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E E R F I S E DED DOUBL R E P OST INS IDE
RETRO
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ELECTRIC MOTION
1990 PROFILE QUICK SPIN GAS GAS SAM CONNOR 771753 004072
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October-November 2020
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MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC • COMPETITION • FEATURES
PROFILE
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QUICK SPIN
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Trial Magazine • Welcome
CONTACT Online: www.trialmaguk.com Telephone: 01663 749163 Email: england@trialmag.com Address: 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX United Kingdom
WELCOME FEATURES
Editorial Staff Cyrille Barthe, Jean Caillou, Phil Disney, Nick Shield, Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley and John Moffat.
INTERNATIONAL
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QUICK SPIN
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INVITATION
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2021
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PROFILE
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SPORT
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RETRO
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DEALER VISIT
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FIM Trial World Championship GASGAS Racing 300
Executive Director Philippe Benhamou
(NUJ No: 949620)
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2021
THE TEAM Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou
Editor John Hulme
NEW MODELS
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Noassar Trial
Electric Motion Sam Connor
White Rose Trial 1990
Photographers Colin Bullock, Eric Kitchen, Cyrille Barthe, Josh Turner, Yoomee, Trials Media, Barry Robinson, Don Morley, Mauri/Fontserè Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright, Andy Gregory, Toon Van De Vliet, Brian Holder and Leah Robinson.
Camio Trial
YOUTH
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Isle of Man Two Day
Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com
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Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com Printing: Buxtons Press Distribution: Warners Group Publications © 2020 CJ Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care is taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication, but neither CJ Publishing Ltd or the editor can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers. Trial Magazine is published by: CJ Publishing Limited, registered in England Number: 5947718. Trial Magazine: ISSN: 1753-0040. Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
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TALK TRIALS: TONI BOU NEWS OBSERVATION: BERNIE SCHREIBER SHOPPING PADDOCK POSTERS SUPERSTORE BACK ISSUES DEALER LOCATOR SUBSCRIPTION FORM
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Cover: Michael Brown (Electric Motion) Photo Credit: Trials Media
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Shopping • What’s new
WHAT’S ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST? APICO RACELINE ALUMINUM FOOTRESTS Adjustable 60mm Wide. Colour Ways: Black & Silver Web: www.apico.co.uk
TRIALENDURODIRECT RENTHAL Handlebar Grips. All Makes and Machines. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
APICO BOYESEN Pro Series Trials Reeds. All Models – Two Stroke Web: www.apico.co.uk
S3 PARTS VINTAGE RIDING KIT Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
TRIALENDURODIRECT RENTHAL Chain Wheels. All Makes and Machines Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
TRIALENDURODIRECT S3 CLAMPS CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE 34 Web: www.trialmaguk.com
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TECH Front Forks. 39mm Ø Beta model fitment Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
TIMBERLAND SHEDS
All styles, shapes and sizes Supplied Tel: 01484 723757 Web: www.timberlandsheds.co.uk
October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
What’s new • Shopping
TRIALREPLIC 1:6 SCALE MODELS
Various machines. Available in UK soon. Web: www.trialreplic.com
S3 PARTS CARBON FORK PROTECTORS Fitment: Showa & Tech Forks. Various Colour Ways. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
APICO HEBO
Toni Bou 11 Lime Glove Web: www.apico.co.uk
TRIALENDURODIRECT RENTHAL
Handlebars 7/8th and ‘Fatbar’. All makes and machines. Various colour ways. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
TRAIL AND TRIALS UK HONDA RTL
APICO HEBO
2020 Repsol Honda. Replica Riding Kit. Web: www.apico.co.uk
Various Parts Available Web: www.tytrials.com
OSET ELITE OVER JACKET Web: www.shop.osetbikes.com
TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS GO2 Crash Helmet. Various Colour Ways. Sizes: XS-XL. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
STYLMARTIN ‘IMPACT RS’ BOOTS Colour: Brown. Sizes: 39 to 47. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com
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International • FIM Trial World Championship
TRIAL GP
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP)
BOU’S IN CHARGE With just four days and eight points scoring rounds this was always going to be a high-pressure championship. Early season injuries had no time to heal and affected Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) who has a niggling back injury. This is no excuse as we all know he always gives 100%. The fight at each round for supremacy has seen Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) take the top spot of the podium twice but its his arch-rival who holds the ten point advantage as the short break before Italy in October takes place. Behind Bou and Raga we have had the new TrialGP sensation Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) on the podium, and twice in Andorra Jorge Casales (GASGAS-ESP). We also have a new manufacturer, TRRS, leading the world championship, the first time they have stood proud at the top of the table. COVID 19
Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP)
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To adjust to the various government guidelines concerning Covid 19, the series start has moved from May to September. There is no qualification process with the riders using their final 2019 championship positions to dictate their start position in France. After France at round two, the riders finishing positions from the opening day would determine their start position on day two. The hazards have been reduced to just ten to be covered three times,once again due to Covid 19 guidelines, with changes made to them for the second day. This year’s shortened championship will be run over two days with four proposed rounds, with all eight scoring rounds counting.
October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
FIM Trial World Championship • International
Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP)
Jorge Casales (GASGAS-ESP)
FRANCE: ISOLA 2000, 5TH AND 6TH SEPTEMBER
Under a blazing sun and at high altitude, the action on both days was very hot to say the least. Day one was plagued by time problems after the FIM introduced a new time limit for the first five sections which would force the scrapping of all the first lap scores. Toni Bou was in superb form taking the win despite challenges from both Jaime Busto and Jeroni Fajardo, as Adam Raga was kept down in fourth position just off the pace of the top three. Day two was the closest action the TrialGP class had seen for some time as Jeroni Fajardo focussed on a victory, leading after the opening lap as Toni Bou suffered with back problems causing him some discomfort. It was the turn of Jaime Busto to make a charge for victory as Fajardo still held the lead after the second lap. With Adam Raga watching the action with a close eye, he had a storming last lap score of just three marks lost to snatch a clear victory on the final lap. Bou had been beaten, for the first time since Japan in 2018, but he came away from France leading the championship table. DAY 1: 1: Bou 6; 2: Busto 11; 3: Fajardo 14; 4: Raga 20; 5: Casales 25; 6: Fujinami 29; 7: Bincaz 33; 8: Gelabert 34; 9: Dabill 36; 10: Price 52; 11: Peace 55; 12: Marcelli 58. DAY 2: 1: Raga 33; 2: Busto 40; 3: Bou 41; 4: Fajardo 46; 5: Casales 48; 6: Fujinami 53; 7: Gelabert 55; 8: Bincaz 59; 9: Price 72; 10: Marcelli 74; 11: Dabill 76; 12: Peace 102.
Gabriel Marcelli and Toni Bou
2020 TRIALGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
3 OF 4 ROUNDS COMPLETED
POSITIONS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 112; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 102; 3: Jamie Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 81; 4: Jorge Casales (GASGASESP) 66; 5: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 59; 6: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 57; 7: Miquel Gelabert (GASGAS-ESP) 56; 8: Jeroni Fajardo (Sherco-ESP) 54; 9: James Dabill (BetaGBR) 48; 10: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 42; 11: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 33; 12: Jack Price (VertigoGBR) 32.
2020 FIM MANUFACTURES’ CHAMPIONSHIP 3 OF 4 ROUNDS COMPLETED
POSITIONS: 1: TRRS 206; 2: Montesa 188; 3: Beta 171; 4: Sherco 134; 5: Vertigo 1028 6: GASGAS 74; 7: Scorpa 9.
Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN)
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Quick Spin • GasGas TXT Racing 300
RACING GASGAS TXT RACING 300
DNA Even when it’s standing alone, the Racing DNA of the 2020 GASGAS TXT 300 model jumps out at you with its race-ready signature red aesthetics. Its minimalistic appearance lets you know that you are looking at a machine that can take you to the very top in the world of motorcycle trials. Article: Trial Magazine with Mitch Brightmore
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hen you have a manufacturer with such a proven track record, it’s very much a case of refining and fine-tuning to make a good machine better year on year, which GASGAS have achieved. You have to look as far back as the 2018 FIM Trial World Championship to understand that GASGAS is the only machine to interrupt Toni Bou in the TrialGP class and his dominance of the sport when they took victories on both days in Japan with the TXT 300 model. Off the back of rider feedback, GASGAS has provided ease of maintenance and better weight distribution along with new suspension 46
settings to continue to offer a machine capable of winning straight out of the box. With the two Spanish riders, Albert Cabestany and Jorge Casales, as part of the team, they have the perfect blend of experience and youth to keep pushing the boundaries with development and riding. We needed a young rider to find out just how good this 300 model is, and so, in the safe hands of Mitch Brightmore, it was put through its paces to arrive at this ‘Quick Spin’ report. You might remember the name of our guest test rider as he was a leading young schoolboy/adult rider until early 2020 when he made the switch to Enduro racing.
WHAT’S NEW
• TXT Racing Aesthetics • Swinging Arm • • Swinging Arm Bearings and Seals • • Rear Linkage • Chain Slipper • • Chain Tensioner • Rear Sprocket Protector • • Sidestand • Rear Brake Master Cylinder • • Rear Brake Lever: Mounting/Bolt/Bearing • • Front Mudguard and Brace • • Adjustable Clutch Spring • • Kevlar Clutch Plates • • Two-Piece Clutch Cover • • Crankshaft Bearings • Crankshaft Seals •
Skimming the surface, and away from its impressive stand-out red, the 2020 model styling encourages you to ask more. Still, in truth, it’s an evolution of a good solid product now secure under the umbrella of the Austrian KTM/Husqvarna group. Still produced in Spain, the development engineers have listened to both Cabestany and Casales with the main focus for this GASGAS model on the ease of riding, maintenance and more controlled stability. October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
GasGas TXT Racing 300 • Quick Spin
More controlled stability has been achieved by the relocation of the centre of gravity to give a more neutral sensation to the rider.
FRAME – HANDLING
This more controlled stability has been achieved by the relocation of the centre of gravity to give a more neutral sensation to the rider, which has allowed them to improve the front-end stability. Careful tuning of both the front and rear suspension adds to this improved feel of the machine. The fitting of the new rear linkage for that vital connection from the swinging arm and the reaction capacity of the adjustable Ohlin’s shock absorber allows the machine to ‘drive’ positively under acceleration for improved adhesion in the most extreme of conditions. Aiding this smooth drive is a new chain ‘slipper’ which can be replaced without removal of the swinging arm assembly. The new chain tensioner is also easier to maintain, with better protection from exposed obstacles. Adding to the ‘Racing’ appeal is a new disc protector and the new rear swinging arm and more effective brake master cylinder, which is anchored directly to the brake calliper and incorporates a new guide for the rear brake hose. The side stand is new and more effective and applied easily by the rider’s boot.
ENGINE – PERFORMANCE
The single-cylinder two-stroke engine is also refined, with the evolution of the diaphragm Kevlar clutch system which incorporates a new spring and variable preload that offers the possibility of adjusting the tension of Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
the clutch to the rider’s preferences. A new, distinctive clutch cover not only looks very ‘Factory’ but also easily allows direct access for any maintenance or adjustments. Inside the crankcases, a profiled crankshaft assembly runs with less friction for quicker, smoother throttle response, once again giving the rider more confidence in the most difficult of riding situations. For ease of engine servicing, new crankshaft seals are fitted which can be changed without having to ‘split’ the crankcases, making it a quicker process and less labour intensive, which is a major plus-point for the owner.
QUICK SPIN WITH MITCH BRIGHTMORE
“Without a doubt, off-road motorcycling is my life, and my first choice for a trials machine is the GASGAS. The need for speed drove my move from trials to enduro at a young age, but it’s in the slow speed world of trials where I found my feet, for want of a better word, on an off-road motorcycle. “The dominant 2020 red styling from this Spanish manufacturer jumps out at you and urges you to throw your leg over it and ride it. Having predominantly ridden a GASGAS during my trials years, I knew what to expect, and I was not disappointed. All the controls are easily to hand and easy to use. Maybe it’s just me, but this 300 model appeared to be smaller;
maybe it’s the time on the enduro machines that gave me this impression, but it felt tiny! This was a stock machine, but in just a few minutes and with some small control adjustments I felt at home. Appearances can be deceptive, but machine performance cannot be hidden once you turn the throttle.”
RIDER-FRIENDLY
“It’s good and very, very rider-friendly despite the 294.1cc on hand at the turn of the throttle. The engine runs and performs very strongly at all throttle openings, and yes, you do have to respect the power output. It’s smooth and controllable in all situations and works very well with the diaphragm clutch. To me, this is the single strongest part of the engine, the clutch. It drives well, does not snatch, and when worked with the smooth, strong power delivery, it certainly encourages you to push yourself and your limits! “The choice of four trials gears and two for open moorland and trails give you a good range. After some practice, I found that for the rest of the day, my chosen gear was second. In first gear, I felt a little slow. I used third for when I needed some extra ‘grunt’ on more considerable obstacles. In second gear, I felt very comfortable in most situations. I must say that it did take me a good 15–20 minutes to find my trials roots by not relying on power but throttle control and how to use it.” 47
Invitation • Noassar Park
TWO DAYS OF
CAMPRODON
Jaime Busto (Vertigo-ESP).
In a year when the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted so many aspects of everyday life around the world, it was uplifting to hear of a motorcycle trials competition held in Spain, from a very good friend of Trial Magazine, Carlos Casas. We have been very privileged in the past to have visited the Noassar Park for the FIM Trial World Championships, and seen the more than 1,000 hectares of private trials-riding offering every type of terrain to be found in any trials competition. Words: Trial Magazine and Joan Valls Pictures: Joan Valls
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ound in the valley of Camprodon, on the outskirts of the neighbourhood of Font Rubi, it is located in the welcoming and mountainous village of Camprodon in the province of Girona. The event was held over the two days of the 29th and 30th of August and promoted by the experienced Moto Club Olot, with support of an excellent results package from TrialGo. Competitors had the choice of competing over one or both of the two days, with the majority opting for the ‘Two Day’ option. Leading the way in 2020 and joining Joan Ricart, Amos Bilbao and Alvaro Blazquez as the fourth winner of this event was Jaime Busto. The event opened on the Friday with the exciting presentation of the new 2021 Vertigo 50
Vertigo 2021.
Signing on takes place late on Friday afternoon.
October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
Noassar Park • Invitation Bertha Abellan (Vertigo-ESP) finished a very competitive 11th on the red route.
Gerard Trueba (Beta-ESP).
model. Between 16.00 and 20.00, riders came to sign on and collect their rider details. With displays of route maps and time allowances for each rider, the event certainly had a very professional edge to it. All the officials were briefed about the event, which would run under the no-stop rules. A time limit for Saturday of five hours, and four-and-a-half-hours on Sunday, plus 30 minutes would be applied to keep the riders moving. It was very good to see that a few foreign riders had made the trip to enjoy the two days of the Camprodon event. With 200 riders entered, and 20 sections to complete on day one and 18 on day two there would be plenty of action. With such a large entry, five classes divided by coloured riding numbers were introduced to give riders of all levels of ability a good day’s riding.
ALL SEASONS
Trial Magazine has had an encounter of the severe rain that can affect this area first hand in the past, and on the Saturday, it was no different as torrential rain covered the trials area. In total contrast, on day two, the sunshine came
Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) had a very strong ride to win the red route.
Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
out for the riders to enjoy a much better day’s competition. With 200 riders, supported by 50 registered fans also out on the course, they enjoyed the spectacular ride out on the route, found in all the areas of the Noassar Park.
BLACK ROUTE
Vertigo’s top rider, Jaime Busto, chose to compete in the event in preparation for his attack on the 2020 FIM Trial World Championship and put on an excellent display of riding. In truth, he was never challenged and, despite the severity of the hazards on this hardest of routes, he took a clear victory over the Montesa Talent School rider Pablo Suarez on the four-stroke by a clear 33 marks. In a distant third position was the Beta Trueba Trial Factory Team rider Gerard Trueba after a very challenging two days.
RESULTS: 1: JAIME BUSTO 21; 2: PABLO SUAREZ 54; 3: GERARD TRueba 84.
RED ROUTE
Once again, it was a Vertigo on top this time in the skilful hands of one of Spain’s latest trials talents Pau Martinez. The hazards were still very testing in severity in this class, and it
Pablo Suarez (Montesa-ESP).
Just missing the win on the red route was Alexz Wigg (Beta-GBR)
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2021 • Electric
EPURE LITE & RACE ELECTRIC MOTION
Battery and motor technology in the motorcycle trials world is gathering pace at such a rapid rate that it is now, more than ever, becoming a threat to the fuel-powered two-wheeled machines that we have become so accustomed. The French manufacturer, Electric Motion, is dedicated to this future, with a wide variety of different specification of machines in its EPURE range to suit both the pocket and the ability of the adult trials rider. Article: Michael Brown with Trial Magazine Pictures: Trials Media and Tom Pope: Tepee Creative Ltd 64
October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
Electric • 2021
Confidence soon came to our test rider Michael Brown on the Electric Motion.
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inding a rider to push the boundaries of the two new models we had on test became easier when we had a casual conversation with Michael Brown after he rode older Electric Motion models in a Las Vegas stage show earlier this year. He was keen to throw his legs over the latest French offerings in the form of the LITE and RACE models from its EPURE range.
PERFORMANCE
Our attention turned first to the highest specification model the RACE. It is the first fully homologated electric trials motorcycle to be equipped with a full-blown hydraulic diaphragm clutch. It is very similar to the ones found on some of the current two-stroke models available and the significant difference between the RACE and LITE models as the LITE has no clutch. We'll explain further later in this feature. Essential for high-level performance, the engine flywheel is coupled with a set of different balancing weights which allows several inertia settings. It's an essential system for high-level competitors to help them to attempt the most extreme hazards. Three engine mapping systems are controlled through a set of LED lights: red for the most power, blue in the middle and green providing the least power output. These settings can be changed by the simple touch of a readily accessible handlebar-mounted switch whilst on the move. This new model provides a better feeling with more engine inertia which, in turn, improves the machine's control and sensitivity to throttle openings at very low RPM enabling the rider to gain more power and reaction time at mid and high power when needed.
Yes, the brakes are very good.
The EPURE range comes with a compact battery pack. It's light at 10.5kg and easy to remove from its secure location. Depending on the engine setting using the three-light system, it can run for between three-and-a-half to five hours on one charge. Charging is through an easy, accessible connection; plug the connector into the machine from the charger, and it will reach its full charge in just over three hours. 60% charge can be achieved in 40 minutes. You can quickly check how much charge is in the battery as it is displayed as a percentage alongside the LED light system in the centre of the handlebars.
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
One other major difference between the LITE and RACE models is the front TECH branded
forks. It is reflected in the price as the LITE has the steel sliders fitted and the RACE has the aluminium anodised slider fitted – the RACE is the more expensive machine. They both share the same well-proven R 16 V rear shock absorber. The RACE also features the latest wheel and hub technology, which are both lighter and superior in quality than the LITE. The EPURE range uses a lightweight tubular frame, the lightest trials frame on the market, fabricated using 15CDV6 steel which is only 1mm and weighs less than 5kg. To protect the essential electrical items, an aluminium engine guard acts as a stressed member for more rigidity. An impressive lightweight aluminium swinging-arm finishes off a very attractive looking-chassis and suspension package.
BATTERY
Yes, you are correct; however, the question we are consistently asked is the life of the battery. Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
This suspension package needs no introduction as it can be found on the modern two-stroke machines and it worked very well.
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Profile • Sam Connor
SAM CONNOR
MILESTONE Would you believe that Sam Connor turned 40 in July? It’s only when you start to look back at the results that you realise that he has played an important part in the trials scene for more than 20 years, both at home and abroad. Words: John Hulme with Sam Connor • Pictures: Trials Media, Erik Kitchen, Colin Bullock, Heath Brindley, Peter J Beardmore and Barry Robinson
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October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
Sam Connor • Profile 1997: Riding the Beta, with support from the UK importer John Lampkin.
Proud to be associated with the legendary Yamaha TY80 club!
S
1996: It was a tough introduction to the adult world.
am was quite a late starter in the motorcycle world, even though his father, Jim, was a very well-known and respected motocross rider on a variety of factory-supported machines including the early Montesa Cappra. One of three brothers, Sam is now happily married with two young children and has nothing to prove in the trials world, with the win at the 2005 SSDT his career highlight. The problem is he is still naturally very competitive and enjoys riding a trials motorcycle despite the passing of the years. As you will see in the ACU Trial2 British Championship class, he is still at the top end of the results and can still put in some superb daily results at the ‘Scottish’. We recently caught up with Sam to take a look inside his many years in the world of motorcycle trials. Despite the passing of time motorcycle trials still plays an important role in your world. I am very much a family man, enjoying life in 2020 despite these difficult times with Coronavirus. I still love riding a trials motorcycle, but I am building a new business with a family and two young children to support,
1999: A move to the new Bultaco/Sherco project in 1999 to take on a full season of trials to include the world, European and British championships.
Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
1998: 11th position in the first SSDT and a superb six days of trials riding.
which has to come first. In a typical year, I would still compete in the Trial2 class in the ACU British Trials Championship, we head to the Scottish Six Days Trial for the family holiday as well as participating in a handful of the good roadbased nationals. I set up a new independent financial planning company this year named Rosart, after the children, which at the moment takes up the majority of my time. Your wife Sarah comes from a sporting background When I met her in 2006 she was an international England touch-rugby player and so, much like myself, she is naturally very competitive. We are both very proud to have represented team Great Britain in our respective sporting disciplines. I still feel very privileged to have been a part of the winning team at the 2002 and 2003 Trials Des Nations. My winning team now is my family. I have a daughter Rosy who is nine years old, and Arthur, who is six. Given the family genes, they love sport and naturally love motorcycles, both now riding a Yamaha TY80 and learning the trade at Hookwood Trials Centre.
1999: In the ACU British Trials Championship on the new Sherco.
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White Rose Trial • Sport
WHITE ROSE TRIAL
‘CHILIES’ TOP SPOT
Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa)
It was the second national trial I ever rode on my Ossa in 1977, which was the day after the Bemrose Trial in my native Derbyshire. It would turn into an event I would return to year after year, such was the superb nature of the trial surrounded by such stunning countryside. Seeing the iconic landmarks such as Cam Head and the impressive Ribblehead Valley Viaduct, which took seven years to construct and opened on 1st May 1876, remained with me as I drove to White Rose Trial in September 2020. Article: John Hulme and West Leeds Motorcycle Club
Originally named the Dancaster Trial in 1947, after the first President of the club, Harry Dancaster, it remained until it was awarded National status in 1976. The White Rose Trophy, donated by the Royalty Inn, which was the pub in Pudsey where the club met for their business meetings at the time, remains an iconic event to win and has a reputation as a very good, traditional type of event. Following the government’s Covid-19 guidelines, it attracted a full entry of 150 riders with Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa) adding his name to a long list of winners dating back to 1976. With a single-lap course of just over 30 miles consisting of mainly open moorland, the riders would enjoy a broad spectrum of hazards included in the 40 sections. A wet misty day greeted the riders to the start at the back of the mighty ‘Cam Head’ hill which dominates the surrounding area. So many riders were a little ‘rusty’ with time away from riding trials but all agreed what a grand day out the West Leeds Motorcycle Club had put on in these challenging times. Clerk of the Course Nigel Crowther and his band of helpers, observers and officials put on an event the club should be very proud of in these unchartered waters of Covid 19.
Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
Richard Sadler (John Shirt Motorcycles GASGAS)
Dan Thorpe (John Shirt Motorcycles GASGAS)
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Retro • 1990
REPEAT RETRO
Yes, all you had to do was press the repeat button in 1990 as Jordi Tarres kept winning in the FIM World Trials Championships, and Steve Saunders kept winning in the UK. They both shared the same brand of machine as the new Beta Zero was the machine to have. Entries in the trials world were very strong, and we had no fewer than ten manufacturers producing motorcycles. Here we take a whistle-stop tour of the 1990 season through the eyes of Trial Magazine. Words: Trial Magazine • Pictures: Erik Kitchen, Toon Van De Vliet, Alpha, Aprilia, Beta, Fantic, Gas Gas, Honda, JCM, Mecatechno, Montesa and Yamaha
Donato Miglio (Fantic-ITA): Riding an air-cooled machine against the new ‘breed’ of water-cooled ones, his talent would take him onto the top spot of the podium twice.
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October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
1990 • Retro
Diego Bosis (Aprilia-ITA): Without a doubt one of the biggest talents in the world championship.
Robert Crawford (Beta-IRL): The rising star of the 1990 world championship season.
1990 FIM WORLD TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP
Riding the Beta Zero, Spain’s Jordi Tarres was a pleasure to watch. Having worked closely with the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, they now had a world-beating machine. Many private teams and riders chose the Beta for their world championship year; such was its popularity. It had been very much designed around the new, dynamic style of Tarres and he looked formidable on it. Fellow Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Aprilia, had invested heavily in its new water-cooled ‘Climber’ model but, in truth, it was nowhere near the machine Beta had built. Fantic was still using an evolution of their previous air-cooled model. Still, amid growing financial concerns, they only had one potential winner in a muchreduced rider line-up, with Donato Miglio taking only his second world round win and rounding off the year with another. During the season a healthy 30 riders had scored FIM World Trials Championship points.
ON A ROLL
As Jordi Tarres rattled off the first four rounds with wins he was on a roll, but after the return of the series from the USA and Canada his form was interrupted at round five in Belgium by Diego Bosis. Round six would see Tarres back at the top with his win in Germany as another winner appeared in 1990: Donato Miglio. As Tarres won again in Finland, Bosis bounced back with win number two in the Spanish round. Tarres still held the lead as he sent the Italian fans wild with his win for Beta in Italy, followed by his win in Poland which tied up the championship. As the series finished in Switzerland Miglio took the win, which on the Fantic was the very last for an aircooled machine.
BRITS ABROAD
Great Britain had just two points scorers, with Ireland’s Robert Crawford the highest finishing in seventh position and saving his best ride for the final round in Switzerland where he finished fifth. Closing the door on a very successful FIM World Championship career was Steve Saunders. His best finish was a fifth in Great Britain, but he did not complete a full season, missing the last three rounds. Of the other UK riders, Wayne Braybrook (Beta) and John R Shirt (Gas Gas) had all dipped in and out of the top-25 in various rounds as a new fresh face appeared in Manx rider Steve Colley on the Fantic. Getting the sponsorship for the ‘Home’ riders to compete a full world championship season was still proving a problem. At the end of the year, the opportunity to move a factory-supported ride in 1991 would take Robert Crawford to Spain and Montesa. Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
Steve Saunders (Beta-GBR): Great Britain’s highest placed rider in the world championship since 1985, taking in nine wins and finishing second in 1986. He missed the latter end of the season in his last year to finish in 11th position.
1990 FIM WORLD TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL POSITIONS (12 ROUNDS)
RESULTS: 1: Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP) 224; 2: Diego Bosis (ApriliaITA) 193; 3: Donato Miglio (Fantic-ITA) 180; 4: Tommi Ahvala (Aprilia-FIN) 167; 5: Philip Berlatier (Beta-FRA) 123; 6: Amos Bilbao (Fantic-ESP) 109; 7: Robert Crawford (Beta-IRL) 92; 8: Bruno Camozzi (Fantic-FRA) 79; 9: Thierry Girard (MontesaFRA) 78; 10: Pascal Couturier (Beta-FRA) 63; 11: Steve Saunders (Beta-GBR) 58; 12: Takumi Narita (Honda-JPN) 32; 13: Peter Jahn (Beta-FIN) 24; 14: Gabino Renales (Montesa-ESP) 24; 15: Marco Reit (Beta-NL) 18. MACHINES: Beta 7; Aprilia 2; Fantic 3; Montesa 2; Honda 1. WINS: Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP) 8; Diego Bosis (Aprilia-ITA) 2; Donato Miglio (Fantic-ITA) 2.
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October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
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A NEW BEGINNING
Despite the fact that we are sailing through uncharted waters in this Covid 19 situation, the well-known and popular trials rider Richard Timperley has decided on a new beginning in life. Based near Chesterfield in Derbyshire, he is bringing his knowledge of both his passion and his previous employment to a new motorcycle trials dealership trading under his new company name Camio Moto. After a successful career in the financial world and the automotive industry, at the ripe old age of 37, he feels that the time is right to open the doors on his new business. Trial Magazine recently went along to the new Camio Moto headquarters to find out more. Words: Trial Magazine with Richard Timperley • Pictures: Trials Media and Colin Bullock
G
rowing up on the family farm was a trials haven and, yes, you have guessed it: along with a whole generation of off-road riders starting in the mid-70s he cut his teeth on a Yamaha TY80 – who didn't? Father Mark is a well-known rider and he and his mum Carol, who was a regular observer for many years, both supported him in the sport. Father and son have competed in many Scottish Six Days Trials, with Richard's first attempt at the event back in 2002 on the Sherco before recording his best result in 2004 finishing in 17th position on the Gas Gas. 98
A TWO-WHEELED LIFE
Quite a late starter when it came to competing trials, it became a little more serious in 1996 when on a yellow 160cc Gas Gas he came fifth overall in the ACU B Class British Championship. Enjoying his trials riding with the family, including brother Mathew also riding in events and sister Carol watching the fun, he progressed to second in 1997 before winning the B class title in 1998. Now feeling more confident it was time to move into the A Class British Championship, and in his first year in 1999 on the Beta, he finished
second before taking the prestigious title in 2000. A move to the new Sherco in 2001 was cut short with the outbreak of the 'Foot and Mouth' disease. Richard had started to work with his Grandad Tony, who was an electrical manufacturer. He enjoyed working alongside a man who would happily pass his business acumen onto Richard, which would later stand him in good stead. It was during this period that the decision was made not to try and follow the path to making a successful career in the trial's world. A difficult decision, but the family decided it was the correct one. October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
Camio Moto • Dealer Visit
A wide selection of parts and clothing are in stock and on the shelf.
HELLO, HELLO
Originally showing an interest in joining the Police force, Richard moved to Mercedes after spending two years at Chesterfield College studying Public Services and how it all worked. In 2005, he moved into the banking world, firstly with RBS until 2009 when he transferred to the Santander Banking group until 2012. In 2013, a new chapter opened when he moved into the automotive industry with Auto Windscreens for a short period before moving to Triangle Kia at Chesterfield in fleet sales and finance, which was where he worked until this new trials venture in 2020. After entering the 2001 SSDT – which was then cancelled – he has ridden in every Scottish Six Days Trial since on various machines. He still rates it as the best event of the year. He has supported the ACU British and S3 Championship series as well as many other UK nationals and still competes regularly. In 2016 he married Catherin Oakley, who is a GP Doctor. Catherin has two children, but the family has since grown to include two more boys with Richard; hence the new trading name Camio, using the two boys' names, Cameron and Oscar.
The choice is yours.
CAMIO MOTO
Richard Timperley: "After a long time enjoying selling cars, I decided it was now or never to make a change of direction and to follow my instinct. I have always enjoyed competing in trials and always wanted to be involved with the industry. Camio Moto is my vision of what I want to bring to the sport, and with my knowledge of both competing and working in sales, I feel I have enough experience to open the new dealership. "Having received support from many of the importers over the years, for which I am eternally grateful, it's now time to continue this relationship on a business level and to work with them, to bring you, the customer, a level of service I can be proud of." Trial Magazine • October-November 2020
In the A Class ACU British Championship and in his first year in 1999 on the Beta, he finished second before taking the prestigious title in 2000.
A move to the new Sherco in 2001 was cut short with the outbreak of ‘Foot and Mouth’ disease.
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Youth • Isle of Man
ISLE OF MAN TRIALS
BUSINESS AS USUAL
COVID-19 pandemic has caused major impact this season with hundreds of events cancelled up and down the country resulting with limited opportunities to ride and compete. However, one part of the British Isles has managed to make it through this crisis better than most. With a strict lockdown of the Isle of Man’s border since late March, the virus was eliminated from their shores. There have been no new cases detected for well over 100 days, and whilst travel to and from the famous motorcycling haven is restricted, the local calendar is back and bigger than ever with no restrictions in place – it is literally business as usual! Report: Isle of Man Youth Trials Club Limited • Pictures: Brian Maddrell
T
here are six different clubs offering trials events on the island, with one of the busiest being the well-known Isle of Man Youth Trials Club. Scheduled to host a double-header of rounds in this year’s ACU Youth British Championship back in May (they last hosted in 2018), they re-planned their calendar following lockdown. In mid-August, they hosted the Youth Two-Day Trial over the weekend of the 15th and 16th of August at the venues pencilled in for the National championship rounds, Scarlett Point and Scarlett Farm, which also formed two rounds of the IOM Youth championship. In 2020, the club decided to move away from using the A–D age-related categories moving classes focussed on ability. They found riders often felt pushed out of the sport if they weren’t ready to be in the relevant category determined by their date of birth. There can be such a difference in ability within age groupings; this seemed to be the best option to try and boost rider numbers and stop people drifting away, with the club reporting some notable successes already.
Alice Chestnut-Cubbon (OSET)
THE ROOKIE CLASS
Isla Kennington (OSET)
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Danny Cain (Beta)
Catering for the youngest and most inexperienced riders, this class was well supported on the first day with six riders starting including a couple of complete newcomers. The top three positions were close at the end with Clodagh Higgins losing eight marks, Isla Kennington 10 and Thomas Kirk on 11 marks lost. Positions on Sunday were reversed with Isla getting the top spot from Clodagh in second and newcomer, Harry Kinrade, in third. This left Isla and Clodagh in joint first for the overall Two-Day, with Thomas Kirk and Harry Kinrade joining them on the podium at the end of the trial. October-November 2020 • Trial Magazine
Isle of Man • Youth
Jack Asbridge-Heard (Gas Gas)
Jack Christian (Beta)
Zac Lund (Beta)
CADET CLASS
Oliver Kennington led the way on both days in the very well-supported Cadet class (12 riders) losing a total of one mark for the weekend — a solitary dab on Sunday morning. He was pushed all the way on the first day by the returning Evan Arnold, who matched his clean ride, and the pair were closely followed by the leading girl, Alice Chestnut-Cubbon, who rode very well to lose just two marks. The second day saw a slightly tougher course set out for these predominantly OSET mounted riders, with Kennington losing his dab early in the trial. Harrison Doyle slotted into second place on Sunday on 16, with Alice ChestnutTrial Magazine • October-November 2020
Cubbon backing up her first day’s performance with a third-place score of 18. This left the overall positions for the weekend with Oliver in first place, Alice taking second and Harrison in third.
INTERMEDIATE ‘EVO’ CLASS
The progression to the Intermediate ‘Evo’ class is designed as a stepping stone for riders as they progress onto petrol machines or join the sport at a slightly older age. It saw Zac Lund as the only finisher on Saturday; the long lap putting Carter Cubbon and his OSET out of contention. The shorter lap on Sunday allowed Carter to successfully complete the day, losing 35 marks to Lund’s 54. But Travis Bradshaw came back from a first day DNF to pip them both with a great ride of 34 to take the win.
Stanley Cubbon (Beta)
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HARRY HEMINGWAY - IMAGE CREDIT - TRIALS MEDIA - FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RD1 ISOL A 2000, FRANCE