Trial Magazine Issue 98 April-May 2023

MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC • COMPETITION • FEATURES

www.trialmaguk.com

98

EXCLUSIVE

SCORPA ON TRIAL INTERNATIONAL

2003 SSDT

9 771753 004072 9 771753 004072

98>

April-May 2023

ISSUE 98 • UK: £5.99 98>

FIM X-TRIAL

REFLECTION

2003

X-TRIAL

LADIES

IN SAFE HANDS • 6 7 3 FAT B A R ® • T O N I B O U • 3 2 x W O R L D C H A M P I O N •

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 THE TEAM Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou Editor John Hulme (NUJ No: 949620)

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

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

Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com Subscriptions Cath Rogers cath@trialmaguk.com 01663 744766 Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com Printing: Buxtons Press Distribution: Warners Group Publications © 2023 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 • April-May 2023

WELCOME FEATURES EXCLUSIVE

28

INTERNATIONAL

38

LADIES

48

SSDT

62

REFLECTION

66

SPORT

77

ARCHIVE

86

SIDECAR

99

DEALER VISIT

104

2023 Scorpa FIM X-TRIAL Donna Fox

Who Will Win

28

2003 SSDT Trial GB

1972 - 1992 ACU - BTC

Doble Motorcycles

38 48

88

REGULAR SECTIONS

66

NEWS 8 TALK TRIALS TONI BOU 12 TALK TRIALS TOBY MARTYN 16 PADDOCK 20 SHOPPING 24 POSTER 58 DEALER LOCATOR 110 SUBSCRIPTION FORM 112

Cover: Michael Brown 2023 Scorpa Photo Credit: Trials Media

5

News • The world of trials

2023 FACTORY BETA REST IN PEACE

Various upgrades keep the Beta name at the front of the machine choice for so many riders with this new 2023 Factory model. However, underneath the new aesthetics, you will find many upgrades that make a good machine even better.

The Beta Evo model range has evolved over so many years that you now arrive with a machine so close to perfection from the Italian motorcycle manufacturer.

The EVO Factory models are built in limited numbers, providing exclusivity and performance upgrades, and share the same base platform as the standard EVOs, which, along with a series of updates on both the frame and engine, are all aimed at improving rider performance and ease-of-owning.

The two-stroke models feature eye-catching magnesium crankcases, amongst other upgrades, with a black-finish look that reduces weight by 1kg, improving the machine’s agility.

The Beta was the number-one choice for riders at the 2022 Scottish Six Days Trial, which, with the excellent backup service provided in the paddock, is no surprise.

2023 SSDT SUPPORT

Colin Dommett

Barry Robinson

We are sad to report the passing of two very well-known figures in the off-road world in February. First, we lost Colin Dommett and then Barry Robinson, two very good friends of our publications, Trial and Classic Trial Magazine.

John Hulme: “Whilst Colin was well known for his riding exploits, Barry was better known for his contribution as a journalist and, more notably, as a photographer. I feel very privileged to have worked with Colin on a feature on him, which we published in Classic Trial Magazine number 40. We had such a good time reminiscing over his long and successful career; it was a pleasure to present the article.

“When I started on my publishing adventure close to 20 years ago, one of my first points of contact was Barry. He listened to what I proposed and supported me immediately. He then did something I term ‘held my hand’ at certain times, like when I was unsure and encouraged me so much. His proposal for me to join the NUJ was a major point in my publishing life. His wealth of knowledge was always a pleasure to listen to. He will be sadly missed, but his memories and pictures will live on forever”.

MOS CUSTOM BOOTS

‘Be prepared or prepare to fail’ is the nature of the SSDT. Please only arrive at the event with your machine well-prepared; manufacturers are at the SSDT to offer support and not to prepare your machine for the event!

If you wish to receive support from the various manufacturers during the week, you must contact them and register your machine and rider details.

Throughout this issue, you can find all the relevant address and contact details for the support services in the adverts from the manufacturers, UK importers and dealers.

01933 312827

www.johnleemotorcycles.co.uk 8

John Lees Banner Ad 0323.indd 1

We believe the new MOS boots are a first for motorcycle trials. The boots are fully customisable with colour and rider designs of your choice. You may have seen these boots in action worn by Italian rider Matteo Grattarola in the FIM World Championship, who has displayed various designs over the past few seasons. Tried and tested at the cutting edge of the sport by one of the most talented riders, Steve Saunders again brings innovative products to the forefront.

These are quality boots with prices starting at £259. Call Steve on 01242 675015 to discuss your requirements.

OFFICIAL SPARES AND SERVICE 08/03/2023 12:30

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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Photos: Sebas Romeo, Mitterbauer H.

GET ON THE CHECK IT OUT!

GAS!

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

With improved durability for 2023, our versatile competition ready bikes take trial performance to the next level. #GetOnTheGas

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Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations!

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.

THE NEW STANDARD www.Vertigomotors.com

Talk Trials • Toni Bou

TONI BOU

THAT CRASH In my last column, you may have noticed that we did not speak of my crash on the rocks in January at the DL12 indoor at Sheffield, Great Britain. That is because I asked the Trial Magazine editor John Hulme not to. We greatly respect one another, and I know when I ask John not to write something, he will not. However, I am a professional trials rider, and at times it is not in my best interests to let the opposition know that I am injured!

Words: Toni Bou with Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media I felt good on the night of the event, in which so much effort was put into making it a success, and, as always, the crowd was superb. When I misjudged my take off on the rocks, I knew I would crash and put my right leg out to see if I could rescue the situation.

As it happened, I trapped my leg between the machine and the rocks; the pain was pretty severe! I continued, but you will have seen my second crash on the Montesa Honda UK-sponsored section. It may have looked spectacular, but fortunately, I did not injure myself again. My ankle had swelled straight away, so I knew it was injured. I spoke with the promoters, Dougie Lampkin and Jake Miller, who fully understood the situation that forced me to withdraw. I want to thank the crowd for the appreciative applause and for understanding the situation.

I was close to a full recovery when I arrived in Barcelona for round one of the 2023 FIM X-Trial. With my father, Toni Snr, once again supporting me at my home round, I took the victory, which was very satisfying. With two rounds of the championship now completed, I have the win in Spain and second in Austria, so it’s full focus on the next round as I try to extend my championship lead further..

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

12

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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Talk trials • Toby Martyn

TOBY MARTYN

24/7 THAT’S ME This season continues to carry momentum at the full-on pace of 24/7 as I continue to make my impression on the trials scene in 2023 on the new Montesa Honda UK-supported Cota 4RT. As you are about to discover, juggling my FIM X-Trial commitment with the ACU British Trials Championship came to a head as I fitted in round two of the X-Trial in Austria with the opening round of the Trial GB championship, all in a 48-hour period.

Words: Toby Martyn with Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media and X-Trial Night and day all rolled into one. The FIM X-Trial in Wiener Neustadt’s Arena Nova, Austria, started on Saturday evening at 7.00pm, and the first round of the ACU Trial GB was at 9.30am the following morning in Hookwood Trials Centre in Surrey, which involved a little bit of commitment with my timing, shall we say!

My father, Tim, travelled out with us in the van to Austria for the X-Trial, where I was hoping for better results than at round one in Barcelona.

In all fairness, the sections looked quite good, but I just made too many mistakes in the opening round. I felt much better in round two, but the marks were so close; seventh position was a disappointment.

After some quick shuteye, it was an early start to the airport on Sunday morning as my father dropped Alexz Wigg and me at the airport for a flight back to the UK. It was then a quick dash to Hookwood in plenty of time for the start to meet up with my mother, who had my other two machines waiting for me after her drive up from home.

As you will have read elsewhere, it was, shall we say, a tough day where I lost the win in the closing stages of the last lap. Second was not where I wanted to be. Only seven of the eight proposed rounds will count at the end of the year, and I will have to miss the next round due to my FIM X-Trial commitments, meaning I will have to be at my very best in all the other rounds to retain my ACU Trial GB British Championship crown — bring it on!

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

16

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

WINNERS

Picture Credit: Trials Media.

CHOOSE MICHELIN TYRES.

Adam Raga

Winner of the 2023 DL12 Indoor Trial To discover the MICHELIN Trial range visit: www.michelin.co.uk/motorbike

117 YEARS OLD

Paddock • Caught on camera

SMILE

BOSS MAN

HOLD ON

WIPEOUT

FULL GAS

VERTIGO

20

TAKE TWO

ROCKY

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Caught on camera • Paddock

BOUNCING BOU

LOOKING UP

ONE

MY HERO

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

TEAM

MY MAN

STARMAN

21

Shopping • What’s new

WHAT’S ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST?

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April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

What’s new • Shopping

MOTS WAIST BAG

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Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

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25

Shopping • What’s new

BETA TEAM SHIRT AND PANTS

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26

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine Trial Mag House Ad EPH 0720.indd 1

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Exclusive • Scorpa 2023

ALL NEW ON TRIAL EXCLUSIVE: SCORPA 2023

After the excitement that surrounded the official launch of the new – as in brand new – Scorpa in association with the Sherco brand in September 2022 in Italy, it has shall we say, all gone a little quiet. The talk at the presentation was about production machines available by the end of the year; as we know, none appeared. We are led to believe the main reason was the component supply to produce a production run for general sale — a far greater task than you would expect.

It is quite understandable, considering post-pandemic global problems and the war in Russia and Ukraine. However, unbeknown to the general public, a new ‘Pre-Series Production’ 2023 Scorpa had been running in the Lake District at the base of the official UK importers Birkett Motosport since late September 2022. Heavily disguised and tested in secret, Nigel had some of his UK-supported riders testing the new machine. The brief was to put 100 hours of riding on the machine to iron out any problems. Scorpa were new to fuel injection on two-stroke trials machines. With Birkett’s superior knowledge in this area of the trials engine, they knew they had the right man, as you are about to uncover as we put the all-new Scorpa on trial with our number-one test rider, Michael Brown.

Words: John Hulme, Nigel Birkett, Michael Brown • Pictures: Trials Media, Scorpa 28

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Scorpa 2023 • Exclusive

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

29

Scorpa 2023 • Exclusive

A sharp, fresh look from the 2023 Scorpa.

I

first set eyes on the new orange Scorpa at the DL12 Indoor Trial in January. Despite the 100 hours of riding, Nigel presented the machine in showroom condition, to the point that it looked brand new. One week later, we would be testing it on a damp day ‘up north’.

ON THE ROAD

A 6am alarm woke me for a road trip up north to the home of Scorpa UK, at Broughton-InFurness in the Lake District, to be met by Nigel

Michael Brown looking confident.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

and Michael Brown. Michael retired from mainstream trials a few years ago but is still very much a part of the trials scene, where he can usually be found minding or on supporting duties at World and British Championship events. He rode a Sherco to second place in the 2022 Scottish Six Days Trial, so he is familiar with the workings of the machine and the old engine used in both the Scorpa and the Sherco.

Both models come from the same manufacturing process; again, Michael is very much up to speed in all areas. It is also worth

noting he has experience with the new fuelinjection systems on both two- and four-stroke engines, having tested both the Vertigo and Montesa machines for the magazines in recent times.

Nigel Birkett is like a time machine in motorcycle trials development; 40 years ago with the mono-shock Yamaha, 30 years ago with the water-cooled TYZ Yamaha, close-on 20 years ago with the Scorpa four-stroke and over ten years ago with the fuel-injected Ossa; a superior mine of information on the workings

Nigel took the time with Michael to explain the workings of the new Scorpa.

31

Exclusive • Scorpa 2023

It says 100 hours!

The EFI is the injection body or, to be more precise, the throttle body.

A very compact-looking Scorpa.

of the trials motorcycle, I think you will agree.

The Scorpa is all-new from the ground up.

At its heart is a new water-cooled, two-stroke fuel-injected engine. Although the most talked about components in trials are fuel-injected, we all know this is the future. We will see manufacturers move to this electronic fuel delivery instead of the mechanical delivery with the carburettor.

A brand new engine.

a 28% reduction in weight — a net reduction of 4.5kg over the old model. A bore and stroke of 79mm x 60mm provide an engine capacity of 294cc from a new cylinder and design, with improved thermodynamics and seven intake transfers. This cylinder also has an improved

cooling circuit, utilising redesigned contact surfaces to provide better heat dispersal. In addition, the water pump is located internally in an inverted position, so there can be no contamination between the coolant and the magnesium cases.

EFI

The heart of the EFI is the injection body or, more precisely, the throttle body with its triple sensors integrated into one to control the atmospheric pressure, throttle position and temperature, making for a very compact Electronic Fuel Injection system. It is not an adaptation of other components; it has been specifically developed for motorcycle trials application. Its diameter is 32mm to optimise efficiency and provide live flow response at all engine speeds and situations. As a result, it is super-efficient, weighing only 350 grams, and reduces fuel consumption through optimised gas exchange.

You can argue Nigel Birkett has more experience in this area, having worked on the Ossa system for over ten years, and his knowledge has been applied to the Scorpa, but more later.

The MY 2023 engine weighs 16kg, providing 32

From the rear sprocket to drive sprocket the swinging-arm axle fulcrum point has been lowered by 21mm.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Scorpa 2023 • Exclusive

PRE-COMPRESSION

New crankcases incorporate a pre-compression system in the lower engine to improve performance, which allows modifying the compression in the lower part of the engine to fine-tune it for personal preference; Nigel was still working in this area though and did not go into finer detail.

A weight reduction is also achieved with the new crankshaft assembly, which is 500 grams lighter and has a larger diameter of 116mm compared to the old one of 110mm to increase the engine’s inertia effect.

A diaphragm clutch system is used with three setting options, allowing for individual rider setup. The magnesium clutch cover is easily removed and has an oil-level inspection window, and the filling method has been simplified for ease of maintenance.

According to the manufacturer, the new five-speed gearbox is the most compact and lightest at 500 grams. Gear selection is claimed to be very slick, and it is quite a trick in the fact that the aluminium selector forks are directly articulated on the selection drum, which made it possible to eliminate the two axles and forks, which again saves weight and improves reliability with fewer moving parts. Once again, the ratchet system has been designed to be more compact and lighter, with a total weight reduction of 145 grams.

ROBOT WELDED

Fabricated from a robot-welding process using a combination of chrome-molybdenum tubes and micro-fusion parts, the all-new frame is fitted with removable forged aluminium front side plates that provide better engine access.

Its geometry allows a lower centre of gravity with improved rigidity and increased traction.

It certainly gives the appearance of being very robust and functional.

It is also nice to note that the radiator spout is tilted to the front for easier access, and you can also quickly remove the grill without tools as it is now held on with clips — something that has had some thought put into it.

To improve the chain run from the rear sprocket to the drive sprocket, the swingingarm axle fulcrum point has been lowered by 21mm; in theory, it should also provide better rear-wheel traction. The rear suspension has seen some serious input to improve performance. New suspension links consist of a single central rod, unlike the two on the old model, giving a more compact design that reduces friction.

It is a very stable machine.

NICE TOUCHES

“When you look around the machine, it makes you realise just how much time, effort and money have gone into it. It is full of small but significant touches, like the work that has been put in around the footrest area to make it more functional; this area takes so much abuse and needs to be durable. They have used the steel micro-fusion process for the footrest hanger, with extra support from below. Other manufacturers use this same process, so we know it works; sagging footrests should now be a thing of the past. The footrest design is very open and durable, and a simplified axle fitting

makes for easier maintenance.

“Another nice touch is the access hatch for the air filter, which can be opened with just one fastener, and the filter replacement is also made much simpler and easier. These small but significant changes mean that the new model has been designed by someone who understands the needs of the modern-day rider.

“The integrated fuel pump with fuel injection, the 2.2-litre fuel tank capacity should be more than adequate.

“Both front and rear mudguards appear very durable, and the aesthetics give the appearance of a very stealth-like motorcycle; I quite like this.”

MICHAEL BROWN

“This very much talked about new model has been a long time coming. In my opinion, it is a good thing as it means it has been done properly.

I have known about the Scorpa’s existence for a couple of years and have had reports from various riders. My first impressions are that they appear to have done an excellent job; it appears very slick and modern.”

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

Michael Brown: “Hand on heart I can honestly say that the rear suspension setup is one of the best I have ever come across.”

33

Scorpa 2023 • Exclusive

QUALITY

“The exhaust system oozes quality, and Nigel tells me it is easily repackable through the removable end cap. The front pipe is manufactured from durable stainless steel.

“Having ridden at the very top of the sport for a long time, the first thing I need to know, alongside the engine performance, is just how good the suspension package is, and the Scorpa certainly delivers in this area. At the front, you can see the TECH-branded aluminium 39mm forks. A quick check on the specification sheet for the machine tells me they give 165mm of travel and come with dual settings. At the rear, it uses the tried and tested adjustable Reiger shock absorber, a genuine, high-quality, dependable unit offering excellent performance in all conditions. With Braktec hydraulic systems to control the front and rear braking systems, I knew I would be safe, as they feed a four-piston 185mm disc brake at the front and, at the rear, a two-piston 145mm disc brake.

With easy-access rear brake and gear pedals, it was time to discover if the new orange machine would live up to its huge injection of time, innovation and money!”

STRONG

“Rain in the Lake District in February is normal; Nigel reminded me that we should be grateful it was not snowing. It was a nice touch that Nigel took the time before I started to ride the Scorpa to explain how it all worked; you cannot buy that experience. I was particularly interested in his superb in-depth knowledge of the working of the fuel injection setup. He told me the machine would be powerful, and he was not wrong! I cannot emphasise just how good

The performance was very crisp and sharp.

the two-stroke throttle opening is; once you are just over the half throttle-opening, you are aware of a very powerful, strong-pulling engine.

It did take me a while to remember to treat the throttle with respect, but I was soon on top of this situation and could use it to my benefit.

“My initial thoughts were that this is a motorcycle you could give any Trial GP rider to

win on; it felt strong — not just from the engine performance but also in the suspension and handling.

“In the first three gears, you can really make the Scorpa work, and when you do this, the suspension comes into its own. Hand on heart, I can honestly say that the rear suspension setup is one of the best I have ever encountered.”

Birkett tuned.

Clutch access for maintenance is very easy.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

A complete package which inspires confidence.

35

Exclusive • Scorpa 2023

Nigel Birkett: “Having a rider of the high standard of Michael was a pleasure to watch and confirmed to me that the new model is very, very good.”

IT SOUNDS GOOD!

“All the time I was riding the Scorpa, I could see Nigel’s head ticking, and he confirmed my thoughts that it sounds so good with the engine pulling and optimising the torque from the two-stroke engine. At times the crisp, sharp response from the engine makes you aware of just how well it performs in all situations. There is no air-filter induction noise, and the whole package is very mechanically quiet.

“The test area was very slippery, and I had to be at my best to remain feet up. In these situations, the suspension package comes very much into its own. The rear setup is incredibly good, giving the rider a strong, planted feel back.

“While it is not super-slim around the footrest area, it is a bonus to help manoeuvre the machine using your legs and lower body; unlike some other machines, it gives you something to purchase on. Make no mistake, it is a very serious piece of trials kit! It is a new model, and no doubt there will be a few niggling problems, but one thing is for sure, they are not far off the mark, and no doubt when the production machines arrive, they will be very popular.”

Smooth, tractable power at its very best.

PLUS POINTS

“The fuel injection performed so well, and with Nigel involved, it will only get better. The whole machine package is good, as is the quality of the components; the rear suspension is second to none. I really enjoyed my time on the orange machine.”

MINUS POINTS

“I am a six-speed gearbox man; on the Scorpa, it has the first three for sections, fourth for open moorland and fifth for the road work. The 300c engine is very powerful, but a good machine can only be made better with the number of parameters you can adjust with the fuel injection.”

NIGEL BIRKETT

“Having a rider of the high standard of Michael was a pleasure to watch, and it confirmed to me that the new model is very, very good. By the time you read this, we will probably have production models, and the feedback from the time spent with Michael has been very beneficial to further improving the performance. In addition, we can make so many adjustments to the machine to suit an individual rider’s needs with the adjustable EFI mapping, which has to be very much a plus selling point to potential customers.”

For more information on all Scorpa products, please get in touch with the official UK importers, Nigel and June Birkett, at Scorpa UK. 36

SCORPA 300 2023 SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE: Single Cylinder Water Cooled Two-stroke; Bore 79mm x 60mm Stroke; Displacement: 294cc; EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection).

IGNITION: Hidria Digital.

CLUTCH: Hydraulically-operated diaphragm system with adjustable pre-load.

GEARBOX: Five Forward Gears.

FRAME: Chrome Molybdenum Tubular Steel SWINGING ARM: Aluminium EXHAUST SYSTEM: Stainless Steel Front Pipe; Aluminium Rear Silencer.

SUSPENSION: Front: TECH Aluminium 39mm Ø 165mm Stroke with Dual Settings; Rear: Reiger Adjustable Shock Absorber 165mm Stroke with Progressive Linkage.

BRAKES AND WHEELS: Front: Hydraulic Controlled Four Piston Floating 185mm Disc with 21” Morad Black Aluminium Wheel Rim; Rear: Hydraulic Controlled Two Piston 145mm Disc with 18” Morad Black Aluminium Wheel Rim. DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 1,310mm; Ground Clearance: 350mm; Seat height: 704mm.

CONTACT Web: www.birkettmotosport.com

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

International • FIM X-Trial

SUPER SHOW X-TRIAL: SPAIN

Call it whatever you want, but one thing is for sure, the paying public still loves to see a super show of our top trials riders performing indoors, which was further endorsed at the opening round of the 2023 FIM X-Trial World Championship in a packed stadium. Due to our tight print deadlines, we will focus on two opening rounds: Spain and Austria. Round three at Pamplona, Spain, unfortunately just missed our deadline for print. As Toni Bou demolished the opposition in Spain, we still have quite a fight on our hands in the stakes for the world championship. The 2023 FIM X-Trial World Championship will be contested over eight proposed rounds: Barcelona (Spain), Wiener Neustadt (Austria), Pamplona (Spain), Bordeaux (France), La Vella (Andorra), Madrid (Spain), [to be confirmed] (France), before concluding at La Reunion Island (France).

Article: Trial Magazine 38

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

FIM X-Trial • International

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

39

International • FIM X-Trial

The Palau Sant Jordi stadium Barcelona Spain

Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP)

Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP)

BOU IN CHARGE

Without a doubt, Spain’s Toni Bou and the fourstroke Repsol Honda are the undisputed kings of the indoor trials with his 16 FIM X-Trial World Championships. The Palau Sant Jordi stadium is located at the very top of the famous Montjuic Park, high above the bright lights of the city of Barcelona, Spain, and in this same arena, Bou has a record that is second to none. His first win in 2006 as a rising young rider saw him win on the two-stroke Italian Beta before his move in 2007 to Repsol Honda Team and four-stroke power. He backed up his first win again in 2007, and since then, he has only been defeated twice by his oldest rival, Adam Raga, in 2008 on the Gas Gas and in 2019 on the TRRS. Bou would be looking at a 17th consecutive FIM X-Trial world title as he faced eight strong fellow riders at the opening round made up of Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP), Jaime Busto (GASGAS-ESP), Matteo Grattarola (Vertigo-ESP), Benoit Bincaz (ShercoFRA), Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP), Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK-GBR) and Sondre Haga (GASGAS-NOR) joined by the event ‘Wild Card’ Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP).

40

Jaime Busto (GASGAS-ESP)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

FIM X-Trial • International

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP)

CHANGES

A total of five riders would be making their X-Trial World Championship debuts in new team colours after they moved manufacturers for the start of the 2023 season.

Jaime Busto returns to GASGAS, a team he has won with before, to be joined by Norway’s 2022 FIM Trial2 World Champion Sondre Haga. French rider Benoit Bincaz moves from GASGAS to join Sherco. Italy’s Matteo Grattarola leaves his ‘home’ manufacturer Beta hoping to carry the form that took him to fourth last year on the Spanish Vertigo.

Great Britain’s exciting young rider Toby Martyn moves back to his first love, four-stroke power, with support from Montesa Honda UK. Hoping to keep the spectators engaged in the action as the competition progresses, a new event

Sondre Haga (GASGAS-NOR)

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

Benoit Bincaz (Sherco-ESP)

format was successfully introduced in 2022. After it worked well, it was further fine-tuned for 2023. The format consists of a starting entry of nine riders who would compete for the three-rider final over two opening laps. On the first lap, the nine participating riders have to complete over five sections in five minutes, while on the second lap, they must complete five sections in four minutes. Then, the scores from both laps, also taking in the time element, are added together, and the three best riders compete in the final over six sections.

RACE TIME

A total of close-on 7,000 spectators packed the stadium in anticipation of an exciting night of trials action, and they would not be disappointed.

Barcelona always delivers, with a spectacular

selection of sections constructed from giant concrete mouldings, steel drums and some huge cable reels made of wood.

The final Montesa Honda section was made of steel structures starting from the arena floor before winding up into the integration with the spectators high in the stadium seating!

With a super sound system and light show, it was time for some action, which would also be displayed from the huge screens hanging from the stadium roof.

It was action from the word go as the huge nearvertical six-foot concrete step that formed part of section one began to stop rider after rider. It took no prisoners and threw all but three of the riders, Jaime Busto, Adam Raga and Gabriel Marcelli, who got up and back down it on their first attempts, including the ‘Master’, Toni Bou.

Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK-GBR)

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International • FIM X-Trial

Matteo Grattarola (Vertigo-ITA)

Busto moved into an early lead, recording a good time at 3:28.0 in front of Adam Raga on three marks and a time of 3:58.4. Toni Bou was next on a single five from the step at section one and a time of 3:06.5. Marcelli had got up the step. Still, his face showed the full extent of his pain from a crash just two weeks earlier at an invitation indoor, resulting in a badly swollen knee. As it turned out, a very battered Matteo Grattarola from a mid-week practice crash set the fastest time, but he stopped in three of the five sections.

BOU MAKES HIS MOVE

Despite having already had one attempt at the opening section, once again, it became the Achilles heel of seven of the nine riders as just the

two Repsol Honda team riders, Bou and Marcelli, made the ends cards — Bou with a single-mark loss and Marcelli who parted with two marks.

The time element came into play to decide the final rider for the final as Busto set a better time, beating Jeroni Fajardo by just three seconds. Would Toni Bou be beaten in Barcelona by his two younger Spanish rivals?

The tension in the crowd was so hot, adding to the excitement in the arena as the final started. Marcelli was the first rider out, and he hit the step in section one with all he had from himself and the Repsol Honda, and he was up, passing through the ends cards with a three-mark loss. Busto tried the same approach as Bou, but he and his bike crashed back down; Marcelli was leading.

Section two held no hidden dangers, and three clean rides were recorded. Toni Bou, under pressure, is another entity, and he soon had it all under control when both his rivals stopped in the third section as he rode through with a very calm approach, with just a single mark lost to gain the advantage. Soon it was Marcelli who was under pressure as he stopped in section four, followed by a stop from Busto in section six as Bou again parted with just one more mark in section five. As Busto stopped in the final section, he gifted Marcelli the well-deserved runner-up spot as the main man Toni Bou celebrated yet another victory in the Cathedral of Dreams, the Palau Sant Jordi stadium in Barcelona.

2023 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND 1: BARCELONA, SPAIN FINAL: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 7; Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 13; 3: Jaime Busto (GASGAS-ESP) 17.

ROUND 2: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 1; 2: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 2; 3: Jaime Busto (GASGAS-ESP) 5; 4: Jeroni Fajardo (ShercoESP) 5; 5: Benoit Bincaz (Sherco-ESP) 5; 6: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 6; 7: Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK-GBR) 6; 8: Matteo Grattarola (VertigoITA) 6; 9: Sondre Haga (GASGAS-NOR) 8.

Podium

42

ROUND 1: 1: Jaime Busto (GASGAS-ESP) 1; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 3; 3: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 5; 4: Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK-GBR) 5; 5: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 5; 6: Benoit Bincaz (Sherco-ESP) 6; 7: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 7; 8: Sondre Haga (GASGASNOR) 9; 9: Matteo Grattarola (Vertigo-ITA) 15.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Ladies International • Invitational Indoor

INTERNATIONAL TROPHY

BRISTOW’S THE BEST In what was very much a demonstration competition, Great Britain’s eight-times FIM Women’s World Trials Champion Emma Bristow (Sherco) made it three wins from three starts in 2023. The sections were not easy by any standards. However, it showed what a superior act Bristow is as she took a clear victory over Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) and Berta Abellan (ScorpaESP) to take the international trophy home for the third time. The time factor would separate Monnier and Abellan, with the newcomers to the event, Andrea Sofina Rabino (Beta-ITA) and Huldeborg Barkved (TRRS-NOR), finishing fourth and fifth.

Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR)

Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP)

Podium

LADIES INTERNATIONAL TROPHY

Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA)

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RESULTS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 9; 2: Naomi Monnier (GASGAS-FRA) 15; 3: Berta Abellan (Scorpa-ESP) 15; 4: Andrea Sofina Rabino (Beta-ITA) 18; 5: Huldeborg Barkved (TRRS-NOR) 23.

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International • FIM X-Trial

Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP)

2023 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Jaime Busto (GASGAS-ESP)

X-TRIAL: AUSTRIA

BUSTO BREAKS THROUGH

The FIM X-Trial World Championship made a long-awaited return to the Austrian town of Wiener Neustadt. The stadium hosted the series between 2015 and 2017, but a planned return in 2020 was delayed due to the global pandemic. It was watched by almost 2,000 spectators who enjoyed the action over the six man-made hazards consisting of rocks, logs, wooden boxes and large concrete structures on a course that featured five sections in each of the opening two rounds, with the final contested over six sections.

Article: Trials Media • Pictures: X-Trial

BOU IN CHARGE

In the opening round, Toni Bou was in charge, with only Gabriel Marcelli and Aniol Gelabert the closest to matching him, both missing out by just a single mark. However, in round two, the bar was raised, and any advantage they had over Jaime Busto and Adam Raga was lost, seeing them slip out of the top three places and eliminated from the final. Marcelli finished fourth, with Gelabert fifth.

Benoit Bincaz finished just four marks from the podium, but that was only good enough for sixth.

It was a tough night for Toby Martyn with six five-mark penalties from ten sections, leaving him seventh, with Matteo Grattarola eighth and the ‘Wild Card’ Marco Mempor ninth.

46

BUSTO ON THE TOP SPOT

A crucial pair of mistakes from the championship leader Toni Bou in section two of the final left him chasing Jaime Busto. Then, under pressure, a further failure in section four dropped him into a fight for second with Adam Raga.

Busto was seven marks ahead, two sections from the finish, and secured his first win of the 2023 season.

In the fight for second, Bou held his nerve with a sensational performance in section six to end the night on a high. Bou claimed both bonus points for topping the opening two rounds of the night and is at the top of the championship with two rounds completed.

ROUND 2: WIENER NEUSTADT, AUSTRIA FINAL 1: Jaime Busto (GASGAS-ESP) 8; 2: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 10; 3: Adam Raga (TRRSESP) 15.

ROUND 2: 1: Bou 14; 2: Busto 21; 3: Raga 23; 4: Marcelli 23; 5: Gelabert 24; 6: Bincaz 27; 7: Martyn 30; 8: Grattarola 34; 9: Mempor 34.

ROUND 1: 1: Bou 6; 2: Gelabert 7; 3: Marcelli 7; 4: Busto 10; 5: Bincaz 11; 6: Raga 11; 7: Mempor 13; 8: Martyn 15; 9: Grattarola 21.

POSITIONS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 38; 2: Jamie Busto (GASGAS-ESP) 33; 3: Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda-ESP) 24; 4: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 21; 5: Benoit Bincaz (Sherco-ESP) 8; 6: Aniol Gelabert (Beta-ESP) 6; 7: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 6; 8: Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK-GBR) 6; 9: Matteo Grattarola (Vertigo-ITA) 3; 10: Sondre Haga (GASGAS-NOR) 2; 11: Marco Mempor (GASGAS-AUT) 1.

Podium

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Ladies • Donna Fox 2022: Working hard on the BSA Bantam in the Pre-65 Scottish.

DONNA FOX

FOXY LADY Without a doubt – and quite rightly so – the ladies’ side of motorcycle trials has grown beyond what anybody could have predicted. Close on 30 years ago, a young smiling face was spotted inside a crash helmet at a North Derbyshire Youth Motor Cycle Club riding a Yamaha TY80. That face belonged to a very young Donna Fox. She was having a ball of a time, always smiling whether upside down or feet-up; the enjoyment was obvious.

She loved motorcycles, in particular trials. Wind the clock forward to 2022, and she was using her many years of experience working alongside the seven-times FIM Women’s World Trials Champion Emma Bristow on Minding duties. By the end of the year, it was title number eight, and Donna had played a part in it; she loved the pressure and the success of working with such an incredible world champion. 2022 was a busy year; in between working with Emma, she also finished 19th in the Pre-65 Scottish on a BSA Bantam. A lady of many motorcycle talents, it was time to catch up with the ‘Foxy Lady’.

Words: Trials Media with Donna Fox Pictures: Peter J Beardmore, Trials Media, Barry Robinson, Eric Kitchen 48

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Donna Fox • Ladies

1995: Where it all started: on the Yamaha TY80.

T

1999: Getting more into trials on the 160cc Gas Gas.

o put you in the picture, Donna comes with a fair international motorcycle trials CV, including: competing in the FIM Women’s FIM World Trials Championship from 2002–2018 with a personal best finish of third in 2015; she is a member of the winning team from Great Britain in the Trials Des Nations in 2006, 2007, 2015, and 2016 and in 2018; and has represented her country on 13 occasions.

The smile is still there!

DF: Yes, of course; anything to do with the sport of motorcycle trials always brings a smile to my face. I love the sport and the people around it. Being able to influence many riders over the years helps keep the smile. Our family have been around trials motorcycles for many years. It was my father and my uncle who opened the door to the sport for me. I had watched them playing on trials motorcycles when I was very young; it looked like it was really good fun.

2000: Looking much more confident.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

2002: Second from the left as part of the ACU training squad.

49

Ladies • Donna Fox

2003: Great Britain’s got talent. Back from left: Kayleigh Price, James Dabill, Michael Brown.

Front from left: Lucy Payne, Maria Conway – The Training Instructor – Donna Fox, Katy Sunter.

2007: Looking good at the TDN on the Isle of Man.

My introduction to a motorcycle was quite funny, though. It was Christmas, and I was asked to look out our farmhouse’s window and could only see a pony. So I checked the patio window and asked where the motorcycle was! Fortunately, my sister liked the pony, so I became the proud owner of a Yamaha TY80 six months later; it felt like a lottery win.

When was the first trial?

DF: I played around on the TY80, making my own practice sections with my dad as the observer, and on 22nd October 1995, at ten years old, I competed in my first trial – on my birthday. It was so exciting. It also opened me up to the world of the trials family. I can guarantee you that you will find no better friends and people than the trials ones; everyone wanted to help me.

So many other young girls had found motorcycle trials, and in 1999 the ACU organised the first British Championship. I progressed from the early learning years and was enjoying it all so much that in 2002 I represented Great Britain in the Trial Des Nations. I still class this as one of my best achievements, as I wasn’t even 18 years of age; I didn’t even know there was a world championship! I needed to get a passport and quick, as did my father! Representing my country in my chosen sport at such a young age is something I will never forget.

2007: Team Great Britain – Winners at the TDN.

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Do you still compete much?

DF: As a Chef, I work some unusual hours at a Coffee Shop, for example, 7am–3pm and then 2pm until 11pm Friday and Saturday; it depends on how busy we are. I perform managerial duties as well. I don’t compete in trials that often though I still like having a play if a motorcycle is about; you never lose that passion of wanting to ride.

On the run-up to the Pre-65 Scottish, which I now compete in once a year, I will ride the BSA I am lent by a friend to remind me of what to do [she laughs]. I have just bought a new 2023 Montesa 260 Cota 4RT. Pre-65; Do you like the Classic scene?

DF: “It is really good fun but also, at the same time, very competitive. In my third Pre-65 Scottish attempt in 2022, I was very focussed on a good result, but it all came back down to earth when I had one five-mark penalty for a stop on section three on day one. I thought that was it. I might as well go back to the van. Finishing on ten marks lost over the two

2008: FIM World Championship action from Luxembourg.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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

Ladies • Donna Fox

2011: Trying hard in the ACU Ladies British Championship.

2012: Full attack mode on the Beta.

days left me in 19th position; as they say, every mark counts.

2018 was my first attempt, and I prepared by riding the BSA Bantam in a trial to convince myself it was the correct decision. Two outstanding Pre-65 riders, Yrjo Vesterinen and Robin Luscombe competed in the same event. So I told my dad I would go to the Pre-65 Scottish if I beat them. While I did not beat them, I enjoyed riding the BSA, so I went anyway; as you would say, I now have the bug for this event!

How do you see the modern world of Ladies’ trials?

DF: It has become so much more hectic than when I competed, more demanding. The world rounds have become a four-day rush, as I discovered when I was Minding for Emma.

Friday is busy preparing, then Saturday and Sunday is the event before a race back to the airport. The rising cost of travel is partly to blame. You need strong sponsors who can provide the vital finances to allow you to travel, train and compete in Europe.

On the one hand, you need the results to attract the sponsors, but then you need the finances to reach that level.

Can you win the Pre-65 Scottish?

DF: On a very good day, I have the ability, so yes. Mentally, maybe not, as I always like to enjoy myself. It is very much a pressure test as every mark counts, as I found out at my cost last year. The level of competition is very high, and sections are very unpredictable with the loose rocks, which can change a section at any time.

Riding between the sections and keeping your concentration levels high is quite challenging. You also have to factor in the machine as they are very unpredictable in how they run – not really my department. Usually, if a motorcycle can rev out and go forward, I am okay. Ridingwise, you have to really try and hold your line as, if you wander outside of where you are supposed to be going, it will be a disaster.

What are your thoughts on the Classic trials scene?

DF: It has an excellent social crowd. Everyone has made me very welcome. The sections are reasonable, leading to an enjoyable day out as you are not worrying about crashing down some big step or off huge rocks.

My BSA Bantam is very competitive to a point, but when I look at some of the other machines, they are in a different league, such is the work and expense that has gone into them. I like the two-stroke as it is possibly closer to the modern machines than the four-strokes; they always look so heavy to ride.

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2022: Cleaning ‘Pipeline’ in the Pre-65 Scottish.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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Ladies • Donna Fox

2022: On the Minding machine in Spain.

Emma Bristow DF: Emma has, without a doubt, taken the inclusion of women in a male-dominated sport to another level. She is a superb ambassador.

Winning eight FIM Trial World titles has made other female riders believe in what can be achieved and made manufacturers and sponsors more aware of our sport. She is always happy to pass on advice and help the other riders; there is no barrier between male and female in motorcycle trials — we are all equal, and our male counterparts always encourage us to succeed. Our UK federation, the UK importers, and the sponsors all treat men and women equally with the same level of respect.

Minding in 2022 DF: I really enjoyed working with Emma, not just the Minding duties but the opportunity to travel; I have always enjoyed this aspect of the sport.

As a professional athlete, Emma fits the bill perfectly. She understands the corporate side of motorcycle trials, not just getting the results, which she is very good at, but also optimising the exposure for valued sponsors. You are

2022: Enjoying Team duties at the TDN in Italy.

54

2022: Keeping an eye on Emma Bristow on her way to the FIM Women’s World Trials Championship.

not just sponsored on results but also by your professional presentation.

The working relationship with Emma in 2022 was familiar; we had trained together since a very young age. We both had the same ambition back then, but she became an eight-time FIM World Champion, and I did not. I gave it my all, but it never happened. However, away from the sport, we remain great friends.

When I was first Minding for her, it did seem strange not to be competing, but I approached it with the same belief, to win; it is in my genes.

I still had all the riding kit on, and that kept me focused, just as if I was competing. I feel privileged to have been part of Emma winning; it meant so much.

Will you compete with Emma?

DF: Emma loves events like the Scottish Six Days Trial, an event I have competed in on four occasions, but it is not my type of event. The long gaps between sections do not really appeal to me, but at least I have ticked the box in the Highlands. Maybe I should get Emma on a Pre-65 machine, and we could compete in the Pre-65 Scottish; now that would be good!

Away from trials?

DF: I live in Doncaster, in South Yorkshire, so I am officially classed as a Yorkshire rider with my fiancé of 20 years. I do have a life away from trials, which revolves around relaxing and enjoying life at a much slower pace. As a Chef, I like eating out in nice restaurants, and before you ask, no, I am not going on Master Chef!

DONNA FOX

Full Name: Donna Louise Fox DOB: 22/10/1984 Shoe/Boot Size: 4.5, 38 in boots as it’s the smallest Gaerne do!

Looks: Happy and Smiling Relationship: Engaged Family: Two nieces and one nephew Pets: Tilly the Dog Lives: Mission, Doncaster, South Yorkshire Likes: Sweets, Chocolate, crisps, all forms of trials and football to watch Dislikes: Life’s too short to dislike!

Best Moment: All the Trial Des Nations Wins. Being able to smile when you’ve helped someone achieve.

Worst Moment: A five in section three at the 2022 Pre-65 Scottish.

Favourite Riders: Me! Favourite Food: Chips Favourite Drink: Cafe con Leche Favourite country: I love the UK Dream Car: Ford Transit Custom Magazines: Both Trial and Classic Trial Newspaper: Gardener’s World Motorcycle: Montesa 260 Cota 4RT Music: Pink or Whatever Alexa will play on the day!

Other Sports: Cycle Trials, Golf, Mountain Bikes, Pool, Darts and Football

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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Preview • Scottish Six Days Trials

Dougie Lampkin MBE (Vertigo).

WHO WILL WIN? SSDT 2023

It is the million-dollar question we all want the answer to — who will win the 2023 Scottish Six Days Trial? In our reflection article, starting on page 66, the winner in 2003 was the Best Newcomer, a first-time rider, Joan Pons (Sherco-ESP). He was also the last foreign rider to win the event. This year we have the hottest property in both the ACU British Trials and FIM World Trials Championship from Great Britain, Toby Martyn, in the entry for the very first time. Could he cause an upset and win the Best Newcomer award and, with it, the most prestigious of all crowns, the winner of the Scottish Six Days Trial? The capacity class award for the best performance on a machine up to 200cc will be a colossal battle, once again by some of the best riders in more recent times from the UK shores. So back to the question, who will win the 2023 Scottish Six Days Trial? Let’s take a look.

Article: Yoomee 62

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Scottish Six Days Trials • Preview

Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK).

Six days of trials riding over some of the most challenging terrain found anywhere in the world can – and will – throw up surprises, as we have found out in the past. The modern trials motorcycle is more than capable of dealing with the demands, but throw in some harsh weather conditions and the mileage each day, and all this can change.

James Dabill (Beta) – 2022 3rd.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

Michael Brown (Sherco) – 2022 2nd.

THE ONE TO WIN

I still see the Scottish Six Days Trial as the one to win. Still, with the motorcycle manufacturers more focused on winning the FIM Trial World Championship, we are once again denied the opportunity to see the best riders in action away from the comfort zone of a compact course taking in a selection of man-made and natural sections.

Toby Martyn winning is possible on paper, but this will be a virgin year, and he will be literally riding into the unknown. Nevertheless, he will be fully prepared physically and mentally. He also has a sound machine in the four-stroke Montesa Honda machine. So if he has a good week, don’t be surprised to see him at the cutting edge of the results.

Jack Peace (Sherco).

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Preview • Scottish Six Days Trials

Billy Green (Scorpa).

Harry Hemingway (Beta).

Has Dougie Lampkin got another win in him? You bet he has. He made his debut in 1993, where he finished sixth with the Best Newcomer award.

He went on to record his first win in 1994. Over the next three decades, he would win another 11 times, making him the most successful rider in the history of the event dating back to 1909. Since 2012 he has dominated the event, apart from the interruption of James Dabill in 2019, and we missed the years 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. More casual about trials as a rider these days, Dougie Lampkin knows what to do to win, but the lack of competitive riding could be the spoiler.

Best Foreign Rider and Best up to 200cc in 2022: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA).

Nigel Birkett (Scorpa).

64

CHALLENGERS

New challengers emerged in Jack Peace and last year’s Best Newcomer Billy Green, who both now have the experience of winning, but what about the old school? As we went to press, we received news that James Dabill, third in the SSDT in 2022, was recovering from a serious hand injury, so we were not sure if he would be starting the event or not.

The evergreen Michael Brown has been second on more than six occasions, and what about Gary MacDonald? He has come so close many times to becoming the first Scottish winner since Bob McGregor in 1953.

Other recent winners entering the SSDT in 2023 include Amos Bilbao, who won in 2002, Sam Connor in

2005 and Alexz Wigg in 2010; expect them all to show flashes of brilliance.

Can Scotland’s new hope Ben Dignan (Montesa) raise his game in his first SSDT? Make sure you keep an eye on the ‘Up to 200cc’ class; it will be exciting.

Four first-time riders include the 2022 FIM Trial125 World Champion Harry Hemingway (Beta), who will be joined by Jack Dance (GASGAS), Jamie Galloway (TRRS) and Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo). Throw in some good UK national runners, and you can guarantee a good week of action.

The SSDT has seen so many records set, but in 2023 you will see one that will never be beaten — at the ripe old age of 69, Nigel Birkett rides in his 50th SSDT. I raise my hat to the man; he is some rider — it is called respect.

2022 SSDT RESULTS

SPECIAL FIRST CLASS AWARDS: 1: Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo) 8; 2: Michael Brown (Sherco) 14; 3: James Dabill (Beta) 15; 4: Jack Peace (Sherco) 17; 5: Richard Sadler (Vertigo) 23; 6: Billy Green (Scorpa) 27; 7: Dan Peace (Sherco) 29; 8: Sam Haslam (GASGAS) 30; 9: Ross Danby (TRRS) 30; 10: Tom Minta (Scorpa) 33; 11: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 34; 12: Guy Kendrew (Beta) 34; 13: Andy Chilton (Scorpa) 34; 14: Sam Connor (Beta) 37; 15: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 39; 16: Duncan MacColl (Beta) 40; 17: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 41; 18: Jack Challoner (Montesa) 45; 19: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) 51; 20: Benoit Dagnicourt (Vertigo-FRA) 54.

2022 SSDT AWARDS

MANUFACTURER’S TEAM AWARD: Sherco BEST NEWCOMER: Billy Green (Scorpa) SECOND BEST NEWCOMER: Duncan MacColl (Beta) BEST FOREIGN RIDER: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) BEST SERVICES RIDER: Dan Peace (Sherco) BEST OVER 40 RIDER: Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo) BEST FEMALE COMPETITOR: Emma Bristow (Sherco) BEST UP TO 200CC: Gael Chatagno (Electric Motion-FRA) BEST 201CC–250CC: James Lampkin (Beta) BEST OVER 250CC: Dougie Lampkin (Vertigo).

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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Relfection • SSDT 2003

SHERCO STUNNER SSDT 2003

Some 21 years ago, popular Spanish rider Amos Bilbao took victory in the Scottish Six Days Trial on the two-stroke Montesa Cota 315. In 2003 he was back to defend his title, but it was to be another Spanish rider who would take the victory 20 years ago. That privateer rider would be Joan Pons on a Sherco. He was not exactly unknown, but he did reach the height of world number three in 1994. Besides, Amos was a much-fancied winner. Also entering were previous winners Steve Colley and Steve Saunders, alongside future names of Sam Connor and a very young James Dabill.

Words: Colin Bullock, John Hulme • Pictures: Colin Bullock, Eric Kitchen, Iain Lawrie 66

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

SSDT 2003 • Reflection

In 2003 the trials manufacturers’ eyes were all on a fourstroke future; this Yamaha engined Scorpa was to prove an ideal introductory machine to the world of motorcycle trials.

Neil Crosswaite in his best jeans, with Peter Gaunt; two lovely men with the new 125cc Scorpa prototype.

Living the dream: Karen Shave with her late husband Dave, a lovely man.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

James Dabill would ride a 250cc two-stroke Scorpa whilst his mentor Martin Crosswaite and Japan’s Takumi Narita were riding the new little 125cc four-strokes. But, unfortunately, the rain had also fallen on the ‘Weigh In’ day on the Sunday, spoiling what for many was the most significant social gathering of the year for the motorcycle trials world.

Sunday’s parade through Fort William witnessed a good crowd assembled in the high street, accompanied by some inhospitable weather.

Unusually, it would not feature for much of the week.

The riders returned their machines to Parc Fermé, and Joan prepared for the week accommodated in the Sherco race truck. Being right next to the paddock, he was ready for his early 8.01am Monday start riding number 31.

Since 1935 Bob MacGregor had been the only Scottish SSDT winner, but Kinlochleven-based rider Gary MacDonald (Sherco) moved into the lead

on the Thursday — maybe history was about to change. However, it was not to be as, in a very close finish, it was late entrant Joan Pons from Spain who took a very narrow victory from Ben Hemingway (Beta). MacDonald dropped to third to finish just in front of the previous year’s winner Amos Bilbao (Montesa-ESP).

As a new motorcycle trials manufacturer, Sherco appeared in 2000 and started to put the infrastructure in place to challenge the trials world.

Ex-world round rider Joan Pons was taken on as the person to help to develop riders in its new Sherco academy. One rider was a very young Gary MacDonald, but his master outpointed him as Pons hit the Scottish Six Days Trial for the first time, with the Sherco stunner taking the win.

Despite a wet week at the Scottish Six Days Trial, it had once again lived up to all expectations for the official 278 starters who left the West End car park, Fort William, on the Monday morning. They had

Don ‘DR’ Smith led the parade on the Sunday through the streets of Fort William on a Greeves, a name he was very much associated with.

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Relfection • SSDT 2003

One man still living the dream in 2023: John R Shirt first competed in the SSDT in 1988.

endured six days of trials riding, taking in the long road and moor crossings, and with the wet weather for the majority of the week, it recorded that only 223 riders were classed as official finishers.

Tales of woe, from drowned machines to rider fatigue in the cold and wet, were recorded as one of the wettest six days over the previous few years as the river levels rose and became difficult to pass through.

Here we briefly reflect on the 2003 Scottish Six Days Trial through the words of a Scottish regular for so many years as a reporter, photographer and filmmaker, Colin Bullock.

Foreign ladies were well represented in 2003 with Iris Kramer taking the Best Lady Rider award, left to right: Linda Meyer (NOR) Iris Kramer (GER) Christy and Kerry Williams (CAN).

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Two men no longer with us who gave so much to the Scottish; on the left Tommy Leggatt and Willie Dalling on the right.

MONDAY: 30 SECTIONS, 64 MILES

Mark Whitham had the honour of being the first man away, and with Leanachen the first group and Lagnaha the last, these were the choices for many spectators.

It was damp for much of the day, but Joan Pons (Sherco-ESP) got through all the Leanachen hazards feet up, and so did Gary Macdonald (Sherco), who was focussing on a good week’s riding. Gary and Joan had a dab at the drier Lagnaha, but there were some fine clean rides here, including by previous winners Thierry Michaud (Gas Gas-FRA) and Steve Saunders (Gas Gas). There were no less than seven

riders clean on Monday, including Harold Crawford (Gas Gas), John Lampkin (Beta) and Saunders.

Joan Pons was on only two marks lost but had now had his day at the front of the entry and would start Tuesday at the back.

TUESDAY: 30 SECTIONS, 106 MILES This always tends to be a long day, and there are plenty of viewing options for spectators. Forest Gate was our first port of call, just in time to see Amos Bilbao (Montesa-ESP) taking a big three on the big step at the double sub-section. By the time the riders reached Craig Lund, the weather

Two Spanish riders who are still so passionate about the SSDT: Miquel Cirera and Carlos Casa.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Relfection • SSDT 2003 had eased as the rain started to move away for a short time. Ben Hemingway (Beta) had his only loss of the day at the bottom section, and Jordi Pasquet (Gas Gas-ESP), Dan Clarke (Scorpa) and Sam Connor (Gas Gas) were notable clean rides throughout.

Now at the tail end of the entry, Joan Pons took his second dab of the day, but overall, he was up to seventh.

WEDNESDAY: 30 SECTIONS, 70 MILES

Throwing it down with rain, their sleeves rolled up; the Army doing once again a superb refuelling job.

The day belonged to the Sherco riders Joan Pons and Gary MacDonald, who went clean, feet-up all day, and continued their ascent up the results. Most of the top riders went through without too much of a problem at Cameron Hill, also blitzing through Trotters Burn at the end of the day. The riders on the first page of the results cleaned the final two hazards. Ben Hemmingway retained the leaderboard plate with Jordi Pasquet in second place, with Pons now up to third. At the halfway stage, the talk was all about Gary MacDonald; could he win?

THURSDAY: 30 SECTIONS, 116 MILES

Ben Hemingway (Beta): Second so many times, one of the most spirited riders you would ever find at the SSDT, he 100% deserved a win… but it was never to be.

Gary MacDonald (Sherco): The very best of the Scottish riders for so many years.

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It was a wet and miserable ride out to Chairlift, but a hardy band of spectators had made the long walk over the exposed moorland. Such was the extreme weather at Chairlift, you could hear the stones and rocks rolling beneath the water. News had come that the last sub at Ba House had been cancelled due to the swollen river.

Ben Hemingway and Jordi Pasquet had the red plates on their machines as the trial’s joint leaders. However, Jordi was in trouble later in the day and had to retire with mechanical problems. Hemingway dabbed in the bottom sub, much to his obvious annoyance. Steve Colley (Gas Gas) was to show a line never seen before at Chairlift, taking on the steepest part of the rockery before dabbing on the flat. It even interrupted a conversation I was having with John Hulme (Gas Gas), with us both having to move a bit rapidly to allow the Manxman through!

The leaderboard changed at the end of the day with Gary MacDonald on a total of nine, a full six in front of Pons, with Ben Hemingway holding third on a total of 19. Joan knew he was still well in with a chance for victory, especially now being reasonably placed halfway through the entry. He had also been upgraded in residence from the Sherco race truck to a hotel!

2002 winner Amos Bilbao (Montesa-ESP) fighting all the way in the wet of 2003.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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SSDT 2003 • Reflection

A previous winner in 1992, 1993, 1997 and 2000, Steve Colley (Gas Gas) was kept away from the win in a cold and wet event.

Best Over 40 Rider: John Lampkin, still looking good in 2003.

FRIDAY: 30 SECTIONS, 102 MILES

SATURDAY: 30 SECTIONS, 67 MILES

Martin Crosswaite (Scorpa): Riding the 125cc model as opposed to Takumi Narita’s 150cc it was a case of full revs, aim for the begins cards and hit and hope — a real pleasure to watch!

Takumi Narita (Scorpa-JPN): Japan’s former FIM World Championship contender in the wet of Scotland.

Just for a change, it was the regular route in reverse, down to the Corran Ferry and across to the Peninsular. One thing remained constant; however, the weather was still very wet. Kilmalieu, Meall nam Each and Camasnacroise were the early sections, with Doire Dahm finishing off another long day.

It was a day when things changed on the leaderboard. Gary Macdonald lost ten marks, including a five at Pipers. Joan Pons, by contrast, was very steady, and as he finished the top section at Doire Dahm, he knew he was in a good place as he gave the cameraman a satisfied thumbs up. He was now leading with one day remaining. After that, it was Pons on 18, Macdonald on 19 and Hemingway on 24.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

Joan was away before 10.00am, with his main rivals half an hour later. 2002 winner Amos Bilbao started with three dabs on the first three hazards and then went clean over the following 29 sections. It was too little too late for Amos, but Ben Hemingway got around, losing only four, which meant he overtook Gary to take second. Macdonald did not have the best of starts, and his final-day score of 12 marks dropped him down to third overall. Pons had lost eight marks, including a five at section 20, but he was steady over the Ben Nevis sections to claim his win on his first visit to the SSDT. It started a hugely successful period for Sherco, with Graham Jarvis winning in 2004 and Sam Connor in 2005, before Jarvis won again in 2006.

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Relfection • SSDT 2003

Making his first appearance at the SSDT was James Dabill (Scorpa).

SPECIAL FIRST CLASS AWARDS

RESULTS: 1: Joan Pons (Sherco-ESP) 26; 2: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 28; 3: Gary MacDonald (Sherco) 31; 4: Amos Bilbao (Montesa-ESP) 32; 5: Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) 36; 6: Steve Colley (Gas Gas) 36; 7: Bruno Camozzi (Gas Gas-FRA) 38; 8: Wayne Braybrook (Montesa) 41; 9: Sam Connor (Sherco) 42; 10: Joe Baker (Sherco) 55; 11: Andy Huddleston (Montesa) 55; 12: Dan Hemingway (Beta) 57; 13: James Lampkin (Montesa) 62; 14: John R Shirt (Gas Gas) 65; 15: Sam Ludgate (Beta) 66; 16: Steve Saunders (Gas Gas) 70; 17: Harold Crawford (Gas Gas) 75; 18: Tom Sagar (Beta) 76; 19: Christophe Bruand (Scorpa-FRA) 78; 20: John Lampkin (Beta) 80; 21: Martin Crosswaite (Scorpa) 80; 22: Takumi Narita (Scorpa-JPN) 83; 23: Ryan Bell (Gas Gas-USA) 83; 24: Philip Alderson (Sherco) 84; 25: Adam Norris (Beta) 84; 26: Dan Clarke (Scorpa) 85;

Ian Sheddon (Beta): For the majority of the clubmen it was a tough week, with the constant rain to contend with.

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27: Frederic Bochet (Sherco-FRA) 87; 28: Roger Williams (Beta) 88; 29: Roger Mount (Gas Gas) 90; 30: James Dabill (Scorpa) 93; 31: Juan Knight (Gas Gas) 100; 32: Carles Casas (Montesa-ESP) 101; 33: Aran Drachenberg (Beta) 101; 34: Chris Huddleston (Montesa) 102; 35: Stephen Dixon (Beta) 104; 36: Mark Jackson (Montesa) 104; 37: Richard Gaskell (Montesa) 108; 38: Gregory Eyries (Scorpa-FRA) 108; 39: Fumitaka Nozaki (ScorpaJPN) 111; 40: Sean Conway (Montesa) 111; 41: Wilson Craig (Gas Gas) 114; 42: James Noble (Montesa) 115; 43: Gavin Johnston (Beta) 123; 44: Chris Pearson (Sherco) 124; 45: Dominique Guillaume (Scorpa-CHE) 124; 46: David Pye (Sherco) 126; 47: Miquel Vergel (Gas Gas-ESP) 127; 48: Chris Curtis (Beta) 132; 49: Tony Kaye (Sherco) 133; 50: Adrian Harry (Beta) 139; 51: Tom Norton (Beta) 142.

MACHINES: Beta 13; Gas Gas 11; Montesa 10;

Sherco 9; Scorpa 8.

COUNTRIES: GBR: 39; ESP: 4; FRA: 4; JPN 2; CHE 1; USA 1.

BEST NEWCOMER: Joan Pons (Sherco-ESP) BEST FOREIGN RIDER: Joan Pons (Sherco-ESP) BEST SERVICES RIDER: Andy Huddleston (Montesa) BEST OVER 40: John Lampkin (Beta) BEST LADY RIDER: Iris Kramer (Gas Gas-GER) BEST UP TO 200CC: Martin Crosswaite (Scorpa) BEST 201CC–250CC: Joan Pons (Sherco-ESP) BEST OVER 250CC: Ben Hemingway (Beta) MANUFACTURER TEAM AWARD: Sherco Trial Magazine would like to acknowledge the support from John Moffatt with the generation of this article and, of course, the wonderful photographers.

This superb picture of Japan’s Masayoshi Tsuji (Sherco) being re-fuelled by the Army captures the true spirit of the greatest trial in the world, the Scottish Six Days Trial.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

BTC Series Manager, Brian Higgins

ACU BRITISH TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP: ROUND ONE

A CHALLENGING DAY For the opening round of the 2023 ACU British Trials Championship, it was a trip to the superb Hookwood Trials Club and its excellent Hookwood facility near Guildford, Surrey. With this event in such an early part of the year, the weather can change quickly, and it certainly did for round one. Dry conditions in the earlier part of the month turned into stormy rain a few days before the start of the event. The hard-working team, including the Series Manager Brian Higgins, were certainly caught out as the event became much more severe than anticipated for the entry of 67 riders spread over the four classes: Trial GB, Trial 2, Trial Expert and Trial 125.

Article: Trials Media In 2023 the championship would again use the ACU Trial GB marking system introduced a couple of seasons ago, where competitors may stop, go sideways or reverse without penalty.

However, going backwards whilst footing will incur a five-mark penalty. The best lap performance on observation over all four classes would be awarded an additional championship point.

Changes for 2023 would include a 90-second allowance for sections, and the split between laps one and two used previously was dispensed with, allowing riders to complete all three laps of 12 sections within the 5-hour 10-minute time allowance.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

Sam Connor from Hookwood Trials Club with Brian Higgins

All eight rounds will count, except the Trial GB class, where the seven best from the eight will be classified to allow contracted riders to fulfil FIM X-Trial duties.

WINNERS

As the sections deteriorated lap on lap, the scores just went higher and higher, reflected in the overall winners and the marks lost.

Some very experienced members run Hookwood Trials Club. Still, they would be the first to admit that they got this one wrong — don’t be too harsh on them, remember they are all

volunteers, and we are sure for the next visit for an ACU British Championship round, things will be very different.

Winners were found in all four classes on scores we have not seen for a long time. By the time you read this, we will have had round two in Wales, where hopefully, the scores will have been lower.

CLASS WINNERS TRIAL GB CLASS: 1: Jack Peace (Sherco) 134 TRIAL 2 CLASS: 1: Gael Chatagno (EM-FRA) 95 TRIAL EXPERT CLASS: 1: Brad Bullock (Beta) 80 TRIAL 125 CLASS: 1: Harry Blackwell (Beta) 119.

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

TRIAL GB

JACK JUMPS IN It would always be hard to predict in the fight for the win in this opening round of the 2023 season. TRRS had recently dominated this championship with Iwan Roberts and Toby Martyn, the defending champion, but in 2023 they had no rider in this premier class.

Martyn moved from Spanish two-stroke power to the four-stroke power from Spain and the Montesa Honda UK-supported machine. Jack Peace would remain on the same Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK) machine, sticking with the blue colour of Sherco and its brand-new fuel-injected engine, making its first competition showing in the UK. Billy Green was another rider with a new DIGGING DEEP machine as he rode the orange Scorpa for the first time in an ACU British Championship As the sections deteriorated, Jack Peace dug the event; as with the Sherco, this machine also has fuel injection. A newcomer to the Trial GB deepest in his reserves to record a superb lap of just championship class in 2022, Jack Dance would remain on the red GASGAS, looking to get 35 marks lost, which would eventually be rewarded with the best single-lap score of the trial and the higher up the order. Making a bold move for 2023 was 17-year-old Harry Hemingway on extra championship point. His total of 86 marks lost the Beta. Make no mistake, this young talent is hungry for success, and the huge step into to Martyn’s total of 81 had left it all to play for on the Trial GB at such a young age will take some adjusting. last lap with Green on 90, Dance on 101, followed by Article: Trials Media

After the ballot on Saturday for Trial GB, riders would be starting in the following order: Jack Dance (GASGAS); Billy Green (Scorpa); Harry Hemingway (Beta); Jack Peace (Sherco); and Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK). Then, it was time for the action to begin. For Toby Martyn, it was the second day of a hectic weekend as he flew back to the UK from the indoor FIM X-Trial event in Austria.

STOP

That was the result of all five riders on the opening section over the huge abundance of slippery rocks and climbs that play a large part in the Hookwood terrain. As the riders do not have to attempt the sections in their starting order, Billy Green tried it first, hoping the virgin rock would help with rearwheel traction. Still, it was not to be as Toby Martyn

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came next but with the same results after nearly taking a dive over the handlebars.

Jack Peace rode the section last, but despite an excellent attempt, the result was the same, a fivemark penalty.

In section two, Martyn used all his strength to remain feet-up as Green parted with a single mark, with Peace stopping. The sections were rewarded with a clean zero-mark loss or a five for a stop; that was the pattern. Martyn found some good form to finish the remainder of the lap, getting through six of the 12 sections, including a superb clean on section four to finish the lap on 39 marks lost.

Green had passed through only three sections dropping a single mark in each to finish on 48. On the other hand, Jack Peace had passed through four sections to finish with 51 marks lost, matched by Jack Dance, with Harry Hemmingway on 54.

Hemingway on 102; it was that close.

Having cleaned section two on the second lap, Green stayed feet-up again on the third to bring him back into contention with the best final lap score of 39.

As Jack Peace outpointed Toby Martyn by ten marks with a score of 44, little did they know at the finish that it would be the time element to find the winner. Despite an additional four marks on time, Peace took the win by a single mark; despite losing no marks on time, Martyn lost the trial by a single mark, with the biggest loser Billy Green with nine on time.

With the time element removed, the scores would have been: 1: Green, 129; 2: Peace, 130; 3: Martyn, 135. But that is trials; the best man won on the day.

Neither the eventual fourth-place finisher Harry Hemingway nor Jack Dance lost any marks on time, with the scores finishing at 144 and 150 — it had been a tough day!

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

Billy Green (Scorpa)

Jack Dance (GASGAS)

TRIAL GB CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND ONE: HOOKWOOD TRIALS CENTRE, 12 MARCH 2023 RESULTS: 1: Jack Peace (Sherco) 134; 2: Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK) 135; 3: Billy Green (Scorpa) 138; 4: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 144; 5: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 150.

gçÜå=iÉÉ=`ä~ëëáÅ=qêá~äj~Ö=MUOMKéÇÑ===N===MVLMULOMOM===OPWMR Harry Hemingway (Beta)

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POSITIONS 1: Jack Peace (Sherco) 20 + 1* = 21; 2: Toby Martyn (Montesa Honda UK) 17; 3: Billy Green (Scorpa) 15; 4: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 15; 5: Jack Dance (GASGAS) 11. Trail Trialmag 1117.pdf 1 13/11/2017 22:21 Trial and *One extra championship point for the best lap on observation.

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Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

The depth of talent, age, ability and machines in this Trial 2 class makes for the most exciting category in the ACU British Trials Championship. Make no mistake, introducing electric machines in our sport is rapidly gathering momentum.

It was endorsed further at the opening round for two reasons. Matthew Alpe, the official UK importer of all Electric Motion, or EM, products into the UK, had the French manufacturer’s number one rider Gael Chatagno over for the opening round. A rider of a very high standard, the Frenchman had initially entered the Trial GB class, but as he looked over the sections the day before, he approached the series manager for the ACU, Brian Higgins, to ask to drop down to the Trial 2 class, which was granted — a very wise move indeed. Only on display, UK importer Steve Saunders presented the new electric Mecatecno. Over the next three laps of a very challenging 12-section course, we were about to witness history for the first win from an electric-powered motorcycle in the Trial 2 class.

TRIAL 2

EM’S SHOCK From as early as section one, the unforgiving land of the Hookwood venue was about to take no prisoners as it would be a very tough day with the very wet terrain. As the sections deteriorated and the riders became more fatigued, the time element would also come into play in the fight to find a round-one winner.

A TOUGH OPENER

As with the Trial GB class, the opening section soon let the Trial 2 riders know they would struggle to record a clean ride.

Riding right at the front of the entry was Alexz Wigg, who took the Vertigo to the first clean. Gael Chatagno had the spectators watching his every move on the electric machine. He parted with a single mark before local rider Sam Connor took the only other clean ride on the opening lap on the Beta. ‘Wiggy’ was on a roll, taking the only clean on section two and having a super singlemark ride on the deep mud of section eight to take an early lead on 30 marks lost, followed by Chatagno and Sam Haslam on 34 each.

Sam Haslam (GASGAS)

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Article: Trials Media

ELECTRIC CONTROL

On the second lap, the crowd witnessed a stunning performance from Chatagno as he took the EM machine around for an incredible lap of just 22 marks lost, the best of the trial. Haslam followed on 36 and young Harry Turner on 37.

As the sections continued to deteriorate with the passing of every rider, it was a case of trying to get through many of the 12 sections. With queues starting to appear, Chatagno finished with six time penalties. It did not matter though; he won with the only double-figure score of 95 marks lost.

The battle for second went to Haslam, with Sam Connor taking the final podium step. The fight for the remaining championship points was very close, with Harry Turner next on 120, closely followed by Alexz Wigg on 124 and Oliver Smith on 126, just one mark better than James Fry. In eighth place was a rider who showed real guts and determination — 15-year-old George Hemingway riding his 125cc Beta. Take note of the name; it was an incredible ride.

Harry Turner (Scorpa)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

George Hemingway (Beta)

Sam Connor (Beta)

TRIAL 2 CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND ONE: HOOKWOOD TRIALS CENTRE, 12 MARCH 2023 RESULTS: 1: Gael Chatagno (EM-FRA) 95; 2: Sam Haslam (GASGAS) 116; 3: Sam Connor (Beta) 118; 4: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 120; 5: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 124; 6: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 126; 7: James Fry (Sherco) 127; 8: George Hemingway (Beta) 129; 9: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 132; 10: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 137; 11: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 139; 12: Andy Chilton (Scorpa) 144; 13: Duncan MacColl (Beta) 146; 14: Josh Hanlon (Beta) 166; 15: Tom Hawthorne (Sherco) 182.

RCM TrialMag 0116.pdf

Alexz Wigg (Vertigo)

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15/01/2016

POSITIONS: 1: Gael Chatagno (EM-FRA) 20 + 1* = 21; 2: Sam Haslam (GASGAS) 17; 3: Sam Connor (Beta) 15; 4: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 13; 5: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 11; 6: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 10; 7: James Fry (Sherco) 9; 8: George Hemingway (Beta) 8; 9: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 7; 10: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 6; 11: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 5; 12: Andy Chilton (Scorpa) 4; 13: Duncan MacColl (Beta) 3; 14:AB Josh Hanlon (Beta)0921.pdf 2; 15: Tom Hawthorne (Sherco) 1.

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

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Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

TRIAL EXPERT

BRAD BEATS THE CLOCK The same names keep appearing at the top of the results in this hugely popular class that always boasts the highest entry level of the four ACU British Championship classes. So many want to win — and are capable of it — in a mixture of youth and experience, and as a stepping stone to moving into the higher classes in the ACU British Championships, it is ideal.

In this case, the battle again also came down to the clock, with just three marks covering the top three podium positions. As it happened, the best observation score did not secure the win in what was, once again, a highscoring fight for victory.

Article: Trials Media It is ironic that the top three finishers were all quite spread out in the starting ballot and that both eventual winner Brad Bullock and fourth-placed Cory Dubik chose to ride the first lap at the head of the entry as second-placed finisher Dan Thorpe started a little later.

EASY OPENER

Section one would prove a much easier opening section than the other routes. Many clean riders were recorded, as Dan Thorpe and Cory Dubik had steadying single-mark losses.

The second section was a different entity, and the best effort for the three laps came from Brad Bullock, with his single-mark loss on the opening lap.

In section four, the real action began, with five and six also taking no prisoners. But, once again, it was the first lap where the best effort came from, on four, with George Gosden’s single-mark effort the best by far.

Section five witnessed nothing better than a three, and the highlight of section six was a one-mark loss from Dubik on the Vertigo. As the lap closed, Gosden held a narrow lead on 19 marks lost, with local rider Jonny Starmer next on 22, along with Brad Bullock on the same marks. It was a case of push and shove to find a way through many sections, with the event proving a battle of the fittest.

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Cory Dubik (Vertigo)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship • Sport

Dan Thorpe (GASGAS)

ALL TO PLAY FOR

George Gosden (Beta)

Bullock’s second lap of 19 matched the one of Gosden on his first lap for the best of the trial and pulled him right back into contention for the win. However, Gosden’s loss of 31 left him with much work to do on the final lap with a total of 50 as Thorpe kept in touch on a total of 48 compared to Bullock’s leading score of 41. Conscious of the time element, the leading riders began to rush on their last lap, and the scores started to go up as time penalties came into play.

At the finish, the best on observation was Gosden on 74 marks lost, but with nine time penalties, he would be pushed down to third. Dan Thorpe took second place with an observation score of 82 and no time penalties, but the winner, Brad Bullock, just made it home with an observation score of 75 and five on time for a total of 80. In fourth position and showing good early-season form was Cory Dubik, followed by Jonny Starmer in fifth and Great Britain’s FIM Ladies World Champion Emma Bristow in sixth.

Jonny Starmer (Beta)

TRIAL EXPERT CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND ONE: HOOKWOOD TRIALS CENTRE, 12 MARCH 2023 RESULTS: 1: Brad Bullock (Beta) 80; 2: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 82; 3: George Gosden (Beta) 83; 4: Cory Dubik (Vertigo) 88; 5: Jonny Starmer (Beta) 108; 6: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 113; 7: Sam Bee-Croft Penny (TRRS) 114; 8: Joseph Collins (Beta) 115; 9: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 117; 10: Joe Snelling (GASGAS) 125; 11: Ben Morphett (Montesa) 126; 12: Samuel Woolridge (Vertigo) 127; 13: Kurt Brain (Beta) 133; 14: Ashley Newbery (TRRS) 133; 15: Oliver Sharp (GASGAS) 133.

Emma Bristow (Sherco)

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

POSITIONS: 1: Brad Bullock (Beta) 20 + 1* = 21; 2: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 17; 3: George Gosden (Beta) 15 + 1* =16; 4: Cory Dubik (Vertigo) 13; 5: Jonny Starmer (Beta) 11; 6: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 10; 7: Sam Bee-Croft Penny (TRRS) 9; 8: Joseph Collins (Beta) 8; 9: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 7; 10: Joe Snelling (GASGAS) 6; 11: Ben Morphett (Montesa) 5; 12: Samuel Woolridge (Vertigo) 4; 13: Kurt Brain (Beta) 3; 14: Ashley Newbery (TRRS) 2; 15: Oliver Sharp (GASGAS) 1. *One extra championship point for the best lap on observation.

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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship

Harry Blackwell (Beta)

TRIAL 125

HARRY’S GAME

Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS)

This class may be low on numbers in 2023 but undoubtedly high on talent. It was a case of ‘Harry’s Game’ as Harry Blackwell came out on top and, during the process, also had the best lap score on his opening tour of the 12 sections. As you can see, the final scores were close, but Blackwell’s sheer consistency gave him the well-earned victory in front of Daniel Da Breo and Harison Skelton. It was a tough day at Hookwood for the 125cc machines, but all three riders gave every section their best shot.

Article: Trials Media

TRIAL 125 CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND ONE: HOOKWOOD TRIALS CENTRE, 12 MARCH 2023 RESULTS: 1: Harry Blackwell (Beta) 119; 2: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 130; 3: Harrison Skelton (Scorpa) 135.

Harison Skelton (Scorpa)

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POSITIONS: 1: Harry Blackwell (Beta) 20 + 1* = 21; 2: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 17; 3: Harison Skelton (Scorpa) 15. *One extra championship point for the best lap on observation.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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Archive • ACU Trial British Championship 1972-1992

ARCHIVE: 1972-1992

ACU TRIAL BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP My interest in motorcycle trials stretches back to my earliest memories, in 1967 and the great Sammy Miller. He was the ACU British Trials Champion from 1962 on probably the best-known trials motorcycle in the world, the Ariel 500cc, registration number GOV 132. Despite the switch from the Ariel to the Spanish Bultaco in 1965, he continued to dominate the championship until 1969. His great rival, Gordon Farley on the Montesa, took over as the champion when he dethroned Miller in 1970 to then retain the title in 1971. I started taking an interest in the championship table many years ago. Still, it was only over the 2022 Christmas period that I could finish my full table of events and champions and record the ACU Solo British Trials Championship. With so much documented before my time, I focussed on the periods from 1972 until 2022, where I could compile a comprehensive chart.

I believe I am the only person who holds these records, which I wanted to share with the readers of Trial Magazine. In this first part, I will look at the years from 1972 until 1992 in this reflection on our sport.

Words: John Hulme • Pictures: Heath Brindley, Colin Bullock, Allen Collier, Eric Kitchen, Iain Lawrie, Montesa, Don Morley, Mark Weston, Alan Vines 86

1983: Steve Saunders (Armstrong)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship 1972-1992 • Archive

1984: Steve Saunders (Armstrong)

1985: Steve Saunders (Honda)

Before we look at each year, I have collated the most successful riders, machines and individual rounds in order of the most wins.

1972–1992: ACU SOLO BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES RIDERS: Steve Saunders, 10 wins, 1983–1992; Malcom Rathmell, 6 wins 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1979, 1981; Martin Lampkin, 3 wins, 1973, 1978, 1980; Rob Shepherd, 1 win, 1977; Yrjo Vesterinen, 1 win, 1982.

MACHINES: Bultaco: 5; Montesa: 4; Fantic: 4; Honda: 3; Armstrong: 2; Aprilia: 1; Beta: 1; SWM: 1.

RIDER INDIVIDUALS ROUND WINS: Steve Saunders: 59; Martin Lampkin: 29; Malcolm Rathmell: 25; Tony Scarlett: 13; Rob Shepherd: 14; Robert Crawford: 9; John Lampkin: 9; Mick Andrews: 8; Nigel Birkett: 6; Rob Edwards: 5; John Reynolds 5; Dave Thorpe: 5; Yrjo Vesterinen: 4; Alan Lampkin: 2; Gerald Richardson: 2; Philip Alderson: 1; Wayne Braybrook: 1; Peter Cartwright: 1; Geoff Chandler: 1; Jack Galloway: 1; Geoff Parken: 1; Robert Sartin: 1.

MACHINE INDIVIDUAL ROUND WINS: Montesa 40; Bultaco 34; Fantic 26; Honda 24; Beta 20; Yamaha 13; Armstrong 11; SWM: 10; Ossa 6; Aprilia 5; Beamish Suzuki 4; JCM 4; Gas Gas 3; Suzuki 2; Italjet 1; Majesty Yamaha 1.

The championship from 1972–1992 would include ten pointsscoring rounds, with all of them counting towards the total to determine the winner. The only interruption in this would be the 1973 fuel crisis when the last two rounds were dropped at the season close, reducing the championship to eight pointsscoring rounds.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

1986: Steve Saunders (Honda)

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Archive • ACU Trial British Championship 1972-1992

1973: MARTIN LAMPKIN (BULTACO)

Due to the problems with the fuel crisis, the last two rounds at the year-end were cancelled just as it looked like Rob Edwards was on target to fight for his first title in a close contest with the eventual winner, Martin Lampkin. However, once again, it was a very competitive year as Rob Edwards (Montesa) won three rounds, Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) won two, Alan Lampkin (Bultaco), Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco) and Geoff Chandler (Montesa) won the others.

1974–1976: MALCOLM RATHMELL (BULTACO AND MONTESA)

A rider who had committed to trials instead of scrambling, Malcolm Rathmell moved from Bultaco to Montesa after winning the title in 1974 and continued winning in 1975 and 1976.

1974: MALCOLM RATHMELL (BULTACO)

1988: Steve Saunders (Fantic)

The ACU Solo British Trials Championship was at its highest once again, and in 1974 we witnessed six individual round winners. Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco) won three, Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) and Dave Thorpe (Ossa) two, with Rob Edwards (Montesa) and Geoff Parken (Bultaco) individual round winners.

In addition, Mick Andrews on the Yamaha won one round in a first for a Japanese manufacturer.

1972-1976: SPANISH DOMINATION

1975: MALCOLM RATHMELL (MONTESA)

Bultaco, followed by Montesa and Ossa, dominated the championship, despite the interest of the mighty four from Japan — Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.

1972: MALCOLM RATHMELL (BULTACO)

As Sammy Miller and Gordon Farley had set the benchmark with Bultaco and Montesa, the new breed of younger riders took over. Malcolm Rathmell won from his friend and rival Martin Lampkin on Bultacos in 1972.

Over ten rounds, the series produced six different individual round winners. Double winners included Rob Shepherd (Montesa) and Dave Thorpe (Ossa), with single wins from Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco), Martin Lampkin (Bultaco), Mick Andrews (Ossa), Jack Galloway (Montesa), and Alan Lampkin (Bultaco).

1987: Steve Saunders (Fantic)

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Moving to a development machine with the new Montesa Cota 348 made no difference to Rathmell, who took the title with four wins. Yamaha, with Mick Andrews, was in on the fight with three wins, followed by Martin Lampkin with two wins and Rob Shepherd with one.

1989: Steve Saunders (Fantic)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Archive • ACU Trial British Championship 1972-1992 Ariel. So when he first watched Rob Shepherd test the prototype four-stroke Honda Rob had been developing, he knew he had a winner. It was, as always, a very competitive season, and it went to the final round, which Shepherd won, leaving him the championship winner with 109 points compared to Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) with 108.

Whilst Shepherd won four rounds, Lampkin only won two, along with Rathmell (Montesa) and Rob Edwards (Montesa).

1978: MARTIN LAMPKIN (BULTACO) The title was only on loan to Honda and the Japanese as Martin Lampkin headed the way on the Bultaco and put the Spanish back at the top.

In a year when Lampkin won four rounds, Rob Shepherd, still riding the Honda, won three, and Malcolm Rathmell won two on the new 325cc Beamish Suzuki, Nigel Birkett won one round on the Montesa.

1979: MALCOLM RATHMELL (MONTESA)

1990: Steve Saunders (Beta)

1976: MALCOLM RATHMELL (MONTESA)

The official UK importer for Montesa, Jim Sandiford, needed a new rider to put Montesa at the top of the sales charts, and he sold in the region of 1,200 of the new Cota 348 models.

Unfortunately, Rathmell only won two rounds, with Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) taking four, while the Japanese made inroads with Nigel Birkett winning two and Mick Andrews (Yamaha) one; Dave Thorpe (Ossa) won the other.

1991: Steve Saunders (Beta)

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1977: HONDA’S FOUR-STOKE WINNER

After the very published demise of the once mighty and proud motorcycle trials industry in Great Britain, no one in a million years thought we would ever see a four-stroke machine win the ACU Solo British Trials Championship again.

1977: ROB SHEPHERD (HONDA)

When Sammy Miller moved to Honda in 1975, he was the last winner on a four-stroke in 1964 on the

After a very challenging year on the Beamish Suzuki, Malcolm Rathmell moved back to Montesa, winning four rounds on the new Cota 349. Rob Shepherd kept the Honda four-stroke flag flying with four wins, as Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) won one, and John Reynolds took his first BTC to win on the Beamish Suzuki.

1980: MARTIN LAMPKIN (BULTACO AND SWM)

Martin had started the year on the Bultaco, but with problems at the Spanish factory, he had no choice but to move to another manufacturer. He chose the Italian SWM, albeit one week before the Scottish Six Days Trial. He knuckled under and won four rounds, one at the start of the season on the Bultaco and three more on the SWM. Malcolm

1992: Steve Saunders (Aprilia)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

ACU Trial British Championship 1972-1992 • Archive Rathmell (Montesa) won two and John Reynolds (Beamish Suzuki) one, but the show’s star was Nigel Birkett. Having been notified that his Montesa contract would not be renewed for 1981, he moved to the Montesa Cota 200 and went on to win three consecutive rounds in the latter part of the season.

1981: MALCOLM RATHMELL (MONTESA)

It was an extraordinary year as the old guard of Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa), Martin Lampkin (SWM) and Mick Andrews on the Majesty Yamaha all won rounds. Rathmell won three, Lampkin two and Andrews one. John Reynolds (Montesa) won two, Nigel Birkett, now on the 200 Fantic, one, but the surprise of the season was the first ACU BTC win for John Lampkin on the SWM at the Alan Trial.

1982: YRJO VESTERINEN (BULTACO)

The winner’s name is foreign, correct, but the ACU granted Finland’s Yrjo Vesterinen a licence to compete in the 1982 Solo British Championship.

There were some rumblings amongst some of his competitors, and more so when he went out and won the first four rounds. However, he built up an early lead in the championship on the Comerfords Bultaco, which he never let go of, consistently finishing off the rest of the season. No one had an answer to his sheer resilience to win as Martin Lampkin (SWM) won four rounds, Malcolm Rathmell one, and Peter Cartwright gave Italjet their only win at the season finale.

1972: Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)

1974: Malcolm Rathmell (Bultaco)

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

1975: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)

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Archive • ACU Trial British Championship 1972-1992

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1979: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)

1983–1992: STEVE SAUNDERS

As a young motorcycle trial rider, Steve Saunders hit the adult ACU Solo British Trials Championship in 1982, his first adult year on the Comerfords-supported Bultaco. As an apprentice on a youth employment scheme at BVM Motorcycles under the eyes of Mark Kemp, it was soon evident that he had a very natural feeling for throttle control and finding that all-important grip level from a motorcycle.

Maturing into a young man had its pitfalls for the young Saunders, with the season being interrupted before it got going when he broke his collarbone in a road crash on the eve of the FIM World Championship round in Yorkshire in March. However, the full potential of Saunders came to a head when he won the British Experts Trial and then took over the vacant seat that John Lampkin had left when he moved to Fantic to ride the two-stroke Hiro engine Armstrong in 1983.

1981: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)

1983: STEVE SAUNDERS (ARMSTRONG)

History was recorded at the first ACU Solo British Trials Champion with a win for Steve Saunders at round one, the Trispen De Cunha Cup, on the second week in January; it was also the first BTC win for Armstrong. The year would be a very exciting one in the fight for the title between Saunders, who won six rounds, and John Lampkin (Fantic), who won four.

1984: STEVE SAUNDERS (ARMSTRONG)

What a year! Throw in another new young talent from Sheffield, Tony Scarlett, on the latest and exciting mono-shock Yamaha, and you have a fight on your hands for the title. Under pressure from his two main rivals, Lampkin and Scarlett, it was another successful year from Saunders as he won five of the ten rounds. John Lampkin won two, and Scarlett, Nigel Birkett (Yamaha) and John Reynolds won one each as ‘JR’ recorded the last BTC win for the once-dominant Bultaco brand.

1985: STEVE SAUNDERS (HONDA)

1976: Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa)

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I believe this was one of the best seasons in trials as everyone waited to see Steve Saunders in action on the new RTL single rear shock Honda at round one, the Colmore Cup. Having received the new machine only a few days earlier, he blew away the opposition on a memorable day for motorcycle trials; we had a four-stroke winner once again.

After winning seven rounds, it was left to Tony Scarlett (Yamaha) to take the other three.

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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Archive • ACU Trial British Championship 1972-1992

1986: STEVE SAUNDERS (HONDA)

No one was ever going to beat Steve Saunders on the Rothmans Honda, and he duly delivered another title, taking six wins along the way, with Tony Scarlett (Yamaha) winning two, Gerald Richardson (Yamaha) and John Lampkin (Fantic) one each.

However, the season was left with a damp note as, after winning the BTC Jack Wood Trial in the summer, John Lampkin would be involved in a road traffic accident as an innocent victim, putting him out of action for 12 months. With a badly broken thigh and other injuries, it would finish his career as a professional rider.

1987: STEVE SAUNDERS (FANTIC)

It was a move back to two-strokes for Steve Saunders and the Italian Fantic for 1987, but the winning continued. He was again on fire, winning five, with Tony Scarlett, now on the French-built JCM, winning four and Gerald Richardson (Yamaha) just one.

1988: STEVE SAUNDERS (FANTIC)

No one could get near Saunders as he marched on towards another title with eight wins, the remaining two going to Philip Alderson (Yamaha) and Rob Sartin on the two-stroke Honda TLM, the Japanese company’s only two-stroke win in the history of the championship.

1989: STEVE SAUNDERS (FANTIC)

Making it a hat-trick of wins for the Italian manufacturer Fantic, Saunders reigned supreme with only Tony Scarlett, now on the Gas Gas, interrupting Steve’s six wins with three of his own, the very first for the Spanish motorcycle manufacturer. However, the year’s highlight for so many motorcycle trials enthusiasts was watching John Lampkin win the Allan Jefferies Trial on the Beta.

With his professional riding career now over, he became the official UK Beta importer in 1987. It had been a long three years since his accident as ‘Johnboy’ became the only UK rider to win a championship round on a machine he imported; it was also the first win for Beta.

1973: Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)

1978: Martin Lampkin (Bultaco)

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1980: Martin Lampkin (SWM)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Archive • ACU Trial British Championship 1972-1992

1990: STEVE SAUNDERS (BETA)

It was a move to his good friend and official Beta UK importer John Lampkin riding the new aluminium frame, water-cooled Beta for 1990. With new machine motivation, the winning continued as Saunders tucked another seven wins under his belt to retain the title despite the threat of the new Irish rider Robert Crawford (Beta), who won three rounds; it was a win, win, win for Beta.

1991: STEVE SAUNDERS (BETA)

As Isle-of-Man-based Steve Colley (Beta) won round one, Saunders was fired into action, winning the next three rounds before another Beta-mounted rider Wayne Braybrook stopped him from taking his one-and-only BTC win.

Next up was Robert Crawford, a formidable rider who was now on the Montesa and took two consecutive wins. Saunders took one more, as did Colley, before Crawford rounded off the year with another win; Saunders had come under attack but was still the number one.

1992: STEVE SAUNDERS (APRILIA)

Could Saunders continue with the motivation to win his tenth ACU Solo British Trials Championship? He moved to the Italian Aprilia, powered by the ageing Rotax engine; it had been given a new lease of life with the addition of water cooling. Saunders excelled under pressure and won five rounds, followed by Robert Crawford (Montesa) on three and Steve Colley (Beta) on two.

SAMMY MILLER VERSUS STEVE SAUNDERS 1959–1992

1977: Rob Shepherd (Honda)

From 1959 through 1969, Sammy Miller won the ACU Solo British Trials Championship 11 times compared to Steve Saunders’ 10, 1983–1992. It is tough to make a comparison as they were both very successful in their own right at that moment in time. Saunders had a successful ACU Youth Trials career, winning all the way. When Miller entered the sport, there was no youth class. They both won on two, and four-stroke machinery and neither was from Yorkshire, classed by many as producing the best trials riders in Great Britain.

On paper, history records that Sammy Miller holds the upper hand with that one extra title, but what I do know is that both he and Steve Saunders were formidable competitors in their time, and I take my hat off to both of them.

1982: Yrjo Vesterinen (Bultaco)

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April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

ACU TRS UK British Sidecar Trials Championship • Sport Luke Golding & Sam Tuck (TRRS)

SIDECAR

STRONG START Normandy MCC hosted the first round of the ACU TRS UK British Sidecar Trials Championship, The Ray Thomas Sidecar Trial, at Dunsfold in Surrey. The trial was unusually dry, with little of the typical mud and water, but the 18 sections, with some ‘stiffened up’ for lap two, still took marks off all of the healthy entry of 28 crews spread across four classes.

Article: Andy Withers

EXPERTS

With the 2022 champions Jon Tuck and Matt Sparkes having retired, seven crews representing all of the major trials marques vied for the Expert crown, including the first electric entry into the ACU British Sidecar Championship Neil and Michael Franks, whose EM Epure Race outfit created a lot of interest. However, TRRS-mounted Luke Golding, paired with Sam Tuck, cleaned the first lap with Luke’s brother Josh coaching the pair all the way round; they were one ahead of Isle of Man pair Jack Corlett and James Howe on the GASGAS and four ahead of 2022 Intermediate champions Steve and Izzy Saunders.

Lap two didn’t start well for the Saunders pair, with a five on the ‘rocky’ section one, which started an expensive lap of 21, giving them fourth overall.

With the sections ‘stiffened’, lap two scores were generally higher, but Nigel and Gracie Mae Scott lost just two until the final two sections when a five and a dab left them on eight, still three less than the first lap and enough for third. Jack Corlett and Jamie Howe finished second with two fives and a three on the modified section seven, where the norm was to drop to the bottom of the valley before blasting back up to the next set of flags.

Luke Golding and Sam Tuck took a different approach here, ‘floating’ along the side of the camber with the sidecar wheel in the air. They still dropped two in maintaining their balance, but it was certainly exciting to watch!

For the eighth year running, the Ray Thomas Trophy headed back to Bristol; the last six years with Jon Tuck and Matt Sparkes, and in 2023, with Luke Golding and Sam Tuck.

RESULTS 1: Luke Golding/Sam Tuck (TRRS) 4; 2: Jack Corlett/ James Howe (GASAGAS)15; 3: Nigel/Gracie-Mae Scott (Beta) 19; 4: Steve/Izzy Saunders (TRRS) 25; 5: Neil/Michael Franks (EM) 59; 6: Jake Pope/Luke Thomas (Sherco) 62.

Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

Steve & Izzy Saunders (TRRS)

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Sport • ACU TRS UK British Sidecar Trials Championship

Neil & Michael Franks (EM)

INTERMEDIATES

Four strong crews contested the intermediates, with local riders Darryl/Hannah Dale and Elliott Tickner/Matthew Price both going clean for the first lap. John Corlett/Harry Gell and Ryan Eamer/Claire Tooth lost single ‘fives’, both going too hard into ditches and not getting out the other side.

On lap two, the Dales took a single dab over some roots on section six, whilst Tickner/Price got the sidecar wheel jammed in the roots for a five. The Dales lost their way on the final section for a five, but a total of six took the win as Tickner/Price took second, although they had the worst lap of the four. Hamer/Tooth and Corlett/Gell lost out on the chance of second, with fives over the logs on the last section.

RESULTS: 1: Darryl/Hannah Dale (GASGAS) 6; 2: Elliott Tickner/ Matthew Price (TRRS) 18; 3: Ryan Eamer/Claire Tooth (TRRS) 19; 4: John Corlett/Harry Gell (GASGAS) 21.

Elliott Tickner & Matthew Price (TRRS)

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CLUBMEN

Paul/Keith Fishlock topped the popular 13-strong entry clubman class. They stayed clean until section 13 on lap two when selecting third gear for a steep climb, and the outfit went up on the back wheel for their only loss. Karl Jarvis/ Bob Chapman matched the Fishlocks on lap one but lost 12, including a five, on the same section for second. Richard Murphy/ Adam Charman and Adam/Harvey Allaway had expensive first laps but shared an impressive second-lap score of one.

RESULTS: 1: Paul/Keith Fishlock (Beta) 5; 2: Karl Jarvis/Bob Chapman (Vertigo) 12; 3: Richard Murphy/Adam Charman (GASAGAS) 19; 4: Adam/Harvey Allaway (Scorpa) 21; 5: Robbie/Stanley Head (Sherco) 23; 6: Neil Hannam/Debbie Smith (Honda) 30; 7: Vincent Brett/Jana Grossman (Beta) 32; 8: Chris/Anna Newsham (GASGAS) 41; 9: Darren/Oliver Lulham (TRRS) 42; 10: Paul Randall/Harry Martin (GASGAS) 47; 11: Josh Dando/Bethany Batty (Beta) 48; 12: Peter Dale/Aiden Bowker (SWM) 58; 13: Luke Reynolds/Woody WiseReynolds (Montesa) 61.

Darryl & Hannah Dale (GASGAS)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

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Sport • ACU TRS UK British Sidecar Trials Championship

Paul & Keith Fishlock (Beta)

BEGINNERS

Three new teams entered the newcomer class. Richard Tickner, with daughter Katy in the chair, rode superbly, taking advantage of a lighter passenger and losing just 16, although they were debating a couple of the fives. Local riders Toby Smith/Hannah Moore finished nine marks back.

RESULTS: 1: Richard/Katy Tickner (TRRS) 16; 2: Toby Smith/Hannah Moore (Montesa) 25; 3: Stuart Riches/Sophie Hall (Vertigo) 41.

ACU RULE CHANGE: MINIMUM AGE OF 12 FOR PASSENGERS

Two teams took advantage of the ACU rule change for 2023 to allow sidecar passengers of 12 years upwards to compete in the ACU British Championship.

Two 13-year-olds were in the chairs: Stanley Head with his dad, Robbie, and Katy Tickner with her dad, Richard. The clarity of the instructions from the riders

Robbie & Stanley Head (Sherco)

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Karl Jarvis & Bob Chapman (Vertigo)

and the precision of the response by the youngsters meant both teams had a very successful day, with Robbie/Stanley fifth in a big clubman field and Richard/ Katy winning top newcomers.

There is a temptation to take advantage of the lightness of the passengers, Richard in particular, balancing the outfit on two wheels to good effect to clean sections, including jumping ditches, which Katy took in her stride. However, some of the best crews do this as a matter of course. On this evidence, the ACU rule change has already brought two potentially top-quality passengers into the sport.

THE 2023 ACU TRRS UK SIDECAR CHAMPIONSHIP

With the series starting in March, these are the following dates and venues: 23rd April, South Birmingham, DK Mansell; 20th May, West of England; 21st May, BSSA, Tuck Cross; 25th June, Yeadon and Guiseley, Mel Harrison Trophy Trial; and 3rd September at Non-Stop Trials Centre in Wales.

Richard & Katy Tickner (TRRS)

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Dealer Visit • Doble Motorcycles

TRIALS TIME DOBLE MOTORCYCLES

As a successful motorcycle dealership, Doble Motorcycles has a strong and solid relationship with Honda on the road-related side of the business. It was a visit to the hugely successful DL12 Indoor Invitation Trial in January 2023, where the idea to move into the trials world was born. They had taken on the Honda Off-Road franchise two years earlier and started to stock the successful four-stroke Cota 4RT range. Honda UK had invited its dealer network to the Sheffieldbased DL12 competition, and for many, it was their first view of the two-wheeled world of motorcycle trials.

Representing Doble Motorcycles was Paul Styles, one half of the business partnership with Mike Doble. Paul soon recognised the superb skills of the trials riders and, off the back of this, decided to make it official that they would move into the trials market from their base at Coulsdon, in Surrey.

Words: John Hulme and Paul Styles • Pictures: Trials Media, GFV Media 104

April-May 2023 • Trial Magazine

Doble Motorcycles • Dealer Visit

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t is well documented that Doble Motorcycles has been the best-selling Honda road dealer for the last 20 years and a Honda Gold Wing dealer for 13 years. So before moving into the off-road sector with them, we wanted to learn more about Doble Motorcycles.

Paul Styles and business partner Mike Doble

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS

Doble Motorcycles is a long-established, family-run business founded in 1967 by Mike Doble senior and his late brother Chris Doble.

Both good road racers in their day, Chris was supported by the once mighty Greeves name.

It all started with just one shop at number 88 Brighton Road, selling one or two step-through mopeds and motorcycle servicing. Chris managed the motorcycle business while Mike set up a used car showroom across the road at 103; this also took off very well and thrived as the motor industry boomed.

Time moved on, and expansion was inevitable for the Motorcycle shop. Honda rapidly increased its product range, with big sellers like the Superdream and CX500 models. The adjacent shop, number 90, was acquired and soon became filled with exciting new machines from the Japanese manufacturer. Again the market grew, and the need to expand even further soon arrived. Seeming to take over one end of Coulsdon, number 86 was bought, and another 50% increase in size took place. Honda’s market share also grew to keep customers coming back time and time again. It became Trial Magazine • April-May 2023

apparent that car sales could not keep pace with the two-wheeled sales, so all resources were pooled together to double the motorcycle business and give the customer huge choices and diversity.

Selling and specialising in the world’s

leading makes from day one has been Doble Motorcycles’ biggest strength. Mike Doble Junior and Paul Styles now run the dealership along with Mike Doble Senior, Anne Doble, and an excellent, enthusiastic, dedicated team who love working with motorcycles.

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Dealer Visit • Doble Motorcycles

In stock — the Cota 4RT models

Paul Styles ,Graham Foster-Vigours and Mike Doble

OFF-ROAD

Two years ago, it was a natural progression to add the Honda Off-Road franchise to the business to run alongside the established road models. Initially, it was moto-cross and trail models. Still, it all changed when Graham Foster-Vigors, the Off-Road Sales and Network Support Section Manager in the Motorcycle Division of Honda UK, invited them to the DL12 Indoor. Paul Styles, a keen BSB and TT supporter, enjoyed his first motorcycle trials

experience, which changed his thought process regarding the sport. Then, watching so many families enjoy the evening, he took himself along to the local Hook Wood trials facility and met the Connor family; he had the trials bug!

HONDA MONTESA AT DOBLE MOTORCYCLES

When we visited the franchise, the machines were on display and in stock in the impressive, forward-thinking, modern showroom facilities.

Paul oversees the dedicated off-road section and will openly tell you he is new to the trials scene.

A quick learner, he soon had a local rider Reece Talbot on a new Montesa Cota 4RT. Reece will become the frontman, competing in local events, and Paul has many other ideas to attract people to the dealership.

With 32 staff and 10 Honda technicians on site, the ace card at Doble Motorcycles regarding motorcycle trials, particularly the 4RT, is Matt Close. He is a Honda-trained technician and a Montesa-trained Cota 4RT four-stroke specialist; he certainly knows the machine inside out. As a result, he can speak with customers on a one-to-one basis concerning anything to do with the Montesa Honda trials models.

Paul and his business partner Mike know it will take time to get established in the trials world, but one thing that does come across very strongly is enthusiasm and passion, two key ingredients if you are to succeed. Local motorcycle clubs include Hook Wood and Reigate & Redhill North Downs; keep your eyes open for a Doble Motorcycles Montesa; you could be the next customer!

Honda Goldwing dealers

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Locator • Find your local dealer

DEALER LOCATOR 01 2T-Offroad

10 Doble Motorcycles

18 OHA Motorsport

Tel: 01592 772867 Email: trials2t-offroad@Hotmail.com Area: Kirkcaldy, KY1 4DE

Tel: 020 8668 8851 Email: sales@doble.co.uk Web: www.doble.co.uk Area: Coulsdon, CR5 2EZ

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

11 East Neuk Trials Motorcycles

19 RCM Trialsport

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

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

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

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

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

14 John Lee & Sons Motorcycles

Tel: 01933 312827 Email: johnlee.mc@btconnect.com Web: www.johnleemotorcycles.co.uk Area: Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BP

15 John Shirt Motorcycles Tel: 01298 766 813 Email: mail@johnshirtmotorcycles.com Web: www.johnshirtmotorcycles.com Area: Buxton, SK17 9JL

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

17 Mickey Oates Motorcycles

Tel: 0141 332 7374 Email: sales@mickeyoates.com Web: www.mickeyoates.com Area: Glasgow, G4 9XP

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

20 Road and Trials Tel: 01226 391557 Email: sales@roadandtrials.co.uk Web: www.roadandtrials.co.uk Area: Barnsley, S75 1JU

21 SJ Trials Tel: 028 2548 3175 Email: sam@sjtrials.com Web: www.sjtrials.com Area: Ballymena, BT42 1LJ

22 South West Trials Tel: 01395 514287 Email: southwesttrials@gmail.com Web: www.swtrials.co.uk Area: Sidmouth, EX10 9DN

23 St Blazey MX Tel: 01726 816181 Email: sales@stblazeymx.co.uk Web: www.stblazeymx.co.uk Area: St Blazey, PL24 2RN

24 Tom Adamson Motorcycles

Tel: 01343 550 600 Email: info@tomadamsonmotorcycles.co.uk Web: www.tomadamsonmotorcycles.co.uk Area: Elgin, IV30 1HZ

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

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

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