MOTORCYCLE • CYCLE • SIDECAR • CLASSIC • COMPETITION • FEATURES
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96
TRADITIONAL
PRESENTATION
SCOTT TRIAL
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ISSUE 96 • UK: £5.99
December 2022-January 2023 9 6
1753-0040
SCORPA 2023 CELEBRATION TRIAL DES NATIONS DIARY
CELEBRATION PRESENTATION
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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 THE TEAM Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou Editor John Hulme
WELCOME FEATURES
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X-TRIAL
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PRESENTATION
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INTRODUCTION
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TRADITIONAL
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DIARY
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INTERNATIONAL
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SPORT
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YOUTH
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CELEBRATION
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DEALER VISIT
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RETRO
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DL 12 Indoor Andorra
2023 Scorpa - Sherco
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EM in the ACU British Championship Scott Trial
(NUJ No: 949620)
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. Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks Commercial Manager John Hulme england@trialmag.com Subscriptions Cath Rogers cath@trialmaguk.com 01663 744766 Design and Production Dean Cook The Magazine Production Company www.magazineproduction.com Printing: Buxtons Press Distribution: Warners Group Publications © 2022 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.
PREVIEW
Harry Hemingway ‘Brits’ Abroad
ACU British Championship ACU British Championship TDN 1992 – 2022 Elgin Motorcycles
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Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
1992 Scott Trial
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REGULAR SECTIONS
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NEWS 8 TALK TRIALS TONI BOU 14 PADDOCK 18 SHOPPING 22 TALK TRIALS TOBY MARTYN 24 POSTER 58 SUPERSTORE 98 DEALER LOCATOR 110 SUBSCRIPTION FORM 112
Cover: 2022 Scott Trial Winner Jack Price (Vertigo) Photo Credit: Trials Media
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Presentation • Scorpa 2023
ORANGE SUPER SCORPA SCORPA 2023
Orange is the colour associated with Scorpa.
Here at Trial Magazine UK, we have an excellent relationship with the country’s official Scorpa importers, Nigel and June Birkett. They had excitedly hinted earlier in the year that the new, very much talked-about Scorpa fuel-injected 2023 model range and, in association with the Sherco brand, it would be presented around September. As it turned out, this would be in Italy over the Trial Des Nations weekend. So it was a swift phone call to our Italian friend Christian Valeri to see if he could cover the launch for us, and he quickly agreed. Words: Trials Media, Scorpa Pictures: Trials Media, Christian Valeri, Scorpa 32
TrialGP Scorpa rider Jorge Casales in action on the new model.
December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
Scorpa 2023 • Presentation
T
his new model range has been talked about for quite a while, and I think everyone anticipated that when the machines broke the surface, they would literally be new motorcycles from the ground up. As we mainly focus on the new Scorpa range model, you will all agree it was very much due an upgrade. It has bravely moved from carburettor to electronic fuel injection. Scorpa machines are still strong sellers — no doubt the new talent of Billy Green and the results he has delivered have had something to do with the success of the orange
machines. However, the excellent work from the UK importers has also gone a long way in establishing the brand. With Nigel’s product experience and the after-sales service from June, they always have a good spares inventory for parts if needed.
A NEW DIRECTIVE
We spoke with Scorpa about the new models earlier in the year, and they told us their clean sheet of paper for the new models would include a broad spectrum of changes in all areas where the boxes would need ticking to follow the new directive – high-performance
motorcycles accessible to everyone. • From the new trials rider to the seasoned rider, they must be easy to ride. • Design models that are suitable for all types of terrain. • Never stop creating, innovating and designing models. • Where most brands communicate about competition and performance, Scorpa would be focused on the riding experience and the emotions that trials riding provides. • The philosophy of Scorpa as a brand is described in a few words: ‘Enjoy your ride’.
IMPRESSED? READ ON
Whilst writing this article, it was fascinating to put together the changes and the specification sheet of the new model. It’s only when you start to read it you realise the colours may stay the same, but everything else has changed, literally from the ground up. As we went to print, the new models had not arrived in time for us to test one, but as soon as we can get our hands on one, we will bring you all you need to know about what looks to be an exciting new era for the Scorpa name!
A very happy Nigel Birkett at the presentation with Billy Green.
Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
Engine: Two-stroke, single-cylinder and water-cooled, the MY 2023 engine weighs 16kg — this is a 28% reduction in weight, a net reduction of 4.5kg compared to the MY2022 engine weighing 20.5kg. Three engine sizes will be available: 125 ST, 123cc – 54mm x 54mm; 250 ST, 249cc – 73mm x 60mm; and 300 ST, 294cc – 79mm x 60mm. 33
Introduction • Electric Cup
Will going steady on early-morning slippery ground.
2022 ACU BRITISH TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP
ELECTRIC CUP CLASS If you went to the final round of the 2022 ACU British Trials Championship at Green Hall, Llanfyllin, in Wales, in early October, you would have noticed the addition of an extra class in the programme. This was the Electric Cup Class. The official UK importer for all Electric Motion products, Matthew Alpe, had been approached by Brian Higgins, the series coordinator from the ACU, to see if it was possible to include the class, and he agreed. It would be an opportunity to gauge rider and public reactions to the adult electric machines. The class would not carry ACU Championship status or points, but it would allow the five riders entered and spectators to see what level of development the Electric Motion machines are at, with an eye towards a full championship series in 2023 for electric-powered machines. While riding the Expert Class sections alongside the Trial 125 riders, the electric machines proved their capabilities as both Darren Brice and Will Brockbank finished in the points-scoring positions. You will find a report from the event on page 84 in the Sports section of this issue, but we want to know more about what many consider the future of motorcycle trials. Words: Trial Magazine, Matthew Alpe, Darren Brice, Will Brockbank • Pictures: Trials Media 40
December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
Electric Cup • Introduction
Note how Darren is using the clutch and front brake together, it’s the same tried-and-tested technique.
N
ow, under the arm of the huge Triumph motorcycle group, OSET set the benchmark in the youth class, producing a crop of riders currently competing in the FIM World Trials Championship, including the new FIM Trial3 World Champion Harry Hemingway, his younger brother George, Jack Dance and Harry Turner, to name but a few. You will have noticed other manufacturers who have played with the idea of a production range of electric motorcycles, but at present, it is Electric Motion, EM, who are leading the way in the adult world. We spoke with Mathew
A correct body position is important on any trials motorcycle.
Alpe at the trial in Wales and his two riders to find out a little more about the evolving world of electric trials motorcycles. Matthew Alpe: “2022 has been a major breakthrough year for electric trials motorcycles, both on the world scene and here in the UK. It started at the Scottish Six Days Trial in May as both myself and French rider Gael Chatagno competed in the event. It was a first for an electric motorcycle, and we both finished with no problems recorded. We did have the doubters, but the manufacturer in France had every confidence in us both making the finish. The refuelling stops run by the Army
worked very well for us both as they carried fully charged batteries for us to exchange; literally a two-minute job, pretty much like just fuelling up with petrol, but without the mess! Incredibly, Gael finished 19th and, with it, got the Up To 200cc capacity award and the Best Foreign Rider award; I finished 72nd with ‘room for improvement’ noted for 2023. “In the 2022 FIM World Championship, once again a first for an electric-powered motorcycle, Gael Chatagno would compete in the Trial2 class. It was a brave move, but he has enjoyed some excellent results, recording a best finish of fourth at round one, day one in Spain, on his
Matthew feathers the clutch in the fight for wheel grip.
Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
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Traditional • The Scott
PRICE MATCHER THE SCOTT TRIAL
Arriving on a mission to match his 2021 win at the Scott Trial, 25-year-old Jack Price (Vertigo) executed his plan with a robust and superior ride to proudly hold the prestigious Alfred A Scott Memorial Trophy for the second time. Riding in a very calm, controlled manner, his total combined mark loss was based on his time and observation score, which gave him the victory in front of James Dabill (Beta). On observation, Billy Green (Scorpa) went round for a score of 21 marks lost for the best performance, and setting the fastest time was local rider Jonathan Richardson (TRRS). On a day when the ‘Old Guard’ of trials riding flexed its muscles, it was only really the younger Billy Green who threatened them for the win.
Jack Price (Vertigo)
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Words: Trials Media Pictures: Trials Media, Nige Pearson, Erik ‘EK’ Kitchen December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
The Scott • Traditional
James Dabill (Beta)
The top four were made up of three previous winners: James Dabill in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2019, Michael Brown in 2012 and Price in 2021, all now retired from mainstream trials. Price now enjoys a career in Extreme Enduro and works in the family business. For Dabill, it was his first time back on a trials machine since the Scottish Six Days Trial in May, as he is now an HGV driver and still enjoys occasional enduro outings. Brown runs his trials shop and occasionally competes as time permits whilst also acting as a World round minder. 2022 Winner – Jack Price: “I have 100% absolutely enjoyed my day out on the Yorkshire Moors at the ultimate test of man and machine, the Scott Trial. As the weather played ball with only a few very light showers, I put my game plan into play by concentrating on my observation score whilst also keeping an eye on the time. “I felt good from the very start and soon settled into a rhythm I was happy with, and the confidence came as I started to clean the sections. “I had a very trouble-free day, and I rode at a
Jack Peace (Sherco)
Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
Best on Observation - Billy Green (Scorpa)
comfortable pace. As always, my Michelin tyres were at their very best, with no punctures, and the superb reliability of the Vertigo shone through once again with no mechanical problems despite the five hours of abuse. “A huge thank you to everyone who made this amazing day happen and to my super support crew for keeping me topped up with fuel, food and drinks. Roll on 2023; I cannot wait!”
On a dry, sunny, but cold day, the riders enjoyed the luxury of very dry rivers and moorland crossings made easier by the light sunshine and strong wind that kept them dry for most of the day. But, as was expected, the tension was in the air to find a winner, and the crowds turned out in their hundreds to support this once-a-year superb celebration of motorcycle trials.
IT’S SCOTT TRIAL TIME
At 09.00, the first rider, James Yearly, watched the starter’s flag drop as he headed out into what is commonly known as the Scott Trial wilderness, the ultimate test of man and machine. This year, the Richmond Motor Club Clerk of the Course, Nathan Stones, worked with his team of club members to lay out the sections in a more traditional direction. After the first petrol stop near Hurst, it would take in the spectators’ popular Reels Head on the edge of Fremington Edge high above Reeth before dropping down to take in another popular spectator point at Surrender. The tough Grouse Moor
Starting at Marske as usual, high above the market town of Richmond, North Yorkshire, near Reeth, the riders arrived on a bright but cool morning to attempt the 76 hazards on the 80-mile course that Richmond Motor Club had plotted out. Classed as the most demanding and ultimate test of man and machine in a one-day motorcycle trials event, the Scott once again lived up to its reputation, with just under 50% of the entry classed as non-finishers from a full starting entry of 200 riders.
HERE WE GO
Michael Brown (Sherco)
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Diary 2022 • Harry Hemingway
H A R R Y H E M I N G WAY
FIM TRIAL3 WORLD CHAMPION
Any new off-road motorcycle world champion is superb news, and none more so than when it is in our world of motorcycle trials. In the modern era of FIM world trials, new classes were introduced in 2017. Off the back of the Trial 125 World Championship, won by Great Britain’s Jack Peace (Gas Gas) in 2016, a new class emerged for 2017; this class would be officially titled the FIM Trial 125 World Championship. It was won by Italy’s Lorenzo Gandola (Scorpa), followed by Great Britain’s Billy Green (Beta) in 2018. In 2019 it was the turn of Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA), in 2020 saw Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP), and in 2021 Great Britain’s Jack Dance did himself proud on the GASGAS. As 2022 dawned, the class was brought in line with other official FIM classes, TrialGB and Trial2; it would be named Trial3. This cla ss would see a seasoned talent turn into a new FIM Trial World Champion. The name on the trophy at the end of the year would be Great Britain’s Harry Hemingway; take note of the name and keep an eye on the 2023 championship – but more of that later. We met Harry to chat about his 2022 diary on the road to becoming the FIM Trial3 World Champion. Words: John Hulme with Harry Hemingway • Pictures: Trials Media, FIM Future7Media 62
December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
Harry Hemingway • Diary 2022
Spain Day One: Section one, the first clean of the year.
Well done, World Champion! HH: “Thank you, it really means a lot and makes it all worthwhile when people congratulate you on winning; I always want to do my best in all areas of my life, but to be an FIM Trial World Champion at such a young age is a special moment. I cannot thank everyone enough who has given me this opportunity, and it is so good to share it with my mum, dad and my younger brother, George. We all put everything into making this time as enjoyable as possible, and yes, just like any other family, it’s not always easy!” 2020 was a learning year HH: “A first year in any class is difficult, and in 2020, the problems with the Covid-19 situation did not help. I looked at it very much as a learning year, and as the youngest rider, I knew that it would be quite difficult to win. I came close to the podium, and the overall fifth place in the FIM World Championship was, in all honesty, about where I was. I was still growing and needed to be physically bigger and stronger, but I knew we were heading in the right direction.” So close in 2021 HH: “Covid-19 was still a problem with, once again, a shortened championship. At each round, it was very much the ‘Battle of Britain’ though as the Union Jack very much dominated the season on the podium as Harry Turner, Jack Dance and myself became involved in some Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
Spain Day One: Losing just seven gave me a clear win.
superb fights for the championship wins, not forgetting Ben Dignan either. To take a win in 2021 in the Trial125 class would be hardearned, but I finished second and fifth in Italy as Jack Dance and Harry Turner took the wins. After that, I started to believe I could win, and it was a huge moment in Andorra when I won with a 13-mark advantage over Jack and Harry, who tied on marks.”
A strange feeling HH: Having won was a very strange feeling! Knowing that you can actually do it. On day two, Jack pushed me down to second as I tied on marks with Harry. These were very enjoyable moments, sharing the podium two days running with rival competitors but also friends. In the final round in France, Jack took the FIM Trial125 World Championship. I was happy for 63
International • Brits Abroad
TALENT SPOTTING FLYING THE FLAG FOR GREAT BRITAIN
2022 has been quite a year in the world of motorcycle trials as we have moved out of the pandemic into some form of normality, not just in life but also in the FIM Trial World Championship. We were back to six rounds with ten points-scoring days after the series had limped along over the last couple of years. However, Japan was still off the radar with travel restrictions, as the series stayed in Europe. It still produced world champions, but the restrictions on life and travel made it difficult for many to venture across the English Channel. Putting everything back in place for the teams, riders and families was not easy; people had gone off doing other things, but for some, the goal was and still is the FIM World Trials Championship. With Toni Bou still looking unbeatable at the top of the TrialGB championship, we still see riders moving up through the relevant Trial2 and Trial3 classes. Many people go on about the upcoming riders from Spain, but we also have some very good home-grown talent moving up from Great Britain; it was time to go talent spotting. Article: John Hulme – Trial Magazine 70
As Toby Martyn moved into TrialGP in 2022, we have had three riders going well in the Trial2 class: Billy Green and the two Peace brothers, Dan and Jack. In the new Trial3 class, we have seen Harry Hemingway take the title, with Jamie Galloway and George Hemingway not far behind. Emma Bristow still leads the way in the Women’s TrialGP as we have a new star emerging in the Women’s Trial2, but more of that later. So here we have a look at the riders from Great Britain who are, step by step, starting to make their mark in the FIM Trial World Championship.
December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
Brits Abroad • International
TRIAL2: JACK DANCE (GASGAS)
Having won the FIM Trial125 World Championship in 2021, Jack Dance was rewarded with a full factory contract from the new, rebranded, GASGAS Team. He will openly tell you that the move into the class is not easy, such is the high level of riding. However, under the guidance of the Competition Team Manager Albert Cabestany, he has also started to integrate into the workings of the GASGAS team and understand and listen, as everyone wants to help. It is quite a lot of pressure on young shoulders, and his 12th place in the championship does not reflect the effort he has put in. His strength of character will come through though, and in 2023, he will be looking to move well into the top ten in the championship.
TRIAL3: ALFIE LAMPKIN (VERTIGO)
Scoring points in all rounds is always a good omen, which Alfie achieved in 2022. An eighth place in the opening round was a good start to the year, and he remained consistently in the top 15 to finish the year 11th overall. Of course, with a father such as Dougie Lampkin, who has achieved so much, he is always going to feel the pressure to succeed, but one thing is for sure, he can be very proud of his first full season in the FIM Trial World Championship.
Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
TRIAL2: HARRY TURNER (SCORPA)
Off the back of his successful season in 2021, Harry was offered the opportunity to move into the Trial2 World Championship with Scorpa. However, he has found the transition quite difficult and missed out on his first points-scoring ride. Don’t be under any false illusions about his level of riding; it is very high. But, as they say, there is always light at the end of the tunnel, and finishing 16th in the final round of the championship in Italy on day two proves his commitment, which we are sure will be rewarded in 2023 in more consistent riding which will, in turn, bring the vital championship points.
TRIALGP WOMEN: ALICIA ROBINSON (BETA)
After a freak accident which resulted in a nasty head injury while on section inspection, Alicia missed the opening four points-scoring days in Spain and Andorra whilst she recovered; to say she was gutted was an understatement. She had trained so hard for the 2022 season, but thankfully she was able to return to Germany and Italy. The accident had knocked her confidence, but she bounced back to score points in the remaining rounds to end the year tenth overall. Expect to see her far higher up the order in 2023.
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Sport • ACU Trial British Championship
Trial GB: Winner Toby Martyn (TRRS)
ACU TRIAL BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP
CLEAR WINNERS With an eight-round series and events shared across the UK, the 2022 ACU British Championship concluded in Wales and produced four clear winners in each relevant class on the first weekend in October. After opening in March at Hookwood, it moved to Wales in April before a trip to the Lake District in late May, quickly followed by the round at Addingham Moorside in Yorkshire one week later. At the end of June, it was the annual trip down south to the Devon’ double-header’ with a round at Torridge on the Saturday and at Kelly’s Farm on the second day. A new venue was used close to Harrogate, North Yorkshire, for the penultimate round before a summer break and the final one near Oswestry in Wales. It is interesting to note that none of the four championship titles were taken early in the season, as they all went to the final round to find clear winners. Article: Trials Media 74
Trial 2: Winner Iwan Roberts (TRRS)
December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
ACU Trial British Championship • Sport
Trial Expert: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS)
Entries across the four relevant classes, Trial GB, Trial 2, Trial 125 and Expert, have remained strong and kept the championship very buoyant off the back of the pandemic’s problems in the previous two years. The tried-and-tested 12-section three-lap course keeps the chase for the valued championship points interesting and gives riders a chance to recover from a bad lap. The 2022 championship continues to use the unique ACU Trial GB marking system introduced in 2020, which includes a one-minute time allowance for each section to be traversed; competitors may stop, go sideways or reverse without penalty. However, going backwards whilst footing will incur a five-mark penalty. An additional championship point is awarded to the best-lap performance of the trial to all four classes. The introduction in 2022 was of the reverse order for the start positions in the main ACU Trial GB category, whereby the winner from the previous round will be the first rider to start in this class, continues. Congratulations to the four 2022 ACU British Trials Champions: Trial GB Toby Martyn (TRRS), Trial 2 Iwan Roberts (TRRS), Trial Expert Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) and in Trial 125 George Hemingway (Beta).
2022 ACU TRIAL BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP TRIAL GB
POSITIONS: 1: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 154; 2: Jack Peace (Sherco) 149; 3: Dan Peace (Sherco) 114; 4: Billy Green (Scorpa) 108; Jack Dance (GASGAS) 81. WINS: Toby Martyn 5; Jack Peace 3. MACHINES: Sherco 2; GASGAS 1; Scorpa 1; TRRS 1.
TRIAL 2 POSITIONS: 1: Iwan Roberts (TRRS) 151; 2: Harry Hemingway (Beta) 133; 3: Harry Turner (Scorpa) 104; 4: Oliver Smith (TRRS) 84; 5: Sam Connor (Beta) 77; 6: Chris Stay (TRRS) 73; 7: Alexz Wigg (Vertigo) 72; 8: James Fry (Sherco) 58; 9: Sam Haslam (GASGAS) 44; 10: Hugo Jervis (Beta) 43. WINS: Iwan Roberts 4; Harry Hemingway 2; Sam Connor 1; Ross Danby (TRRS) 1. MACHINES: TRRS 3; Beta 3; GASGAS 1; Scorpa 1; Sherco 1; Vertigo 1.
TRIAL EXPERT POSITIONS: 1: Dan Thorpe (GASGAS) 142; 2: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 117; 3: George Gosden (Beta) 112; 4: Charlie Smith (Vertigo) 103; 5: Brad Bullock (Beta) 100; 6: Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) 89; 7: Thomas Swindlehurst (Sherco) 66; 8: Corey Dubik (Vertigo) 48; 8: Sam Beecroft-Penny (TRRS) 42; 10: Joseph Collins (Beta) 40. WINS: Dan Thorpe 4; George Gosden 2; Emma Bristow 1; Brad Bullock 1. MACHINES: Beta 3; Vertigo 3; Sherco 2; GASGAS 1; TRRS 1.
TRIAL 125
Trial 125: Winner George Hemingway (Beta)
Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
POSITIONS: 1: George Hemingway (Beta) 164; 2: Jamie Galloway (TRRS) 142; 3: Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) 118; 4: Jay Pyper (Beta) 103; 5: Daniel Da Breo (GASGAS) 86; 6: Finlay Rule (Scorpa) 75. WINS: George Hemingway 7; Jamie Galloway 1. MACHINES: Beta 1; GASGAS 1; Scorpa 1; TRRS 1; Vertigo 1.
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Celebration • 1992 Trials des Nations
Amos Bilbao (Gas Gas-ESP)
Marc Colomer (Montesa-ESP)
1992: WATKINS GLEN, USA
TRIAL DES NATIONS
With the year-long pressure to decide the winner of the 1992 FIM World Trials Championship now over (an article on this event is in issue 95 of Trial Magazine), on the morning of the 7th September, the 14th edition of the Trial Des Nations, and the first ever held in the USA, had a much more relaxed atmosphere in the paddock. Even so, this event was really a formality even before it began as the Spanish team of Jordi Tarres, Marc Colomer, Amos Bilbao, and Joan Pons were the defending champions and, as such, heavy favourites for the win. Words and pictures: Matt Liberatore 90
Jordi Tarres (Beta-ESP)
December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
1992 Trials des Nations • Celebration
Bruno Camozzi (Fantic-FRA)
The sections were eased up quite a bit since this was in the era of the continuing gap or divide that really had begun in the early ’80s and continued to widen between the talent level of the countries involved. This was before the split format using A and B section lines, so all teams had to ride the same lines. There were 12 participating countries, with a total of 42 riders, as the team format counted the three best riders’ scores for the four-man teams. However, there was a disadvantage in the case of some teams without a full team on hand, not having the luxury of excluding a score, as was the case for team Great Britain, Canada and Ireland. On the other hand, Australia had only two riders taking part, so they received an additional number of marks from the average of their final scores. The same 14-section three-lap format was used just as in the World Championship round the week before. Straight away, the Spanish team took the lead on the opening circuit with a combined score of 14, followed by France with 39 and Italy on 44. Great Britain followed with 35, but as one of the top teams, they were hindered with just three riders taking part without any margin for error. The TDN is similar to the Ryder Cup of golf in a way, as individuals throughout the season now band together, becoming part of the team helping their respective countries. This goes not just for the riders themselves, as was evident in watching Ettore Baldini, Ahvala’s Aprilia mechanic and Fabio Viscardi, Tarres’ Beta mechanic, working now as minders for the Italian team. Ahvala still had his brother Jammi helping with the same minder duties though, and looked more settled and in control of his riding with the pressure of the championship now over as he cleaned section after section.
EASIER SECTIONS
With these much more manageable sections, riders were under more pressure to avoid making any mistakes. The disparity of talent was so very evident during the day and was seen because so many riders taking part had not ridden the World Championship round because the sections were too difficult for them. It was obvious that a division would be needed to separate the top teams in the future, with split lines in the sections.
Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
Thierry Michaud (Aprilia-FRA)
Diego Bosis (Fantic-ITA)
Another thing that had become very obvious was that a time limit was needed in the sections for rider attempts. This had been clearly on display throughout the year in the World Championship, with riders stopping remaining balanced for long periods of time to rest and listen while their minders carried on conversations showing exactly what line to use. Not only did this cause long queues for those waiting to ride, but it also made the sport much less enjoyable to watch. This was magnified further with the team competition as there were more minders seemingly barking instructions during every ride.
NO MARKS LOST
Amos Bilbao continued his top form and actually came in with no marks lost on the opening lap, and so did Ahvala, as he also cleaned every section for the individual opening lap lead. The Spaniards’ lead increased with their second lap score of 16 marks lost, followed by France’s 41, Italy’s 62, and Great Britain’s score of 71. Meanwhile, the individual battle for the lead of the Trial Des Nations was coming down to the same two riders, Ahvala and Bilbao. Ahvala lost three marks on the second lap compared to Bilbao’s four, but Ahvala had the freedom of riding more relaxed as there was never a chance of the Finnish team winning, whereas Bilbao had the team pressure of being the favourites in the back of his mind.
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Dealer Visit • Tom Adamson
VIVA MONTESA TOM ADAMSON MOTORCYCLES
It is always exciting to hear of new dealerships in the off-road world, and a call we took from someone with a strong Scottish accent confirmed we were talking to the man himself, Tom Adamson — the proud owner of Tom Adamson Motorcycles. It is maybe a name you are not so familiar with as he is based as far north as we think you can get for a motorcycle dealership, at Elgin near Inverness, Scotland. The article you are about to read is, as always, very interesting as we find out how Tom moved into the off-road world with his Honda dealership and then the icing on the cake, Montesa. We caught up with him for the full story of a business based on hard work and passion. Words: Tom Adamson with Trial Magazine • Pictures: GF-V Media
T
om takes up the story: “The first time I rode a motorcycle, I was ten years old; it was a Gilera 50 Trail model, which was way too big for me, but me being me, I decided it would be easy anyway. So I went up and round the stack yard on the farm, came round the corner flat-out in first gear, and the throttle stuck open. The result was me crashing into a gate on the shed around the corner: ripped jeans, skint knee, skint elbow and my mate John Craig whose motorcycle was standing over me shouting, I was hooked, and I have never looked back! “I have had a huge number of motorcycles over the years from all sorts 100
of weird and wonderful manufacturers, but between 1977 and 1980, I had Bultaco Sherpas and fell in love with trials riding. I joined the Lanarkshire Trials Club and looked forward to every weekend there was an event. Peer pressure took me in a different direction after this, and I did road racing in the production class, followed by motocross.”
MARRIED AND MOTORCYCLES
“Over the years, I got married and had kids, and motorcycles had to take second place for a good few years until I decided to start my own December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
Tom Adamson • Dealer Visit
Between 1977 and 1980 Bultaco Sherpas were Toms choice of trials machine.
two-wheeled business. I decided to do this at quarter-to-five on the 9th of the 9th 1999. I spoke to my boss, left immediately and formed my new company, Tom Adamson Motorcycles, the following day. I worked from home for a few months whilst looking for suitable premises and opened my first shop on 3rd March 2000 in New Elgin, between the Tattoo shop and the Bookies. “The most difficult part was getting any franchise to take me seriously; most didn’t even respond to me, but the ones who did benefit enormously. Soon the shop was bursting at the seams. “It was time to move into a much larger industrial unit in Linkwood Lane across the other side of Elgin. I now had a proper workshop and way more space to show off my wares, and I thought I was getting somewhere until the floods in Elgin in November 2002. Businesses were wiped out overnight all over Elgin, but for the kindness and help from Andy Horne, letting me move into Unit 14 Linkwood Place, a new 3,000ft square unit, on the Monday following the floods and help from all my suppliers, the business would not have survived. Between 2003 and 2016, we built the business up, adding a large workshop using the best brands available, and we started making a fair impact on the motorcycling scene in the surrounding area.” Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
HONDA OFF-ROAD
“In 2016, we managed to get our first major motorcycle franchise with Honda off-road, giving us access to their motocross, enduro and kids motorcycle ranges, an absolutely brilliant range of models. Since then, I have been chasing the Montesa franchise, another part of the
Honda empire, and I was lucky enough to get it at the end of last year. “The range comprises the Montesa Cota 4RT 260R, a ground-breaking machine in 2006 and constantly evolving four-stroke, offering excellent power and torque characteristics; Showa suspension front and rear completes
Montesa and Honda off-road machines are always in stock.
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Retro • 1992
1992
SUPER STEVE TAKES THE SCOTT Yorkshire riders have pretty much always dominated the Scott Trial, with some very famous names engraved on the winning Alfred Scott Memorial Trophy. One name that does not stand out as being of Yorkshire origin though is Sammy Miller. He has seven wins to his name: 1958, 1963 and 1963 on the four-stroke Ariel and 1967, 1968, 1969 and 1970 on the two-stroke Bultaco. Born and bred in Belfast, Northern Ireland, he was a fiercely competitive rider before moving to New Milton in the south of the UK. The late Brian Colley had moved his family to the Isle of Man many years ago, and it was where Steve Colley had grown up – on a motorcycle, of course. Winning the Scottish Six Days Trial for the first time in 1992 had been the first sign of what was to come from the talented Manxman on the Italian Beta. 1992 would be his third attempt at this epic time and observation event, and when the results were read out, it was ‘Super Steve’ who would become the first resident from the Isle of Man to win the famous trophy; Colley had arrived. A non-Yorkshire rider winning is a rare feat at this historical event, and few have managed to achieve it, but Colley was up there with them 30 years ago in 1992. Words: John Hulme and Mike Rapley • Pictures: Barry Robinson 104
December 2022-January 2023 • Trial Magazine
1992 • Retro
Best on observation was John R Shirt (Gas Gas), feet-up at Orgate Splash early on in the day.
Wayne Braybrook (Gas Gas) would have to wait until the year 2000 to win.
A cool but overcast morning greeted the 132 starters on the start field at Marske as they prepared to do battle with the 85 miles of open moorland and tracks taking in 75 sections. Riders leave at 20-second intervals, and within three-quarters of an hour, all riders are out in the battle to survive the Scott Trial.
WHO SAID SNOW?
Unbelievably, a light scattering of snow could be seen on the surrounding hills, much to the many spectators’ surprise. Later in the day, a hail-and-sleet storm would hit everyone for a few good minutes; as one spectator said, it’s the Scott. Philip Alderson and Wayne Braybrook had set off at an
incredible pace before Alderson had a big off, and then Braybrook started to play the ‘patient card’, riding, as he would say, fast but steady. Colley, along with 1990 winner Robert Crawford was having puncture problems, also looking good in the sections was John R Shirt, who knew he had the pace but was also concentrating on observation. Soon the tales of woe were coming in thick and fast with problems with punctures, tubeless tyres off wheel rims, broken drive chains, frames, you name it; the Scott always delivers.
FIRST BACK
Whilst Steve Colley was picking up more miniature tyre inflation bottles from his van at the Bridge End fuel stop, Wayne Braybrook had slipped past in pursuit of the first man through with Gerald Richardson. Upping the game is a key element in success at the Scott Trial in the closing stages, and the race had begun to be the first rider back to the finish. However, as all eyes looked down the finishing field, it was Braybrook who appeared first, followed by Richardson and then Colley. Shirt appeared next with a broken front brake hydraulic hose rendering the front brake useless, followed by Alderson. A disappointed Robert Crawford could not believe how many punctures he had encountered and was just glad to make the finish.
WINNER
Surviving a big crash was the four-time winner in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1991, Philip Alderson (Yamaha).
Trial Magazine • December 2022-January 2023
Robert Crawford (Montesa) struggled with rear wheel punctures.
At the evening awards presentation, as usual, the results were read out in reverse order until it came down to the top three; it was silent. I know, I was there! Steve Colley had won from Wayne Braybrook with a difference of four marks separating them, with ‘Shirty’ a further 11 marks back but with the best observation score. A new name had been noted for the Best First-Time Rider award, in seventh position a certain Graham Jarvis. Colley would win again in 1993 before Jarvis took four consecutive wins from 1996 through to 1999, and the 2000 winner was Wayne Braybrook.
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