Issuu

SCOTT TRIAL

JACK’S PRIZE TRRS TIPS ON TOUR GASGAS UNITED IN DIRT WORKSHOP

771753 004072

9 0

SN 1 7 5 3 - 0 0 4 0 ISSUEI S90 • UK: £5.99

1753-0040

www.trialmaguk.com

December 2021-January 2022 9 0

ISSN

MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC • COMPETITION • FEATURES

ON TOUR

BTC

WORKSHOP

TO N I BOU - 2021 TRIALGP W ORLD CHAMPION

L AI A SAN Z - 2021 T R I AL G P W O M AN W O R L D C H A M P I O N

CHAMPIONSIONSHIP CONTROL TO B Y M ART YN - 2021 TRIAL2 W ORLD CHA MPION

J AC K D AN C E - 2021 T R I AL G P 125 W O R L D C H A M P I O N

www.renthal.com PHOTO CREDIT : TRIAL MEDIA

Trial Magazine • Welcome

CONTACT Online: www.trialmaguk.com Email: england@trialmag.com Address: 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX United Kingdom

WELCOME 30

ON TOUR

CATCH UP

MY WORLD

FOCUSSED

WORKSHOP

TRADITIONAL

QUICK SPIN

FLASHBACK

SPORT

YOUTH

GASGAS United in Dirt Matteo Grattarola (Beta) Jack Dance (GASGAS)

THE TEAM Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou

Gael Chatagno (EM)

Executive Director Philippe Benhamou

TRRS Tips

Editor John Hulme

Scott Trial

(NUJ No: 949620)

2019 Gas Gas TXTE

Editorial Staff Cyrille Barthe, Phil Disney, Nick Shield, Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley and John Moffat. Photographers Colin Bullock, Eric Kitchen, Cyrille Barthe, Josh Turner, Yoomee, Trials Media, Barry Robinson, Don Morley, Mauri/Fontserè Collection and the Giulio Mauri Copyright, Andy Gregory, Toon Van De Vliet, Brian Holder and Leah Robinson.

FEATURES

2008 Scott Trial — Fujigas ACU Trial GB

ACU BTC

SIDECARS

101

LADIES

104

ACU BTC ACU BTC

Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com

Printing: Buxtons Press Distribution: Warners Group Publications © 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 • December 2021-January 2022

REGULAR SECTIONS TALK TRIALS: TONI BOU

NEWS

PADDOCK

SHOPPING

POSTER

SUPERSTORE

108

DEALER LOCATOR

110

SUBSCRIPTION FORM

112

Cover: Jack Price (Vertigo) 2021 Scott Trial Winner Photo Credit: John Hulme

Talk trials • Toni Bou

TONI BOU

FUJIGAS – THANK YOU!

Growing up around motorcycles, you soon start to understand the noise of the machines and, in some cases, the riders. When I started out into the adult world of the FIM World Trials Championship, one rider always caught my eyes and my ears; that rider was Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami. From the two-stroke years on the Cota 315 and then on the four-stoke Cota 4RT, it was always all-action and plenty of RPM; yes, we are talking full gas or, as he became better known, ‘Fujigas’. Words: Toni Bou with John Hulme • Pictures: Trials Media and Fili

I arrived at the Repsol Honda team in 2007 when both Dougie Lampkin and Takahisa Fujinami had devoted so much time developing the four-stroke Repsol Honda. Despite their rivalry, they worked very much as a team, sharing information with me on how to get the best from the four-stroke machine. As Dougie left the team at the end of 2007, I became even closer to ‘Fuji’ over the following years. He was still very much a winner and a world championship contender, but once the competition was over, he also became a good friend. Win or lose, he was always the same. Travelling together was so easy and such good fun as, I am sure you can imagine, almost anything could happen with him around! Long hours of machine development became good fun as we would spend so much time perfecting the machines. We would always push one another, which helped us raise our game in the constant quest for the coveted world title. After 26 seasons, ‘Fuji’ bows out of the sport as a top-level rider. He can raise his head

very high as the results speak for themselves. He started 355 events, became the 2004 FIM World Trials Champion, the last for a two-stroke machine, 168 podiums and 34 wins. He also finished in the world championship top-five over 20 consecutive seasons and has been the world championship runner-up on seven occasions. He remains the youngest rider to win a world championship event in 1997 at the age of 17 and holds the record for the most elderly rider, attained earlier in 2021 with a win in Italy aged 41. Arriving as a boy from Japan before growing into a man and becoming a world champion, ‘Fujigas’ we all salute you at Team Repsol Honda. See you in 2022, stay safe and well – Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou.

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

The pinnacle of competition. Championship dominating and constantly evolving, the Cota 4RT 301RR Race Replica is the choice of the ultimate trial champion. We’ve taken the best and made it that little bit better by creating a Race Replica that includes a distinguished World Championship decoration. Visit honda.co.uk to find out more. Moved by Dreams.

2022 125 | 250 | 280 | 300

`jv

Visit our website for more information.

TRS Parts UK

NEW PARTS NEWORDERING PARTS ORDERING WEB SITE WEB NOW SITE LIVE NOW www L OFFICIAL UK IMPORTER TRS Motorcycles UK, Cheltenham, Glos.

T: 01242 675015

2022 125 | 250 | 280 | 300

UK SPEC SOFT POWER

w.saundersextremesports.com www.saundersextremesports.com www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com E: sales@trsmotorcyclesuk.com

125 200 250 300

£5595 £5595 £5895 £5995

116 YEARS OLD

CMY

Shopping • What’s new

WHAT’S ON YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST?

S3 EM SPROCKETS

Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com

APICO TRRS REAR AXLE BLOCK

APICO HEBO HELMET

All Models 2016-2021 Red and Gold Web: www.apico.co.uk

Zone 4 Carbon Web: www.apico.co.uk

S3 TRIAL LEVER

S3-01 for BRAKTEC / AJP. Various colour ways. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com

MOTOREX LUBRICANTS Trial Gear Oil 75W Web: www.bickers-online.co.uk

TRIAL MAGAZINE BINDER

Keep your collection safe (magazines not included). Web: www.trialmaguk.com

TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS Waist Bag Web: www.trialendurodirect.com

TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS KIT Waterproof Jacket and Pants Web: www.trialendurodirect.com

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

What’s new • Shopping

APICO HEBO KIT

TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS KIT

Race Pro 111 Shirt and Pants. Various colour ways. Web: www.apico.co.uk

STEP6 Shirt and Pants. Various colour ways. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com

TRRS GLOVES

Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com

TRIALENDURODIRECT MOTS KIT

COMAS PROTECTION Riding Vest Web: www.comastrial.com

COMAS TRIALS GLOVE

Various Colour Ways Web: www.comastrial.com

STEP6 Windproof Proof Zip Top. Various colour ways. Web: www.trialendurodirect.com

MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC

• COMPETITION • FEATURE S

www.trialmaguk.com

LEGEND

GILLES BURGAT OLD GOLD

All styles, shapes, and Sizes Supplied Delivered and Erected Web: www.timberlandsheds.co.uk

Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

Winter 2021

TIMBERLAND SHEDS

ISSUE 39 • UK: £6.99

COTA 248

APICO FORMA KID’S BOOTS All Sizes Web: www.apico.co.uk

OLD GOLD

WINNER

1981 SWM STAG

WINNER

SPECIAL

CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE On subscription only Web: www.trialmaguk.com

SENSATIONAL

SCORPA

2022 FACTORY

JOIN THE REVOLUTION

TRIAL, TRAIL, FUN... You choose! TY125F

NOW AVAILABLE

4.2 ltr capacity longride tank to fit all the 2 stroke trial models from 2015 T: 01229 716806 F: 01229 716214 www.birkettmotosport.com E: nigel.birkett@talk21.com The Old Woodyard, Foxfield Road, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria LA20 6EZ

On Tour • GASGAS

GAS GAS

UNITED IN DIRT It is always good to be invited to any motorcycle manufacturer's presentation. At Trial Magazine, we focus 100% on trials, but as two-wheeled enthusiasts, we follow all forms of off-road discipline. Staying in Europe, the original Gas Gas brand was acquired by the Austrian company KTM AG, which owns KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles, and WP Suspension. The company rebranded GASGAS and now have introduced a new model range. Since the mid-80s, the Spanish manufacturer Gas Gas has enjoyed success mostly in trials and enduro with great names such as Jordi Tarres in trials and Paul Edmondson in enduro, both FIM world championship winners. However, despite success in both competition and sales for Gas Gas, it has had, shall we say, a turbulent history. Since 2020, its new permanent home is now in Austria. With a tried and tested trials range, the GASGGAS success has continued right at the cutting edge of the sport as Great Britain's hot new prospect Jack Dance demolished the opposition in the 2021 FIM Trial125 World Championship. He was not on his own, though; the 'Queen' of off-road riding, Spain's Laia Sanz, returned to the sport to take the Women's FIM TrialGP World Championship crown. 'United in Dirt' was the focus of the UK presentation of the 2022 GASGAS off-road range at Butts Quarry in Ashover, Derbyshire, in October.

Trial Magazine – Team fun.

Words: Team Trial Magazine: John Hulme, Michael Brown, Heath Brindley and Francisco Ramnial Pictures: GASGAS and Team Trial Magazine, Too fast Media, Heath Brindley and Francisco Ramnial

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

GASGAS • On Tour

United in Dirt – GASGAS.

n late October, the weather remained very friendly to the assembled the invited press and media from all areas of off-road riding, including Enduro, Motocross, Trials and a new area for GasGas, the two-wheeled world of E-Bikes. It was overcast and quite a cool day at Butts Quarry, near Ashover. Apart from the odd early-morning light shower, the old quarry workings were an ideal arena for GASGAS to demonstrate its investment and commitment to the famous name for the future and beyond.

PRESENTATION

for a light breakfast before the head of marketing Simon Roots, supported by his team from GASGAS, opened the door on the 'United in Dirt' day at 9.00am. Simon took us through a brief history of the manufacturer had been before explaining, with its wide range of models, where GASGAS would be heading in the future and beyond. It was quite interesting for Trial Magazine to hear not just about the manufacturer's future in trials but to also get an insight into where the motorcycle manufacturer would be heading with its enduro and motocross machines and, of course, the excellent new range of E-Bikes. As we have already expressed, GASGAS has enjoyed success in the slow-speed world of trials and the enduro and motocross worlds on a global scale.

It was a dark start from the home of Trial Magazine at New Mills in the High Peak for the one-hour drive to the outskirts of Chesterfield. The sat-nav pulled me in the right direction, heading towards the presentation as the dawn broke and the world woke up. It would be a brisk, early meet-up at 8.45am

Get on the GAS!

Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

On the limit, Browny puts the trials machines to the test.

Catch Up• Matteo Grattarola

BACK ON TRACK MATTEO GRATTAROLA

Since we started Trial Magazine here in the UK back in late 2006, I have noticed so many riders whose sole aim is to make it to the premier league of our two-wheeled sport, TrialGP. A few have been in TrialGP since we started, notably Toni Bou and Adam Raga. However, I noted another name back in 2006 who is still competing today, Italy's Matteo Grattarola. After progressing through the then-titled FIM Youth and Junior classes in the world championship, Matteo progressed into TrialGP (as we now know it) until 2010, where he finished in an encouraging 10th position. With a best finish of seventh overall in 2013, he did not contest the 2015 championship. After the sabbatical year, he came back in 2016 and 2017. The sport was changing, and so did Matteo, as he moved down to the new FIM Trial2 Class in 2018, winning the title on both four- and two-stroke machines with Honda/Montesa and Beta from 2018 to 2020. At the close of the 2020 season, he announced that he would be returning to the premier league, TrialGP, with full support from Beta. With what he described as unfinished business, had he made the correct decision? We are about to find out. Words: John Hulme with Matteo Grattarola • Pictures: Trials Media and Fili 30

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

Matteo Grattarola • Catch Up

Fully committed in the heat of Andorra 2021.

Well done on your 2021 world championship result! Matteo Grattarola: "Thank you. It has been a very competitive year, and I am delighted with the outcome. I started the year with a very open mind, focusing on enjoying riding in trials. As we now know, I was very competitive from the very first round, which was on home ground in Italy. I felt very happy with the support from Beta, and the machine was just what I needed. I really enjoyed the challenge of the more difficult sections found in TrialGP, which brought out the best in my riding. In the first round in Italy, Toni Bou and Adam Raga had their usual battle at the front, but I came home third and made it to my first ever podium in the top class, beating some of the much younger riders." Did it encourage you? Matteo: "100% yes. It made me realise that I could be competitive in TrialGP after three winning years in Trial2. On the second day in Italy, I slipped down to fifth, but I was still mixing it with the best riders in the world. The boost to my confidence

Enjoying the challenge of TrialGP in 2021 on the Beta.

Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

Junior Cup action in Ireland in 2008 with support from Sherco and the Italian Federation.

and the belief in my riding made me realise that I had most definitely made the correct decision to move up to the TrialGP class with Beta. "When we went to round two in France, I knew that some people believed that my results in Italy were due to my home advantage – an Italian rider on an Italian machine in Italy – so when I finished second in France, it silenced them! Toni easily won the event, but I won the vital tiebreak decider with Adam as we both lost 46 marks to finish second, and I was fourth overall in the championship." You felt good. Matteo: The self-belief was an incredible feeling! I had been on the podium for the first time in my TrialGP career, not once but twice. I wanted to train harder and practise more; my motivation was very high. I was very much enjoying the moment. "My Beta was fine-tuned to accommodate my riding style. It's a good solid well-developed machine at the top of its game and suits my riding style to perfection.

Team Italy at the 2021 TDN with Lorenzo Gandola (Beta) and Gianluca Tournour (GASGAS).

My World • Jack Dance

2021 FIM TRIAL125 WORLD CHAMPION

JACK DANCE It is very much a case of ‘welcome to my world’ as we look into the 2021 FIM Trial125 World Championship-winning year of Jack Dance. A punchby-punch account on his way to giving the new GASGAS brand its first FIM Trial World Championship. With close on 30 riders entered in this very competitive 125cc class, it was not just the hazards that were difficult to deal with but also the fact that around five riders were all capable of winning on the day, with four of them from the UK. Words: Trials Media with Jack Dance • Pictures: Trials Media and Christian Valeri 38

Round One, Italy: The GASGAS team made me very welcome in my first event as a rider for them.

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

Jack Dance • My World

Round One, Italy: Day Two: Father Adrian guides Jack through the woods

After the highs and lows of the 2020 season, Jack Dance came so close to winning, but a cancelled lap in Isola and a DNF in Spain on day one had wiped that opportunity away. However, he arrived with a very positive mindset for 2021. Armed with a full factory contract from GASGAS for the world championship and a new well-prepared machine looked after at the world rounds by the team, Jack knew it was now or never. As in the past, ‘Team Dance’ consisting of dad Adrian, Mum Nicky and younger brother Max travelled to all the rounds as a family to enjoy the experience as much as possible.

ROUND 1: TOLMEZZO, ITALY 12-13 JUNE 2021

Day One: “I was looking forward to the opening round. The GASGAS team made me very welcome in my first event as a rider for them. The majority of the sections were on the dry, bright rocks in the dried-up river bed. A single mark in the second section settled me down, but I was annoyed with myself with the stop in section six. I was riding okay, but when I stopped in the final section of the first lap, I was so frustrated with myself even though I was in the lead. “On the second lap, I fived the second section, and suddenly I felt a little under pressure. I got my act together and rode quite reserved for the rest of the lap to take the win. Harry Hemingway was strong, and he proved this with an eight-mark loss putting him in second position, but the big surprise was Harry Turner as he had the best second-lap score of just seven marks lost. I was happy with the first win considering I knew I had not ridden at my best.”

Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

RESULTS: 1: JACK DANCE (GASGAS-GBR) 22; 2: Hemingway 24; 3: Fabian 25; 4: Turner 31; 5: Schiele 35; 6: Dignan 36; 7: Bereiter 37; 8: Mercade 45; 9: Dinares 49; 10: Heidel 51; 11: Vall 54; 12: Zynzowski 54; 13: Brunisso 55; 14: Agnolin 57; 15: Rossi 63. POINTS: 1: DANCE 20; 2: Hemingway 17; 3: Fabian 15; 4: Turner 13; 5: Schiele 11. Day Two: “As the hot weather continued, I wanted to carry the momentum of the first day’s win. I started quite well and had just one five on section eight, whereas the majority of the other riders had problems. It was a shock that Spain’s Adria Mercade took the lead on the first lap, even though only by a single mark. I made a mental note to myself to just concentrate and think about my riding and be consistent. The GASGAS was performing well, and I thought my second-lap score would give me the win.

Round One, Italy: 20 points in the bag on day one.

“What I, nor any of the other riders, did not take into account was Harry Turner. Fair dues, his second-lap score of eight marks lost gave him a deserved win. I knew I had taken an unfortunate five, dropping me off the top spot, but I left Italy wondering if he could really be a title threat as Harry Hemingway had slipped to fifth on the day. I led the championship by four points from Turner. In my mind, I knew just how important the next two rounds in Andorra would be.” RESULTS 1: Harry Turner (Scorpa-GBR) 21; 2: JACK DANCE (GASGAS-GBR) 25; 3: Mercade 29; 4: Dignan 29; 5: Hemingway 31; 6: Bereiter 32; 7: Fabian 38; 8: Vall 39; 9: Rossi 44; 10: Schiele 44; 11: Heidel 44; 12: Dinares 48; 13: Brunisso 50; 14: Fabio Schollar (Beta-AUT) 53; 15: Nick Weber (Beta-DEU) 54. POINTS: 1: DANCE 37; 2: Turner 33; 3: Hemingway 28; 3: Fabian 24; 5: Dignan 23.

Round One, Italy: Day Two: Would Harry Turner be a title threat?

Focussed • Gael Chatagno

GAEL CHATAGNO

AN ELECTRIC FUTURE We were invited to launch the 2022 EM [Electric Motion] presentation in France earlier in the year. Having known the owner of EM, Philippe Aresten, for many years, it was a pleasure to accept the invitation. Along with the official UK importer for the French manufacturer Matthew Alpe, we had a super day. A few months before, Matthew had invited Gael Chatagno to the UK to help him promote the EM machines. Matthew asked me how well I knew Gael; he was quite shocked when I said very well. Gael was another fortunate rider involved in the FIM Trial World Championship as Trial Magazine here in the UK evolved. As my business partner, Phillipe Benhamou was French, I soon got to know Gael in the earlier part of his trials career, and we have kept in contact ever since. Was Gael just as focussed now with the move to EM as he was a few years ago? We were about to find out. Any path to an FIM Trial World Championship title is never easy, and for Gael Chatagno, it was no different, although the interview would be more straightforward as he speaks excellent English. Words: John Hulme with Gael Chatagno Pictures: Trials Media Zoie Carter-Ingham 44

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

Gael Chatagno • Focussed

100% focussed on the job in hand, winning! Staying on line in the river for the world title in Andorra.

How does it feel to be an FIM Trial World Champion? Gael: “One word ‘Fantastic’ but it has not been an easy path, believe me. As with many younger riders, I set off from an early age interested in motorcycle trials. To finally arrive as an FIM Trial World Champion in 2021 is a moment in my life I will never forget. The enthusiasm and passion from the team at EM has made the whole season one to be very proud of for everyone involved — a French rider on a French motorcycle in France winning a world title; it still sounds good!” You came so close in 2020! Gael: “I was more than happy with the result as, until the beginning of the 2020 season, I had never thought about the TrialE world title. The main objective of having fun on a motorcycle was to start enjoying riding in motorcycle trials, and the EM has these elements with their electric model. The enthusiasm from the Electric Motion family helped me to become more confident. I knew that it was all about taking the title fight to Albert Cabestany. I started to regain my confidence — the more I rode the EM, the more the feeling of enjoyment started to return; I was back in life where I wanted to be.” Why Electric Motion? Gael: “In 2019, I had lost my direction in motorcycle trials. I needed a new injection of enthusiasm, and I found it with Electric Motion. In the press, I saw that EM had a new model with the Epure Race – a French motorcycle manufacturer with an eye on the future; I thought, ‘why not?’. So I called the main man and owner of EM, Philippe Arresten. He invited me to test the new generation of Epure models, and his enthusiasm was so intense that we made an agreement. They were far more advanced than I had imagined, and his projection of the future of electric trials models simply blew my mind; I wanted to be a part of it!” Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

On top of the world in 2014 winning the FIM 125cc World Championship.

2014: Waiting for the results in France.

Workshop • Tuning

TRRS TIPS TUNING

It’s hard to believe that it was in the early ’80s when a very young Steve Saunders stepped into the limelight into the adult world of motorcycle trials on the Bultaco after a very rewarding youth career. But, as they say, the rest is history – which has been well documented in Trial Magazine. After retiring from competing on two wheels in mainstream trials, he can now be found enjoying life on three wheels with his daughter Izzy in the ACU British Sidecar Championship or on an E-Bike with his son James. However, with the occasional ride on two wheels, a very competitive Steve still enjoys the outings on the TRRS machines, for which he is the official UK importer. Along with his wife Sahara, they are TRS Motorcycles UK, importing motorcycles and spare parts for the yellow machines from Spain. Since an invitation from an old friend, Jordi Tarres, to visit Spain in September 2015 to sample the pre-production machines, he has helped to build the brand into both FIM Trial World Championship and ACU British Championship winners. So trial Magazine took to the motorway south to the TRRS UK headquarters to find out more about the Spanish machines and to pick up some TRRS’ Tips’. Article: John Hulme with Steve Saunders • Pictures: Trials Media 50

Toby Martyn has delivered both the FIM Trial2 World Championship and the ACU Trial GB titles in 2021 for TRRS.

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

Tuning • Workshop

Showing the 2021 FIM stickers from the 2021 championship winning machine.

John Lee Motorcycles Workshop, the sticker says it all.

A tried and tested Keihin 28 Ø Carburettor uses the standard slide and jets.

n late 2013, TRS, as it was initially known, announced the creation of the project to create a vision and idea of a new trials motorcycle from Spain. A challenging two years of development followed. Because so many motorcycle manufacturers were evolving old designs, they wanted to bring new ideas to the table. Jordi Tarres encouraged his good friend, Adam Raga, to move to the machine in 2015; the developmental work was soon rewarded with success.

WINNERS

Steve would use his good friend and supported rider, Ross Danby, to help further develop the machines in the UK. Ross proved the machine’s reliability at the 2016 Scottish Six Days Trial with a top-15 finish as Steve started to receive the first production machines. In its first year, Adam Raga took a win in the Japanese world round on his way to runner-up in the 2016 FIM World Trials Championship. Listening to valued customer feedback, any minor issues with the latest machines were reported back to the factory in Spain. Customer confidence was soon strong, and the yellow machines started to appear more and more at Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

At the rear Toby Martyn uses an adjustable Reiger rear shock.

all levels of riding. The first adult ACU title for TRRS UK came in the Sidecar class when Jon Tuck and Matt Sparkes won the ACU British title in 2017. On the solo front, success continued in 2018. Ross Danby took the Master class before moving to Trial 2 with success in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Chris Stay took the Expert class in 2019, while in 2020, the Trial GB class was won by Iwan Roberts. In 2021, Toby Martyn not only won the FIM Trial2 World Championship, but he won the ACU Trial GB British Championship too. With the TRRS machines now established as proven winners, it was time to find out more about what kept putting the Spanish-manufactured motorcycles onto the podium at the top of the sport.

THE MAIN MAN

It’s time for the main man, Steve Saunders, to start revealing the secrets of the success: “When I first tested the pre-production machine, I knew they would be a good machine straight away – Jordi Tarres is no fool. So when Adam Raga came on board in 2015, he knew he had the two key components to succeed: a good base machine and a top rider in Adam Raga. “With a good stable aluminium chassis and

swinging arm from the very start, the focus moved to the development of the singlecylinder, water-cooled, two-stroke engine. Jordi started with the 60mm stroke choice for the engine, which would bring out the best attributes for trials with its excellent bottomend power and torque. He was 100% correct, and this is still retained in the current model range, making all the models easy to ride. “A hydraulic-operated diaphragm clutch system was a must, and we both agreed that five trials-ratio gears were sufficient; four for general trials use with a high top gear for road-use, such as at the Scottish Six Days Trial. “We have, over the very short period of the machine’s life, continued to evolve the model range to now include the electric-start models. Generally, the TRRS has proved very reliable over the years, and if they are serviced and maintained correctly, the owner will have minimal problems. As with so many modernday production trials machines, they are more than adequate for most riders in all areas of performance and handling. Here though, we will focus on the machines that both Toby Martyn and Ross Danby have taken to success in 2021.” 51

S T E M L E H M £69.99 KIDS HELMETS FRO OM £150 ADULT HELMETS FR nce la ning Hebo Zone 4 Ba Including these stun ct helmets and Wulfsport Impa

S3 EM CLOTHING

t look es a balanced elegan id ov pr n sig de ive Its attract nd colours... range and latest tre ol co a by d te en complem • Extra breathable d comfort • Excellent quality an

• Light and resistant S3) g Pattern (ASP® by • Anatomical Sewin

EXC LUS IVE

BOOTS FROM ONLY £135

T’s ing Alpinestar Tech Such as these amaz e demands of world designed to meet th champions for just

£269.95!

SHOP NOW AT INCHPERFECTTRIALS.CO.UK

EW N L AL

AS PART OF PAY AND PLAY

BOOK NOW!

BOOK NOW AT INCHPERFECTTRIALS.CO.UK

THE

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE

AILABLE GIFT VOUCHERS NOW AV FIND OUT MORE

SAVE UP TO £30.49 WHEN COMPARED TO BUYING SEPARATELY!

SHOP NOW AT INCHPERFECTTRIALS.CO.UK

Traditional • The Scott

THE SCOTT 2021

A WELCOME RETURN What a pleasure it was to return the 2021 Scott Trial in Reeth, North Yorkshire, firing on all cylinders for everyone to enjoy! It was further endorsed by the huge influx of spectators and followers of this iconic motorcycle trial and its long sporting heritage dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Words: John Hulme • Pictures: John Hulme, Nigel Pearson and Neil Sturgeon

Billy Green (BMS Scorpa): Battling with Jack Price all day, in only his second Scott Trial he finished a very creditable second.

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

The Scott • Traditional

Richard Sadler (Vertigo UK): It’s a question of when, not if he will win this famous event.

ith the Covid-19 restrictions now more relaxed, the many hotels, B&B’s, restaurants and cafés in the area enjoyed the extra tourist business this event brings to the region, helping to support the local economy. After the devastation the floods caused since the previous event in 2019, the organising Richmond Motor Club had been out early on the course early on to meet the many farmers, local people and landowners. The Clerk of the Course Nathan Stones and his fellow club members and helpers had started preparing for the trial earlier in the year, and it was reflected in the once-again well-organised event. The interest in this unique time and observation trial was at an all-time high, but with the entry limit of 200 riders, it filled very quickly. By the time the day of the event came around on Saturday 16th October, 188 riders assembled in the start field at Marske just outside Richmond at 9.00am in an attempt to take on the 76 sections and 88 miles that made

up the 2021 course. As you will have just read in the opening two pages, it was a case of unfinished business for Jack Price after the 2019 exclusion. However, he arrived in 2021 armed with the latest Vertigo trials model on a mission, prepared and ready to lay claim to his first win after a very challenging day’s riding.

IN FOR THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

The 2019 winner James Dabill had returned with his Italian Beta to defend the title, having retired from mainstream trials in 2020. However, keeping his hand in the two-wheeled off-road world of enduro riding, he would no doubt be wanting to add another Scott win to his long list of successes in a very rewarding trials career. With the FIM Trial World Championship finished, no benchmark could be set as to who would be on form. With a break in the ACU British Championship, could it be Jack Peace who could make the breakthrough? 2020 FIM

James Dabill (Beta-UK): This was a strong effort for the now sometime trials rider and previous winner on four occasions.

Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

Quick Spin • Gas Gas E

GAS GAS E

WATT'S THE STORY?

The electrically-powered motorcycle is a relatively new concept in the trials world. Initially, they were aimed at young riders who could use a low-maintenance, zero-emissions and almost totally silent machine to practice in their garden before moving up to the petrol-powered engine. All this changed in 2017 when the FIM introduced a new world championship cup class. The first Trial-E Cup began with just a single round, increased to two for the 2018 season. The third season of the competition again consisted of two rounds, held alongside round three of the FIM Trial World Championship in Zelhem in the Netherlands and round four in Comblain-au-Pont in Belgium. Article: Matt Heppleston Pictures: Eric Lejeune and Trials Media

n 2017, the brand new world cup for electric motorcycles was created. The first champion was Marc Colomer, who had also won the FIM World Trials Championship in 1995 on the two-stroke Montesa Cota 315R. He had developed the first Gas Gas electric trials machine in 2013, which Trial Magazine tested in the March issue. It featured a singlespeed air-cooled electric motor with power controlled by a clutch system. 72

Matt learns about electric motorcycles; he was very happy!

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

Gas Gas E • Quick Spin

Albert Cabestany instantly gelled with the Gas Gas TXE.

In 2018, five different manufacturers aimed for the title, with Loris Gubian mounted on the TXE beating Japan’s Kenichi Kuroyama, riding the Yamaha TY-E prototype, on a tie-breaker to win the crown. Coming together with the Gas Gas Factory Racing Team for the 2019 FIM Trial-E World Cup, Albert Cabestany instantly gelled with the TXE, winning both rounds of the series to clinch the title in style again from Kuroyama, followed by Gianluca Tournour (Gas Gas-ITA), Joan Cordon (Mecatechno-ESP) and Danny Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL).

DEVELOPMENT

As the other manufacturers started to participate in the championship, Gas Gas seriously upped the development game, and so the new TXE 2019 was launched with a state-ofthe-art battery and controller. It incorporated the same swingarm as the models of the TXT Racing 2019 series. Maximum performance was the aim for a unique motorcycle in trials. The water-cooled high-performance motor was mated to a hydraulic-actuated diaphragm clutch and six-speed gearbox with a conventional lever-operated gear change mechanism. It was another step in the evolution Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

of a model that had a new aesthetic line, even more ‘electrifying’ than its predecessor. Agile, lightweight and easy-to-ride, weighing only a claimed 68 kilograms and based on the superb chromium-molybdenum tubular chassis used by the TXT, from which it also inherited a large part of its tried and tested components in terms of suspension, brakes and tyres. Trials lovers, at last, had sight of an innovative electric motorcycle that opened the doors to a new era in the trials world. It was also a partnership made in heaven, where Torrot’s concepts of freedom and electric mobility converged with Gas Gas passion for trials competition. However, this dream never became a production reality due to financial troubles. It was to be a case of what might have been. Eleven prototypes were delivered to factory-supported riders for the 2019 season. We were lucky enough to test this machine used by the Belgian Gas Gas importer at the time, Dany Crosset, at the impressive Bilstain

A battery change takes less than five minutes so is pretty comparable to a splash-and-dash with petrol. Left: The machine came, of course, with a spare battery pack.

Flashback • The Scott Trial 2008

THE SCOTT TRIAL 2008

FULL GAS FUJIGAS I am asked so many times about my favourite moments in the adventure that has been my life for the past 15 years of Trial Magazine. The Scott Trial has always been one of my favourite events, which I first rode in 1979. My last appearance was in 2005 when the dream of publishing started to come to life. I loved the event, which pushed you and your machine to the limits of your endurance, a real-life challenge. In 2007, whilst having lunch at the CB Public House near Reeth, a familiar face appeared at the bar; it was my friend Takahisa Fujinami. My first question was, what are you doing here?

Words: John Hulme with Takahisa Fujinami • Pictures: John Hulme and Mike Rapley 78

2007: The instigators Dougie Lampkin, Caroline Sandiford and the target, Takahisa Fujinami.

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

The Scott Trial 2008 • Flashback

Racing into the first fuel check.

s a long-time friend and rival of Yorkshireman Dougie Lampkin, Fuji had heard many tales about the world-famous Scott Time and Observation Trial. He asked me about the event and how many times I had ridden in it, and I answered with an enthusiastic, ‘far too many!’. He said that some of the Scott stories Dougie had told

Concentration entering ‘By-Pass’.

him seemed way beyond belief, and he wanted to find out more. I was quite intrigued when it suddenly dawned on me that maybe he wanted to compete in it. I asked him the question, which was met by the words, “I will watch first and then make a decision”, with the usual Fuji happy face having a hint of a ‘yes’ in it. At the event, and in the company of the then Montesa UK importer Caroline Sandiford and Dougie Lampkin, I am sure they would have had some say in gently persuading him to have a go. He had loved watching the 2007 Scott Trial and went to some sections to witness the action first hand; he even went to the evening awards presentation to take in the atmosphere of this iconic event. I think he was by then hooked on returning in 2008.

YOU MUST BE MAD!

2007: ‘Fuji’ at the awards presentation: he was hooked on the Scott Trial.

Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

At the indoor and then outdoor world championship events in 2008, Fuji would start to ask me questions about the Scott Trial, such as ‘was it really so hard?’. I jokingly told him he must be mad even to consider riding in it! His good friend at Montesa, Amos Bilbao from Spain, had competed in the event, and he also encouraged Fuji to enter. Amos had explained that for a foreign rider to compete in the event and make the finish is a fantastic achievement; he also knew that Fuji would be giving 100% if he entered. No doubt, with some constant ribbing from Amos, Dougie Lampkin and James Dabill, it helped to fire up Fuji to send in an entry.

Race mode is written all over the face!

Superstore • In the world of Trials

SUPERSTORE ORDER YOURS TODAY! 01

Collect and keep safe your Trial Magazine Collection in this secure hard-back binder (magazines are not included). Each binder holds 12 magazines. £9.99 + FREE UK P&P

02 TRIAL MAGAZINE BAG

£9.99 EACH INCL. FREE UK P&P

01 TRIAL MAGAZINE BINDER

FROM ONLY

05 MULTI-PURPOSE NECK WARMER Be part of the team, Stay safe and warm. £9.99 + FREE UK P&P

06 BASIC TRIALS TECHNIQUES WITH DAN THORPE

If you are going out trials riding or simply want to improve your trials skills this new DVD is a must for all riders of any age. The film has been put together to give you a much better insight in how to ride safer to get the best from both man and machine. WAS £22.99 NOW £19.99 + FREE UK P&P

A light and easy to use drawstring bag. £9.99 + FREE UK P&P

03 CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE BINDER

Collect and keep safe your Classic Trial Magazine Collection in this secure hard-back binder (magazines are not included). Each binder holds 12 magazines. £9.99 + FREE UK P&P

07 SSDT 2019

A light and easy to use drawstring bag. £9.99 + FREE UK P&P

This five-disc review will keep you entertained for hours on the look back at the years from 1995-2019. £22.99 + FREE UK P&P

04 CLASSIC TRIAL MAGAZINE BAG

TO ORDER

Order securly at www.trialmaguk.com/shopfront/ or fill the form below and return to: Trial Magazine, 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX. Tel: 01663 744766 or email england@trialmag.com 01 n Trial Magazine Binder • £9.99 02 n Trial Magazine Bag • £9.99 03 n Classic Trial Magazine Binder • £9.99 04 n Classic Trial Magazine Bag • £9.99 05 n Multi-Purpose Neck Warmer • £9.99 06 n Basic Trials Techniques DVD • £19.99 07 n SSDT 2019 DVD • £19.99 08 n NEW Celebrating 1995-2019 • £22.99 Price includes FREE UK P&P. For Europe and Worldwide P&P, please place your order at: www.trialmaguk.com/shopfront/

Enjoy all the action from the 2019 six days, ‘Feet-up’ in the comfort of your own home. £19.99 + FREE UK P&P

08 NEW CELEBRATING 1995-2019

POSTAGE DETAILS Full Name: Address:

Postcode: Phone number: Email:

Tick here if you wish to receive promotions of Trial Magazine and its partners

PAYMENT DETAILS

You can pay by cheque or debit/credit card. TOTAL: £ • I’m paying by Cheque n Please make it payable to ‘Trial Magazine’ • I’m paying by Card n (Visa • Eurocard • Mastercard) CARD NUMBER

nnnn nnnn nnnn nnnn Expiry date: nn nn Security code: nnn Signature: Date:

MORE PRODUCTS AND LATEST DEALS AT TRIALMAGUK.COM 108

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

Dave Cooper Trial Mag 0817.pdf

14/08/2017

RCM TrialMag 0116.pdf

22:51

15/01/2016

19:17

The South West’s only Dedicated Trials Dealer for:

Selection of second hand bikes ready to ride Large selection of spares Next day delivery

CMY

Trial and Trail Trialmag 1117.pdf

13/11/2017

22:21

cÉÉíìé=qêá~äë=qêá~äj~Ö=MVOMKéÇÑ===N===NQLMVLOMOM===ONWRS

CMY

`jv

MONTESA

Email: alanatfeetup@gmail.com

RAS Sport TrialMag 0721.pdf

14/07/2021

AB MC's TrialMag 0921.pdf

20:50

2022 MODELS AVAILABLE

CMY

12/09/2021

10:13

2022 MODELS IN STOCK

Call for the Best Price

ALL MAKES OF BIKES SUPPLIED, USED TRIALS NEXT DAY PARTS SERVICE PHONE FOR BEST PRICES IN UK

gçÜå=iÉÉ=`ä~ëëáÅ=qêá~äj~Ö=MUOMKéÇÑ===N===MVLMULOMOM===OPWMR

IF YOU HAVE READ THIS THEN SO HAVE YOUR CUSTOMERS

BY JACK LEE

www.trialmaguk.com

`jv

To advertise contact John on 01663 749163 or email: england@trialmag.com

Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022 Trial Mag House Ad EPH 0720.indd 1

109 15/07/2020 14:56

Locator • Find your local dealer

DEALER LOCATOR 01 2T-Offroad Tel: 01592 772867 Email: trials2t-offroad@Hotmail.com Area: Kirkcaldy, KY1 4DE

02 AB Motorcycles Tel: 01685 382100 Email: barrie-ab@hotmail.com Web: www.abmotorcycles.co.uk Area: Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2SR

03 Acklams Motorcycles Tel: 07957 148588 / 07540 591410 Email: sales@acklamsbeta.co.uk Web: www.acklamsmotorcycles.com Area: Harrogate, HG3 2BG

04 AG Bikes Tel: 01748 886356 Email: gebrownson@f2s.com Area: Reeth, DL11 6NH

05 AMS KTM/GASGAS Tel: 01684 29 29 29 Email: sales@ams4ktm.co.uk Web: www.ams4ktm.co.uk Area: Tewkesbury, GL20 8SF

06 Andy Metcalfe Motorcycles

Tel: 01287 638030 Email: andymetcalfemotorcycles@gmail.com Web: www.andymetcalfemotorcycles.com Area: Guisborough, TS14 7DH

07 Birkett Motosport Tel: 01229 716806 Email: nigel.birkett@talk21.com Web: www.birkettmotosportukltd.com Area: Broughton in Furness, LA20 6EZ

08 Bob MacGregor Trials Academy

Web: www.trialsacademy.co.uk Area: Annick, KA3 4EH

09 BVM Moto UK Tel: 01453 297 177 Email: sales@bvm-moto.co.uk Web: www.bvm-moto.co.uk Area: Stroud, GL5 5EX

10 Camio Moto Tel: 01246 792033 Email: sales@camiomoto.co.uk Web: www.camiomoto.co.uk Area: Dronfield, S18 7SD

11 Craigs Motorcycles Tel: 01924 488117 Email: aaron@craigsmotorcycles.com Web: www.craigsmotorcycles.com Area: Dewsbury, WF13 1HX

12 East Neuk Trials Motorcycles

Tel: 01333 311744 Email: duncan.wood@btconnect.com Area: Fife, KY10 2RB

13 Feetup Tel: 01723 865577 Email: alanatfeetup@gmail.com Web: www.feetuptrialsport.co.uk Area: Scarborough, YO12 4QB

14 Inch Perfect Trials Tel: 01200 448130 Email: sales@inchperfecttrials.co.uk Web: www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk Area: Whitewell, BB7 3AU

15 Inta Bikes Tel: 01622 688727 Email: intabikes@btconnect.com Web: www.intabikes.co.uk Area: Maidstone, ME15 6HE

16 John Lee & Sons Motorcycles

Tel: 01933 312827 Mail: johnlee.mc@btconnect.com Web: www.johnleemotorcycles.co.uk Area: Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BP

17 John Shirt Motorcycles Tel: 01298 766 813 Email: mail@johnshirtmotorcycles.com Web: www.johnshirtmotorcycles.com Area: Buxton, SK17 9JL

18 Michael Brown Racing Tel: 01723 371597 Email: michaelbrownracing@yahoo.com Web: www.michaelbrownracing.com Area: Scarborough, YO11 1SR

19 Mickey Oates Motorcycles

Tel: 0141 332 7374 Email: sales@mickeyoates.com Web: www.mickeyoates.com Area: Glasgow, G4 9XP

20 OHA Motorsport Tel: 028 9131 0297 Email: office@ohamotorsport.com Web: www.ohamotorsport.com Area: Bangor, BT19 7PD

21 RAS Sport Tel: 01484 711720 Email: andrew@rassport.com Web: www.rassport.com Area: Brighouse, HD6 1LH

22 RCM Trialsport Tel: 01209 820896 Email: rcm-trialsport@hotmail.com Area: Redruth, TR16 5PN

23 South West Trials Tel: 01395 514287 Mail: southwesttrials@gmail.com Web: www.swtrials.co.uk Area: Sidmouth, EX10 9DN

24 St Blazey MX Tel: 01726 816181 Web: www.stblazeymx.co.uk Mail: sales@stblazeymx.co.uk Area: St Blazey, PL24 2RN

25 Trail & Trials UK Tel: 01334 840414 Email: john@tytrials.com Web: www.tytrials.com Area: New Gilston, KY8 5TF

26 Trials UK Tel: 0113 281 8242 Email: sales@trialsuk.co.uk Web: www.trialsuk.co.uk Area: Horsforth, LS18 5NX

FOR THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND DEALS, HAVE YOU 110

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

Find your local dealer • Locator

25 01 12 19 08

07 14

13 18

21 11

05 02

09 15

VISITED OUR ONLINE SHOP AT TRIALMAGUK.COM? Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

111

Future issues • Subscribe

AN UAL SUBSCN R TION FROM JIP UST

£P2LU9.99 S FREE NEC WARMK ER*

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA FOR ANY ENTHUSIAST

E E FR NECK WARMER ALL NEW WORTH £9.99 WITH S* ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION

UK: £29.99 • EUROPE: £39.99 • RoW: £49.99

FOR THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND DEALS, HAVE YOU 112

December 2021-January 2022 • Trial Magazine

Subscribe • Future issues

TO SUBSCRIBE

For UK, Europe and Worldwide, order securely at www.trialmaguk.com/subscriptions/ or fill the form below and return to: Trial Magazine, 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX. Tel: 01663 744766 or email england@trialmag.com

SIX-ISSUE SUBSCRIPTION (12 Months) PLUS FREE NECK WARMER*

n n n

UK = £29.99 EUROPE = £39.99 RoW = £49.99

* Designs and styles of the free Neck Warmer may vary and are subject to limited stock availability. This offer is for new subscribers only, not for resubscriptions or renewals.

POSTAGE DETAILS Full Name: Address:

PAYMENT DETAILS

You can pay by cheque or debit/credit card. TOTAL: £

• I’m paying by Cheque Please make it payable to ‘Trial Magazine’ Postcode: Phone number: Email:

Tick here if you wish to receive promotions of Trial Magazine and its partners

• I’m paying by Card CARD NUMBER

n (Visa • Eurocard • Mastercard)

nnnn nnnn nnnn nnnn Expiry date: nn nn Security code: nnn Signature: Date:

VISITED OUR ONLINE SHOP AT TRIALMAGUK.COM? Trial Magazine • December 2021-January 2022

113

WISHING EVERYONE ACROSS THE A VERY

Y R R AS E M ISTM R H C HAPPY R A NEW YE AND A

MX-10

12.5R

IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE 2021

HELLO 2022!

ROUGHOUT DON’T FORGET TO STAY TUNED TH D THE YEAR FOR EXCITING NEWS AN DEVELOPMENTS FROM TEAM OSET

16.0R

HEAD OVER TO: R-SIGN-UP OSETBIKES.COM/GB/NEWSLETTE 20.0R MKII

☎ � � �

01424 211 804 OSETBIKES.COM FACEBOOK.COM/OSETBIKES INSTAGRAM.COM/OSETBIKES

24.0R

#take it to the line

ACU Trial GB British Championship Brimham Rocks Rd 5

HARRY HEMINGWAY -