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SCOTT TRIAL WINNER 2019
JAMES DABILL INTERVIEW
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90 COVER PHOTO: 2019 SCOTT TRIAL WINNER JAMES DABILL (BETA) • PICTURE CREDIT: TRIALS MEDIA, JOHN HULME
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5
NEWS
TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP
25th Anniversary
Sheffield Indoor Trial
Make a date for your diary over the Christmas period: Saturday 28th December 2019, when South Yorkshire is the place to be when the Sheffield Indoor Trial celebrates its 25th anniversary at the FlyDSA arena, Sheffield. Headlining the show will be the most dominant riders in the FIM X-Trial World Championship led by the undisputed world number one from Spain Toni Bou (Repsol Honda), with his constant rival Adam Raga (TRRS) who, no doubt, will once again want to taste the Sheffield champagne. They will be joined by one of the ‘hottest’ young trials riding talents on the planet, Jaime Busto, and making his return to the event after a two-year absence is Jeroni Fajardo. Great Britain’s top two riders on the world stage, James Dabill and Jack Price, will no doubt want to give the home crowd something to cheer about, with the remaining two riders still to be announced. The event promoters, Avondale Management, are also promising to add some exciting young talent to the established cast to compete against the best indoor riders in the world. Ticket prices are held again at the same level as the previous editions: £32.50 for adults and £22.50 for under 14s. Standard tickets can be purchased from the arena box office: 0114 256 56 56 or online at www. flydsaarena.co.uk. For all the latest event news and further event information visit www.sheffieldindoortrial.co.uk
2020 FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
As we went to print, the calendar for the 2020 FIM Trial World Championship had just been released, with an extended series next year taking in seven rounds and nine points-scoring days. The TrialGP and Trial2 classes will contest every round, TrialGP Women will compete over a four-round championship with five scoring days, Trial125 gets seven scoring days spread across five rounds and Trial2 Women will compete over three rounds and three days of competition. The TrialE Cup will also be decided over three rounds and three days after an extra date was added to next year’s series. The championship gets under way on May 23–24 at Sokolov in the Czech Republic – the venue for the 2018 FIM Trial des Nations – before heading to the distant Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan on June 5–7 where the riders will have two days of competition. This will be the only round outside Europe in 2020. From here the series moves to Sant Julia in Andorra on June 20–21 and then it’s on to Tolmezzo in Italy on July 4–5. TrialGP Great Britain is back on the calendar for 2020 with points at stake over two days of competition at Tong, near Leeds, over the weekend of July 10–12. After the traditional summer break, the sixth round will be at Cahors, in France, on August 29–30 before the series signs off on September 5–6 at Pobladura de las Regueras in Spain. The FIM Trial des Nations and Women’s Trial des Nations will take place at Gouveia, Portugal, on September 12–13. TrialGP Women will be in action in the Czech Republic, Japan, Andorra and Spain with the Trial2 Women class joining them at every round apart from Japan. Trial125 riders will compete in Japan, Italy, Great Britain, France and Spain, and the FIM TrialE Cup will be decided in Andorra, Italy and France. 8
FIM X-Trial World Championship The provisional 2020 FIM X-Trial calendar includes visits to Ecuador and La Reunion as the promoters consolidate the Championship’s geographical expansion. Among the rounds that will take the world’s best X-Trial riders away from their European base in 2020 is X-Trial Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, scheduled to host the sixth round of the season on 29th February 2020. The event will also mark X-Trial’s return to Latin America, a crucial step in the planned growth of the sport that intends to include more countries in the coming seasons. The forthcoming X-Trial Quito will also create an additional challenge for the riders by visiting the General Ruminahui Coliseum next year as they will compete for the first time at an incredible altitude of 2,800 metres. The newly released FIM X-Trial World Championship calendar also features a second venue outside of Europe with a first trip to La Reunion, located close to Madagascar to the south-east of Africa. This 16th November date means that Toni Bou will start the defence of his title in 2019. In between these overseas fly-aways the regular European calendar is boosted by the inclusion of the new X-Trial Rennes, France, which will take place on the 23rd November 2019. Meanwhile four of last season’s venues are retained including: X-Trial Budapest (19th January), X-Trial Barcelona (2nd February) and X-Trial Bilbao (15th February) that keep their dates in the diary. X-Trial will also make a welcome return to Austria after a two-year absence for the fourth X-Trial Wiener Neustadt on 21st March 2020. Once again the honour of closing the 2020 FIM X-Trial World Championship falls to Andorra la Vella, the spectacular scene of last season’s finale, which is back in the calendar on the 25th April.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS
Apart from the obvious gift of the Trial Magazine subscription we have two new products that will make ideal stocking fillers. We have these superb quality drawstring gym bags which are ideal to carry a set of waterproofs, for example, just in case it rains when you have your summer kit on. Also, at the request of our readers, we can now supply these highquality protective binders to keep your Trial Magazine collection safe, to enjoy time after time. Both of these products are available to order in the magazine or at our international website: www.trialmaguk.com DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS
TONI BOU 13 x FIM X-Trial World Champion (Indoor) 13 x FIM Trial World Champion (Outdoor)
To discover the MICHELIN Trial range visit: moto.michelin.co.uk
NEWS
TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP
TRS 2020
CASALES AND GAS GAS
The big news from the fast-moving Spanish manufacturer TRS is the move into the youth market with its new electric model. To complement the new machine they have also introduced a youth riding kit. Also new is the One Raga Racing 2020 model; flip back a page and check out TRS’s advert.
TRS One Kids – E 2020
After several years in the Trial market, TRS Motorcycles presents its first electric motorcycle design, which is focused on the youngest riders. This new model will be marketed in December 2019 in the 20’ version for riders aged between six and ten years of age, and in 16’ for the younger rider from February 2020. WHAT’S NEW Aluminium monocoque frame: At first glance, an innovative integration of all the electrical components in the cycle part can be seen. The 48V, 17.5A lithium-ion battery integrated in the frame allows weight distribution to be optimized, guarantees its tightness and provides total protection. It’s claimed to provide up to three hours of use on one charge. 4A battery charger: Provides fast charging in less than three hours. 48V 1.350W electric motor: Located in the lowest and centred part of the frame to obtain a better centre of gravity. Power: 3.000 RPM with a torque of 32Nn. Swinging Arm: Casting in aluminium. Control unit: 100A Controller: located inside the self-supporting sub frame, to achieve the least visual impact and obtain an optimum level of tightness. Bluetooth Connectivity: Programmable from the Android app with different modes of power delivery to adapt the motorcycle to each rider depending on their driving level. FOUR RIDING MODES PROGRAMMED AS STANDARD: Mode 1: docile and safe for the youngest with less experience; Mode 2: optimal for trial initiation; Mode 3: the most performance and effective; and Mode 4: aggressive and powerful to face the biggest obstacles. SUSPENSIONS: Rear suspension with 115mm progressive linkage system and Dnm hydraulic shock absorber, adjustable in extension and spring preload. 250lbs spring. Front suspension RST 26 ‘tapered’ 100mm travel pneumatic aluminium adjustable in extension and locking. COMPONENTS Wheels: 20’ front wheel with TRS machined hub and Rebel Trial tyre. 19’ rear wheel with TRS machined hub and Rebel Trial tyre. Brake System: Shimano MT400 and 160mm brake discs. Rear sprocket: Z98 machined and Iris 219 chain. Footrest: TRS Grip. Handlebar Grips: Hebo with ODI plugs. Headset: Necco 1.5 / 1 1/8’. Handlebar: TRS Kids. Kill button: Leonelli. Protectors: front and rear disc, as well as rear sprocket. 12
The young Galician rider, and the Spanish brand from Girona, have reached an agreement whereby Jorge Casales will defend the colours of Gas Gas for the next two seasons. Since its inception, Gas Gas has always believed in young talent, supporting many of the future great riders of the trials world over the past 30 years. Jorge Casales, with seven years of experience in the FIM Trial World Championship, is undoubtedly one of the best and most talented athletes of the new generation of trial riders. Today, he is the second youngest rider on the TrialGP grid. As a Gas Gas rider Jorge won the European Trial Championship in 2010, became TR2 Spanish Champion in 2011 and Junior World Trial Champion in 2013. Now he returns home to expand his riding career. His debut with Gas Gas took take place on the inaugural event of the 2020 FIM X-Trial World Championship in Reunion Island. Jorge Casales: “I am very happy to sign for Gas Gas. Since the age of five, when I began to ride motorcycles, it was Gas Gas. My best victories were also on a Gas Gas. I am very motivated to come back to my home and to begin this new project. I feel that the brand really trusts in me and they treat me very well. I hope to return this trust with victories.”
KTM: GAS GAS Gas Gas officially launched as the new brand to the KTM ‘group’ in Milan. John Shirt Jnr, the official Gas Gas UK importer: “It was a very worthwhile visit to EICMA where KTM officially added the Gas Gas brand to the ‘group’ and unveiled a ‘red’ Gas Gas 2020 TXTRACING model on the stand. This was a very positive message showing that Gas Gas is the new brand to their already successful group of manufacturers and it will remain as ‘Gas Gas’. There will be some very exciting and positive news coming soon.” He added: “It’s great news that Gas Gas is now in the hands of the ultimate Off-road group and will give confidence and security to the brand.”
DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
CHAMPIONS RISE • 6 7 3 FAT B A R ® • T O N I B O U • 2 6 W O R L D T I T L E S •
www.renthal.com
PHOTO CREDIT : TRIAL MAGAZINE
SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW
CHRIMBO IDEAS, ANYONE?
MOTS XLIGHT Jacket Black
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
Hebo Camo Trials Kit
Including CE protection Web: www.apico.co.uk
MOTS MEMBRANE Gloves
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
18
DVD 2019 Trials Review
MOTS XLIGHT Jacket Red
Web: www.trialmaguk.com
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
Hebo Vintage Trials Kit Including CE protection Web: www.apico.co.uk
S3 SPIDER ‘BLACKJACK’ Gloves
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
S3 Alaska Winter Sport Gloves
Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW
S3 BLACKJACK Cap
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
S3 Vest Body-Warmer Technical Racing Team Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
Wulfsport Impact Crash Helmet
Various Colour Ways. Sizes: XXS - XXL Web: www.wulfsport.com
S3 Vest Technical Windy 75
Light Weight 75Gr. Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
Apico T1 Fat-Bar Pads
Pad available in three colour ways Web: www.apico.co.uk
Trial Magazine Gym Bag
Web: www.trialmaguk.com
OSET – Limited Edition Jersey Ages: 3 – 12 – Sizes: XS – XL Web: www.osetbikes.com
TRIAL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020
Hebo Mono Crash Helmet Various Colour Ways Web: www.apico.co.uk
19
SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW
S3 SPIDER ‘BOSCO’ Gloves
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
MOTS STONE 4 Jacket Red
MOTS STONE 4 Jacket Black
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
TRS Balance Bike
Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com
Putoline Bio Action Kit
An environment friendly full service kit. For Off Road Air Filters. Web: www.neodistribution.co.uk
TRS 26’ Cycle Trials Bike
Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com
TRS 20’ Cycle Trials Bike
Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com
Wulfsport HL Trials Boots
Web: www.wulfsport.com
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DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW
TRS 2020 Riding Kit
Youth and Adult Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com
OSET Kids ‘Electro’ Jumper Youth: XS, S, M, L, XL Web: www.osetbikes.com
Putoline Action Air Filters
Available for most models In both, Pre-oiled and Non-oiled Finishes Web: www.neodistribution.co.uk
OSET ‘Infinity’ Trials Kit OSET ‘Pulse’ Hoodie – Youth Youth: XS, S, M, L, XL Web: www.osetbikes.com
TRIAL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020
Shirt: Ages: 3 – 12. Available in sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. Pant: Ages 3 – 12. Waist sizes 16”, 18”, 20”, 22”, 24”, 26” and 28”. Web: www.osetbikes.com
Putoline Body Warmer
Web: www.neodistribution.co.uk
23
PRESENTATION MONTESA
THE RACE REPLICA
COTA 301RR
When you see the title Cota 301RR, you can assure yourself that you are purchasing a genuine Montesa ‘Race Replica’. The RR is based around the machine of the 2019 FIM Trial2 World Championship winner from Spain, Gabriel Marcelli, and the 2018 world champion from Italy, Matteo Grattarola. Yes, it’s an evolution of the long-standing Cota 4RT model, but one which includes an increase in the engine capacity to 298cc which is the maximum displacement allowed in the FIM Trial2 class. As with all the Montesa Cota models like 4RT 260 and 4RIDE, the Montesa Cota 301RR is manufactured for worldwide distribution in the Montesa-Honda facility at Santa Perpetua de Mogoda, Barcelona, Spain. FEATURE: TRIAL MAGAZINE WITH STEVE COLLEY • PICTURES: MONTESA
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DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
PRESENTATION
MONTESA
I
t’s a fact that all the trials manufacturers are evolving their current models as opposed to producing brand new ones, and the latest Montesa Cota 301RR 2020 model is no different. Since 2003, the company’s successful CRF 250cc motocross engine (a 250cc singlecylinder four-valve OHC liquid-cooled engine), has been developed to provide a well-proven and reliable power unit that has taken Toni Bou to his 26 FIM world titles. The engine is currently in the process made more compact and lighter in weight. The engine capacity grew from the 250cc in 2013 with the introduction of the 260cc model before moving to the 300RR model with its engine capacity of 288cc in 2015 as we arrive at the Cota 301RR and its 298cc for 2020. It also enjoys a lightweight, simple integrated fuel injection system (PGM-FI) with a lower volume than a conventional carburettor. It comes in a single piece together with the throttle body and the ECU that performs instantaneous calculations of a wide range of variables such as the environment, engine temperature and atmospheric pressure. Presentation: Steve ‘showtime’ Colley We are pretty sure that many people in the trials world and beyond will be familiar with our Steve Colley, aptly named ‘Mr. Showtime’ by the Sheffield Indoor Trial promoter, the late Neil Crosswaite. He has ridden factory-supported two-stroke machines from Fantic, Beta and Gas
TRIAL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020
Gas, having won at world championship level. He can add multiple British titles and Scottish Six Days Trial and Scott Trial victories to his name too! He needs no introduction. Steve retired from mainstream trials a few years ago but is ever-popular with his trials demonstrations and shows which he carries out on a pair of Montesa Cota 300RR machines. Steve Colley: “Not so long ago, moving from two- to four-stroke machines was a massive change for me but one I soon came to enjoy. The engine noise is enough to give you that feel-good factor; twist the throttle and enjoy. I have watched the success of Toni Bou, and his 26 world titles, with much admiration therefore naturally delighted when I was invited to join him, and fellow test riders, at the official presentation of this new model in October with my good friend, and Trial Magazine editor, John Hulme. Cool: “This is how I would describe the new grey ‘look’ for 2020. With the new modern aesthetics, the Cota 301RR has a more ‘racing’ and aggressive look, further endorsed by its angular lines and real ‘get on me and ride’ approach to its presentation. “It starts for me with the new LED racing headlight moulding, and further new design has been applied to the rear mudguard, which is slightly higher than before. With two litres of fuel available in the aluminium tank, it’s been redesigned and, left behind, are the rounded shapes giving it once again that ‘racing’ theme. “The model we have on test here is presented 29
QUICK SPIN ELECTRIC MOTION
Let’s get serious Progress in sales of electric powered trials motorcycles in the adult sector has been progressive, with the introduction and exposure of the FIM TrialE World Championship in 2017. Gas Gas has paved the way in this world championship with three consecutive wins despite the threat from Yamaha with their radical and innovative prototype model. In the shadows and with no ‘Bells and Whistles’ the French Company Electric Motion has been gaining ground as the market leader with the introduction of its new ePure 2020 model range. When we asked Electric Motion for their thoughts on this new model the reply was: “Let’s get serious”. We invited John Sunter to put the new ePure Race model through its paces in early October. TEXT: TRIAL MAGAZINE WITH JOHN SUNTER • PICTURES: TRIAL MAGAZINE
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DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
QUICK SPIN ELECTRIC MOTION
T
he new Race model arrives from the development of the prototype ridden by the French rider Christophe Bruand and expands on the Sport model with the inclusion of a fully functional hydraulic diaphragm clutch as found on its two-stroke petrol-fuelled counterparts. Both have a lightweight tubular frame, fabricated using 15CDV6 steel, which is only 1mm Ǿ and weighs less than 5kg. An aluminium engine guard acts as a stressed member, and the swinging-arm is also made of the light alloy. Both models share M4 air front forks with CNC machined triple clamps and an R16V Olle rear shock, making it a very competitive package. Engine power is controlled by the three options of different electrical maps: blue is for everybody offering good usable all-round power, green is the easiest to use and is for riders who are starting in the sport of trials; and the red setting is the one to make you stand up and take note, with plentiful power on hand at the slightest twist of the throttle. Quick Spin – John Sunter Our ‘Quick Spin’ test pilot is John Sunter, who is better known for his ‘speed’ exploits on the fourstroke Montesa machines at the famous Scott Time and Observation Trial. As an instructor at the Inch Perfect Trials centre, John has a good knowledge of all the available machines on the trials market. John Sunter: “Electric trials bikes or motorcycles have been a very successful tool TRIAL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020
in our sport to encourage more riders at all levels of abilities to be introduced to the joys of trials riding. If I am honest, on the adult scene, we have seen very little serious commitment from a manufacturer to bring these models to the showroom floor — that was until Electric Motion made the bold move with its new and exciting four-model range for 2020. “With a new official UK importer and with models in stock, it’s an exciting time for the French manufacturer that offers these four
machines to a wide target audience of off-road riders. Before I start to ride the machine, I will explain about the all-important battery. Location is by way of three secure points which make it easy to change. Its physical size is much smaller than before, but in return, it offers more power. The manufacturers claim that it can cover six miles on a full charge and so should be able to do a majority of the twelve-section four-lap trials that we find in the UK, whatever power setting you choose.” 33
INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
SPAIN
TRIAL GP: KING BOU It was a case of Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) once again winning in Spain and in doing so equalling the 14-consecutive world-round victories record set by Jordi Tarres. Bou is the undisputed king, you cannot argue that fact; this latest victory was his 112th in the premier league of the world of motorcycle trials. Add this to the 26 consecutive world titles, 13 indoor and 13 outdoor, and we find the word ‘king’ sits very well on his shoulders. 2019 TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 160; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 134; 3: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 112; 4: Jamie Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 96; 5: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 81; 6: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 80; 7: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 69; 8: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 66; 9: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU) 64; 10: Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR) 49; 11: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 30; 12: Arnau Farre (Jotagas-ESP) 26; 13: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 13*; 14: Oriol Noguera (Jotagas-ESP) 12; 15: Andrea Riva (TRRS-ITA) 12; 16: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 9; 17: Tomoyuki Ogawa (Honda-JPN) 5; 18: Fumitaka Nozaki (Yamaha-JPN) 5. * Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) was stripped of his world championship points from rounds one to six following an FIM investigation.
MACHINES: TRRS 3; Beta 2; Gas Gas 2; Jotagas 2; Repsol Honda: 2; Sherco 2; Vertigo 2; Yamaha 2; Honda 1. NATIONALITIES: ESP 8; GBR 3; JPN 3; FRA 1; ITA 1.
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DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
INTERNATIONAL
FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIAL2: MAGIC MARCELLI
Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) is a man on a mission and he took one mighty step in his young motorcycling career with his first and well-deserved FIM Trial2 World Championship victory at the final round. This victory has not come easy, such is the competitiveness in this class, but the young Spanish rider remained focussed and was rewarded with the much sought-after title. 2019 TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Gabriel Marcelli (MontesaESP) 135; 2: Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) 127; 3: Alexandre Ferrer (ShercoFRA) 106; 4: Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR) 106; 5: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 89; 6: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 82; 7: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 79; 8: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 77; 9: Hakon Pedersen (Gas Gas-NOR) 41; 10: Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA) 39; 11: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 38; 12: Teo Colairo (Gas Gas-FRA) 31; 13: Billy Green (Montesa-GBR) 29; 14: Pablo Suarez (Gas Gas-ESP) 24; 15: Julien Perret (Gas Gas-FRA) 11; 16: Akira Shibata (VertigoJPN) 10; 17: Sergio Piardi (Beta-ITA) 9; 18: Eric Miquel (TRRS-ESP) 7; 19: Pietro Petrangeli (Sherco-ITA) 3; 20: Sergio Ribau (Sherco-ESP) 2; 21: Seiya Ujikawa (Gas Gas-JPN) 2; 22: David Avendano (Vertigo-VEN) 1.
MACHINES: Gas Gas 4; Sherco 4; Beta 3; Montesa 3; TRRS 2; Vertigo 2; Honda 1; Scorpa 1.
NATIONALITIES: ESP 6; ITA 5; FRA 3; GBR 3; JPN 2; NOR 2; VEN 1.
MANUFACTURERS: VIVA MONTESA In the face of the constant threat of the two-stroke machines the FIM Manufacturers World Championship, where points are collected from TrialGP and Trial2 classes, it is still dominated by the now Legendary four-stroke Cota 4RT found in the Montesa chassis. 2019 FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP: 1: Montesa 295; 2: Beta 206; 3: Sherco 180; 4: TRRS 174; 5: Vertigo 147; 6: Honda 132; 7: Gas Gas 106; 8: Scorpa 82; 9: Jotagas 30; 10: Yamaha: 7.
TRIAL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020
37
TRADITIONAL THE SCOTT
GIVING IT WHAT IT TAKES
DABILL’S
SCOTT
It’s hard to believe that the 2019 Scott Trial victory from James Dabill was his fourth victory from 17 starts. Like so many of his rivals, he had always talked about the event. He visited it on many occasions with his proud parents, Mal and Cherry, as a schoolboy where the seed was planted to compete in it. The first attempt at this unique event came on the Yamaha engined Scorpa with support from Neil and Martin Crosswaite in 2003 and was rewarded with the Best Newcomer award. After the early success, it was a case of learning the ropes, but the stumbling block for the victory was the names Graham Jarvis and Dougie Lampkin, who dominated the event from 2003–2009, Jarvis with five victories and Lampkin with two. In 2010 it was to be the breakthrough year for Dabill. On a memorable day, he took the scalp of Jarvis who came second as Lampkin retired with mechanical problems. He also gave the Spanish brand Gas Gas its first-ever victory at the Scott after many years of trying with different riders. It’s quite interesting to note that the 17 attempts have been rewarded with four victories, 11 Gold Spoons, three Silver Spoons, the Best Newcomer award and two DNF’S – some record, talk about commitment! In a very well-received speech at the awards presentation in the evening, it was nice to hear James reflect on the hardship the recent storms and floods had on the local area. He thanked everyone who had helped them try and find some normality after the devastation. He also thanked all the organisers and officials and his sponsors as he once again proved that he has got what it takes to win the toughest of one day trials in the world, the Scott. Well done, that man! ARTICLE: JOHN HULME • PICTURES: TRIAL MAGAZINE AND NIGEL PEARSON, TRIALS UK
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DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
TRADITIONAL
THE SCOTT
2010
2014
2016 TRIAL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020
63
INTERVIEW ADAM RAGA
STILL WINNING
Adam Raga is a name that goes back to the ‘Noughties’ of the Dougie Lampkin era. The last rider to have won before the domination of Toni Bou; yes, Adam Raga with the FIM indoor and outdoor doubles in 2005 and 2006. As we know, Bou moved to another plane and rolled off 26 FIM World Trials Championships in both the indoor and outdoor disciplines. So who could be the future world champion, we ask? Adam ‘The Destroyer’ Raga believes he can still win. He endorsed this as the only rider to beat Bou in the FIM X-trial World Championship in 2019 in Barcelona and more recently at the Urban Trial in Cahors France. What does the future hold for the TRRS rider? Read on… ARTICLE: GENERATED BY ‘RODO’ PICTURES: SABATIER, TRIALS MEDIA AND THE RAGA FAMILY
ADAM
RAGA
Born: 06/04/1982 in Ulldecona, Spain Nickname: The Destroyer Height: 1.80cm • Weight: 73kg 2000: Junior World Champion 2003–2006: 4 x FIM Indoor X-Trial World Champion 2005–2006: 2 x FIM Trial World Champion Record Holder: The most podiums and points in the FIM Indoor X-Trial World Championship
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DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020 • TRIAL MAGAZINE
INTERVIEW ADAM RAGA
Destroyer: The Hebo riding pants carry Adam’s own emblem.
17 Years: Adam won the Barcelona Indoor in 2019, some 11 years since his last ‘Home’ win!
I
t is a little over 14:00 hours, the time set to get to go to lunch, when the Red Transporter rolls up — some gossips already joking in Girona pointing out that the red is gaining more and more space on the TRRS truck as it aims to replace Gas Gas! Adam Raga arrives in the parking lot of a restaurant on a highway in Tona, the city in Spain where the official TRRS office was established in 2010. “I live mostly alone, 50km from my parents”, he explains later in our conversation, surprising me to the fact that, at 37 years old, it
Happy Days: Raga with the winner’s spoils in Barcelona 2019. TRIAL MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2019-JANUARY 2020
is his first reference of his parents. It’s true, his father has shaped his son to get where he is in life and he is very important to him. “It’s hard to find the right person to start a family with as my chosen career demands so much from me. Many of today’s top riders have no children, with the notable exception of 39-year-old Takahisa Fujinami, the other survivor of the Lampkin era who was the world champion just once in 2004, just before Raga. This will not prevent me from meeting Adam’s friend at night when we arrive at his home.
Gluten free Raga first lived in two other locations before settling in Tona where he had known a girl. He rented accommodation for a year before buying a farm, a small holding in 2011. I discover just now that Adam is not secretive. “The area is perfect for training, I’m right on the highway, halfway to Barcelona which is 40 minutes, Girona 30 minutes and Manresa 30 minutes too, where the TRRS factory is”. Toni Bou, at 33, is younger. Is the weight of these four years separating them felt? Raga does not hide it. “I feel good, but since I turned 30, it has been so much harder to recover from injuries. I have suffered many injuries; not big ones, but almost every year. Knee, back, a little bit of everything. I had to learn how to manage the races where I was not 100% fit; this also made it harder to train. “I cannot exercise now as I did before. If I do, I’m burnt out. Before I understood this situation, I was in pain everywhere. It was then, in 2014 or 2015, and I had to change my method. I did fewer hours on the bike, more gym and cycle work to get fit.” When Toni injured himself last year, they said that it could maybe end his career? “He had his injury, which I respect, but I too had problems at the beginning of the season.” Adam had problems with his food and did not feel well, having stomach pains and poor digestion. Analysis revealed an allergy to gluten and the presence of a virus which he got treatment for. Going gluten free felt so fresh. “Some riders show their wounds, others prefer to hide them so others do not see them. I have had a lot of problems; not those that keep you from riding like Toni last year, but I was not 100% last season. “I have never shown anything regarding an injury because I think it gives an advantage to your opponents. This year, for example, I felt very good until the X-Trial in Andorra where I stretched a ligament in the crotch. After that I had pain in this part of the body, in my back, everywhere. But I prefer not to say anything and keep looking ahead. “Moving back to Toni’s injury, look at this year; he showed just how good he is winning every round. Fujinami too is amazing. Even though I have better results than him. In my opinion, he has had his best season of the last five years. Physically, he’s better than us on the last lap.” 75
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