M OTORC YC L E • CYCLE • SI DE-CAR • CLAS S IC • CO MPE TITIO N • FEAT U R E S
SECTION
www.trialmaguk.com
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CELEBRATION
MONTESA COTA CATCH UP
QUICK SPIN
MARC GAS GAS 300 RACING COLOMER BETA 300 4T POSTER INSIDE
ULF KARLSSON 1952-2018 ISSN 1 7 5 3 - 0 0 4 0
APRIL-MAY 2018
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I S68 S N• UK: 1 7 5£4.99 3-0040 ISSUE 6 8
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TRIAL MAGAZINE
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WELCOME
68 FEATURES INTERNATIONAL
18
REMEMBERING
26
QUICK SPIN
32
FIM X-Trial
Ulf Karlson
Beta 300 4T
Gas Gas 300 Racing
NEW MODELS
40
WHAT’S NEW
44
CATCH UP
48
CELEBRATION
56
SUCCESS
72
SPORT
76
Oset TRS
Marc Colomer Montesa 1993 - 2018 Scorpa in Scotland British Championship
WORLD ROUND WINNERS 92 1975 - 2017
CYCLE
101
WHAT’S THE STORY
108
Road Trip Alan Aspel – Sammy Miller
SECTIONS TALK TRIALS
Trial Magazine is published by: CJ PUBLISHING LIMITED 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX. UK Telephone: 01663 749163 Email: england@trialmag.com Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou Editor John Hulme (NUJ No: 949620) england@trialmag.com
Editorial Staff Cyrille Barthe, Jean Caillou, 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, Brian Holder and Andy Gregory. Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks
Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com
Printing Buxtons Press Distribution Warners Group Publications Plc Mail Order www.trialmaguk.com TRIAL MAGAZINE: ISSN: 1753-0040.
CJ Publishing Limited is a Company Registered in England Number: 5947718. © 2018 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 • APRIL-MAY 2018
TONI BOU NEWS PADDOCK SHOPPING POSTER DEALER LOCATOR SUPERSTORE SUBSCRIPTION FORM
6 8 12 14 58 106 111 112
COVER PHOTO: MONTESA 50 YEARS PICTURE CREDIT: TOON AND TRIALS MEDIA
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TALK TRIALS TONI BOU
Celebrating my 2018 X-Trial World Championship with Trial Magazine editor John Hulme
CRASH
Yes, that’s exactly what happened, I crashed quite heavily onto my lower back at an invitation indoor trial competition in Le Mans France. I was enjoying the event but got a technical part of a hazard wrong and fell onto a concrete part of the hazard which resulted in three broken vertebrae in my lower back, L2-L3-L4. To take my 12th consecutive indoor title at that moment appeared to be beyond my reach but with the help and support of a fantastic team the dream became reality once again. WORDS: TONI BOU WITH JOHN HULME • PICTURES: MONTESA, HONDA, TRIALS MEDIA AND RAMON SALLES
M
y last major crash was in 2009 at the Barcelona FIM Indoor World Championship and I accept that these things can happen. In training during the end of 2017 and the start of 2018 I had started to have sensations in my arms which at times made it difficult to hold onto the Renthal handlebars. After seeking the advice of the medical team I use, we found out that I had a trapped nerve in my neck from the 2009 crash. With specialist advice, I was able to ride around the pain barrier to see if at some point it would need to be operated on but then I went and had the crash at the indoor invitation event at Le Mans in France. I took a heavy blow against a concrete part of the hazard after failing to make it up a step. It forced me to abandon the event before being taken away for an examination at the Le Mans hospital. After medical tests performed by the team doctor, Joaquim Terricabras, at the Consell Catala de L’Esport and the Creu Blanca Clinic of Barcelona, it was confirmed that I had suffered a fracture of the right apophysis transverse of the lumbar vertebrae L2-L3-L4. Dr Terricabras recommended that I rest from all sporting activity stating that the evolution of the injury will dictate when I could ride again. The decision was made to compete in Paris where I could celebrate yet another successful World Championship win. I want to thank everyone who made this possible, I always remember we are a team, a winning team!!
2018 and still #1 6
Until Next Time – Ride On! – Toni
My face after my 2009 crash.
The X-Ray on my back showing the three broken vertebrae. APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
E VOLUTION OF PERFECTION
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Featuring a brand new colour scheme with white, red and blue graphics, it looks sportier than ever before. The 260cc engine has been enhanced to improve traction while minimised engine braking makes it feel even lighter. Switchable ECU ignition mapping offers dual maps for improved ridability in variable grip conditions. The Cota 4RT260 is a machine that has evolved over time into a base platform that the amateur Trial enthusiast can get the most out of. honda.co.uk 0845 200 8000 VPL Terms & Conditions: New Montesa Honda RT260 17YM orders from 01 January 2018 to 30 April 2018 and registered by 30 April 2018. Subject to model and colour availability. Representative Example based on 3 years 0% VPL. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Honda Franchise Dealers are credit brokers, not lenders. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Financial Services is a trading name of Honda Finance Europe Plc. a company registered at Companies House No 03289418. Honda Finance Europe plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541.
NEWS
TRIALS ROUND-UP
Rock Oil – FIM Trial World Championship
2018 Gas Gas TXE Gas Gas presents the new TXE model, the first and only electric trials machine with a mechanical clutch and six-speed gear box. The dream of riding the FIM TrialE Cup winning machine has become a reality for potential owners. They will now be able to make the innovative electric trials machine from Torrot’s off-road subsidiary their very own from next July. Trials lovers at last have the innovative electric machine that opened the doors to a new era in the world of trials within their grasp. The new Gas Gas TXE promises sensations which, up to now, have been unthinkable for trials riders. From now on they can enjoy their favourite sport with the only sound of nature in the background without renouncing the great features of a petrol aspirated motorcycle. It is not for nothing that this new Gas Gas model incorporates a mechanical clutch system with its six-speed gear box, as it allows the rider to carry over the riding style from its twostroke model variants. The efficient engine developed by Torrot, the company that owns Gas Gas and the leader in the electric sector, is powered by a state-of-the-art battery offering all the necessary autonomy so riders can enjoy long riding sessions. Agile, lightweight and easy to ride, weighing only 68 kilograms and manufactured on the extensively tested tubular chassis made of chromium-molybdenum steel used by the TXT range, from which it also inherits a large part of its aesthetics and its tried and tested components in terms of suspension, brakes and tyres. Limited to only 200 machines, it will become available between July and October 2018.
New TRS 125cc wins
TRS were more than happy with the victory by Spanish Juvenil B class rider Nil Riera, who gave the new TRS 125cc its first win in the Spanish Championship at round one in the town of La Nucía in Alicante. Official TRS UK importer Steve Saunders has already tested the 125cc machine in Spain while it was under development and was very enthusiastic about its performance. By the time you read this the new model should have arrived in the UK.
8
Rock Oil are delighted to announce a new two-year partnership with Sport7, the official promoter of the FIM TrialGP World Championship. As the official lubricant partner to the series the agreement will continue to showcase the Rock Oil brand including a range of branding, experiential, hospitality and marketing rights. The global reach of the series assists both our UK and export business across all our market sectors. After a stunning inaugural year in 2017 the Sport7 team has taken the championship to a new level and pushed interest in trials competition to new markets. We have been delighted to be involved and look forward to continuing on the journey with them. Greg Hewitt Managing Director, Rock Oil said: “The decision to renew the partnership was a very easy one to make. We have an established relationship and throughout 2017 the team delivered a high-quality championship. This year sees Rock Oil celebrate its 90th anniversary and going through a dramatic period of change and growth. “I am delighted for Rock Oil to be involved with the series in 2018 and beyond, and I’m sure the team will continue to drive the championship forward and generate more awareness for the Rock brand. Rock Oil has a long history of working in trials; this sector of two-wheeled motorsport was one of the first supported by the company in the early eighties. To now be in a position to be a part of the FIM Trial World Championship in the new TrialGP era is fantastic which, coupled with partnerships with the likes of Dougie Lampkin and current World Champion Emma Bristow, ensures Rock Oil remains at the forefront of trials competition.”
Punch Cards
After many years riding, observing and organising both club and national trials Phil Parkinson found that the current type and most common punch cards could be a lot better so along with a graphic design friend they came up a prototype which has bolder numbering for ease of use and these were tried out at the recent S3 Milnthorpe Cup with very good feedback. Now the idea is to offer a custom punch card to suit your event ether with your clubs logo, event name or sponsor. Contact Phil Parkinson on 07850 114241, email: philandnicola14@yahoo.co.uk APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
NEWS
TRIALS ROUND-UP
FIM: Rider safety For the FIM the riders’ safety is paramount. Protective devices have been a major focus of its work in recent years, with valuable input from the FIM Technical and Medical Commissions. 2019 will be a landmark year for improving trial riders’ safety. Since 2016, riders have been strongly encouraged to wear back and chest protection. From 2019 back protectors will be compulsory for all classes in both Trial and X-Trial. Use of chest protectors remains encouraged and may become compulsory in the near future. In order to prepare the riders for the new rule a ‘safety camp’ will be organised in connection with one World Championship round. Riders will be able to test available back and chest protectors thanks to the participation of protective device manufacturers. More than 10 manufacturers have already been contacted with a view to future cooperation. The ultimate aim is to draw up a list of product manufacturers and device models that are certified according to international standards, and from which men and women riders will be able to choose. Another important measure is the creation of a ‘Trial Sections and Safety Working Group’ bringing together experts from the FIM Trial, Technical and Medical Commissions, manufacturers and riders’ representatives.
Scottish Six Days Trial Yes, it’s almost that time of year again for the privileged riders who have had their entry accepted to start their preparation for the greatest test of man and machine, the Scottish Six Days Trial. As usual it will be based around the town of Fort William in the Highlands, with the start and finish and the secure area for the machines in the West End car park. All the major importers will be in attendance to support the riders but it’s very important, in order to maintain the best service from the free facilities provided, that you register with them. The importers’ contact details can be found in the magazine, so either call or mail them so that you can have your account set up with them before you arrive at the event and get the best service and supply of parts organised. You must remember that they need the details of your machine so that they can ensure a supply of parts is available for that particular model. Preparation for the six days of riding is key to you finishing the event so it’s very important to be organised. Before you arrive, please note that the free service does not include preparing your machine for the event at the start of the trial. You should arrive in Scotland with your machine in very good mechanical condition and not, as has been seen in the past with some, having no preparation carried out at all, not even washed! Contact the importer for the machine you are riding to find out if there is any extra information you need to know about your model to ensure you finish the event; once again the details can be found in the magazine. Many of our importers and advertisers in the magazine have ridden the event, so maybe it’s a good time to speak with them or to visit your local dealer for any extra information they can give you. It’s surprising what you can learn from someone who has ridden the event with regards to what riding kit to wear and what to carry, and as we have stated your local dealer is probably the best place to visit. On a final note, just remember the event is not just about the machine finishing the event, the rider has to also! Trial Magazine would like to wish everyone involved in the event a safe week of trials; see you at the event.
10
ACU 2018 British Championship changes AMENDMENT TO BRITISH SOLO CHAMPIONSHIP CONDITIONS 1 Start Order: All start orders will be drawn by ballot as below. Championship Group A: Riders placed in the first six positions of the current classification. Championship Group B: Remaining Championship Class Riders. Masters Class Group C: The start order will be a single ballot for all riders. Youth Elite Group D: The start order will be a single ballot for all riders. Expert Class Group E: Riders placed in the first six positions of the current classification. Expert Class Group F: Remaining Expert Class Riders. 2 Application to change Class: Any rider having previously registered or entered one class who now wishes to change class must seek approval by applying to the T & E Committee. If approval is granted it may be that the rider will be allowed to move to the new class on a no-awards or points basis, or they may be offered to relinquish any points previously awarded and be eligible for points in the new class. If a rider relinquishes Championship points, no amendment will be made to the points allocated to other riders in that classification.
Trial Magazine – Quick Spin You, the reader, may have noticed that we continue to use riders for the ‘Quick Spin’ articles who actually receive support from the relevant machine importers into the UK. Rather than focus on what readers already know about the product, we prefer to ask the test riders to have a brief ride and point out the new upgrades to the year’s models. They are the ones who know the most about the machines as they ride them the most. In the present period of trials manufacturing nothing that ‘new’ has actually appeared as machines tend to evolve rather than change the face of the sport. You can be assured when it does you will get a full test report and not just a quick spin!
APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
PADDOCK
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
100 WINS - NO CHANCE - 2010
ALWAYS WITH THE CAMERA
BOB THE BUILDER
GASSING
LISTEN AND LEARN 12
I MADE THE PODIUM
FEED ME
IT’S NOT IBIZA
MAYBE LIKE THIS APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
PADDOCK
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
ONLY IN BARCELONA
I WON THE MOST
PRESS
THROUGH THE KEYHOLE TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
PLEASE, NO MORE
TEAM
REPLAY
THUMBS UP 13
SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW
Putoline Balance Bike www.putoline.co.uk
Parkinson Punch Card
Email: philandnicola14@yahoo.co.uk
Beta Casual Shirts
www.beta-uk.com
Putoline ‘Put Off’ Machine Cleaner www.putoline.co.uk
Beta Paddock Jackets www.beta-uk.com
DVD 2017 Trials Review
www.trialmaguk.co.uk
Jitsie Handlebar Ends Race www.jitsie.com
14
S3 Racing Team Riding Kit
www.s3parts.com www.trialendurodirect.com
Jitsie Aluminum Fork Tubes Race www.jitsie.com
APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW
Gas Gas Bobble Hat - Beanie www.trialendurodirect.com
Hebo XTR Jacket
Hebo XTR Protector
Hebo XTR Knee Guards
Hebo XTR Shorts
www.apico.co.uk
Volx Trials Clothing
www.dabproducts.co.uk
Spada Edge Chaser Helmet www.spadaclothing.co.uk
TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
Sidi Trial Zero1 Boots
www.sidiselect.co.uk
www.apico.co.uk
www.apico.co.uk
www.apico.co.uk
Jitsie Signal Jacket 2018 www.jitsie.com
15
INTERNATIONAL
FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP): Still the best motorcycle trials rider in the world, this year has seen Toni fighting discomfort and pain from a trapped nerve in his neck but this has no way stopped his winning ways. Having won the opening five rounds he was unceremoniously dumped on his back at a non-championship indoor on Sunday the 18th February at Le Mans in France. The result was three damaged vertebrae in his back which looked like he may have to miss the remaining three rounds. With the sixth round in Seville, Spain cancelled he focused on being fit for the seventh round. As we all now know the rules at the beginning stated that every rider could drop their worst scoring round, making Bou once again the world champion before round seven. In truth he could have missed Paris but like any true warrior he put up a brave fight before the pain and discomfort pushed him down to fifth on the day.
Back-breaking Bou How do you stop the trials robot that is Toni Bou (Repsol-Honda-ESP) from winning? An invitation indoor trials competition in France left him with three broken vertebrae in his back. Any other rider would have been out of action for a long period of recuperation. Riding with the support of his medical team and Hebo back protector he came to round seven, just three weeks after the accident, in Paris to be crowned the 2018 FIM X-Trial World Champion. He could have just taken the accolade and paraded in front of the 5,000 French trials fans but no, he came out and put on a very heroic fight for yet another victory. He won his qualifying heat but in the second phase of the qualifying, the pain and discomfort became too much and pushed him down to fifth position overall. The crowd gave him a standing ovation knowing that they once again had witnessed the undisputed ‘King’ of the indoors give his all in his constant quest for victory. ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA
T
he new format for the indoor X-Trial series may have attracted its critics but what it has done is given a new generation of younger riders the opportunity to display their skills in front of packed arenas across Europe, well nearly! The majority of the rounds have been held in France with the championship only visiting additional 18
venues in Spain and Hungary but the 2Play Event production manager, Bernard Estripeau, has promised a much bigger and better series in 2019. With sell out stadiums, 2018 has been a huge success and bodes well for the future of the indoor championship having gone through the learning curve of its virgin year under the realm of the new regime. APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
INTERNATIONAL
FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP): Along with his great adversary Toni Bou, these two are still the undisputed ‘Kings’ of the trials world, indoor or outdoor. Riding in some pain and discomfort he battled with a breakage of the second radial tendon of his left arm in the first part of the championship. Immediately after the Barcelona round he underwent an operation to fix the breakage which was declared a success and after 24 hours in hospital he was given the all-clear to return home and begin a recovery that initially focused solely on rest. Unable to move the arm for two weeks he has focused to recover his physical condition as quickly as possible and return to competition as 100% fit. As with his great rival Bou, his result in Paris showed why they have both dominated this championship for well over a decade of competition.
Benoit Bincaz (Scorpa-FRA): Taking the opportunity of a fixed place ride in the championship the young Scorpa rider has done himself proud. During the series he has embraced the French crowd support and his inspired riding has been rewarded with the visit to the podium. He has given 100% at every round and despite some challenging moments matured into a world class rider. The French partnership of Bincaz and the Scorpa has been a revelation in the FIM X-Trial and no doubt he will be looking at carrying this form into TrialGP in 2018. TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
19
QUICK SPIN
2018 BETA EVO 4T 300cc
Smooth sensation Would you believe that Italian motorcycle manufacturer Beta has had a four-stroke trials model available for more than 10 years? The success of the two-stroke trials models speaks volumes for themselves, and the brand has been further endorsed over the last few years in the tough world of enduro. What is the connection, you may ask; it is the excellent build quality and reliability that comes as standard. Four-stroke trials machines have a certain affection with many riders, which goes back to the good old days of ‘ruling the roost’ in the off-road world. This 2018 model Beta four-stroke trials model still carries that same affection, but in a much more modern world where the young riders can easily demonstrate just how good a four-stroke trials machine is. In the capable hands of Beta-UK supported rider Ben Hemingway he was soon showing us just how good the 300cc model is. With the smooth sensation from the four-valve liquid cooled engine he was soon ‘styling’ it for the camera on a very cold day on difficult hazards. To be honest he made the slippery conditions in the river very much his own as he demonstrated how nimble and easy to ride a four-stroke can be. ARTICLE: TRIAL MAGAZINE WITH BEN HEMINGWAY
A
s with the majority of the trials manufacturers, there are no ‘new’ models just a continual evolution of an already good machine. The 2018 model Beta is no different in that area and, as you will read, the changes further enhance the progress of improving the machine’s performance in all areas.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Further development has resulted in the use of a spark plug that has been manufactured to enter further into the combustion chamber. In association with a new twin-spark control unit, this ensures improved combustion to boost performance and more precise throttle operation. The four-stroke engine braking effect has been reduced with the introduction of a larger capacity oil pump aimed at eliminating the on-off effect at low revs. Further engine performance has been achieved by a revision of the internals of the exhaust system, with the result being a quicker throttle response and a very linear power delivery.
CHASSIS AND AESTHETICS
The suspension package has come in for some close attention and is calibrated to give a greater progression in the stroke in absorbing and damping on major impacts. This gives the rider a much more controlled performance from the 38mm Ø Beta front forks and a Sachs adjustable unit giving a 62mm stroke at the rear. For the ease of servicing both of the front fork legs now use the same amount of oil to simplify matters. Both aluminium wheel hubs have seen an improvement to increase reliability, and have been reinforced in the key areas around the disc and sprocket mounting areas in case of a heavy impact. A sleeker appearance to the ‘Single Wave Beam’ aluminium frame has been achieved with fresh aesthetics further enhanced by the use of black wheels supported with Beta branded decals. The whole package has a very light competitive look to stand proudly on any showroom floor. 32
APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
QUICK SPIN
2018 BETA EVO 4T 300cc
TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
33
QUICK SPIN
2018 GAS GAS TXT RACING 300cc
R
E
F
I
N
E
D
RACING In their benchmark red colour scheme, the Gas Gas trials machines have been further refined for 2018 with the latest addition to their range, the Racing, which stands loud and proud on the showroom floor. With a strong sporting heritage, going way back into the eighties, the Spanish brand has over the years laid claim to every major trophy in the world of trials. They’ve never been afraid to push the boundaries of both machine and rider development. The word ‘benchmark’ once again springs to mind when they introduced the hydraulic clutch in the nineties, which is now connected to the superb diaphragm clutch system that delivers the power from the 300cc single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine in a way that can push the riders’ limits to the edge of their ability. Its well-known smooth power delivery attracts riders of all abilities, from the clubman rider to the very cutting edge of the sport in the hands of the hot new talent Jaime Busto on the world trials scene. On the UK trials scene, the residual values remain as strong as ever for the second-hand machines. So, maybe it’s time to speak to your local dealer and get your hands on one of the new ‘Racing’ models available in 125cc, 250cc, 280cc and the 300cc, which we take a closer look at in this article. ARTICLE: TRIAL MAGAZINE WITH RICHARD TIMPERLEY
36
APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
QUICK SPIN
2018 GAS GAS TXT RACING 300cc
N
ew aesthetics certainly draw the eye of any new model, and the 2018 Racing range from Gas Gas certainly achieves this. The Spanish brand has focussed on more balance, traction and control in this model, thanks to the use of new components and upgrades in its settings. High-quality details that may go unnoticed to the eye of even the most demanding riders have been applied as they continue to make Gas Gas an even better machine.
ENGINE DEVELOPMENTS
The ‘Racing’ model name is not new to the Gas Gas brand, and this 2018 model inherits the spirit of its predecessors, which includes specific developments in the engine. This includes a Hydria twin-spark ignition CDI unit to deliver an improved, smoother power delivery in the lower power range. Further improvements in the cylinder barrel thermodynamics have also been made, thanks to the new interchangeable cylinder heads which allow for an easy way to modify the compression and achieve a power delivery which is more refined and progressive, and able to adjust itself to different riding conditions such as high altitude where the engine’s performance is usually reduced due to the lack of air available. The exhaust curve has also been improved by the use of eight stainless steel elements in the system. The new clutch with variable preload with three positions also help, improving both the delivery and the feedback to the rider as the response can be adapted to be more or less radical as per the preferences of each. This will also help to extend the clutch’s lifespan.
TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
37
WHAT’S NEW AT… TRS
Step by step
When we sent one of our test riders, Phil Disney, with Steve Saunders to Spain in January 2016 to have an exclusive ride on the new TRS trials machine, it was the start of a new adventure in trials. The brainchild of seven-time World Trials Champion Jordi Tarres, the new machines immediately impressed all who rode them. With Adam Raga holding the handlebars he has continued to be at the cutting edge of the sport, and the success that has come with it has resulted in global sales. With a calm family approach to the marketing, the machines have become very popular in a very short time. As we entered 2018, we caught up with Steve Saunders to find out what’s new at TRS. ARTICLE: TRIAL MAGAZINE WITH STEVE SAUNDERS • PICTURES: TRIALS MEDIA, TRS AND HEATH BRINDLEY
TM: Congratulations, your hard work has been rewarded.
STEVE SAUNDERS: Thank you, yes it’s been quite an adventure in a very
short space of time. The rewards are most welcome, and I have embraced the opportunity with TRS to help and establish the brand in the UK. In truth, the manufacturers know that the UK is still one of the most important, if not ‘the’ most important market in the world. I have had excellent support from the factory and along with Jordi Tarres for the machine, Marc Aranyo with the marketing and Adam Raga with the results they have turned TRS into a global success. The selection of the various importers has also been vital to giving the customers confidence in the new product. As with anything new, it was always going to be a gamble but as soon as I had the initial meeting to discuss the project in late 2015 I wanted to be part of their adventure. TM: How important was it to have a top rider like Adam Raga on board?
SS: In my opinion, you have to have a great shop window and what better way
than at the very cutting edge of the sport, the World Championship. Adam has proved just how good the TRS is and remains the only rider in recent times who has pushed and on the odd occasion beaten, Toni Bou. As a brand ambassador, you can get no one better than Adam. He is good with the public and a role model for any young rider, so professional in all he does. I decided at the start of the project to establish the brand another way too, and that was with Ross Danby. Ross has been excellent in all areas. He has competed where we as a company want to be selling motorcycles. The British Championship is another shop window, but I am a big believer in grass roots with trials. Ross has not just ridden in the championship events but good centre ones as well. It’s so important to have riders sat in queues waiting to attempt hazards talking to their friends and spreading the word. 44
Steve with his good friend and supported rider Ross Danby. APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
WHAT’S NEW AT…
TRS
Steve has taken on Iwan Roberts for the 2018 season. Unfortunately as we went to press Iwan, the 2017 FIM Trial2 World Champion, was suffering with a mystery illness which forced him to retire from the opening British Championship round.
Production is in full flow at the new factory.
Completed machines wait to be boxed and shipped around the globe. TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
New machines in the assembly area.
It’s nut just complete machines which are important, spare parts are to. 45
CATCH UP MARC COLOMER
MARC COLOMER
LIFE’S ELECTRIC Retro is the new ‘Cool’ in the world of motorcycle trials as many younger riders look back and reflect at how great the sport was in the nineties. Machine sales were very strong, and the mould of the trend-setting Jordi Tarres and his new presentation as a trials riding professional athlete had been embraced by the sport. It was a time for a change though and in Spain, they were looking for a new trials ‘Superstar’ as the Tarres reign began to draw to a close. The man to raise his game and take the world crown in 1996 would be Marc Colomer with Montesa. It would only be for one year, as a very young Dougie Lampkin came to the party for the next seven years. It was not a case of game over though for the Spanish rider. Some thirty-odd years later in 2017, he returned to the world series to once again be crowned a Trial World Champion, this time though in the new Electric class. Forward-thinking Spanish motorcycle manufacturer Gas Gas now has a world champion and a new trials team manager. Yes, life is very much ‘Electric’ for Marc Colomer. ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA WITH MARC COLOMER • PICTURES: JOHN SHIRT SNR, PETER J BEARDMORE, COLIN BULLOCK, TRIALS MEDIA, HEATH BRINDLEY, SOLO MOTO, MONTESA AND OSSA
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APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
CATCH UP MARC COLOMER
S
etting out on an adventure in the world for any professional athlete is always very difficult. Investment in the early days does not always bring a return, and motorcycle trials is no different. For a very young Marc Colomer, he entered the two-wheeled sport at the time of two mighty ‘Monsters’ of the sport Jordi Tarres and Dougie Lampkin. He was heavily involved in the development of two game-changing trials motorcycles in the Beta Techno and the Montesa Cota 315R. The world championship adventure starts a few years earlier in 1990 in Poland. We had a catch up with Marc in early 2018. TM: As with many of the Spanish riders you started in cycle trials MARC COLOMER: Yes, it was always my goal to compete in motorcycle
trials but in my early years of riding it was the idea to start on a cycle. I really enjoyed these early years as you learn to so much about balance and technique. This as with myself was the accepted and chosen path of many of today’s world championship riders from Spain. It also introduced me to my first ever professional team when I rode for the Derbi Rabassa Team. This was so good to enjoy such a high level of support at such an early age. TM: How old were you when you made the change to a motorcycle for trials?
MC: I made the change from cycle to motorcycle when I was around thirteen
years old, but after this, I never competed on a cycle again.
TM: In 1989 you won the Spanish Junior Championship and in 1990 the Senior B Class
MC: This was my first important victory; many people were surprised that I
won the championship on my Montesa Cota 309, apart from myself. I worked very hard for this victory, and I felt I was a worthy winner. TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
49
A golden celebration On the 30th April 1968 Spanish motorcycle manufacturer Montesa watched the first Cota trials models developed by Pedro Pi, Leopoldo Mila and Jordi Ros roll off the production line. This year they will celebrate 50 years of continuous production of the Cota trials models. In our sister publication Classic Trial Magazine, issue 24, we took an adventurous look at the highs and lows of this iconic model over the first 25 years. The golden celebrations will continue here in Trial Magazine. One of the ‘Big Three’ Spanish motorcycle manufacturers, Montesa has endured the test of time as Bultaco and Ossa fell by the wayside. Despite tough economic times in the eighties when an association with Japanese brand Honda was made, the Cota model remains as strong as ever. We continue the story after the arrival of Honda powered machines with the two-stroke Cota 314 in 1993 through to the current four-stroke Cota 4RT in 2018. ARTICLE: JOHN HULME AND YOOMEE ARCHIVE • PICTURES: MONTESA, PETER J BEARDMORE, MARIO CANDELLONE, COLIN BULLOCK, JOHN SHIRT SNR, JOHN HULME, RAY ARCHER, JAN PETERS AND JITSIE
56
APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
CELEBRATION
MONTESA COTA 1993-2018
T
he Montesa company was formed in 1944 by Pedro Permanyer and Francisco Bulto, who based their prototype Montesa around the French Motobecane model. Over the following years, the Permanyer and Bulto partnership would be dissolved as Bulto started the Bultaco brand in the late fifties. With exploits into road racing and the International Six Days Trial to prove the machine’s reliability Montesa started to look at the trials market in 1965 and followed Bultaco, who exploded onto the scene with Sammy Miller.
TOP: The water-cooled, aluminium framed Cota 311 in 1993. It looked resilient in its customary Montesa red carrying on the Spanish tradition; above: The connection between Montesa and Honda was proudly carried with the HRC decals evident in 1994; and below: Development continued in 1995 towards a brand new machine as the Cota 314R witnessed this transition.
1993-2018 — OVERVIEW
VIVA MONTESA: Looking very attractive in the customary
red of Montesa was the first of the Honda inspired Montesa trials machines with the water-cooled aluminium frame, the Cota 311, in 1993. The introduction of the 314R in 1994 proudly carried the HRC Honda decals for the first time as the true association of the Montesa brand with the Japanese giants Honda came into the spotlight. This progression would continue in 1995 as we witnessed much more development work being carried out in preparation for the new model Cota 315R, which would be produced with many Honda parts being incorporated into the machine as well as the new engine. Colomer would bring the Anglo-Spanish/Japanese TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
57
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RECORDS 1975–2017
FIM World Round Winners
Toni Bou, left, with Dougie Lampkin
Barring an absolute disaster the record of wins in the FIM Trial World Championship is about to be broken in 2018 by the man and machine combination of Spain’s Toni Bou and the mighty fourstroke Repsol Honda. His first two wins, in 2006, came on the Beta two-stroke. The record currently stands at 99 wins, held by the trials legend Dougie Lampkin. His victories came on Italian Beta and Montesa two- and four-stroke machinery, and looked to be the benchmark for a lifetime. During my years of following trials I have seen so many records broken at certain times, eras of different men and machines. Who in their wildest dreams would have ever thought that the record set so high at 99 by Lampkin would be ever challenged – certainly not me! ARTICLE: JOHN HULME • PICTURES: CYRILLE BARTHE, BETA, ERIK KITCHEN, JOHN HULME, DON MORLEY, ALAN VINES, TOON VAN DE VLIET, MAURI/FONTSERE COLLECTION AND THE GIULIO MAURI COPYRIGHT,THE NICK NICHOLLS COLLECTION AT MORTON’S ARCHIVE, RAMON SALLES AND MARIO CANDELLONE.
Statistics in any sport always make interesting reading, and those surrounding world round winners is no different. The statistics we are looking at here come from the archives of the guardian of trials history, Belgium born Charly Demathieu and myself, John Hulme. We do apologise for any inaccuracies but this is put together with the knowledge we have. The FIM officially gave world championship status to trials in 1975 and so we have not taken into account the European Championship up to 1974. Trial Magazine would like to acknowledge the help and support from Charly Demathieu and his website: www.trialonline.org in the generation of this article. 92
When Dougie Lampkin entered the world on the 23rd March 1976 his father Martin was already a world champion. He is seen here in the trials riding arms of his father as his mother Isobel looks on. APRIL-MAY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
RECORDS 1975–2017
Dougie Lampkin (Beta/Montesa-GBR): First win: Great Britain 1994. Age: 18. Total Wins: 99. World Titles: 7.
Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP): First win: USA 1986. Age: 19. Total Wins: 61. World Titles: 7.
Toni Bou (Beta/Montesa-ESP): First win: Spain 2006. Age: 19. Total Wins: 97. World Titles: 11. He is the oldest world champion.
Adam Raga (Gas Gas-ESP): First win: USA 2001. Age: 19. Total Wins: 52. World Titles: 2.
Takahisa Fujinami (Montesa-JPN): First win: Germany 1997. Age: 17. Total Wins: 33. World Titles: 1. He is the youngest world round winner. TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
Eddy Lejuene (Honda-BEL): First win: Belgium 1980. Age: 18. Total Wins: 33. World Titles: 3.
Thierry Michaud (Fantic-FRA): First win: France 1988. Age: 19. Total Wins: 23. World Titles: 3. 93
CYCLE
ROAD TRIP
T R I A L
EVOLUTION
With the availability of cheap flights across Europe these days it’s easy and affordable to jump on a plane and spend the weekend at one of Europe’s many bike parks; but why should you? Because the UK doesn’t have anywhere near the facilities that other countries do, not yet that is! Slowly things are improving, but for now, one of the best destinations to head for is Catalunya which is home to some of the best trial parks in the world, one of these being Trial Evolution in Sant Antoni de Vilamajor, 50 minutes from Barcelona Airport. ARTICLE: JORDI YÉLAMOS AND TIM MCPARLAND • PICTURES: TRIAL EVOLUTION
W
ith the number of young riders who attend these trials schools, it’s no wonder that there are so many great riders that originate from this region, some of whom move over to Motorcycle Trials with its comparative skill set and carry on to excel in this discipline also. Of course, it helps that there are support and funds allocated to these sports to promote growth and recognition, something that would benefit the sport in the UK instead of relying on individuals or private clubs creating such venues. Those who have done so have to be commended for having already constructed and run such facilities producing our own world-class riders. Earlier this year Trial Evolution celebrated its 8th anniversary and hosted a trial to celebrate this; the event was supported by 90 riders of all abilities and a fun day was had by all.
TRIAL EVOLUTION WAS BORN
In 2010, Jordi Yélamos (43), a rider since 1984, trials has always been his passion, so when his son was five years-old, he wanted to introduce to him this sport that he had given him so many good times. He also thought he would like to transmit his knowledge to the children of his village, Sant Antoni de Vilamajor (Barcelona). He obtained some land in the same village from a local farmer who understood his passion for the sport and let him rent the land at a very reasonable rate, and this is where the first few obstacles were placed. The first day of the class was a Saturday, and six runners took part. Little by little the new trial park was getting to be known to more and more children who then went to the trials school; the facilities were expanded until it now occupies an area of 7,500m2. The obstacles TRIAL MAGAZINE • APRIL-MAY 2018
101
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THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS
TONI BOU 11 x FIM Trial World Champion 2007-2017 11 x FIM X-Trial World Champion 2007-2017 To discover the Michelin Trial range visit:
moto.michelin.co.uk
TAK I NG I T TO T H E L I N E WI T H
J A M E S A C U
T R I A L S
DABILL
C H A M P I O N S H I P
w w w. a p i c o.c o. u k Image credit: trial magazine
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