momentum going into the final lap, firing on all cylinders for the first time in several weeks of this championship. The top four standings after the riders completed the second lap were: Tarres 28, Ahvala 36, Bilbao 36 and Bosis 42.

THIRD LAP

As the riders went out for the last lap, one thing became immediately apparent: Tarres was on fire.

Showing the grit of a champion, he cleaned the first five sections easily and did so confidently.

This changed, however, at section six. This section began with a series of up-and-down ledges in and across the waterfall, with tight turns requiring trick riding before ending on the other side of the waterfall with a large double-step rock wall to the exit. Although this section was very intimidating visually, it proved not too difficult for the top riders, and Tarres cleaned it on his first two laps. While on for a clean ride and powering up the final ledge, Tarres hit the sump shield of the Beta and had to jump off the side of the machine, recording a five.

He gathered himself for clean rides on sections seven and eight, but disaster struck again at the steep, muddy climb to the exit of section nine. In control of the section, Tarres fired the Beta up, but on the final exit, he arrived out of shape, lost control and looped out as the machine crashed to the bottom of the stream.

Ahvala began making up ground while cutting into Tarres’ eight-mark lead after the second lap with smooth, effortless, confident rides one after another. He got better as the day went on, especially on this final lap, as Tarres would suffer a puncture which caused another five on section 11.

While the battle for the World Trials Championship between Tarres and Ahvala came down to this final lap, Amos Bilbao was looking increasingly confident and was, somewhat indiscreetly, keeping the GasGas at the top of the leaderboard with some superb riding.

It became very clear after the mid-point of the last lap that Bilbao wasn’t going away and was very much in contention for the win. Unfortunately for Jordi Tarres, his form deserted him as his score nearly doubled on the final lap. Ahvala’s riding improved as the day went on, especially on lap three, as he lost only 14 marks to finish on 50 to secure his first FIM World Trials Championship title.

Bilbao would also lose only 14 marks to finish tied with Ahvala on 50 marks. Bilbao, however, took the victory with 26 cleans to Ahvala’s 22.

It was a popular win for the very well-liked Ahvala, and he said afterwards: “I expected the sections to be harder, and when they weren’t, I was worried. I followed Jordi through most of the sections and just tried to concentrate. I had a good last lap and knew I was the winner.”

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

1992 • Retro

The sections were big

1992 WORLD TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIPS USA

RESULTS 1: Amos Bilbao (Gas Gas-ESP) 50; 2: Tommi Ahvala (Aprilia-FIN) 50; 3: Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP) 54; 4: Marc Colomer (Montesa-ESP) 57; 5: Diego Bosis (Fantic-ITA) 60; 6: Steve Colley (Beta-GBR) 68; 7: Bruno Camozzi (Fantic-FRA) 70; 8: Donato Miglio (Aprilia-ITA) 71; 9: Joan Pons (Beta-ESP) 72; 10: Takumi Narita (Beta-JPN) 75; 11: Thierry Michaud (Aprilia-FRA) 75; 12: Jean-Luc Nictou (Beta-FRA) 76; 13: Robert Crawford (MontesaGBR) 78; 14: Piero Sembenini (Beta-ITA) 83; 15: Philippe Berlatier (Gas Gas-FRA) 84; 16: Steve Saunders (Aprilia-GBR) 84; 17: Marco Reit (Beta-HOL) 103; 18: Alex Van Der Brock (MontesaHOL) 105; 19: Angel Garcia (Gas Gas-ESP) 108; 20: Thierry Girard (Gas Gas-FRA) 109.

POSITIONS 1: Tommi Ahvala (Aprilia-FIN) 199; 2: Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP) 190; 3: Diego Bosis (Fantic-ITA) 172; 4: Amos Bilbao (Gas Gas-ESP) 151; 5: Marc Colomer (Montesa-ESP) 143; 6: Takumi Narita (Beta-JPN) 107; 7: Bruno Camozzi (Fantic-FRA) 103; 8: Donato Miglio (Aprilia-ITA) 103; 9: Steve Colley (BetaGBR) 72; 10: Thierry Michaud (Aprilia-FRA) 70; 11: Joan Pons (Beta-ESP) 56; 12: Philippe Berlatier (Gas Gas-FRA) 51; 13: Thierry Girard (Gas Gas-FRA) 49; 14: Piero Sembenini (BetaITA) 40; 15: Robert Crawford (Montesa-GBR) 31; 16: Stefano Dellio (Montesa-ITA) 13; 17: Jean-Luc Nictou (Beta-FRA) 9; 18: Daniel Crossett (Gas Gas-BEL) 7; 19: Angel Garcia (Gas Gas-ESP) 3; 20: Marco Reit (Beta-HOL) 2; 21: Steve Saunders (Aprilia-GBR)1.

Robert Crawford (Montesa-GBR) in full concentration.

WINS: Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP) 4; Tommi Ahvala (Aprilia-FIN) 3; Diego Bosis (Fantic-ITA) 3; Amos Bilbao (Gas Gas-ESP) 2.

MACHINES: Beta 7; Gas Gas 5; Aprilia 4; Fantic 2; Montesa 3.

NATIONALITY: France 5; Spain 5; Italy 4; Great Britain 3; Belgium 1;Finland 1; Holland 1; Japan 1.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

1992 FIM World Trials Champion: Tommi Ahvala

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

Nikita Smith (Gas Gas)

LADIES

STRONGER THAN EVER

We have to raise our hats to everyone who has helped to support the 2022 ACU Ladies British Trials Championship after the tough years of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has returned as strong as ever, with a seven-round series spread across the country and good support from the female competitors.

Once again, it has been as competitive as ever, and when you look over all the classes, the majority have gone to the final round with a winner-takes-all.

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: Colin Bullock and Trials Media

Megan Savage (Gas Gas)

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Beth Dunning (Beta)

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

Summer Peters (Beta)

GIRLS B ROUTE 2

Once again, we see two riders dominating this class; Summer Peters always had the upper hand, but we take nothing from Holly Dixon, who pushed her all the way.

RESULTS: 1: Summer Peters 129; 2: Holy Dixon 125; 3: Brianna King 93.

GIRLS C ROUTE 3 Seren Walters (Beta)

LADIES

After almost a ten-year battle with life-changing injuries sustained in a road traffic accident when she was 16 years old, Nikita Smith has ticked one more item on her bucket list. After a good start to the championship, she took the early advantage as Kaytlyn Adshead finally found her form mid-season. In the final round, it was winner takes all as Nikita secured the title, with Alice Minta pushing Kaytlyn down to third on the day.

RESULTS: 1: Nikita Smith 128; 2: Kaytlyn Adshead 122; 3: Daisy Parsons 35.

Another strong class with ten points-scoring riders, but it was the sheer consistency of the eventual winner, Sophia Ferguson, to whom no one had the answer. Both Daisy Craig and Sophie Sellers were consistently on the podium, but the domination shown by Ferguson, with seven wins from seven starts, had her a clear winner.

RESULTS: 1: Sophia Ferguson 140; 2: Daisy Craig 117; 3: Sophie Sellers 93.

GIRLS D ROUTE 4

Missing the podium’s top spot just once, on day two at the Berkhamsted round, Clodagh Higgins gave a huge shout-out for electric power as she guided her OSET to the championship win. Also, note the strong performance from second-placed Isla Kennington, who took a win and six runner-up places to finish second in the championship.

RESULTS: 1: Clodagh Higgins 137; 2: Isla Kennington 122; 3: Celeste Phipps 69.

LADIES 50/50 ROUTE

With only three riders securing points, this poorly supported class had Megan Savage as the winner despite competing in only four rounds of the series.

RESULTS 1: Megan Savage 74; Sarah Bell 40; 3: Jazz Hammond 20.

LADIES INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2

This was the biggest class in this year’s championship with 11 points-scoring riders, and it was experience that gave Beth Dunning the title. Growing all the time, young Lucy Ayrton took the runner-up position by making the podium on all but one occasion. Hannah Moore enjoys her trials riding and was a very worthy third-place finisher in the championship.

RESULTS: 1: Beth Dunning 128; 2: Lucy Ayrton 105; 3: Hannah Moore 96.

GIRLS A INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2

It was a dominant performance from Seren Walters, who won all of the seven points-scoring rounds. Ruby McCubbon was on the case but had no answer to Walters, finishing as the runner-up in six of the seven rounds.

RESULTS: 1: Seren Walters 140; 2: Ruby McCubbon 102; 3: Isobelle Coopey 77.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Sophia Ferguson (Beta)

Clodagh Higgins (OSET)

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

Toby Martyn (TRRS)

TRIAL GB

CRUNCH TIME

It was crunch time for the two heavyweights of the ACU British Trials Championship in the Trial GB class, Toby Martyn and Jack Peace, as they headed to Summerbridge, Harrogate and the Ripon Motor Club’s venue in late July. Jack had worked hard to open up a points advantage with three wins on the bounce, but Martyn had come fighting back with two wins at the Devon double-header to move within two points of the lead. Jack would be carrying the home advantage, as would his elder brother Dan, with Martyn making the long road trip to commence battle.

Article: Trials Media 100

Jack Peace (Sherco)

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

A huge abundance of rocks and steep climbs in the predominantly wooded area was hit by a heavy downpour before the start, making the already difficult sections even harder. The winner from the previous round in this class, Martyn, would be the first rider, allowing Jack Peace to have the upper hand and watch the line of the defending champion. Martyn looked very confident and happy at the head of the field, remaining feet up until section five on the first lap, as Jack was the first to show any nerves with his feet down in section two.

Section ten stopped both of them as first Dan passed through with a three-mark loss, mirrored

by Billy Green. Then, as the lap closed in front of a crowd at section 12 and its huge steps, Toby Martyn (TRRS) held the advantage, with the marks at 13 and 17 in his favour.

With no more rain for the day, the sections were riding really well as they cut through to the drier soil from the recent hot weather, which was reflected in Martyn’s two-lap scores of 11 apiece. Jack gave it his all, but he had no answer, falling further behind on the second lap with a score of 16 and then 22 for the final lap.

Billy Green (Scorpa) had shown his form on the second lap with a score of 17, which guaranteed him the second visit to the podium in 2022.

It is good to see that the final round is quite a neutral one in Wales, with no one having an advantage; will it be a test of nerves or ability? In a winner-takes-all finale, we will have to wait and see.

Billy Green (BMS Scorpa)

2022 ACU TRIAL GB BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 7 HARROGATE

RESULTS: 1: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 35; 2: Jack Peace (Sherco) 58; 3: Billy Green (Scorpa) 72; 4: Dan Peace (Sherco) 82; 5: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 127.

AFTER 7 OF 8 ROUNDS POSITIONS: 1: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 133; 2: Jack Peace (Sherco) 131; 3: Dan Peace (Sherco) 103; 4: Billy Green (Scorpa) 91; Jack Dance (GASGAS) 81.

Trial Magazine • October-November 2022

Trial 2: Iwan Roberts (TRRS)

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

Harry Hemingway (Beta)

Harry Turner (Scorpa)

ACU TRIAL 2

ROBERTS AND TRRS ON TARGET

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The consistent riding combination of Iwan Roberts and the TRRS would need to be continued if he was to keep the young pretender Harry Hemingway (Beta) at bay. This is a battle between two riders from two totally different generations of trials: one has the experience and older age; the other is young and hungry, but who has the nerve to go all the way in 2022?

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Article: Trials Media

Round seven would have action all the way as both the current series leader, Roberts, and Harry Hemingway knew they needed to win for different reasons.

With the numbers drawn, Harry Hemingway would start with the advantage as he would be behind the championship leader. Roberts was the one in command though, as he looked the better rider; more relaxed on the opening lap, he put in a superb opening lap of just six marks lost. Unfortunately, Hemingway looked a little the opposite, and he knew an early stop in section eight and then again in 12 was not what he needed as he returned a score of 15 marks lost.

On lap two, it was Roberts’ time to feel the pressure with two fives in a total of 13 as he stopped on the step at section 12. With Hemingway parting with 11, it was all going very much in his rival’s favour, with one lap to complete. Showing all the experience of a much older rider, the head on the young shoulders of Hemingway was at its very best, and when he parted with just five marks on the final lap, victory was in sight. However, it was not to be; although he did take the extra championship point

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for the best lap, he lost out on the tie-break decider.

Harry Turner continued to improve and rode his own trial to finish on the podium’s final step. With just one round remaining, Roberts has one hand on the trophy; may the best man win.

Oliver Smith (TRRS)

2022 ACU TRIAL 2 BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 7, HARROGATE

RESULTS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 31; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 31; 3: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 68; 4: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 84; 5: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 91; 6: Sam Haslam (GASGAS) 96; 7: Sam Connor (Beta) 103; 8: Chris Stay (TRRS) 105; 9: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 108; 10: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 110.

AFTER 7 OF 8 ROUNDS POSITIONS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 131; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 119; 3: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 87; 4: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 75; 5: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 67; 6: Sam Connor (Beta) 67; 7: Chris Stay (TRRS) 62; 8: James Fry (Sherco) 51; 9: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 37; 10: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 34.

Alexz Wigg (Vertigo)

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship On the opening lap, Dan and Brad Bullock (Beta) fought for the lead. Brad had the measure of Thorpe on the opening lap, with his score of seven compared to nine giving him an early lead. As expected, with the sections having a permanent line through them, the scores started to fall, and this is when Dan made his first push for victory.

Mastering the many rocks and climbs, he lost just six marks as Bullock dropped to second with his score of nine, only two in total behind Thorpe as the scores stood at 15 and 16 marks lost. Jack Spencer had the best last-lap score of 9, but Thorpe remained strong to take the win. Emma Bristow watched her remote championship hopes possibly slip away, finishing in third position.

2022 ACU TRIAL EXPERT BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 7, HARROGATE

RESULTS: 1: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 25; 2: Brad Bullock (Beta) 33; 3: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 36; 4: Jack Spencer (Beta) 40; 5: Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) 53; 6: John Sunter (Montesa) 56; 7: Charlie Smith (Vertigo) 56; 8: Sam Beecroft-Penny (TRRS) 64; 9: Joseph Collins (Beta) 70; 10: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 82.

AFTER 7 OF 8 ROUNDS

Dan Thorpe (GASGAS)

POSITIONS: 1: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 131; 2: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 111; 3: George Gosden (Beta) 91; 4: Charlie Smith (Vertigo) 88; 5: Brad Bullock (Beta) 87; 6: Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) 72; 7: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 60; 8: Sam Beecroft-Penny (TRRS) 42; 9: Corey Dubik (Vertigo) 38; 10: Joseph Collins (Beta) 33.

TRIAL EXPERT

DAN’S ON TRACK

It was going to take something unpredictable to stop Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) from moving toward the championship title in 2022. However, with four wins from six starts and an extra four points for the best lap scores, Dan has steadily opened a points advantage over Emma Bristow that had put him virtually out of reach with two rounds remaining.

Article: Trials Media

Brad Bullock (Beta)

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Emma Bristow (Sherco)

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship A little late, perhaps, but the game changer in this year’s series has been the emergence of Scotland’s Jamie Galloway (TRRS) as a strong rider in the 125 class. Without a doubt, George has worked hard to be in the driving seat, but so has Galloway, who improves with every outing.

In Yorkshire, at round seven, they matched one another on seven marks lost each on the opening lap. Two consecutive three-mark losses on lap two released Hemingway to open up the lead.

He retained this, which was made clearer when Galloway stopped in the last section of the day.

Two very strong riders in their own right, they finished well clear of Alfie Lampkin on 60, who was also well clear of Jay Pyper (Beta).

The highlight of Lampkin’s day was the respectable second-lap score of 11 marks lost. As they say, it’s not over until it’s over, but it would be a huge upset if George Hemingway did not take the 2022 ACU Trial 125 British Championship title. Will Galloway go for gold? We will see; you can bet he will be trying.

2022 ACU TRIAL 125 BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 7, HARROGATE

RESULTS: 1: George Hemingway (Beta) 16; 2: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 23; 3: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 60; 4: Jay Pyper (Beta) 95; 5: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 120.

AFTER 7 OF 8 ROUNDS

George Hemingway (Beta)

POSITIONS: 1; George Hemingway (Beta) 143; 2: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 125; 3: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 103; 4: Jay Pyper (Beta) 90; 5: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 76; 6: Finlay Rule (Scorpa) 64.

ACU TRIAL 125

ON TARGET

Six wins from seven starts tell its own story as George Hemingway stays on target and moves towards the championship crown.

Article: Trials Media

Jamie Galloway (TRRS)

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Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo)

October-November 2022 • Trial Magazine

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October-November 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

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

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

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

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

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17 OHA Motorsport

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

Tel: 028 9131 0297 Email: office@ohamotorsport.com Web: www.ohamotorsport.com Area: Bangor, BT19 7PD

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18 RCM Trialsport

Tel: 01333 311744 Email: duncan.wood@btconnect.com Area: Fife, KY10 2RB

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

12 Inta Bikes Tel: 01622 688727 Email: intabikes@btconnect.com Web: www.intabikes.co.uk Area: Maidstone, ME15 6HE

13 John Lee & Sons Motorcycles

Tel: Mail: Web: Area:

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

Tel: 01209 820896 Email: rcm-trialsport@hotmail.com Area: Redruth, TR16 5PN

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

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21 St Blazey MX Tel: Web: Mail: Area:

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

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

16 Mickey Oates Motorcycles

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No matter where you're going…

Harry Hemingway (16) - 2022 125cc Trials World Champion George Hemingway (14) - 3-time podium finished in '22

…we know where to start…

Harry (6) and George (4) at the OSET Cup 'World Round' in 2012!

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