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SSDT WINNER
LAMPKIN DL12 FLASHBACK
CATCH UP
BECKY COOK MINDER
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TRIAL MAGAZINE
SECTION
WELCOME
69 FEATURES NEW MODELS
12
Yamaha E
TRADITIONAL
20
Scottish Six Days
LIVING THE DREAM
34
‘People’ Scottish Six Days
INTERNATIONAL
38
FIM Trial World Championship
MINDER
50
Jiri Svoboda
ON AIR
62
Nevis Radio
FLASHBACK
64
SSDT 1968 - 2008
SPORT
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British Championship Sidecar - Youth
CATCH UP
92
Becky Cook
CLASSIC COMPETITION
98
Pre-65 SSDT
CYCLE
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British Trials Cup
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
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TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
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COVER PHOTO: DOUGIE LAMPKIN 2018 SSDT WINNER PICTURE CREDIT: JOHN HULME
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TALK TRIALS TONI BOU
A RELIEF
Yes, that is how I felt after getting my first victory in the 2018 FIM Trial World Championship. Despite the fact I was not the fastest rider in the qualifying process, to take my 98th victory after a tough day’s riding high in the mountains around the venue at Camprodon in Spain was such a reward for all the hard work from everyone around me helping me to take this result. WORDS: TONI BOU WITH JOHN HULME • PICTURES: MONTESA/HONDA AND TRIALS MEDIA
F
or the second year in succession, I have had to start the season recovering from injury, which is not the best position to be in. The back injury I sustained after my crash at the indoor in France in late February is still not 100%, which I am acutely aware of when I am riding. If I am honest, I was disappointed with my qualifying ride as I was aiming to set the quickest time, but it just goes to show I am human and do make mistakes! In the trial, I decided before the start to ride my own trial at the front and not become distracted by the other riders behind me. This is very important for my confidence. My minder Marc Frexia kept me focussed and between us the plan worked in our favour, which is reflected in both the lap scores. I managed to open up an advantage before the rain came which, as it happened, gave me the edge on the second lap and I actually really enjoyed the day’s competition. It will be a long and challenging season because my rivals are always pushing to achieve the same goals that I have, so I cannot relax and will have to fight until the last section at every round, but this will only make me more determined! This year Montesa celebrates 50 years of the production of the Cota model and with victory number 98 now in the bag the aim is to make it a massive season for Montesa as I focus on victory number 100! Until Next Time – Ride On! – Toni
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JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
EVOLUTION OF PERFECTION
THE JOURNEY GOES ON Featuring a 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.
0% APR
REPRESENTATIVE VPL
ON ALL MONTESA COTA 4RT260 MODELS REGISTERED BEFORE 31 AUGUST 2018*
honda.co.uk 0345 200 8000 VPL Terms & Conditions: *New Montesa Honda RT260 17YM orders from 10 May 2018 to 31 August 2018 and registered by 31 August 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
FIM X-Trial success
The first season in the new X-Trial FIM World Championship era has seen several records broken. The 2018 Championship came to a conclusion in Budapest in late March and has produced a marked step forward for the discipline, demonstrated by various interesting statistics. A total of 16 different riders have participated at some stage during the seven X-Trial events, and six different nationalities have been represented through the season. Seven different riders have made it onto an X-Trial podium in 2018 and three of them, Toni Bou, Adam Raga and Jaime Busto, have made it to top spot. Six young hopefuls have made their first steps in the Championship by achieving their series debuts in 2018. Toni Bou has recorded a 12th consecutive X-Trial World Championship title. Jaime Busto claimed his first-ever X-Trial win. With victory at X-Trial Paris Busto became the 20th different winner in the discipline and only the fourth different rider to win a round in the last decade. With an impressive level of consistency Adam Raga has now reached 25 consecutive X-Trial podium appearances stretching back to the 2014 campaign, and extends his all-time podium record above the century mark to a total of 104 top-three finishes. TRRS rider Raga has also become the highest all-time point-scorer in the sport with a total of 2,043 career X-Trial points. Takahisa Fujinami made his 136th X-Trial start when he lined up in Budapest, in the process securing a new all-time appearance record in the sport. At the season-ending X-Trial Budapest, Hungary became the 19th different nation to host an X-Trial World Championship round.
2018 FIM X-TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL POSITIONS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol
Honda-ESP) 106; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 104; 3: Jamie Busto (Gas Gas-ESP) 65; 4: Benoit Bincaz (Scorpa-FRA) 64; 5: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 43; 6: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 37; 7: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 36; 8: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 28; 9: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 6; 10; Luca Petrella (TRRS-ITA) 3; 11: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 3; 12: Franz Kadlec (Gas Gas-GER) 2; 13: Matteo Grattarola (Montesa-ITA) 2; 14: Arnau Farre (Vertigo-ESP) 2; 15: Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR) 2; 16; Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 2.
Film wanted In March 1971 the Manchester 17 MCC ran the John Simister Trial around Wildboarclough in the Peak District and three of the members, Ray Tootall, George Snowball and Pev Attwood filmed it on 8mm cameras. After it was edited together it was shown at their club meeting on 12th October 1971 and has never been seen or heard of since! The winner that day was Dave Thorpe. 45 years later, Manchester 17 MCC member Paul Tootall began to try and track the film down, contacting older members and the relatives of those now deceased, but with no luck. Two years on, no-one has come forward with information as to the where the film is. If you can help with any information on the film, please contact us at Trial Magazine; all our details are in the front of the magazine.
S3 Championship With the Jack Wood round cancelled, round seven, the Chris Carter Trial, would round off the 2018 S3 Championship until the Wainwright in June. It was a hugely delighted Tom Minta who won the Chris Carter Trial in April. This was the first adult national win for the young Scorpa mounted rider.
CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS AFTER ROUND 7 OF 9 EXPERT: 1: Richard Sadler (Beta) 117; 2: Guy
Kendrew (Beta) 103; 3: Luke Walker (Sherco) 82.
CLUBMEN: 1: Dave Clinkard (Beta) 55; 2: Darren
Wasley (Gas Gas) 54; 3: Huw Price (Montesa) 33.
125: 1: Jake Eley (Beta) 92; 2: Andrew Eley (Beta) 88; 3: Ronni Day (Scorpa) 20.
ROUND 5 POWYS TROPHY S3 EXPERT: 1: Sadler 3; 2: Kendrew 12; 3: Stay 14.
Tom Minta (Scorpa)
S3 CLUBMEN: 1: Gareth Richards (Beta) 20; 2: Richard Fraser (Sherco) 21; 3: Paul Bennett (Scorpa).
S3 125 - 1: Jake Eley 135; 2: Andrew Eley 151. NON-CHAMPIONSHIP ELITE: 1: Ross Danby (TRS) 11.
ROUND 6 LOMAX CUP S3 EXPERT: 1: Kendrew 13; 2: Sadler 14; 3: Pearson 25. S3 CLUBMEN: 1: Price 21; 2: Philip Houghton (Triumph) 22; 3: Tony Buckley (Beta) 28. S3 125: 1: Ronni Day (Scorpa) 137; 2: Andrew Eley (Beta) 140; 3: Jake Eley (Beta) 150. NON-CHAMPIONSHIP ELITE: 1: Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) 30.
ROUND 7 CHRIS CARTER CUP S3 EXPERT: 1: Sadler 7; 2: Kendrew 10; 3: Ben Hemingway (Beta) 4. S3 CLUBMEN: 1: Wasley 16; 2: Andrew Jackson (Montesa) 22; 3: Jaime Stephenson (Sherco) 26.
S3 125: 1: Jake Eley 115; 2: Andrew Eley 119. NON-CHAMPIONSHIP ELITE: 1: Tom Minta (Scorpa) 2.
Ladies’ BTC 2018 The latest round of this year’s Acklams sponsored ACU Ladies’ British Championship was played out by the Lincoln MCC and Light Car Club. On a dry day the wooded venue attracted a good entry of 33 riders.
RESULTS ROUND 2 LADIES ROUTE 1: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 18; 2: Jess Bown (Scorpa) 43; 3: Louise Alford (JST Gas Gas) 57.
LADIES 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Jennifer Stephen (Gas Gas) 65; 2: Chloe Baker (TRS) 77; 3: Bethanie Dunning (Beta) 83.
GIRLS A CHAMPIONSHIP 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Olivia Brooksbank (Gas Gas) 62.
Chloe Baker (TRS)
LADIES INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Catherine Alford (Gas Gas) 37; 2: Jazz Hammond (Sherco) 43; 3: Charlotte Kimber (Beta) 53.
GIRLS A INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Sarah Bell (Beta) 51; 2: Molly Mayhew (Beta) 84; 3: Amy Clarke (Sherco) 99.
GIRLS B ROUTE 2: 1: Daisy Parsons (Beta) 34; 2: Elizabeth Tett (Beta) 38; 3: Katlyn Adshead (Beta) 43. GIRLS D ROUTE 4: 1: Matilda Arbon (Beta) 9; 2: Summer Brooksbank (Beta) 61.
2018 CHAMPIONSHIP WITH 2 ROUNDS COMPLETED LADIES ROUTE 1: 1: Bristow 40; 2: Bown 34; 3: Hannah Styles (Vertigo) 28. LADIES 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Baker 37; 2: Stephen 35; 3: Dunning 32. GIRLS A CHAMPIONSHIP 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Brooksbank 40; 2: Alice Minta (Beta) 17. LADIES INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Alford 40; 2: Hammond 34; 3: Kimber 30. GIRLS A INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Bell 40; 2: Clarke 32; 2: Mayhew 17. GIRLS B ROUTE 2: 1: Parsons 40; 2: Tett 34; 3: Adshead 30. GIRLS D ROUTE 4: 1: Arbon 40; 2: Grace Ward (Beta) 17; 3: Brooksbank 17.
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JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
NEWS
TRIALS ROUND-UP
Back protection. Use it!
Wearing a Jitsie Dynamic back protector saved young Joe Spivey from life in a wheelchair after a recent trials accident. Competing in a trial, he lost control up a steep river bank and jumped 25 feet off his machine – which resulted in three broken vertebrae when he landed on his back! Without the back protector, which reduced the impact, he would have shattered them. After getting up and walking, he soon realised something was wrong; his mother dialled 999 and an ambulance arrived, along with the East Midlands air ambulance with a trauma doctor onboard. They put him on a spinal board and the paramedics and his riding buddies then carried him to the back of a van and to the waiting ambulance. On arrival at Chesterfield Royal Hospital he was X-Rayed and had a CT scan to check for internal bleeding. Thanks to his Jitsie Dynamic chest and back protector he was left with just a short recovery and no lasting damage, and so was able to ride in the Scottish Six Days Trial just 11 weeks after the crash. Some riders may think back protection is unnecessary but if it takes everyone to wear one and it still only saves one person for being in a wheel chair for the rest of their life it has to be worth it. Joe: “I’d just like to say a massive thank you to Jitsie for supporting me, through the Splat Shop team. And I’d also like to thank County Conveyors where I work for supporting me through my time off work, and not to forget Andy at Active Physiotherapy in Totley. All the leading trials clothing manufacturers including Hebo, Mots and Wülfsport produce excellent body protection. Use it!
2018 SSDT Nevis Radio
Once again Nevis Radio, in association with Michelin and Trial Magazine, were live on the carpark for the 2018 Scottish Six Days Trial. With all the figures collated an audience figure of 322,000 listeners and viewers in 22 separate countries, as well as the other listeners via the good-old wireless, enjoyed the lively banter supported by the ‘Trials Guru’ John Moffatt over the six days. John Hulme, Trial Magazine: “On behalf of Michelin and Trial Magazine, we have once again enjoyed the privilege of being involved in this live outside broadcast bringing the action from the event daily as it’s unfolded to the worldwide audience. We would like to thank everyone who makes this happen”.
SSDT vlog
A tribute to Alan Clews: 1938–2018 World renowned motorcycle designer Alan Clews sadly passed away on May 2nd 2018 — just shy of his 80th birthday. Alan continued to play an active role within CCM as he had done over the past 47 years. In the 70s, Alan blazed a trail across the motocross Grands Prix of the world with the Bolton based firm punching well above its weight, dishing out bloody noses to many of the European and Japanese factory works teams. He also established the brand in the trials world with both four- and two-stroke production machines. It was this ability that endeared him and his riders to motorcycle enthusiasts across the globe, and Alan’s legendary fourstroke dirt bikes would become known as ‘The Rolling Thunder’. His final project would see him working his magic on CCM’s latest model, The Spitfire. Alan was in the midst of a ‘stroked’ version of the Spitfire’s 600cc engine when he was taken ill, and tragically he would not see this labour of love brought to its conclusion; however everyone here at CCM is committed to completing this, his final legacy, in his honour.
10
“My name is Jan Peters and I am a trials rider from Germany. I love trials that are a bit harder than your average Clubman championship and I love making movies. “I rode my first ‘Scottish’ in 2010 and loved it from the beginning. Later ,when I started working for Jitsie I attended the SSDT for creating pictures and videos but I had a hard time, driving around in the car all day, I just wanted to ride the Scottish! So I thought about solutions; how to combine media coverage whilst still having a bit of fun on the machine for myself. “In the first year I made videos of Dougie Lampkin riding the SSDT. I was lucky enough that I got a number close to Dougie in 2016 and was able to follow him getting to places where the normal SSDT visitor never goes. In 2017, my number was miles away from Doug’s, so filming him was not an option. I had to deal with what I had and so my SSDT companion, colleague and legend, Richard ‘Milky’ Midgley and I became the stars of the next year’s Jitsie SSDT videos. To be honest, I prefer standing behind the camera so talking to it was hard in the beginning! But finally we got so much positive feedback and such a lot of views that we kept going and in retrospect, watching our VLOGS from 2017 is a great way to recapture how the trial was for me and keeps the memories alive. So we kept filming our experiences in the SSDT 2018. “I have tried to capture the great, friendly spirit at the SSDT. How successful I have been, you can decide for yourselves in this year’s glorious Adventures of Milky and Jan”. You can enjoy it on their YouTube channel or visit: www.jitsie.com/en/features/ssdt-vlog JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW
Spada Edge Chaser Helmet www.spadaclothing.co.uk
Jitsie Signal Jackets 2018 www.jitsie.com
Wulfsport Adult Full Deflector Protection www.wulfsport.info
Acerbis Jet Aria Helmet www.acerbis.it
S3 Racing Team Riding Kit
www.trialendurodirect.com www.s3parts.com
Wulfsport Kids Full Deflector Protection www.wulfsport.info
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Wulfsport Toddler Full Deflector Protection www.wulfsport.info
JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW
Hebo XTR Junior Armour Jacket
Mots Skin Pro Chest/Back Protector www.trialendurodirect.com
Jitsie Dynamik Chest/Back Protector www.jitsie.com
Sidi Trial Zero1 Boots
www.sidiselect.co.uk
TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
www.apico.co.uk
Beta Paddock Jackets www.beta-uk.com
Hebo XTR Elbow Guards www.apico.co.uk
DVD 2018 Pre-65 SSDT Trial Review www.trialmaguk.co.uk
DVD 2018 SSDT Trial Review www.trialmaguk.co.uk
Jitsie Domino Riding Kit www.jitsie.com
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PADDOCK
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
ARMY: BE THE BEST
IT’S LIKE THIS
GRIPPING
STEALTH
FOLLOWING IN MY FOOTSTEPS
LUCA THE RIDER 18
JITSIE’S HIGH FLYER
ON THE JOB JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
PADDOCK
CAUGHT ON CAMERA
VIVA ENCORE
SUMP
FULLY LOADED
WORLD PARTY
WAITING
UNLUCKY FOR SOME
YOU’RE GETTING OLD, JOHN
RETRO TYZ
TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
19
TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL
Sunshine or rain, one thing is sure Dougie Lampkin will always be giving it his very best.
Dougie Lampkin: A master of his art: every inch of each hazard is inspected, and photographic detail kept in the memory banks.
Lampkin’s dozen Who could have predicted the drama that was to unfold on the slopes of Ben Nevis in the sunshine at the conclusion of the 2018 Scottish Six Days Trial as Dougie Lampkin snatched the victory from James Dabill, who had led the event from day one? Looking very much like a heavyweight boxing match, these two top trials riders fought every day to gain an advantage over one another, neither giving anything away in their quest for victory. With six riders parting with no marks on day one Lampkin was in close contact on one mark lost. They both remained clean on day two and on Wednesday Dabill opened up a small advantage. Remaining calm and collected Dabill had his early day on Thursday, with Lampkin his on Friday, but the advantage remained in Dabill’s favour. It was all to play for on Saturday morning as the weather shone properly on the trial for the first time in the week. All was going to plan for Dabill to break the hold of Lampkin on the event, until in a cruel twist of fate he fived the final hazard. In a calm execution of the trial Lampkin parted with one more mark to extend his total of victories at the event to a record twelve. ARTICLE: JOHN HULME • PICTURES: JOHN HIRD, MATT BETTS AND TRIALS MEDIA
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James Dabill: Riding very calm and collected, the win slipped from his grasp at the final hurdle in the event. JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
TRADITIONAL
SCOTTISH SIX DAYS TRIAL
I
Gary Macdonald still chases that elusive first victory, but he should be every proud of his performance as he led the Scorpa team to the coveted and much sought-after manufacturers’ trophy.
t was a change of event conditions for the 2018 ‘Scottish’ as the glorious sunshine of 2017 was replaced by the cold, wind and wet for the majority of the week. Saturday was the only day blessed with sunshine, which was a fitting conclusion for the riders to finally enjoy a dry day. Once again, it was organised by the Edinburgh & District Motor Club with Clerk of the Course, Jeff Horne, at the helm of the ‘ship’. He was supported by the Secretary of the meeting, Mieke de Vos, and, with a hard-working team behind them, they once again delivered an event very much enjoyed by a large majority of the riders. A few changes had been made to the routes, with some new hazards added. It appeared to be a little on the easier side with the hazards riding well and the top rider parting with very few marks but if you look at the bottom half of the results it shows that the trial still took many marks from the riders.
Where’s the Challengers? It was a very happy James Dabill who looked to be on track to add his third SSDT trophy to the cabinet as he held the lead for five of the six days.
282 riders started out with 239 finishers; well done one and all. TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
It’s a fact that the younger riders were pushed away from the podium for whatever reason. Dougie Lampkin is 42 years old, the oldest ever winner of the trial and yet it was really only James Dabill that challenged him for the victory. Gary Macdonald seldom competes as often as he should yet these three riders held the podium positions after six days of competition. Where are the world championship contenders, we may also ask? At a time when the manufacturers are looking to try and sell more machines and create interest in our sport of motorcycle trials surely the fact that the Scottish Six Days Trial provides the largest shop window with 282 competitors their top riders should be competing. Yes, times change and you can argue the sports are now divided, but in truth, it’s all about riding a trials motorcycle in different situations. It was noted and commented that the trial was missing the interest it usually holds. One thing is for sure, if the top riders come to the event then the followers of trials will return to witness the action in what is still the greatest test of man and machine in the world of the trials motorcycle. 21
LIVING THE DREAM SSDT
SSDT 1988: John Shirt Jnr (Honda)
SSDT 1971: Nigel Birkett (Crooks Suzuki)
A six-day pleasure The Scottish Six Days Trial holds a special place in the heart of many people in the trials world. For some, the opportunity to ride is ‘Living the Dream’ as they have nurtured this craving for what many still consider the ultimate test of man and machine from a very young age. Entries in 2018 were still highly cherished, as it was once again oversubscribed with the dreaded ballot having to come into play. While we were looking at statistics on the event, we noticed that some leading lights in the trials world had ‘racked up’ some records, and most importantly were still very much a part of the six days trial. Here we have a quick look at the years in the event of Nigel Birkett, John Shirt Jnr and Dave Thorpe. Nigel has ridden every year since 1971, John since 1988 and Dave rode from 1966 until 2003 — he missed out twice due to his back and neck problems — giving him a total of 34 rides. Would you believe that they have ridden in 110 Scottish Six Days Trials between them and covered around 65,000-68,000 miles! Of the three, we think Nigel has ridden the most of any competitor in the history of the event, and they have all been consecutive; it’s been the same with John since 1988. Dave’s last ride was in 2003, but he is still very much involved in the event with his son Dan, who just happens to have ridden 22 times, once again all consecutive. ARTICLE: JOHN HULME • PICTURES: YOOMEE ARCHIVE, ERIC KITCHEN, BRIAN HOLDER, THORPE FAMILY AND SNR
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SSDT 1976: Nigel Birkett (Suzuki) – Showing perfect poise on Callart Falls, ‘Birks’ would finish 3rd one year later. This was his best SSDT performance on the factory 325cc Suzuki RL. In 1977 he battled all week with a split fuel tank, for which you were given a five-mark penalty. At the final inspection he had taken the works Suzuki with only a carburettor full of fuel but the organisers made him put two pints in the aluminium fuel tank and it leaked through, pushing him down to third.
SSDT 1966: Dave Thorpe (Triumph)
SSDT 1986: ‘Fettling’ the mono-shock Yamaha in the Parc Ferme. Nigel was very instrumental in the development process of the world-changing, single-shock machine along with his good friend John Shirt Snr. JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
LIVING THE DREAM SSDT
SSDT 1979: John Shirt Jnr on his first visit to the event, seen here on the far right with his father John Shirt Snr in the middle. On the left is the late Norman Eyre. This was also the first visit for John Snr who, like so many other riders, attended the event as a privateer. His Ford Cortina Estate car had the Majesty Yamaha on the motorcycle rack across the car, with the family and all his gear inside.
Nigel Birkett: SSDT 1971-2018
It was while talking to my good friend Brian Holder that it dawned on me just how long Nigel Birkett had been riding in the SSDT when he sent me a superb picture from 1971. In Brian’s words, it captures the true spirt of this iconic event for the first-time rider living the dream on a motorcycle in the most famous trials event of them all. That rider was Nigel Birkett, and yes it was 1971! The Cumbria-based rider has ridden in and finished every event since that very first ride on the Suzuki ‘Special’ he built while serving his motorcycling apprenticeship at Eddie Crooks Motorcycles. As with all the riders featured here they did not compete in the 2001 event, which was cancelled due to the Foot and Mouth epidemic. That gives Nigel 46 rides in the ‘Scottish’ to his name. Now at the tender age of 64 years old, Nigel can still impress the younger riders with his skills as his experience in the Highlands can be seen on occasions when he shows them a thing or two in the hazards and over the tough moorland crossings. Over the years Nigel would be in a position to challenge for the win, with his highest finish coming in 1977 when he was third on the 325 Suzuki RL. In 1981 on the Fantic he amazed the crowds by taking the 156cc engined Italian model to sixth against a very strong entry that was all mounted on much more powerful machines. During his 46 attempts at the event, he would ride a wide variety of machines after making his debut on the ‘home brew’ Suzuki. These machines would be Ossa, Suzuki, Montesa, Fantic, JCM, Gas Gas, Yamaha, his very own Yamaha powered Birkett Special, Yamaha again, Scorpa-Yamaha and Ossa, before moving back to the new generation Scorpa. He is still very much involved with the event, not just as a rider but also as an importer and sponsor of his many riders. Who knows how much longer he will compete in the event but one thing’s for sure, he is still enjoying the event as much now as he did all those years ago when he started out on the annual trip to the event to compete back in 1971. We reckon that Nigel has covered around 27,000 miles in Scotland.
SSDT 2008: John Shirt Snr, on the left with his son John Jnr first supported the event for Gas Gas in 1989 with support for a handful of riders. The Shirt family continue to be very instrumental in the worldwide success of the Gas Gas brand.
John Shirt Jnr: SSDT 1988-2018
As I have been friends with the Shirt family for the best part of forty years, I can remember John’s passion for the sport from a very early age and recall many of his rides in question first hand. It was while his father developed a very busy Majesty Yamaha project that he first heard about the event from Mick Andrews. Mick would spend many hours with John Shirt Snr and all his son wanted to do was ride in the event, having visited it on many occasions as a youngster since 1978. He would have to wait ten years to make his debut in 1988, as is documented elsewhere in this issue. Apart from the first year on the Honda John Jnr is unique in that all he has ridden in the event is the Spanish Gas Gas machine for which he is also the UK importer. He has also won the Best Newcomer award, Special First Class awards on all occasions, and as a sponsor, he has won the event with Steve Colley. His best individual performance was in 1992 when he was second. Having watched his commitment to the event over the years, I can also tell you that he has used 180 rear tyres and 90 fronts. On average he has covered around 18,000 miles, all on Michelin rubber.
SSDT 1977: Dave Thorpe (Bultaco) — Twice Dave came from behind in the closing days of the event to take second position, in 1975 and 1976. This classic ‘EK’ picture is from 1977.
SSDT 1979: A very determined-looking Dave Thorpe on the four-stroke CCM at Ba House. The Scottish is legendary as the ultimate test of man and machine. Next time you see Dave ask him about his exploits on the CCM in the event. Just make sure you have a ‘brew’ in your hand and you are sat down — it’s an epic tale, believe me! TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
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INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP): After the back injury sustained in the FIM X-Trial World Championship Bou is still riding in some discomfort – but who would have believed it from the winning result at round one! He continues to set the benchmark, and the fact he did not qualify well did not faze him as he just got on with the job to deliver a severe hammer-blow to his rivals at the start of the 2018 season.
It’s rain in Spain as the season opens For the second year in succession Sport7, the promoter for the FIM series welcomed the riders to the opening round of this year’s Trial World Championship at Camprodon in Spain. This area offers a vast range of challenging conditions for the championship including rivers, rocks and steep climbs found in abundance in this mountainous region, making for an ideal traditional trials venue. Located high in the Pyrenees with breath-taking views and just fifteen kilometres from the border with France, it sits at the height of 1,000 metres above sea level and is very much a tourist area. Situated in the province of Girona it has a population of around 2,300 and during the winter months becomes home to many visitors who increase the population and enjoy the snow-based sports. Bringing trials in line with the other motorcycle world championship disciplines, TrialGP is the top category featuring the most elite riders. Contested this year over eight rounds based around the globe, six of the events will be held on a single day with the other two rounds in Japan and America having two days of pointsscoring rounds each, making a total of ten points-scoring championship events to make up the TrialGP series. ARTICLE: YOOMEE
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Jamie Busto (Gas Gas-ESP): The move from the four-stroke Repsol Honda to the two-stroke Gas Gas has seen the young Spanish rider win already on his new machine, in the FIM X-Trial indoor championship. He looked very good in Spain and rest assured that he will continue to push Bou as his exciting style continues to mature. The pressure of beating Bou must be immense on his young shoulders but on the second lap he came closer to the undisputed world champion; on paper this season should see an exciting duel between these two totally different riders.
Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP): Always very methodical and professional in his preparation, the move to Gas Gas along with Busto has seen a more confident looking Fajardo in 2018. This two-man team from the Spanish Gas Gas brand has a mixture of young and old, with Fajardo the more mature in age of the two. Can Fajardo still win? We believe that, on a good day, he can. JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
INTERNATIONAL
FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP): Always showing talent in abundance, Jorge feels more at home on the Vertigo which has to be good for his mental approach to trials. The team’s mentality is more in keeping of what Jorge needs in order to get the best from him. With Dougie Lampkin at the head of the team around him maybe that little piece of the jigsaw that is missing for him can be found in 2018.
Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP): Still so competitive after all these years at the very top of the sport, Adam continues to impress with his riding style. Debuting the new ‘Gold’ model of the TRRS in Spain, do not let one belowaverage result dispel any myths about his ability. Just remember this is the only rider who has pushed Bou continually for the last ten years, and as the season unfolds he will still be at the very front of the action for the wins.
Albert Cabestany (Beta-ESP): Looking for a new challenge Albert moved back to Beta after many years on the Sherco machine. Still one of the most naturally gifted riders in the championship with his incredible balance he looked very strong in qualifying, which was unfortunately not turned into a good overall result as his eyes were set firmly on the top five.
TRIALGP
Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN): Yes, the original ‘playboy’ of the world trials scene, the Japanese rider is now at the back end of a very successful career which was rewarded with the world crown in 2004. Still struggling to recover from injury he will be happy to have scored some points in the opening round.
Despite the fact he was not the fastest rider in the qualifying process, where a small mistake pushed Toni Bou down to eleventh position that would see him starting the event as the fourth man out on the course, nothing could stop him marching towards his 98th victory. In truth, no one had an answer to his awesome display of riding. The nearest challenger was Gas Gas new boy Jaime Busto who finished second, followed by his fellow Spanish Gas Gas team rider Jeroni Fajardo making it an all-Spanish podium. The event had started in sunshine, but at the close of the first of the two laps, the rain shower turned into a downpour, which changed the nature of the hazards. The result still remains the same though, and once again as in 2017, the question on everyone’s lips is who can stop Bou?
James Dabill (Beta-GBR): With the hard work from his minder Jiri Svoboda always evident, James continues to lead the way for the British riders at this level of competition. With the very ‘English’ conditions in Spain the ‘Dibsta’ will have wanted more from the trial, but with so many good riders around him fighting for the top five he once again put in a very solid performance TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR): Starting to push into the top ten is the aim for Jack in 2018 and he delivered in Spain, only losing eighth position on the tie break decider. This is a very important year for the young rider and with his strong team around him the top ten is where he wants to be.
Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP): Very highly rated as a star for the future by his fans in Spain, he will be very disappointed with this result. The ability is in there but this needs turning into results for him to progress in the TWC. 39
MINDER
JIRKA SVOBODA
Just Jiri will do Doing the job I do brings me into contact with so many different people in the world of trials. Some people stand out from the crowd; it’s as simple as that. Through the lens of the camera a few years ago I heard some very vocal encouragement in broken English from a minder to a rider in a world round. I mentally noted how enthusiastic he was, and then the year after he was with German rider Franz Kadlec. When James Dabill moved to Gas Gas in 2017, he mentioned to me that he would have a new minder from the Czech Republic named Jiri Svoboda. At the Sheffield Indoor at the start of the 2017 season, James introduced me to Jiri, and we soon became friends. Over the past twelve to eighteen months I have spent many happy hours in the company of Jiri, and so I decided it was time to introduce you all to him in Trial Magazine. WORDS: JOHN HULME WITH JIRI SVOBODA • PICTURES: TRIALS MEDIA, MARIO CANDELLONE AND NIGEL PEARSON TRIALS UK
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Team — With James in a very cold January 2018. JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
MINDER
JIRKA SVOBODA
When did you start to talk with James for the 2017 season?
After the 2016 Trial World Championship season finished I came to Spain a few times to help Adam because he was without a minder and still had some events to compete in. When I came back home from Spain I started to talk with James Dabill, and we decided to see how we would work together, and he told me about his move to the Gas Gas factory team. I was very comfortable there because the team had become like a second family when I was working with Franz and the members such as Favro, Andrea Tron and Albert Casanovas had made me feel very much a part of the whole team. At the end of November, we started to work together, and the relationship has matured into a good solid one. It’s one of the best decisions I have made in my young life; yes, I am very happy working with James. At the start of 2017 it was straight into action at the indoors; how long did it take you to understand how James rode so that you could help him?
My first competition with James was at Sheffield in 2017. It was a new machine, new team and his home event. It was very important from an early stage that we built trust between one another. To win together and lose together; we are a team, a strong team, and that is what we believed in from the very start. This is very important to me. The rest was highly enjoyable to learn as I love the job as his minder.
My first competition with James was the Sheffield Indoor in 2017.
TM: Did you ever set out to become a minder in the Trial World Championship?
JIRI: From a very young age I was riding in
cycle trials. I had silver medals from the World Championship and was the Czech National Champion. In 1997 I competed in my last World Championship Bike Trial competition to concentrate fully on motorcycle trials. These were really enjoyable times. When I was fourteen, I moved to motorcycle trials, and from 1998 I was a member of the Czech trial team. My first international event was in the European Championship at Cordoba in Spain 1998. At the end of the season, I was a member of the Czech team in the TDN in Italy, Valmalenco. At seventeen years old I was the youngest rider on the day. After this, I spent many years in the European Championship and World Championship. My last trial was the TDN in 2015 in Tarragona where the Czech team won the International class.
Were you surprised when James set the quickest time in qualifying in Japan 2017 in the rain? Did it make a big difference riding at the front of the entry on both days?
Team James Dabill Gas Gas 2017.
I knew from the past that he is often very strong when it is slippery. I don’t know why but I had a really good feeling for him as he entered qualifying. In the end, he made the qualification a one-man show; he was incredible, such throttle control! We used his pole position to our full advantage and took second place on the day.
So, when did you decide to make a move to minding for riders?
In May 2015 my phone was ringing, and when I took the call it was Italian Michelle Bosi who was the minder for Adam Raga. He explained that the Gas Gas factory had closed down and that their rider Adam Raga needed some support at the Czech World Championship round in Sokolov in two weeks’ time as a second minder. I had planned to compete in the event, but I also had the problem of finding a minder myself, and in the end, I decided not to ride and help Adam. He finished second on both days, and it was a massive learning curve for me. In fact, I enjoyed the excitement at this level of the sport; it was very intense! Later, German rider Franz Kadlec called me and asked if I would be interested to ‘mind’ for him. I gave it some thought, and one week later I went to Spain to train with him to see how well we worked together. We were both happy and spent the 2016 season together. Franz and his family were very good to me and gave me the opportunity that I will never forget. I would like to say a huge thank you to them. TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
2017 Spain: Our first TWC round together. 51
FLASHBACK SSDT 1968-2008
Sammy Miller (252 Bultaco) 1968: All eyes are on the man and machine.
MAN AND MACHINE
With the entries for the Scottish Six Days Trial once again oversubscribed and having to be balloted by the Edinburgh and District Motor Club Ltd, in 2018 the event remains as popular as ever. It has very much always been the ‘One to Win’ and in this ‘Flashback’ article we look at the event over the last forty years taking in the years 1968, 1978, 1988 and 2008. Times have changed, machines have changed, but some names remain very much associated with this six-day event. Now headed by Dougie, the Lampkin name has seen victories on many occasions. Sammy Miller was so dedicated after his move from Ariel to Bultaco in 1968 as he headed the Spanish Armada. In 1978 in our opinion Martin Lampkin would have needed a bulldozer to stop him winning! Ten years later in 1988 Steve Saunders would join a very exclusive club which included iconic names associated with the event, Hugh Viney and Gordon Jackson, as four-time winners. With 12 world titles to his name and 99 world round wins Dougie Lampkin would return to the event on a Beta to win following on from his victories in 1994, 1995 and 1996. As they all stated after their victories the event still remains the ultimate test of man and machine. ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: BRIAN HOLDER,
Dougie Lampkin (300 Beta) 2008: After moving away from the event to concentrate on winning world championship titles it was a legend who returned to win again in the Highlands.
COLIN BULLOCK, ERIC KITCHEN, YOOMEE ARCHIVE, JIM CAPPER, IAIN LAWRIE, ANDY GREGORY, SCORPA AND JOHN SHIRT SNR
The 1968 event is covered in depth in our sister publication Classic Trial Magazine Spring 2018, issue 24, where you can read the full story of another Sammy Miller win and the arrival of Montesa. 64
JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
FLASHBACK SSDT 1968-2008a
Mick Andrews (250 Ossa) 1968: ‘Magical Mick’ was starting to show the form that would eventually bring him five Scottish victories: 1970–1972 (Ossa) and 1974 & 1975 (Yamaha).
Gordon Farley (250 Greeves) 1968: Try as he might Gordon could not produce another win for a British manufacturer.
1968: Miller’s the man
Described by many as the ultimate professional in his day, his dedication to preparation and winning was the very best. Leaving nothing to doubt, his success at the 1968 event proved the effect his meticulous methods had over his rivals. In many cases they were beaten even before they had started. Montesa had followed suit, as had Ossa, in wanting to prove their trials machines at the Scottish, as the move from the traditional machines grew pace and Great Britain fell behind in the trials world. Apart from the second day, when his great rival Gordon Farley on the Greeves headed the leader board, no one else was in with a shout of winning as the enthusiastic crowds witnessed Miller ‘The Man’ at his very best on the Bultaco. He also added himself to an exclusive club, taking his record-breaking fifth win overtaking both Hugh Viney and Gordon Jackson with four victories apiece. Montesa had seen the very first pre-production Cota machines roll off the production line and they entered four riders, Don Smith and Charlie Harris with Christian Rayer from France along with respected Spanish development engineer Pedro Pi, and they all finished. The first ever manufacturers’ win for a foreign brand would go to Bultaco team though.
The Ossa Mick rode in 1968 was still very much under development and, as you can see, was still quite a large machine.
SSDT 1968 RESULTS: 1: Sammy Miller (252 Bultaco) 17; 2: Gordon Farley (250 Greeves) 37; 3: Mick Andrews (250 Ossa) 39; 4: Rob Edwards (250 Cotton) 60; 5: Martin Lampkin (250 BSA) 60; 6: Don Smith (250 Montesa) 62; 7: Malcolm Rathmell (250 Greeves) 78; 8: Mick Wilkinson (250 Greeves) 80; 9: Arthur Dovey (250 Bultaco) 84; 10: Mick Bowers (175 BSA) 87; 11: Dave Rowlands (250 Ossa) 92; 12: Derek Adsett (250 Greeves) 94; 13: Ian Haydon (250 Cotton) 94; 14: Peter Gaunt (130 Suzuki) 97; 15: Jim Sandiford (250 Bultaco) 98. MACHINE STATISTICS (TOP 15): Greeves: 4; Bultaco: 3; BSA: 2; Cotton: 2; Ossa: 2; Montesa: 1; Suzuki: 1.
BEST 150CC: Peter Gaunt (Suzuki) BEST 200CC: Mick Bowers (BSA) BEST 250CC: Gordon Farley (Greeves) BEST 350CC: Sammy Miller (Bultaco) BEST OVER 350CC: Ali McDonald (Ariel) BEST NEWCOMER: Christian Rayer (Montesa-FRA) SECOND BEST NEWCOMER: Pentti Luhtasuo (250 Bultaco-FIN) BEST LADY RIDER: Not Awarded BEST FOREIGN RIDER: Christian Rayer (Montesa-FRA) BEST SCOTTISH RIDER: Kenny Fleming (250 Bultaco) Montesa would arrive at the event in 1968 with a new machine in the Cota 247. The Cota name would become legendary in the trials world. TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
MANUFACTURERS’ TROPHY: Bultaco: Sammy Miller/Arthur Dovey/Jim Sandiford
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ACU BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS – SOLO
It just got Beta for Dabill It just got ‘Beta’ for James Dabill, which is the clear message he has sent out as he cruised to another emphatic win at round three of this year’s ACU British Trials Championship. He had taken round two literally by storm a few weeks earlier as bad weather once again affected the event in the north of the country among the Lake District hills. In truth he is dominating the championship, with clear wins at all three opening rounds. In the Lake District he set off with a small advantage after the opening lap, but built on this over the last two laps to take a clear victory. He repeated this in round three in South Wales and has already opened up a good advantage at the head of the championship table. Riding the Italian Beta with a very confident style, it remains to be seen which one of the younger riders can take the challenge to him. ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA
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Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
SPORT
ACU BTC SOLO
Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa Andy Metcalfe)
Round Two: Westmoreland Motor Club
Toby Martyn (RG Montesa Honda UK)
I
t may be the fact that James Dabill has already won seven British Championship titles that gives him the confidence to firmly remain Great Britain’s undisputed number one rider. The young riders including the 2017 champion Jack Price are queuing up to push Dabill off the top spot, but still, he refuses to go. Despite some strong riding from Dan Peace and Toby Martyn they along with Price have at this present time no answer for Dabill’s sheer consistency. With these three riders fighting over the remaining podium positions, James Dabill remains loud and proud on the Beta at the head of the championship with a clear advantage.
Dan Peace (JST Gas Gas UK) TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
This very exposed hillside venue overlooks the Morecambe Bay harbour and is exposed to the worst of the weather. On the lead up to the event, the rain had never stopped, but it did recede for the start of round two of the championship. With a very wet and sodden wheelbase, the grip was always going to be at a premium, but James Dabill made it all look so easy. On the opening lap, he was head and shoulders above the rest with only himself and eventual secondplaced rider Dan Peace never conceding a five to post a score of just two. On the second lap, the 2017 British champion Jack Price recovered from a poor opening lap of fifteen to lose just eight, but the damage was already done as Dabill’s second-lap score of three pulled him further ahead of the field. As the rain came and covered the area, Dabill had three stops in his score of sixteen. Dan Peace came fighting back into an eventual runner-up position, parting with just one five in his lap score of fifteen, one less than Dabill, as Price slipped back into the third position after a string of fives. Third position was open all the way until the final lap as the younger of the two Peace brothers Jack pushed all the way for a podium position, only to lose out right at the final hurdle with a stop in section ten. Getting more used to the four-stroke Montesa Toby Martyn rounded off the top five as he out-pointed Jack Sheppard on the tie decider ruling. Finishing in eighth behind Scorpa-mounted Andy Chilton was Jack Challoner, who made a welcome return to the championship after being away for a few seasons.
Billy Green (Beta-UK) 77
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JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
SPORT
SIDECAR 2018
Oliver Lace & Ealish Baxter (Gas Gas)
Jon Tuck & Matt Sparkes (TRS)
WESSEX PLANT HIRE BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2018
Consistent In this article we take a look at the opening round of the 2018 series, which kicked off in the snow and ice of the Doncaster Cup Trial. The weather got better for the Andy Smith and David Craine trials on the Isle of Man before the championship moved back to the DK Mansell Trial. After the four rounds we already have clear leaders at the head of the championship tables with Oliver Lace & Ealish Baxter (Gas Gas) in class A, Nigel and Gracie-Mae Scott (Beta) in class B, and Jack Corlett/Beth Thomas (Gas Gas) in class C. The Newcomers class has only been contested by the Fantic mounted pairing of Elliott and Graham Tickner.
Class A Championship Consistency has put the Oliver Lace/Ealish Baxter pair at the head of the championship, leaving everyone else on catch up. Nigel Crellin/Chris Molyneux will not contest any more rounds in 2018 as Jon Tuck/Matt Sparkes and Josh and Luke Golding on their TRS machines keep their eyes firmly fixed on the leaders.
CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP DONCASTER CUP TRIAL
ROUND 1: 1: Oliver Lace/Ealish Baxter (Gas Gas) 18.
ANDY SMITH TRIAL
ROUND 2: 1: Nigel Crellin/Chris Molyneux (Scorpa) 23; 2: Josh/ Luke Golding (TRS) 58; 3: Lace/Baxter 79; 4: Jon Tuck/Matt Sparkes (TRS) 144.
DAVID CRAINE TRIAL
ROUND 3: 1: Crellin/Molyneux 21; 2: Tuck/Sparkes 27; 3: Josh/ Luke Golding (TRS) 44; 4: Lace/Baxter 61.
DK MANSELL TRIAL
ROUND 4: 1: Tuck/Sparkes 32; 2: Josh/Luke Golding 34; 3: Lace/Baxter 50.
CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS
CLASS A: 1: Lace/Baxter 63; 2: Tuck/Sparkes 50; 3: Josh/Luke Golding 49; 4: Crellin/Molyneux 40.
ARTICLE: KAREN & JOEL CRABTREE AND YOOMEE
Class B Intermediate Nigel and Gracie-Mae Scott hold the clear lead as they and second placed Matt Bond/Aleyn Taggart keep well clear of the closely fought battle for third in the championship.
CLASS B CHAMPIONSHIP DONCASTER CUP TRIAL
ROUND 1: 1: Nigel and Gracie-Mae Scott (Beta) 21; 2: Robert Head/Harriet Shore (Beta) 27; 3: Tony James/Jamie Howe (Beta) 32; 4: Matt Bond/Aleyn Taggart (Gas Gas) 33.
ANDY SMITH TRIAL
ROUND 2: 1: Nigel and Gracie-Mae Scott 54; 2: David Tuck/Joe Newman (TRS) 62; 3: Damien Owen/Gaz Temple (Beta) 71; 4: Bond/Taggart 93.
DAVID CRAINE TRIAL
ROUND 3: 1: Owen/Temple 32; 2: Nigel and Gracie-Mae Scott (Beta) 37; 3: Bond/Taggart 46.
DK MANSELL TRIAL
ROUND 4: 1: Nigel and Gracie-Mae Scott 35; 2: David Tuck/Joe Newman 44; 3: James/Howe 51; 4: Head/Shore 57; 5: Bond/ Taggart 70.
CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS
CLASS B: 1: Nigel/Gracie-Mae Scott 77; 2: Bond/Taggart 52; 3: Nigel and Gracie Mae Scott (Beta) TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
Matt Bond & Aleyn Taggart (Gas Gas)
Owen/Temple 35; 4: Tuck/Newman 34; 5: Head/Shore 30; 5: James/Howe 30.
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SPORT YOUTH
Daniel Slack (Sherco)
Joe Faunthorpe (Beta)
ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2018
IoM rounds It was a short trip across the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man for the opening rounds of this year’s youth championships. Good weather greeted the riders, and all the classes were well supported with over fifty riders on both days. Everyone benefited from a super two days of riding organised by an excellent and enthusiastic club. ARTICLE: YOOMEE • PICTURES: BRIAN MADDRELL
Jack Dance (Gas Gas) TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
ACKLAMS BETA BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP ISLE OF MAN
A CLASS ROUND 1: 1: Joe Faunthorpe (Beta) 43; 2: Daniel Slack (Sherco) 45; 3: William Dalton (Beta) 83; 4: Adam Harris (Gas Gas) 83.
ROUND 2: 1: Slack 113; 2: Harris 131; 3: Faunthorpe 132; 4: Dalton 139. CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Slack 37; 2: Faunthorpe 35; 3: Harris 30; 4: Dalton 28.
B CLASS ROUND 1: 1: Jack Dance (Gas Gas) 26; 2: Ben Dignan (Gas Gas) 27; 3: Reece
Gazzard (Scorpa) 42; 4: Harvey Taglione (Gas Gas) 52; 5: Harry Turner (Gas Gas) 60; 6: Harry Bowyer (Gas Gas) 76; 7: Alice Minta (Beta) 76; 8: Ross Galloway (TRS) 76; 9: Jaime Galloway (TRS) 87; 10: Ollie Smith (Beta) 94.
ROUND 2: 1: Gazzard 44; 2: Dignan 49; 3: Dance 66; 4: Turner 88; 5: Ross
Galloway 101; 6: Jaime Galloway 101; 7: Bowyer 115; 8: Smith 117; 9: Taglione 131; 10: George Clarke (Sherco) 132.
CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Dance 35; 2: Gazzard 35; 3: Dignan 34; 4: Turner 24; 5: Taglione 20; 6: Bowyer 19; 7: Ross Galloway 19; 8: Jaime Galloway 17; 9: Smith 14; 10: Minta 11.
Reece Gazzard (Scorpa) 89
CATCH UP BECKY COOK
Still two wheels
A very successful motorcycle athlete in her own right, Becky Cook had a total change of direction in 2017 as she moved to pedal power in the competitive world of Mountain Bike Enduro. For thirteen years of her life she dedicated all her spare time and money towards competing at the highest level in motorcycle trials, collecting a very impressive eight British Championship titles, 2012 European Champion, five times Vice FIM World Champion and seven gold medals at the FIM Trial Des Nations. Using a mountain bike to train on she came to a point where she liked riding the cycle more than the motorcycle. With funding to compete at the very cutting edge of the Ladies’ World Championship becoming harder to find, she took the brave move to change direction in her career. After entering a few mountain bike races, which she really enjoyed, she got ‘bitten’ by the British Enduro Series and took the British title in the elite women’s class in her first year. Now riding for the Orbea Team it was time to catch up with the determined Becky Cook. WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA WITH BECKY COOK • PICTURES: TRIALS MEDIA AND ORBEA
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JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
CATCH UP
BECKY COOK
So; how different is your world after the move to pedal power? BECKY: It all started in 2015 with a race in Wales, for which I had
borrowed a bike off Jono from Tred-shop.com. Typical Wales it rained all weekend, but I won and that was it — I was happy! The following year in 2016 I won the British Enduro Series, which gave me a wild card to race the full 2017 Enduro World Series. After much deliberation between me and my husband Craig we made a joint decision; that it was now or never so why not give it a go! My main sponsor was still Tred-shop, so along with their support and a little bit of help from Pivot Cycles I competed in the full Enduro World Series as a privateer. Is travel easier with a cycle?
The good thing about bicycles and travel is that you can take them on a plane very easily, so not so many hours are spent behind the wheel driving. I travelled to all the events on my own staying in hostels, Airbnbs, campers, basically whatever the cheapest option was depending on the country I was in. It was pretty tough as I had to organise everything, look after myself and my bike with minimal spares, time and energy. I had a pretty good year though, being consistent and finishing every race placing 9th overall and beating some factory supported riders, so once again I was happy with the reward for the hard work. So in many ways it’s the same as the motorcycle world as I still get to travel the world with my bike, but venturing further afield and seeing new places.
TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
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CLASSIC COMPETITION THE PRE-65 SCOTTISH
A three-way winner
Gary Macdonald (Triumph)
It was that time of year again when everyone who had been fortunate enough to get a Pre-65 ‘Scottish’ entry headed Scotland — Kinlochleven, to be precise - for the three-day festival of classic trials. I say three days because Thursday is set aside for signing on and scrutineering, which for close on 200 motorcycles takes some time by the time all the greetings and meeting up with friends has taken place! Things start to happen early afternoon when it’s time to see who has turned up with what machine. It was common knowledge that last year’s winner Gary Macdonald was going to be out on a 350cc Triumph on loan from Martin Murphy, but to see Andy Abraham turn up with a 600cc Scott ‘Rigid’ was pretty special. One rider not entered on a rigid this year was Clive Dopson. He said that having turned the age of sixty recently it was time to have an easier machine to ride than the Norton, and it came in the form of a 250cc Francis Barnet. As it turned out the threeway festival of trials would turn into a three-way tie to find the winner, ultimately in the form of local rider Gary Macdonald.. WORDS: COLIN BULLOCK AND JOHN HULME • PICTURES: ERIC KITCHEN AND JOHN HULME
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Dan Clarke (Triumph) JUNE-JULY 2018 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
CLASSIC COMPETITION THE PRE-65 SCOTTISH
Dan Thorpe (Triumph)
F
riday’s proceedings got underway with the parade of man and machine through the town, and with so many competitors the early riders were back very soon after the last competitors had started out. At 10am this year’s Guest of Honour Tim Britton waved away Martin Murphy and Bruce Metcalf off the starting ramp. The odd numbers went out on the road loop at Cnoc a Linnhe while the evens started at Loch Eilde Burn.
Callum Murphy (BSA)
Rob Bowyer (Triumph) TRIAL MAGAZINE • JUNE-JULY 2018
James Harland (Triumph)
DAY 1 Cnoc a Linnhe starts easily enough by the roadside, but with the big climb out the end, the section was its usual tough proposition. Needless to say, Gary Macdonald cleaned it early on and Rob Bowyer, another Triumph Twin man, was good value here with a faultless climb. Further down the road, Caolasnacon had been reintroduced after having been rested. Just one section was included but after the uphill climb came the left-hand turn, which is always awkward. The first clean of the day went to Mark Feather on his 500cc Ariel. It was a section that had plenty of cleans but also tested the grip on riders’ boots when they needed a final push out, as Andy Abrahams found out as he just managed to get the Scott out. Some spectacular crashes were also recorded as the nature of the hazard changed after every rider. There was plenty of water running down at Lower Cameron Hill; introduced last year the two sections here saw plenty of cleans but don’t mention that to Craig Asbridge, who dropped his Tiger Cub twice in the rather cool river! By comparison, Donna Fox had a smile on her face with a double-clean on her BSA Bantam. The even numbers were making light work of Loch Eilde Burn, and many did likewise at Aluminium Works. The first of the two sections here caused more problems for the entry with its loose river-bound rocks. The iconic Pipeline came next and, as always, it was the one section people liked to clean. Dan Clark, Ben Butterworth and Dan Thorpe were all textbook, but Dave Thorpe ran out of good fortune here with a nasty fall off the hazard and under the pipes. Thorpe senior managed to complete the day, but he was unable to ride on day two. By comparison, out in the wilds above Pipeline Sma Dam provided some more manageable sections for the riders to enjoy, which were followed by a new group at Meal Ruigh with three long water hazards that, while cleanable, took plenty of marks as riders kept the machines moving. It was out here that quite a few riders ended up with mechanical problems which caused many retirements with amongst them the likes of Chris Koch whose Noriel cried ‘enough!’ at Blackwater. Other retirements from day one included ACU committee man Anthony Rew whose Triumph refused to run cleanly, Tim Hartshorne and previous winner Tony Calvert. By the close, it was Gary Macdonald, Dan Clark and Dan Thorpe all clean with Calum Murphy and Rob Bowyer both on three. Four Triumphs were in the top five for the Meriden marque.
Mark Sunter (Ariel) 99
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