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April-May 2021
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Editor John Hulme
(NUJ No: 949620)
Editorial Staff Cyrille Barthe, Phil Disney, Nick Shield, Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley and John Moffat.
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FIM Trial World Championship Jack Price
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THE TEAM Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou
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Printing: Buxtons Press Distribution: Warners Group Publications © 2021 CJ Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Great care is taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this publication, but neither CJ Publishing Ltd or the editor can be held responsible for its contents. The views expressed are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Publishers. Trial Magazine is published by: CJ Publishing Limited, registered in England Number: 5947718. Trial Magazine: ISSN: 1753-0040. Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
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Cover: Jorge Casales (GASGAS-ESP) Photo Credit: Trials Media
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News • The world of trials
2021 VERTIGO-VERTICAL-R3 The new 2021 Vertigo-Vertical-R3 model has been extensively revised, both internally and externally, and is the direct evolution of its hugely successful predecessor, the R2 — the best-selling model in the history of Vertigo Motors. This new model benefits from a full year of technical advancements and developments following feedback from the world championship factory team. It ensures the new 2021 R3 model is more refined and advanced than ever before. It is available in the entire Vertigo engine range of 125, 200, 250, 280 and 300cc versions. Each of these engine sizes has been subject to meticulous testing and technical development by the Vertigo engineers. Revised for 2021, the airbox helps to significantly increase engine performance thanks to an
increased volume and new apertures on the top. It provides better performance throughout the rev range, especially in the lower RPM. New mapping has also been developed to work in conjunction with the new airbox to help maximise overall engine performance. The Racing throttle body and 366g flywheel weight ensure an extremely responsive yet smooth and controllable power delivery. Up at the front, new billet-machined triple clamps finished in anodised black are lighter and provide a new steering angle
for improved manoeuvrability and stability. The footrest supports have also been revised for 2021, having been lowered by 5mm and inclined forward 5° to offer better rider stability. The latest-spec Tech racing front forks and two-way Reiger multiadjustable rear shock provide extremely smooth and responsive feedback to the rider whilst also allowing further fine-tuning of the suspension setup depending on the rider’s individual riding style. There is a new clutch configuration for 2021 with a new spring, pre-load, and dimension of the clutch pack to eliminate clutch drag and offer a smoother gear selection. The carbon-fibre engine case-guards on this model protect vulnerable parts of the engine whilst adding to the Factory look.
MICHELIN VAN TYRE
SAVE £1,000 AT GASGAS
2021 is about to get way more interesting as GASGAS dealers in the UK are offering a massive £1,000 off any 2020 or 2021 trials machine*. Super-fun and incredibly easy to ride, the GASGAS TXT RACING models are perfect for playful hobby riders – no matter what their experience. The GP range turns things up a notch; they’re ideal for those a little more serious about their riding and their desire to compete to a higher level. Both ranges are ready, willing and able for riders to ‘Get On The Gas’ and take 2021 head-on! The following models are included: TXT RACING 125, now £5,299; TXT RACING 250, now £5,499; TXT RACING 280, now £5,599; TXT RACING 300, now £5,699; TXT GP 125, now £5,799; TXT GP 250, now £5,999; TXT GP 280, now £6,099; and TXT GP 300, now £6,199. Claiming a discounted GASGAS trial model couldn’t be easier! Simply contact one of the 18 authorised GASGAS dealers in the UK, and they will be able to arrange Covid-19 secure pick-up or contact-free delivery of any MY21 or MY20 TXT RACING or GP trial bike. *Limited time offer. Only at participating authorised GASGAS dealers. Save £1,000 on the purchase price of all new 2020TrialMag or 2021 GASGAS TXT RACING or TXT GP models. Only Feetup Trials 0920.pdf 1 14/09/2020 21:56 while stocks last.
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Michelin has now carried that winning formula from the world of motorcycle trials across to what many would consider the ultimate all-season van and light-truck tyre with the Agilis CrossClimate. Off-road events usually start in difficult-to-access paddocks or fields, and the primary mode of transport for the rider and machine is a van or light truck. The nature of this type of vehicle makes it difficult to operate in muddy or challenging conditions, which very often play a part in the off-road world. Whilst enjoying watching the world’s best off-road riders perform on two wheels, the Michelin tyre technicians wanted to convert the mindset of the rider from their favourite choice of motorcycle rubber to that of the vehicle they are using to attend events — in other words, a van and light-truck tyre that would perform. Trial Magazine has been1120.pdf putting the1new12/11/2020 rubber through its paces and RAS Sport TrialMag 22:10 can confirm that it delivers on all levels.
2021 MODELS AVAILABLE
Email: alanatfeetup@gmail.com
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April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine
125cc / 200cc / 250cc / 280cc / 300cc
AVAILABLE NOW FROM YOUR NEAREST VERTIGO DEALER Key Features New airbox-increased performance
New billet machined triple clamps
New R3 specific mapping
New clutch configuration
New footrest brackets 5mm lower
Billet machined wheel hubs
Factory machined rear rim
366g flywheel weight kit
Carbon fiber engine case guards
Racing throttle body
Intercooler anodised red
Renthal handle bar & renthal grips
Reiger rear shock
Tech racing alluminium forks
Weight 68kgs
New white plastics & R3 graphics.
www.vertigomotors.com
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News • The world of trials
ACU TRIAL GB 2021
GASGAS SUPPORT DANCE
The ACU Trials & Enduro Committee are delighted to announce that the opening round will remain at the Hookwood Trials Centre. Breaking from the traditional Saturday date, the event will now take place on Sunday 23rd May 2021. It is hoped that the Government road map will stay on track, which would mean that following step three, due to take place on the 17th May, Hookwood members will be able to allow a limited number of loyal spectators to the event. Whilst rounds two and three have now also been confirmed as the Devon double-header at the end of June, it is hoped that subject to Covid restrictions, all rounds can be finalised very soon. There may still be a need for restrictions, but if the British public follow the rules going forward and the vaccination rollout continues, we should have close to a normal season.
SCORPA 2021
For the 2021 season, Scorpa has created a team of young riders that include Great Britain’s Billy Green, Harry Turner and Alice Minta. The Scorpa factory, along with Scorpa UK, wants to support and help them acquire their first taste of victory under the orange colours. This season they are focusing their efforts on two categories; the FIM Trial World Championship Trial2 and Trial 125. Billy Green (left) will compete in the Trial2 class and Harry Turner the Trial125 class. Alice Minta (pictured right) will compete in the Women’s TrialGP class. There will be no TrialGP rider from Scorpa, but both Arnau Farre and Sergio Ribau will join Billy Green in Trial2 as part of the factory team searching for John Lee Classic world championship success.TrialMag 0820.pdf 1 09/08/2020 23:05
Jack Dance has fulfilled a dream by signing to GASGAS as a support rider to compete in the FIM Trial125 World Championship in 2021. The precociously talented 15-year-old from West Sussex, in England, has been delivering title after title in the junior ranks at home, winning the British 125 title last year at a canter having won every round, and so a move to international competition was always likely for 2021. Last year Dance broke through to the international scene with strong rides in the disrupted 2020 FIM Trial125 World Championship. These performances culminated in a win at the final round of the season in Italy that gained him an impressive fourth position in his debut appearance in the championship. The improvement through the international season, coupled with his obvious talent and his ability to deliver a win, was enough to attract the attention of GASGAS to sign him as a support rider for 2021. Dance will also compete in the UK’s ACU series, supported by long-term sponsor and GASGAS dealer John Shirt Motorcycles.
S3 – SAFE HANDS
Keep your hands safe with the new range of S3 gloves, as used by Takahisa Fujinami and his young son. The glove range covers all sizes and models of different designs to suit all weather conditions to keep the hands warm and safe. Dedicated youth clothing has also been added to the ever-expanding clothing range.
£
TRRS RIDING KIT For all you TRRS owners out there, why not look the part with this new quality riding kit available from the official UK importer Steve Saunders? The new Toby Martyn replica TRRS UK clothing range is now available to purchase from the superb website: www.sxsuk.co.uk
IF YOU HAVE READ THIS THEN SO HAVE YOUR CUSTOMERS
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To advertise contact John on 01663 749163 or email: england@trialmag.com
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April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine Trial Mag House Ad EPH 0720.indd 1
15/07/2020 14:56
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Photos: Future7Media, Mitterbauer H.
£1000 REASONS TO GIVE IT A TRIAL GET ON THE GAS and save £1,000* on any of our 2020 or 2021 GASGAS trial bikes. Super-fun and incredibly easy to ride, our TXT RACING models are perfect for playful hobby riders while the GP-range turns things up a notch, ideal for those a little more serious about their riding. #GetOnTheGas @gasgas.official
* Limited time offer. Only at participating authorized GASGAS dealers in the UK. Save £1,000 on the purchase price of all new 2021 or 2020 GASGAS TXT RACING or TXT GP model. Only while stocks last. Please contact your local dealer for more information. Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations! The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
Shopping • What’s new
WHAT’S ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST?
PUTOLINE ‘PUT OFF’ BIKE WASH Available in 1 and 5 Litre’s. Web: www.neodistribution.co.uk
APICO HEBO SENTINEL JACKET Red and Black. Web: www.apico.co.uk
S3 BACK PROTECTOR
CE Level 1 Approved Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
GASGAS TXT REIGER 3-Way Hydraulic Rear Shock. Web: www.gasgas.com
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APICO HEBO SENTINEL PANTS Red and Black. Web: www.apico.co.uk
MICHELIN VAN AGILIS CROSSCLIMATE TYRE All Vans. Web: www.michelin.co.uk
April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine
What’s new • Shopping
GASGGAS SOFT SHELL JACKET Team Replica. Web: www.gasgas.com
S3 HYBRID JACKET
Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
ELECTRIC MOTION SHIRT AND PANT
Web: www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk
S3 TRRS ‘LONG’ FRONT PIPE
Titanium Quality Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com
WULFSPORT IMPACT HELMET Various Colour Ways Web: www.wulfsport.com
TRRS BALANCE BIKE
Model: Magnesium Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com
Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
APICO TITANIUM TRIALS FOOTREST’S All-Models. Web: www.apico.co.uk
OSET WORKSHOP MAT Web: www.osetbikes.com
GASGAS TXT AIRBOX
Carbon Fibre. Web: www.gasgas.com
OSET MULTI-SCARF Designed for the younger rider. Web: www.osetbikes.com
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Ambition • TrialGP
AMBITIONS
BRIDGING THE GAP TO THE TOP
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP).
As we went to print, the Covid-19 situation was still very much a talking point, especially concerning the start of the world championships. Both the 2021 FIM X-Trial and TrialGP World Championship seasons will now start later in the year. The FIM Trial World Championship and, in particular, the TrialGP class, our premier class in trials, is struggling to attract a decent entry. Still, it is very difficult to bridge the gap to make it through the process from Trial125 and Trial2 to arrive at the TrialGP standard. We ask, what is the answer? With both James Dabill and Jack Price now retired from the world championship, the first round is pencilled in for 15th May in Japan. Great Britain will now only have one rider, Dan Peace, in TrialGP; so, how do you bridge the gap? Article: Trials Media Pictures: Trials Media and Eric Kitchen 22
Great Britain’s Dougie Lampkin (Montesa) had set the bar so high with 12 FIM world titles to his name.
April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine
Trial GP • Ambition
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Why not get the kids at the TWC early?
ell-documented in this magazine is the career path of Yorkshire’s James Dabill. One of the most gifted riders of the more present generation, he had a tough act to follow as Great Britain’s Dougie Lampkin had set the bar so high with 12 FIM world titles to his name. Lampkin had based himself in Spain to be where the action was, and Dabill had spent his early career living in Italy. To base yourself in Europe is where you need to be, but throw in the cost of accommodation, the ever-present and much-needed minder/van driver/mechanic — whichever way you want to dress it up, this second man is needed — it starts to become very expensive to follow the dream.
TRIAL125
It will always be a challenging introduction to the FIM Trial World Championship, but is it the correct one? Why not introduce an electric class, where the process starts before the Trial125? Since the introduction of the OSET electric trials machines, the youth experience has opened the door to so many young riders who then successfully made a move across the void to the fuel-aspirated two- and four-strokes. Throttle control and balance are the main attributes to learn at a young age in motorcycle trials’ slow-speed world. It has been proven that the young rider can swop from electric to petrol; they are young, and in the learning process of life, so anything can be achieved with enough desire.
Electric Motion is the only manufacturer to produce a full range of adult electric models.
Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
At the moment the TrialE class only attracts older riders, whereas the young riders are the future.
The electric experience could be introduced at the world rounds as a demonstration of trials and so get the young riders onto the ‘circuit’ that is the world championship. This model of selling trials could be used to the youngsters’ advantage by giving demonstrations in the town centres to attract the public; why not? At the moment, the TrialE class only attracts older riders, whereas the young riders are the future. Trial125 is very much still a ‘Dad and Lad’ experience where relationships are ultimately put to the test. The ‘family bank’ comes into play hoping that a manufacturer or a sponsor, usually a family friend, can help fund it further. The riders are so exciting to watch, full of young determination on the 125cc capacity machines. Once again, to succeed, you need to find a back door open to the manufacturers to support a true challenge for the title. As they say, ‘You need to be under the awning’ at the factory transporter to gain that extra level of support needed to succeed.
Lorenzo Gondola (Scorpa-ITA) was the first FIM Trial125 World Champion in 2017; he moved into Trial2 and still has his sights on moving higher up the ladder.
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117 YEARS OLD
All Change • Jack Price
GOING RACING JACK PRICE
We first noticed this young rider, so full of enthusiasm for life, riding a trials motorcycle at an ACU Youth British Championship round way back in 2008. Supported all the way by his father, Richard, and his mother, Dawn, as well as his older brother, Connor, Jack Price and his family have seen it all; from the ACU youth scene right through to the dizzy heights of the FIM Trial World Championship in the TrialGP class. Success has come along from the early years with five ACU Youth British Championship wins and two Trial GB adult titles in more recent times. By Jack’s own admission, the move into the TrialGP class, where he rode from 2017 through to the Covid-19-condensed 2020 year, was tough. He was rewarded with factory-supported rides from Gas Gas and Vertigo. He also had a healthy bank of sponsors, supporting his quest to succeed in the sport’s premier league. He gave it 100%, but with an injury-hit 2020 season, he announced at the year’s end he was moving away from trials. In his own words, he was going racing. Read on. Words: Yoomee with JP34 Pictures: Trials Media, Nige’ Trials UK’ Pearson 30
April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine
Jack Price • All Change
2012: Picking the line at the Richmond ACU Youth class round. 2008: Feet-up on the Beta; learning the ropes at Victory Quarry, Dove Holes.
2009: It was a move to Gas Gas and the start of the relationship with John R Shirt.
Going racing? Tell us more. Straight in there, John — haha! Yes, ‘going racing’ sounds weird but also exciting. I’m at the point in my life where trials isn’t giving me that same kick I used to get, and I’m heading to do some racing to look for that adrenaline I’ve always had in trials. Seeing my very good friend, Billy Bolt, have so much success, and many other top trials riders such as Graham Jarvis, Jonny Walker, etc., in fact, all the top riders in Extreme Enduro, it does make you wonder what could be. Have you carried any of your sponsors across to Enduro? Yes, I have, which is absolutely amazing — Sound Advice, Michelin, Rock Oil and Renthal are the main ones that have stuck with me for this new adventure, so I have to thank them a lot for believing in me. My sponsors in trials were always incredible, and I always had a lot of people believing in me, which made things a lot better. I can’t thank my Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
parents enough for everything they’ve done for me; it really is incredible. I have the full backing from ‘Nige and OJ’ at Sound Advice which is a major help. They’re my main team, as you would say, and are there through the good and bad times, which makes for a very good team. I was fortunate enough to ride for two factory teams in my career: Gas Gas for most of my career, with huge help from the importer at the time, John R ‘Shirty’ Shirt, and a quick stint at Vertigo with wicked help from Vertigo UK. Rewinding the clock; why trials? Wow, where to start! I got into trials because we were good friends with the neighbours, who bought their middle son a trials machine. My older brother, Connor, was of a similar age, so he was lucky enough to then have a trials machine to ride. Of course, as soon as I was old enough, I fancied a go too and got a Yamaha PW50 at the tender age of four. My first memory on the PW50 was blasting round a field in the next village from ours with
my dad chasing me to get me off it; the PW won — it was faster than my dad! We did a bit of cycle trials on our mountain bikes and got into trials that way. My first memory was at Bracken Rocks at a club trial. I can’t remember how it ended, but we definitely had fun. You won your first ACU youth title in 2006 I did one round in Richmond in 2005 on my Gas Gas 50 Boy and came second in the D class to Lee Sealey. So in 2006, we decided we would do the full series and just see what happened. I won the championship, and then it was a jump from a Gas Gas 50 Boy to a Beta 80 ‘Big wheel’; my legs didn’t even touch the floor! In 2007, I broke my arm, and with the transition, it was tough. I rode one national in 2007, I think again in Richmond; I nearly maxed out and finished last. But I went back to the drawing board and practised. I was fourth in 2008 in the championship and then won it in 2009.
2013: A trip to the podium in the 125cc class at the FIM World round at Carlisle with third position behind Bradley Cock and Iwan Roberts.
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Focus • Billy Green
AN ORANGE OUTLOOK BILLY GREEN
We can all agree that the Covid-19 pandemic has been very challenging in all areas of life. In a shortened, disrupted and condensed 2020 FIM Trial World Championship season, it affected the teams and riders in many ways. The season started in September and was over by the second week in October. If you were on form for those few weeks, you were fine; if not it proved very difficult. The pressure to perform to your very best was intense as the proceedings changed, with no qualifying, and the events became two points-scoring days. After a successful youth career and a move into the FIM Trial World Championship in the 125 class in 2017, Billy Green won the Trial125 title in 2018 on the Beta. This result was rewarded with a move into the Trial2 class as part of the satellite RG Trials Team on the four-stroke Montesa Cota 4RT on a two-year contract. As the team closed at the end of 2020, Billy had moved back to two-stroke power and the Scorpa factory team on a one-year deal for 2021. Our focus in this magazine is on the ‘Orange Outlook’ as Billy Green looks for a more positive 2021. Words: Trials Media with Billy Green • Pictures: Trials Media, Barry Robinson, Scorpa and Millie Duval 40
2018: FIM Trial125 Trial World Champion — Thank you to mum and dad.
April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine
Billy Green • Focus
2010: ACU Youth D Class Small Wheel British Trials Champion on the Gas Gas.
2020: One last ride on the RG Trials/Honda UK Montesa.
2012: Roll the clock forward and the smiles are getting bigger.
The future’s bright, the future’s orange If I hear that one more time! Yes, I am very excited about the opportunity I have been given by Scorpa, which, as we all know, is an orange machine. I had other options for 2021, but nothing was as secure as what Scorpa could offer me. I will ride in the Trial2 class on factory-supported machines and, in the UK, Nigel and June Birkett will support me as the official importers of Scorpa. I spoke with Nigel quite a lot before I decided to move to the two-stroke; he was very supportive, his reputation is second to none — as is his word. He was very honest and open with me, explaining what I need to do to achieve the results I am looking at — not just in the world championship but also at home here in the UK. Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
2012: ACU Youth C Class Medium Wheel British Trials Champion on the RCM Beta.
Covid-19 will control the 2021 events, but I was looking forward to my first ride in the Scottish Six Days Trial, and I would have also contested the S3 road-based national series, as well as the ACU British Championship. He also made it quite clear that I would also be obliged to ride in centre events when time permitted to spread the Scorpa name in my neck of the woods. Nigel’s very honest Yes, to the point that it does make you take a little step back and listen — when he is talking, I am listening! I knew that the transition from the four-stroke Montesa would not be a quick one,
but it has been far easier with the support from Nigel, if I am honest. The two engines, fourstroke and two-stroke, and their characteristics are totally different. Both engines are very powerful, as you would expect, and both have an excellent clutch action, which is very important in the way you ride. You cannot really compare the two machines as they are so different in handling and performance, but both are very good in their own ways. The Montesa rides very solid, and, for me, the suspension was the best part of the machines. On the Scorpa, it rides more what I would call flowing – smooth and agile. 41
Crossover • Tom Sagar
TOM SAGAR
CHANGING GEAR Good memories of motorcycling families hold well with me, and the name Sagar is one of them. I bashed rocks at trials with two brothers, Colin and Paul Sagar, under the guidance of their father Alan on my many trips into Wales in the 70s and 80s. I lost touch with Colin for many years but Paul emerged a few years later with a larger-than-life son, Tom. Always with an infectious smile and polite voice, we became good friends as his life followed his father Paul’s into off-road riding. A very competitive trials rider, with the success that followed he was one of the early pioneers of my generation who I watched move from the slow-speed world of trials to the fullthrottle racing action of the enduro world. The success continued as a professional rider in a factory team in the world championship before a move to the domestic home scene brought him into contact with Paul ‘Fast Eddy’ Edmondson. On our recent ‘Dealer Visit’ feature on the Fast Eddy empire I got talking with Tom and his path to the job he now holds with Paul Edmondson; as he said it’s basically just a change of gear… Words: John Hulme with Tom Sagar • Pictures: Peter J Beardmore, Trials Media
2008: Full factory.
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So what is the new change of gear? My primary job role at ‘Fast Eddy’ is running the race series. There’s something about building enduro or extreme tracks that ticks the box for me. The team and I are always trying to build and run the best tracks we can, and it’s actually quite good training. At the moment, the shop is a kind of a fill-in job. However, now that I have spent so much time there, it will be fairly easy to fall in and out of this particular role once racing resumes. The events take up a lot of time and effort to make them the success story they are, as do the training schools. I feel very privileged to be part of the success story and be so involved with the off-road motorcycle world.
2001: In Spain on the Beta for the European Championship round.
April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine
Tom Sagar • Crossover
2002: On the podium in Italy, from left: Tony Bou (Beta-ESP); Isaac Pons (Gas Gas-ESP); Tom Sagar (Beta-GBR); James Dabill (Scorpa-GBR).
I remember your early trials days. Do you? One seen, never forgotten. Trust me, John! Joking apart, I know how long you have known our family, and in particular my Gran and Grandad. They have been very much a part of my whole career, going right back to the early days. Since the age of seven, I have been riding motorcycles. By the age of nine, I had competed in my first season of ACU Youth Class British Trials, when I won the 1995 D class championship. It was a case of trials and more trials. Correct, nothing else mattered; all I wanted to do was ride in trials and eventually beat my father, Paul. I never looked back after that first title and went through the youth classes winning all the relevant ACU age and class championships. In 2001, I finished third overall in the European Junior Trials Championship. These were fantastic times against many riders who would become world-class trials riders. Sharing the podium with a certain Toni Bou and Great Britain’s James Dabill in 2003 were also special moments. You started to mix trials and enduro in 2004. After competing in the adult trials championships, where I won the ACU Expert class from 2003 to 2005, I felt that my career wasn’t going in the direction I wanted. Being an enduro fan and my father being an ex-British Enduro Champion, I was tempted to take the gamble and race
2002: Loving life on the Beta, competing in Europe.
Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
2008: Mixing trials with enduro at the Scottish Six Days Trial.
enduros. The gamble paid off, winning my first Expert championship in the first year in 2004. My mind was made up; I wanted to race motorcycles — not ride them, race them. With some strong, encouraging results, you went ‘Full Factory.’ Three years later, I became a KTM factory rider. I’d had a strong season in 2006, winning the E2 European Junior Championship and good results in the British. I finished third overall in 2007 — a very strong year in my first KTM season riding in the FIM Junior World Championship. It gave me the chance to ride for the factory team. I competed on a 250F rather than the 450, which I had such success riding the year before. It was a great experience riding for a factory team, but with the season I had, it just wasn’t meant to be.
2008: With my right-hand man, father Paul.
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Top Five• John Lampkin
MY MACHINES JOHN LAMPKIN
Over the last five decades in motorcycle trials, we have had combinations of man and machine that have proved very successful with periods in the sport where one man and one particular machine totally suited them and their riding style. Some combinations spring to mind. In the ’70s, Rob Shepherd and the long-stroke, four-stroke Honda followed by Steve Saunders in the ’80s, again on the four-stroke RTL Honda. In the ’90s Dougie Lampkin, on the first yellow Beta Techno, and then Takahisa Fujinami, the last two-stroke FIM World Trials Champion, in 2004 on the Honda/Montesa Cota 315. We don’t even need to ask Toni Bou his favourite machine; he has ridden one to 28 FIM World titles — the Montesa Cota 4RT! The Beta UK importer from Yorkshire, John Lampkin, had a long and successful trials career. In a recent conversation, I asked him what his top five favourite trials machines were. Here we find out more and, most importantly, why. Words: Yoomee with John Lampkin • Pictures: Eric Kitchen, Barry Robinson, Yoomee Archive, Toon Van De Vliet, Alan Vines, Mauri/Fontsere Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright 62
April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine
John Lampkin • Top Five
1986 SSDT with Eddy Lejuene
J
ohn Lampkin needs no introduction, but for those of you who do not know, he is the oldest son of the off-road legend from the ’60s Arthur Lampkin and his wife, Josephine. They introduced John to the world in 1963, followed by two other sons, Stephen and David, but he would be the one who would follow his famous father’s footsteps into the two-wheeled world of motorcycle trials. In the mid-70s, he would move into the sport when the schoolboy trials scene started to come to life before progressing on to the world stage in 1981 and then as a factory-supported rider in 1982. An unfortunate accident in 1986 ended his world championship aspirations, instead becoming the importer of the Italian brand, Beta, the following year. In the summer of 1987, he also made a triumphant return to competitive riding on the UK trials scene. In the early ’90s, he retired from competitive riding to focus on the importers for the off-road Beta motorcycle range.
MY TOP FIVE
When I first spoke to John about his top five machines, he pointed out that he had actually only really ridden five different brands in his career: Bultaco, SWM, Armstrong/CCM, Fantic and Beta; he laughed and asked me just how much homework I had done on this article… so we have based this top five around those five manufacturers. Apart from his introduction to the two-wheeled world on a converted road-going Suzuki, it has always been the aforementioned manufacturers. His first ‘real’ trials machine was a Bultaco Tiron 100cc model from Mr Bulto himself, as he had watched him riding his pushbike at the SSDT and thought it was time for him to start riding a motorcycle in 1973. In the schoolboy trials, he started riding the 125cc Bultaco Lobito with
1996 Team Lampkin
the yellow fuel tank. Then he progressed through the youth trials on a 250cc Bultaco, which he carried on riding into the adult world of road trials in 1980.
WORLD TRIALS
John then moved to an SWM. His uncle, Martin Lampkin, was the importer. He took his first national win at the John Douglas Trial, followed by the first ACU British Trials Championship win at the Alan Trial in 1981. He rode the 1981 FIM World Trials Championship on the SWM before moving to the Hiro-engined Armstrong/CCM for the 1982 season, where he scored the first of many points in Spain, finishing seventh. In 1983, he joined Fantic to ride the 240, taking his only world round win in the USA, and then the 300 model in 1984. He went back to Armstrong in 1985 to compete on a prototype mono-shock Rotaxengined machine. In 1986 he went back to Fantic to ride the new 301 mono-shock model before a car crash mid-season. Due to the nature of his injuries, it cut short his career as a professional trials rider.
BETA IMPORTER
With his world championship aspirations over, he became the Italian Beta importer in April 1987, which would prove to be a very successful career move. The machines became the ones to have with the success of Jordi Tarres in the early days. In 2021, the brand is still as strong as ever. John has ridden most of the models over the years but now concentrates his efforts in trials, riding in the classic scene on some very nice restored Fantic twin-shocks. Over the following pages, we look at the five manufacturers he has ridden for.
2014 Electric Beta
Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
2014 SSDT
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Adam Raga • Replica
The 2007 Adam Raga Replica Gas Gas 300cc.
GAS GAS 300 2007
It was a red machine dominating in the FIM World Trials Championship in the mid-noughties but not from Japan’s big red contingent; no, it was the Spanish born-and-bred Gas Gas. Adam Raga had grown up on a red diet of Gas Gas, which was rewarded with his first of four consecutive FIM indoor world titles between 2003 and 2006 and two FIM outdoor titles in 2005 and 2006. The manufacturing capacity of new production models was at its limit at the factory in Girona, but the buying public wanted a replica of the winning machine. Gas Gas was more than happy to present the 2007 Adam Raga Replica Gas Gas 300cc as an addition to its hugely successful ‘Pro’ model range in 2007. Words: Yoomee • Pictures: Cyrille Barthe, Gas Gas and Trials Media
M
otorcycle trials was going through a very strong period of machine sales, and the sport was very exciting in all areas, including the European and world championships. In the UK, this publication — Trial Magazine — had just been successfully launched. Following in the footsteps of Adam Raga, many riders fancied their chances of emulating the Spanish superstar. The option to purchase the Raga replica meant that it sold out almost immediately when it was released for sale to the general public. Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
WINNING REPLICA
It made commercial sense for the Gerona factory to capitalise on their success with the launch in May 2007 of the Raga replica, presented as an all-singing, all-dancing copy of his winning machine. Based on the successful Pro model range with its compact water-cooled two-stroke engine, the Raga Replica made good use of the ‘Gasser’s’ super-effective 300cc of 75
Dealer Visit • John Lee & Sons
ALWAYS A DEAL JOHN LEE & SONS
Long-established companies always give potential customers confidence in doing business with them based on their history of service. It was a proud moment for a young John Lee when he opened the doors of the present premises to start his own motorcycle business in 1964. A regular trials rider, John won the South Midland Centre Trials Championship series more than any other rider in the centre’s history — a total of ten times from 1957 through to 1975. Having built the business up through hard graft, he and his wife, Lesley, were more than happy for the business to progress through to their two sons, Jack and Chas, when they retired in 2015. Despite the difficult Covid-19 trading conditions, the two Lee sons have a vision of going forward with further plans to introduce new ideas to the business in 2021, as we are about to find out. Their father’s motto back in the day was ‘Ride on Sunday, and sell on Monday’. You’ll find Chas at the end of the phone; he will tell you there’s ‘always a deal’. Jack keeps his eyes on a bustling workshop supporting the customers’ confidence with excellent after-sales service. Many of them the sons of the father’s that John Lee originally served all those years ago! Words: Trials Media • Pictures: Trials Media
New off-road machines are always in stock.
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April-May 2021 • Trial Magazine
John Lee & Sons • Dealer Visit
Second-hand stock is prepared to a very high standard.
Steve Swanson, keeping another customer happy on the phone.
P
icking up the telephone for Chas Lee is like second nature – even while producing this article. When making a call to the shop to ask some questions, you feel obliged to buy something; he really has what’s known as the ‘Gift of the Gab’. As he will tell you, “Lively, friendly banter is what the customer needs. They want to purchase something from you, so it’s always best to engage with them”. Chas is, shall we say, the front of house; he is the one who takes charge of the sales of new motorcycles from the off-road world, which is where they now specialise in their business.
Chas Lee: “Always a deal to be had”.
Jack Lee is the man for all workshop and upgrade work.
Under their parents’ guidance, Jack and Chas now have good heads for business as they go forward through the difficult Covid-19 and Brexit periods. They were both brought up on a mixture of two- and four-stroke fumes from a very young age as their parents encouraged them to enjoy their motorcycling. As an apprentice at the shop, Jack worked his way through the workshops to become a fully qualified Honda mechanic. He has covered
all areas of the off-road scene, including a period with James Dabill in the early part of his adult career in 2007. He was his minder and mechanic for four years before working alongside Adam Raga, then to Enduro before turning his focus to the business’s future. Chas joined the business straight from school and concentrated on trials. In 2011, he joined his proud father John as a winner of the South Midland Centre Trials Championship.
FAMILY BUSINESS
The business’s grass-roots go back to 1964 when John opened his doors for the first time. He had his first son, Jonathan, from a previous marriage before he married his second wife, Lesley, with their boys Jack, Bryn and Charley (aka Chas) soon arriving into the world. With a successful trials career tucked under his belt, John changed his focus into building the business up until he and Lesley retired. Jack and Chas had worked their way into the family business as Bryn went down the route of education at Manchester University studying Architecture — he now has his own business, the Architecture Workshop. Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
A clean, open workshop is where the machines are ‘fettled’.
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01726 816181 www.stblazeymx.co.uk
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Trials • Magic Moments
COLIN BULLOCK
REMEMBERING THAT MOMENT The ability to laugh at one’s self takes the tension out of many difficult moments. When Colin Bullock contacted me with his ‘Magic Moments’ from trials, it certainly made me laugh. We all have to laugh at ourselves sometimes, trust me! One of Colin’s comments reminded me of one of my ‘Moments’ which, in hindsight, I had to laugh at. I had new camera gear I wanted to use all packed in my camera bag. I was travelling down to Devon for a British Championship trial and met my good friend John R Shirt at his house. He loaded my bags into his van, perfect. So we arrive at the trial on the Saturday in time for practice, and my camera bag is missing. After telling John I was not happy, the minder for Michael Brown, Shaughan Galway, turned to me and laughed; he said it was like a porn star turning up at a photoshoot with no cock! I then phoned my wife, who asked me why I had not taken my camera bag out of my office! Brilliant. Check the mirror to see your face, and I bet you’re laughing when you read about what Colin Bullock got involved with at trials; checkout these ‘Magic Moments’. Words: John Hulme and Colin Bullock • Pictures: Colin Bullock and Yoomee
PRE-65 SCOTTISH: Taking some photos at Colesnacoen section 2 in the Pre-65 Scottish a few years back, a competitor was through the begins card. An enormous roar sounded, and the observer ducked, and I followed suit. The rider reached the ends card still clean as the low-flying RAF Jet disappeared from view, only to be asked to ride the sub again as he had not been observed.
Trial Magazine • April-May 2021
TAKAHISA FUJINAMI: At an early Hawkstone FIM World Trials Championship round, the riders had a section inspection on the afternoon before the trial. Takahisa Fujinami was stood with a few other riders on a large rock, looking down as Dougie Lampkin turned up. His Acapella version of Rule Britannia was not expected, but it was memorable – even if not for the right reasons. I have yet to find anyone who can verify this, but I could not have made it up, surely!
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NEW!
TRIALS MODELS A SUPERB GIFT FOR
ANY TRIAL ENTHUSIATS From Spanish model manufacturer, TrialReplic, in association with Yoomee, present its range of 1:6 scale size replica trials motorcycles exclusively for sale in the UK. TrialReplic is a family business that was created out of a passion for our wonderful sport of motorcycle trials. The company is dedicated to the manufacture of 1:6 scale replicas of motorcycle trials models, using both metal and plastic materials in their production.
Honda RTL RED
We all remember the winning years of this machine in the hands of the FIM World Trials Champion Eddy Lejeune from Belgium and ACU British Trials Champion Rob Shepherd.
Ossa Mick Andrews Replica
This Mick Andrews Replica model is a fitting tribute to the man who developed the Spanish Ossa, ‘Magical’ Mick Andrews.
The current model range includes Honda, Montesa and Ossa. More models are lined up for the future. Sold as display models for the collector, they make the perfect gift for the motorcycle trials enthusiast. Get yourself along to the website: www.yoomee.co.uk and start collecting these exciting models or call: 01663 749163 for more information. Each model is priced at £69.99 including FREE P&P.
Honda TLR
Very much a part of the classic trial’s scene in the modern world, this machine, the Honda TLR is the starting point for many of today’s highly modified four-stroke machines.
Montesa Cota 247
With a long sporting history of over 75 years the Cota 247 is the trials model that put the name of Montesa on the road to its worldwide trial’s success.
Honda RTL WHITE
In the USA, the four-stroke RTL ‘Team’ machines carried this white and red colour scheme as ridden by the late Marland Whaley.
Cota 247 Ulf Karlson Replica
A fitting tribute to the man that this Montesa replica model is named after, Sweden’s Ulf Karlson who gave Montesa early European success.
ORDER YOURS TODAY! www.yoomee.co.uk/product-category/trialreplic or call: 01663 749163 TO ORDER OVER THE PHONE Yoomee Ltd, 48 Albion Road, New Mills, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX
The Best Don’t Mess!
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#take it to the line
SAM CONNOR —
ACU TRIAL GB BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP DUDWOOD FARM image_credit: trials media