Trial Magazine Issue 76 August-September 2019

M OTORC YC L E • CYCLE • SI DE-CAR • CLAS S IC • CO MPE TITIO N • FEAT U R E S

SECTION

www.trialmaguk.com

76

TRIALE WORLD CHAMPION

ALBERT CABESTANY

VISIT

ELECTRIC MOTION

POSTER INSIDE

TRIALE ISSN

1753-0040

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 7 6

ISSN

1753-0040

ISSUE 76 • UK: £4.99

7 6

9

771753 004058

9

771753 004058

CATCH UP

FACTORY VISIT

PROTOTYPE

ZONE 4 PATRICK

BLUE RED

BLACK

BEN HEMINGWAY THE SURREY CUP

NEW HELMET COLLECTIONS ZONE 5 T-NINE

BLACK

LIME

BLUE

ZONE 5 PURSUIT

RED

LIME

WHITE

BLACK

S L A I R T C I R T C E LEADERS INYECLLES FOR KIDS MOTORC

12.5R 3-5 YEARS OLD

16.0R 5-7 YEARS OLD

20.0R 8+ YEARS OLD

24.0R TEENAGERS & ADULTS

MX-10 4-7 YEARS OLD

V

.COM FOR MORE ISIT OSETBIKES

INFORMATION

THE OSET RANGE

3 TO ADULT

FROM AGE

as the best Globally recognisedes for children cl beginner motorcyove their skills and pr im d an p lo to deve electric they have confidence. Being

ire no petrol and no hot parts, requnt which means are virtually sile everyday in places riders can use themcannot go... other bikes

IMAGE REPRODUCED COURTESY OF @JITSIETRIALS

TRIAL MAGAZINE

SECTION

WELCOME

76 WELCOME FEATURES INTERNATIONAL

24

PROTOTYPE

46

FACTORY VISIT

50

ELECTRIC

57

OBSERVATION

64

CATCH UP

68

VANS

76

DEALER VISIT

82

YOUTH

85

YOUTH

88

SPORT

94

FIM Trial World Championship Tenaci-Wong TWC200

24

Electric Motion – France

68

FIM TrialE

24

Ian Smith

Robert Crawford Van and Combi Marsh MX Mintex

British Championship British Championship

CLASSIC

Highland Classic

108

SECTIONS

57

85

COVER PHOTO: 2019 FIM TRIALE WORLD CHAMPION • PICTURE CREDIT: TRIALS MEDIA, JOHN HULME

CJ Publishing Limited is a Company Registered in England Number: 5947718. © 2019 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.

TALK TRIALS: TONI BOU NEWS PADDOCK SHOPPING SUPERSTORE DEALER LOCATOR SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Trial Magazine is published by: CJ PUBLISHING LIMITED 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX. UK

Editorial Staff Cyrille Barthe, Jean Caillou, Phil Disney, Nick Shield, Matthew Heppleston, Heath Brindley, and John Moffat

Telephone: 01663 749163 Email: england@trialmag.com

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 Vlie and Brian Holder.

Co-Managing Directors John Hulme & Charles Benhamou Executive Director Philippe Benhamou Editor John Hulme (NUJ No: 949620) england@trialmag.com

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Proof reading Jane Hulme and Davina Brooks

6 8 16 20 92 106 112

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 Plc Mail Order www.trialmaguk.com TRIAL MAGAZINE: ISSN: 1753-0040.

5

TALK TRIALS TONI BOU

CLEAN TO THE

FINISH After the first four world rounds of the 2019 season we pass the halfway stage of the series with a strong lead in the Trial World Championship.

The points advantage may look good but with the target, as always, on my back I have to be at the very top of my riding. In Japan on day two I once again took it to the very limit, parting with no marks and taking the victory in the process.

WORDS: TONI BOU WITH JOHN HULME • PICTURES: TRIALS MEDIA

A

lready it’s been a strange championship, starting as it did with the qualifying problems in Italy with the heavy rain; it meant our starting order in TrialGP was decided by a ballot. It’s always difficult at the start of the season to know your limits in your riding but after the first lap in Italy, I parted with just four marks on the second lap to take the victory, which I was happy with.

The long-haul flight to Japan, which is the only two-day event in the season, is rewarded with the opportunity to perform in front of the HRC ‘Top Brass’. On day one my qualifying time left me behind two of my rivals but in the wet conditions I took a clear victory. On day two, and with the hazards drying out, I went around the two laps of 15 hazards with my feet firmly on the footrests; yes a victory, parting with no marks, as they say: ‘Clean to the Finish’. You would not believe the pressure you

6

put yourself under but the bonus is the elation when you finish. It was also a good sensation to have my Repsol Honda team-mate Takahisa Fujinami on the podium as he took two third-placed finishes.

On our first visit to the Netherlands since 1979, it was the heat that was the problem. I topped qualifying for the first time and took another confident victory with my score of one mark on observation and five on time. It was then to Belgium, where the action was hotter in more ways than one! The heat was unbelievable, as was the action. After the opening lap, I was trailing Jeroni Fajardo by three marks as we both lost one mark each on time. On the second lap, it was very close going right to the last hazard of the day. I attacked the steep climb of section 15 and the four-stroke power was at its very best as I maintained my 2019 100 per cent winning record.

Until next time! – Toni Bou

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

THE ULTIMATE TRIALS MACHINES.

0% APR REPRESENTATIVE VPL

ON ALL MONTESA HONDA 4RIDE AND RT MODELS*

Visit your local dealer to find out more.

honda.co.uk

0345 200 8000

VPL Terms & Conditions: *New Montesa Honda 4Ride, RT300RR, RT260 and RT260 Race Replica orders from 01 May 2019 to 02 September 2019 and registered by 02 September 2019. Subject to model and colour availability. Representative Example based on 2 years 0% VPL. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Honda Franchise Dealers are credit brokers, not lenders. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. Cain Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1HL. Honda Financial Services is a trading name of Honda Finance Europe Plc. a company registered at Companies House No 03289418. Honda Finance Europe plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register number 312541.

NEWS

TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP

TRRS One R – A Natural Evolution

Gas Gas Contact ESTART 2020

Available in engine capacity sizes of 125cc, 250cc, 280cc and 300cc, the new TRRS One R 2020 maintains the essence of the ONE model, which is easily distinguished by its aluminium anodized frame and the Tech Aluminium front fork, propelled on this occasion by the new engine of the RR and equipped with a one-track REIGER rear shock and a Keihin carburettor.

The incorporation of the ONE R model by TRS to its catalogue responds to the continued demand from consumers of a motorcycle using top components at a more affordable price. Developed on the basis of the ONE, there is an improvement in quality when using the new engine of the RR with better performance on the rear suspension thanks to a REIGER shock one-track, simple and effective, and with the incorporation of a Keihin carburettor enhancing its Racing style.

New One R features include other differences from the ONE such as the Neken handlebar, the front brake clamp from Braktec, the four-piston brake calliper and Galfer disks, Dunlop D803 GP tyres, new frame side protectors and the new chain tensioner. All the contact details for more information can be found in the advert in this magazine.

8

O

IP

The 125cc model receives a new Vertex piston with cylinder modifications and a front exhaust pipe, all aimed at improving the power delivery and performance; new CDI settings also help.

Changes to the flywheel also help with the engine’s acceleration. The ‘Factory’ models will have the enhanced aesthetics such as the aluminium painted frame, Tech branded aluminium front forks and a Reiger two-way rear shock absorber. The ‘Racing’ model retains the blue frame with Tech branded front forks and a R16V rear shock absorber.

PI

SH

Sherco 2020 Models

LD CHAM

N

FIM TR IA LS

W

OR

The new 2020 model Gas Gas Trial Contact ESTART, with the electric start, is the ideal motorcycle for enthusiasts of excursions and trial. The secret of enjoying a great day out on the open lanes and tracks often lies in those stress-free moments, with a versatile machine capable of offering different functions. This is the best way to get the most out of your weekend excursions as, over time, wild spirits have a tendency to mellow. Comfort becomes more important than full-on sporting aggression. And this is the philosophy behind the manufacture of the new Gas Gas Trial Contact. This model with electric start makes riding easy with its progressive and flexible 250/280cc engine; a single cylinder twostroke, liquid cooled, and of course the increased fuel capacity. They are fully homologated and now come equipped with: Tech branded aluminium TXT ‘Racing’ front forks, Reiger two-way rear shock absorber, TXT ‘Racing’ wheels, Michelin tyres, stainless steel exhaust front pipe (in non-homol kit) and Dellorto carburettor (in non-homol kit). It’s an ideal machine to be able to enjoy those warm summer nights when you just want to enjoy a ride out. All the contact details for more information can be found in the advert in this magazine.

DL Replica 2020 IN WVertigo The new DL Replica, available in 250cc and 300cc versions, is an evolution of last year’s hugely successful model. It has been created thanks to Dougie’s vast wealth of knowledge and experience gained whilst winning his 12 world titles. In addition to which we can add his four straight victories of the SSDT & recent back-to-back victories of the Scott Trial, always aboard Vertigo. All of this unrivalled experience and expertise has been channelled directly into the designing and building of this new DL Replica. Dougie has spent endless hours working very closely together with a team of engineers at the Vertigo factory, intensively testing and refining the machine during the past months. This has enabled them to build the most responsive, agile, smooth and refined Vertigo to date.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS

TONI BOU 12x FIM Trial World Champion 2007-2018 13x FIM X-Trial World Champion 2007-2019

To discover the MICHELIN Trial range visit: moto.michelin.co.uk

NEWS

TRIAL NEWS ROUND-UP

Trials on TV

If you like watching your motorcycle trials on the TV don’t despair, because you can catch up on all the action from the comfort of your own home by tuning into the 26-minute highlights programme.

Here’s the list of satellite channels bringing TrialGP to your television around the globe: Africa XP: Pan Africa; Express Sport/ MSP: Japan; FOX Asia: Pan Asia; C-MORE: Finland; RMC Sport: France, Sub Saharien, Andorra, Belgium, Luxemburg, Monaco, Switzerland; Freesports: UK and Ireland; Sportitalia: Italy; SportTV: Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea, Cape Verde, Sao Tome & Principe; TVE: Spain; FOX Australia: Australia; SKY New Zealand: New Zealand. Alternatively, you can view the best bits from TrialGP Italy digitally anywhere in the world here: Motorsport.com – Motorvision – Two Wheels TV. Don’t forget, you can keep up to speed with all the weekend’s action as it unfolds at trialgp.com or by downloading the free TrialGP Live app and via the social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – just search for TrialGP.

New DVD 2019 SSDT releases After a short delay we now have for sale the latest DVD action from the CJB collection in the form of the excellent coverage of both the 2019 Scottish Six Days Trial and the 2019 Pre65 Scottish. Both titles give extensive, exciting and exclusive coverage of the two most popular trials events in the world for you to sit back and enjoy.

You can go online and visit: www.trialmaguk.com or why not visit your local trials dealer, who may well have them in stock.

12

TRRS XTRACK Electric Start 2020 The new Xtrack model from TRS is changing the concept of the sport of motorcycle trials.

TRS Motorcycles engineers have completely redesigned the propeller to integrate an electric start mechanism unique on the market. It’s small, light, reliable, effective and integrated – are some of the adjectives that define it.

Jordi Tarres, TRS Motorcycles: “I believe totally in this project; our obsession to evolve and improve the model has led us to the complete redesign of the engine, new crankcase, new crankshaft, new flywheel and new cover to achieve an exceptional result. With a bearing system – free-wheel, one-way bearing – bathed in oil, we have achieved an immediate and powerful response. We have also achieved the best possible integration in the machine so that it is very compact, thanks to its optimal reduction of gears and its powerful 500W Mitsuba SM18 motor together with the Ion-Lithium battery weighing only 400 grams”.

All the contact details for more information can be found in the advert in this magazine.

2019 Jurassic 3-Day Trial As a supporter and partner of this event Trial Magazine is following the preparation for this competition. If you are thinking of competing you need to be in touch with the organisers as soon as possible due to the logistics of travel arrangements etc.

Follow Jurassic 3-Day Trial on Facebook or Jurassic Trial on Instagram and on the web at www.JurassicTrial.com for the latest news from Costa Rica 2019.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

ELECTRIC CONTROL • ALBERT CABESTANY • RENTHAL FATBAR ® 673 •

www.renthal.com

PHOTO CREDIT : TRIAL MAGAZINE

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

PADDOCK

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

HOLD IT

FAMILY

FEET OFF

BYE BYE @JOAN VALLS

PREPARATION 16

A FIVER

FIVE

LISTEN @CHARLOTTE BROWN AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PADDOCK

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

TOPMAN

PROUD

WHICH WAY

TOP THREE JAPAN

THE BOSS

HE SAID FLAT OUT TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

RODEO

WATCHING

BEACH LIFE 17

SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

TRS Bike Trial 2020

TRS Bike Trial 2020

26” One Frame Size Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com Call: 01242 675015

Hebo Toni Bou II Lime Glove Web: www.apico.co.uk Call: 01282 473190

20” Two Frame Sizes 960 & 1010 Web: www.trsmotorcyclesuk.com Call: 01242 675015

Hebo Nano Pro II Lime Glove Web: www.apico.co.uk Call: 01282 473190

CJB DVD 2019 Pre-65 Scottish Web: www.trialmaguk.com Call: 01663 744 766

OSET Kid Tee Shirts

Limited Edition Web: www.osetbikes.com

20

CJB DVD 2019 SSDT

Web: www.trialmaguk.com Call: 01663 744 766

S3 Tee Shirt Bernie Schreiber

Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com Call: 01287 766811

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SHOPPING WHAT’S NEW

S3 ‘Racing’ Body Warmer

Various Colour Ways Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Web: www.s3parts.com Call: 01287 766811

InMotion Lever Assemblies

All Clutch Cable Models Web: www.inmotiontrials.com Call: 01784 440033

SWM Replacement Seats

Web: www.motoswm.com Call: 07789 995646

Hebo Zone 5 Crash Helmet Range

Three colour ways Web: www.apico.co.uk

MOTS ZONE2 Boots

Web: www.trialendurodirect.com Call: 01298 766 813

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Luma Motorcycle Security

Ring Anchor Web: www.neodistribution.co.uk

Luma Motorcycle Security

Max Black HD 120 Solid Chain Lock Web: www.neodistribution.co.uk

21

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ITALY • JAPAN • HOLLAND • BELGIUM We at Trial Magazine are always open to trying something different and for the 2019 FIM Trial World Championship we are breaking the coverage down. It’s sometimes hard to report correctly and so in this issue we will feature the first four rounds: Italy, Japan, Holland and Belgium. In issue 77 there will be two rounds, Portugal and France, and we will finish with a review of the final round in Spain in issue 78 We will also have a dedicated section for the Qualifying, TrialGP Ladies and the TrialE classes – enjoy! Note that the second round in Japan was the only two-day points-scoring event in the calendar.

WORDS AND PICTURES: TRIAL MAGAZINE

TrialGP It’s still the old school that rule at the top of the sport: Toni Bou, Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo. Throw in the oldest rider in the class, Takahisa Fujinami, and the question is ‘who is going to raise the game to challenge them?’ Toni Bou unbeaten at the half-way stage – wow!

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FOUR OF SEVEN: 1: Toni Bou

Belgium: The crowds loved it 24

(Repsol Honda-ESP) 100; 2: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 81; 3: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 67; 4: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 66; 5: Jamie Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 51; 6: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 50; 7: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU) 43; 8: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 42; 9: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 39; 10: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 33; 11: Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR) 26; 12: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 14; 13: Arnau Farre (Jotagas-ESP) 11; 14: Oriol Noguera (Jotagas-ESP) 10; 15: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 7; 16: Andrea Riva (TRRS-ITA) 6; 17: Tomoyuki Ogawa (Honda-JPN) 3; 18: Fumitaka Nozaki (YamahaJPN) 3.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Trial2: Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA)

TrialGP

It’s still the old school that rule at the top of the sport: Toni Bou, Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo. Throw in the oldest rider in the class, Takahisa Fujinami, and the question is ‘who is going to raise the game to challenge them?’ Toni Bou unbeaten at the half-way stage – wow!

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND FOUR OF SEVEN: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 100; 2:

TrialGP: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda -ESP)

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 81; 3: Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 67; 4: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 66; 5: Jamie Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 51; 6: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 50; 7: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU) 43; 8: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 42; 9: Benoit Bincaz (BetaFRA) 39; 10: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 33; 11: Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR) 26; 12: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 14; 13: Arnau Farre (Jotagas-ESP) 11; 14: Oriol Noguera (Jotagas-ESP) 10; 15: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 7; 16: Andrea Riva (TRRS-ITA) 6; 17: Tomoyuki Ogawa (Honda-JPN) 3; 18: Fumitaka Nozaki (Yamaha-JPN) 3.

Trial2

Talk about hot – and we do not just mean the temperatures! The reigning champion Matteo Grattarola has built up a small cushion at the head of the championship with three wins. Other wins have come from Alexandre Ferrer and Gabriel Marcelli, but will the fight for the final podium positions let Grattarola get away and take another championship crown? We will see!

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR OF SEVEN: 1: Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) 92; 2: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 78; 3: Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR) 77; 4: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 61; 5: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 56; 6: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 49; 7: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 47; 8: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 44; 9: Hakon Pedersen (Gas GasNOR) 26; 10: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 26; 11: Billy Green (Montesa-GBR) 22; 12: Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA) 18; 13: Teo Colairo (Gas Gas-FRA) 18; 14: Pablo Suarez (Gas Gas-ESP) 16; 15: Akira Shibata (Vertigo-JPN) 10.

Trial125 Trial125: Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA)

With four wins and one hand on the world title, France has a new trials star in Kieran Touly on the Scorpa. The fight for second could go all the way to the wire between Marco Mempoer and Alberto Rabino. With one win in the Netherlands under his belt Mempoer has the upper hand, but can he retain his nerve? We are sure Rabino will have something to say about that!

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR OF FIVE: 1: Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA) 91; 2: Marco Mempoer (Beta-AUT) 73; 3: Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA) 72; 4: Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP) 66; 5: Arthur Rovery (Sherco-FRA) 63; 6: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 60; 7: Pol Medinya (TRRS-ESP) 50; 8: Dylan Ball (Beta-NZL) 36; 9: Ben Dignan (Gas Gas-ESP) 21; 10: Jake Eley (Beta-GBR) 20; 11: Jonathan Heidal (TRRS-DEU) 14; 12: Haruto Miyazawa (Beta-JPN) 13; 13: Kaoru Isogaya (Beta-JPN) 13; 14: Philipp Eberharter (TRRS-AUT) 10; 15: Fabio Schollar (Beta-AUT) 10.

Manufacturers

With points recorded from ten manufacturers it’s the mighty Montesa who once again hold the upper hand, with Toni Bou and Matteo Grattarola heading their respective championships with the four-stroke Cota 4RT ahead of the two-strokes behind them.

Manufacturers: Montesa TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND FOUR OF SEVEN: 1: Montesa 178; 2: Beta 134; 3: TRRS 107; 4: Sherco 101; 5: Gas Gas 98; 6: Honda 95; 7: Vertigo 76; 8: Scorpa 49; 9: Jotagas 15; 10: Yamaha: 7.

25

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ITALY • JAPAN • HOLLAND • BELGIUM QUALIFYING

TrialGP Netherlands & Belgium Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP)

TrialGP Japan Adam Raga (TRSS-ESP)

It was all change in Italy at round one for the 2019 qualification process, as the riders would make two separate laps of the chosen hazard with no practice lap as in 2018. The starting order for the Q1 timed lap is decided by a ballot, after which the finishing order in this qualifier determines the starting order for Q2. The two lap times would then be put together and the best average time, also taking into account any marks lost on observation, would decide the starting orders with the quickest average time determining the last starting position in the trial.

2019 The Fastest TRIALGP: No result recorded for Italy, start order was by ballot. Toni Bou Trial2 Italy & Belgium Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR)

(Repsol Honda-ESP) 2; Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 1.

TRIAL2: TOBY Martyn (Beta-GBR) 2; Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) 1; Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-FRA) 1.

TRIAL125: Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA) 2; Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 1; Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP) 1.

Italy

Held in the dark under floodlights in wet conditions the TrialGP class turned into a farce as the riders all failed to record a time on both laps, forcing the FIM to use the ballot to decide the start time where Benoit Bincaz drew last. Great Britain’s Toby Martyn did a sterling job on the Beta keeping the chasing four-strokes of Grattarola and Marcelli at bay as Spain’s Pau Martinez put in a quick time.

TRIALGP: 1: Bincaz; 2: Busto; 3: Gelabert; 4: Farre; 5: Kadlec; 6: Noguera; 7: Riva; 8: Dan Peace; 9: Dabill; 10: Price.

TRIAL2: 1: Martyn 0 + 41.28; 2: Grattarola: 0 + 41.89; 3: Marcelli 0 + 41.96; 4: Moret 0 + 43.53; 5: Jack Peace 0 + 43.64; 6: Gandola: 0 + 44.43; 7: Petrella 0 + 45.22; 8: Ferrer 0 + 45.99; 9: Miguel 0 + 46.05; 10: Haga 0 + 48.07.

TRIAL125: 1: Martinez 0 + 44.10; 2: Schollar 0 + 44.18; 3: Medinya 0 + 44.74; 4: Canales 0 + 45.06; 5: Rabino 0 + 49.00.

Trial2 Japan Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA) 26

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Japan

Consistent rain prior to and during qualifying would need some intense concentration, and it was Adam Raga who parted with no marks and the fastest time to head the field. In Trial2 it was very close as Matteo Grattarola just took the win and in Trial125 championship leader Kieran Touly was the man with the speed.

TRIALGP: 1: Raga 0 + 31.85; 2: Dabill 2 + 32.05; 3: Bou 5 + 35.50; 4: Bincaz 0 + 37.61; 5: Casales 5 + 40.07; 6: Fajardo 0 + 52.62; 7: Miquel Gelabert 2 + 53.46; 8: Kadlec 1 + 40.37; 9: Tomoyuki Ogawa 1 + 43.89; 10: Fujinami 1 + 47.45;

TRIAL2: 1: Grattarola 0 + 25.62; 2: Haga 0 + 25.87; 3: Aniol Gelabert 0 + 25.91; 4: Ferrer 0 + 26.38; 5: Martyn 0 + 27.42; 6: Moret 0 + 27.45; 7: Gandola 0 + 27.78; 8: Marcelli 0 + 27.98; 9: Petrella 0 + 28.26; 10: Green 0 + 29.49.

TRIAL125: 1: Touly 0 + 21.31; 2: Canales 0 + 22.41; 3: Martinez 0 + 24.29; 4: Mempoer 0 + 25.46; 5: Medinya 0 + 26.21.

Netherlands

Trial2 Netherlands Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP)

Trial125 Italy Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP)

It was a very warm day that welcomed Toni Bou’s smooth ride to his first pole position of the season in front of a packed grandstand in the sand in the Netherlands.

In Trial2 Aniol Gelabert was very much on form, keeping the four-strokes at bay, and in Trial125 Kieran Touly made his championship intentions clear.

TRIALGP: 1: Bou 0 + 37.71; 2: Fajardo 0 + 39.13; 3: Busto 0 + 40.15; 4: Dabill 0 + 41.16; 5: Raga 0 + 41.23; 6: Kadlec 0 + 41.71; 7: Price 0 + 41.89; 8: Casales 0 + 42.92; 9: Bincaz 0 + 43.52; 10: Fujinami 0 + 44.15.

TRIAL2: 1: Aniol Gelabert 0 + 34.28; 2: Moret 0 + 34.87; 3: Martyn 0 + 35.70; 4: Grattarola 0 + 35.74; 5: Green 0 + 37.01; 6: Haga 0 + 37.76; 7: Marcelli 0 + 37.98; 8: Petrella 0 + 38.90; 9: Jack Peace 0 + 39.14; 10: Pedersen 0 + 39.18.

TRIAL125: 1: Touly 0 + 38.16; 2: Canales 0 + 39.59; 3: Rovery 0 + 40.06; 4: Rabino 0 + 41.06; 5: Heidal 0 + 41.64.

Belgium Trial125 Japan Netherlands Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA)

Under the intense heat the crowd in the market square on the man-made hazard at Comblain Au Point witnessed Toni Bou at his best. In Trial2 a confident, calm-riding Toby Martyn went quickest. The closest class was the Trial125 as Alex Canales from Spain put the Gas Gas on pole position for the first time.

TRIALGP: 1: Bou 0 + 23.97; 2: Dabill 0 + 26.66; 3: Busto 0 + 28.75; 4: Bincaz 0 + 29.06; 5: Raga 0 + 29.11; 6: Casales 0 + 29.21; 7: Fajardo 0 + 29.77; 8: Farre 0 + 29.83; 9: Gelabert 0 + 30.03; 10: Dan Peace 0 + 30.99.

TRIAL2: 1: Martyn 0 + 21.27; 2: Marcelli 0 + 22.82; 3: Ferre 0 + 23.09; 4: Aniol Gelabert 0 + 24.39; 5: Grattarola 0 + 24.59; 6: Haga 0 + 25.32; 7: Moret 0 + 25.38; 8: Pedersen 0 + 26.43; 9: Suarez 0 + 26.77; 10: Jack Peace 0 + 26.88.

TRIAL125: 1: Canales 0 + 25.59; 2: Touly 0 + 26.90; 3: Mempoer 0 + 30.53; 4: Rovery 0 + 31.56; 5: Martinez 0 + 33.78 Trial125 Belgium Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP) TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

27

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ITALY • JAPAN • HOLLAND • BELGIUM

BOU IN CONTROL

Jeroni Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP): In Belgium the competition between Jeroni and Toni Bou was as close as you could get. Very much a lone ‘wolf’ who likes to ride his own trial, he came so close to his first victory of the 2019 season. He is another rider who could interrupt Bou’s winning run at any time.

Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP): A man in command; despite the pressure of everyone expecting him to be the best at all times, he continues to deliver. His focus and dedication leave no stone unturned in the quest for perfection, as displayed with four straight victories in 2019.

Italy

This was a very challenging opening round which was affected by the heavy rain in the area making the hazards exceptionally slippery. The rain had stopped on ‘race’ day and the abundance of rocks was initially at their very worst as the mud was carried onto them, but they did dry out a little around midday.

With the start times decided by the ballot after the qualifying fiasco, Jeroni Fajardo had the very difficult task of opening the hazards. Riding at his maximum level he suffered with some of the earlier observers’ decisions, and second position was a superb result considering the situation.

The defending champion Toni Bou was looking very confident and the two lap scores showed he is still very much at the top of his game. After the opening lap the two remaining podium positions were very much open to six riders, as Bou further increased his advantage parting with just four marks on lap two.

Fajardo held his nerve to push Adam Raga into third in the closing stages as Benoit Bincaz used his starting position at the back of the field to his advantage with a fourth-placed finish.

RESULTS: 1: Toni Bou (Repsol Honda-ESP) 33; 2: Jeroni Fajardo

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP): Never one to turn down the challenge to fight for the victories, Adam continues and still believes he still has another world championship title in him; who would bet against it happening?

28

(Gas Gas-ESP) 61; 3: Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP) 66; 4: Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA) 86; 5: Jamie Busto (Vertigo-ESP) 88; 6: Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN) 96; 7: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP) 105; 8: Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU) 111; 9: James Dabill (Beta-GBR) 112; 10: Oriol Noguera (Jotagas-ESP) 114; 11: Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR) 117; 12: Arnau Farre (JotagasESP) 126; 13: Jorge Casales (Vertigo-ESP) 128; 14: Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR) 129; 15: Andrea Riva (TRRS-ITA) 142.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Franz Kadlec (TRRS-DEU): Definitely the most improved rider in the first half of the season he scored his career-best results in Japan with two sixth places.

Witnessing his clean ride on the very difficult section four on day two in Japan — he was actually in the top three for the majority of the opening lap — showed the true potential of this young rider.

Takahisa Fujinami (Repsol Honda-JPN): The oldest rider on the world scene can still deliver the results. With two podiums in Japan, he backed them up by just missing out in the Netherlands and then again by a single mark in Belgium. Just one mark off third position in the championship at the halfway point, his warrior instincts will keep him fighting all the way to the end of the season.

Jaime Busto (VertigoESP): A ‘shock’ move from Gas Gas to Vertigo has not seen a change in his fortunes in the world championship.

The ability is in there, as demonstrated in Japan in 2018 with his only TWC win.

Many believe in Busto’s ability, so let’s hope we can see it nurtured through as another world round winner before the season closes.

Japan: Day one

After the heavy rain of qualifying the terrain had not dried out as the riders set off in overcast conditions. Nerves at this level of riding always seem to affect a few of the riders, which was reflected in the opening lap scores.

Toni Bou was the strongest starter and as the lap progressed the rain came again at section five as the defending world champion was the only rider to find a way through the hazard with a brilliant singlemark attempt. At the close of the lap he held a commanding 17-mark lead. The majority of the hazards are on steep wooded hillsides with a granite type of rock in them. These got no better as the rain stopped but the mud carried onto the rocks, which forced Bou to part with a run of four five-mark penalties. He was still the clear winner, but behind him it was much closer.

Adam Raga used all his experience to keep Takahisa Fujinami in third place as Great Britain’s James Dabill showed his skills when wheel grip was hard to find, to claim fourth. Jeroni Fajardo rounded off the top five.

RESULTS: 1: Bou 48; 2: Raga 71; 3: Fujinami 75; 4: Dabill 79; 5: Fajardo 81; 6: Kadlec 93; 7: Busto 98; 8: Casales 98; 9: Gelabert 101; 10: Price 104; 11: Bincaz 107; 12: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 108; 13: Peace 114; 14: Fumitaka Nozaki (Yamaha-JPN) 118; 15: Tomoyuki Ogawa (Honda-JPN) 120.

Japan: Day two

James Dabill (Beta-GBR): He is still Great Britain’s number one performer on the world stage and has looked so good in qualifying. His aim will be to turn the strong qualifying into a podium result to move into the top five in the championship.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

It was a much drier start for day two, as the sun shone through the clouds which still hung around all day. With Toni Bou riding at the very back based on his win on day one he was to give the trials world a riding demonstration that we had not seen since Portugal in 2010, he went around the 30 hazards parting with no marks; yes, a ‘clean’ day!

With Bou in such dominating form the event was all about the final two places on the podium. After the first lap, Fujinami was a single mark in front of Raga, much to the delight of the Japanese fans, but on the second lap it was TRRS mounted Raga who put the hammer down. On any other day his single-lap score of four marks lost would have been incredible, but what it did do was secure the runner-up spot as ‘Fujigas’ made the podium a repeat of day one.

James Dabill was edged off the podium for the second time, with Jorge Casales just a single mark behind. Securing two strong careerbest finishes was Germany’s Franz Kadlec in sixth position.

RESULTS: 1: Bou 0; 2: Raga 20; 3: Fujinami 31; 4: Dabill 37; 5: Casales 38; 6: Kadlec 41; 7: Busto 47; 8: Gelabert 49; 9: Fajardo 54; 10: Price 57; 11: Bincaz 63; 12: Peace 70; 13: Kuroyama 72; 14: Ogawa 85; 15: Nozaki 86.

29

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Jack Price (Gas Gas-GBR): Never one to give up, it’s been very much an up-and-down year with some excellent rides. Determined to always give his best, he needs some strong top finishes in the next few rounds to move inside the all-important top ten in the championship.

Benoit Bincaz (Beta-FRA): You can feel the frustration seen on the face of this young French rider.

The move to Beta has taken him longer to adjust to than expected, but as with any talented rider we are sure the results will start to happen as the season progresses.

Netherlands

Very much a man on form, the man-made hazards found at this wellorganised event had Toni riding at his very best. On a short, compact course it was always going to be the time element that would keep the riders moving.

As it has been on so many occasions in the past, it was Adam Raga who took the early lead, as Bou parted with his only mark in section four on his opening lap. Adam stopped in section eight to record a five, and section nine was scrapped on this opening lap when a rock came loose. As Bou closed his lap he was awarded six time penalties as Raga was also three minutes late.

Third-placed Jeroni Fajardo had two consistent lap scores, along with five on time. The hazards in the strong heat became quite slippery as the dust was carried onto them but, as we have seen in the past, the scores came down for the second tour of the 15 hazards.

The battle for the next three places was fought out between Fujinami, Busto and Casales. ‘Fujigas’ won the battle and retained his third position in the championship.

RESULTS: 1: Bou 6; 2: Raga 14; 3: Fajardo (Gas Gas-ESP) 19; 4: Fujinami 27; 5: Busto 28; 6: Casales 32; 7: Dabill 50; 8: Kadlec 52; 9: Bincaz 59; 10: Price 62; 11: Riva 71; 12: Noguera 75; 13: Gelabert 81; 14: Farre 101; 15: Peace 103.

Miquel Gelabert (Sherco-ESP): Struggling with injury from the start of the season, we have not seen his best yet. His season got even worse in Belgium when in a big crash during the second lap he got struck by the machine, which has left him facing surgery for some broken bones in his face.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Jorge Casales (VertigoESP): If he can move past the mental barrier of self-belief we will see the full potential of this exciting rider. Expect some better results in the second half of the season if the confidence grows.

31

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Dan Peace (Sherco-GBR): This virgin year in the TrialGP class is a learning year for the elder of the two Peace brothers. The riding level between Trial2 and TrialGP is a huge leap which, step by step, Dan is learning to master.

Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN): Starting the season off on the mighty four-stroke Yamaha trials machine with a reputed weight of 73kg, the slightly-built rider then moved to the TrialE class on the development electric trials model from the Japanese manufacturer.

Belgium

This was always going to be a tough event, but then throw in an exceptionally hot day and two riders at the very top of their game.

Toni Bou is the rider constantly under attack as the one to beat, both Jeroni Fajardo and Adam Raga see this as a target. In Belgium, it was Fajardo’s turn to challenge the defending champion. Time would be tight as always, but these two warriors both lost just one mark each on the opening lap. As one rider parted with marks the other took the advantage, and this was the story until section 14 when Bou fived the hazard giving Jeroni a three-mark advantage as the lap closed. The second lap literally went to the steep final hazard overlooking the old market town as Bou rode at the very top of his game with an impossible full-on no-stop attack at the hazard to record a clean and take the victory.

The final step on the podium was a close match played out between Raga, Fujinami and Busto, with Raga getting the ‘nod’ by a single mark from Fujinami. The question is who can stop Toni Bou? RESULTS: 1: Bou 33; 2: Fajardo 36; 3: Raga 72; 4: Fujinami 73; 5: Tomoyuki Ogawa (Honda-JPN): Very much a development rider for Honda on the four-stroke model, the many-times Japanese national champion always enjoys his time with the regular world round riders.

32

Busto 78; 6: Casales 82; 7: Bincaz 95; 8: Dabill 98; 9: Kadlec 106; 10: Gelabert 112; 11: Farre 117; 12: Peace 117; 13: Price 118.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

ÂŽ WATERLESS ENGINE COOLANTS

Advanced Cooling Technology PowerSports reduces system pressure which increases combustion efficiency and prevents boilover while eliminating corrosion and reducing strain on hoses, seals and gaskets. used and recommended by

Visit our website to ďŹ nd your closest stockist or give us a call on 01792 572299

www.evanscoolants.co.uk/trial

image supplied by N ige Pea n Photography rso

RIDE HARDER without boilover

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ITALY • JAPAN • HOLLAND • BELGIUM

WHO WANTS IT THE MOST? Italy

Matteo Grattarola (Honda-ITA): After winning the 2018 Trial2 World Championship he has shown tremendous form in the early part of the season and has built himself a small cushion at the top of the championship. He knows this will come under attack but threw the gauntlet down to the other riders in Belgium with a very strong ride.

It was a superb result for the FIM section-marking team, as they got the standard of hazards near perfect. Rain was forecast on the day but they gambled correctly as it arrived in time for the podium after the action, making for a very close contest with 20 riders chasing 15 point-scoring positions.

Riding in front of a home crowd the defending champion Matteo Grattarola made it backto-back wins from the close of the 2018 season to the opening of the 2019 season with two very consistent lap scores to take a clear victory.

The surprise package in Italy came from the younger of the two Peace brothers, Jack.

Two unexpected five-mark penalties kept him off the pace of Grattarola as he pushed last year’s series runner-up Toby Martyn down to the third step of the podium.

It was the second-lap score of 29 that kept Martyn away from the win as in fourth position his fellow Beta team rider, Luca Petrella, matched the winner Grattarola with a score of 14.

In fifth position was a disappointed Gabriel Marcelli who finished just in front Trial2 ‘Debutant’ Alexandre Ferrer.

RESULTS: 1: Matteo Grattarola

Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP): The only man this year to beat Grattarola, this young Spanish rider will look at becoming stronger and more consistent in the second half of the season with his eyes on the title.

34

(Honda-ITA) 27; 2: Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR) 43; 3: Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR) 48; 4: Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA) 49; 5: Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa-ESP) 52; 6: Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA) 54; 7: Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP) 59; 8: Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP) 59; 9: Hakon Pedersen (Gas Gas-NOR) 71; 10: Sergio Piardi (Beta-ITA) 74; 11: Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) 79; 12: Billy Green (Montesa-GBR) 79; 13: Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA) 83; 14: Pablo Suarez (Gas Gas-ESP) 84; 15: Julien Perret (Gas GasFRA) 88.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Francesc Moret (Montesa-ESP): One word: frustrated, is how this rider will be feeling; he knows he has to raise his game if he is to challenge for the wins and move up the championship.

Toby Martyn (Beta-GBR): Still without a win in this class, the young ‘Lion’ from Great Britain is not getting the results that his efforts deserve. You can guarantee that in his mind he knows that he has to start winning if he is to deny Grattarola the title once again in 2019 after he’d had it snatched from his grasp in cruel circumstances at the final round in 2018.

Japan: Day one

Alexandre Ferrer (Sherco-FRA): It’s taking this French rider who moved down from TriaGP in 2018 much longer to adapt his riding style to the 250cc machine. The win in Japan shows he has the ability, so do not be surprised to see him win again this season.

With the best qualifying time under his belt Italy’s Matteo Grattarola was in the prime position to fight for the win. With wet conditions causing problems for many of the riders he used his experience to open up a single-mark lead over Toby Martyn on the opening lap.

These two had pulled away from the rest of the riders with it all to play for on the second lap. As Matteo became more confident it was Martyn who was the loser, with three five-mark penalties making the difference in the final result.

The fight for the final step on the podium was between the two RG Trials Team riders Gabriel Marcelli and Francesc Moret. They were very close all day and when Marcelli stopped in the final section he thought it was all over but it was not, still beating his friend and rival by close two-mark advantage.

It’s worth noting Japan’s seventh-placed finisher Akira Shibata, who was showing just how much the host nation’s riders are improving and he out-pointed some of the hottest European riders as the weather changed to some intermittent sunshine at the close of the day.

RESULTS: 1: Grattarola 30; 2: Martyn 43; 3: Marcelli 51; 4: Moret 53; 5: Ferrer 63; 6: Petrella 65; 7: Akira Shibata (Vertigo-JPN) 70; 8: Gelabert 71; 9: Peace 72; 10: Haga 72; 11: Teo Colario (Gas Gas-FRA) 76; 12: Gondola 81; 13: Pedersen 82; 14: Green 83; 15: Piardi 94.

Japan: Day two

A better day greeted the riders as the rain made way for some overcast but fine, dry weather. With the hazards riding much better the scores came down and it was former TrialGP class rider Alexandre Ferrer who took the lead at the close of the opening lap from Gabriel Marcelli by two marks and the ever-prowling Matteo Grattarola. The Italian 2018 Trial2 World Champion parted with 15 marks lost, the same as his young arch rival Toby Martyn.

On the relatively easy opening hazard Toby had suffered a very heavy fall after a lapse in concentration but worked hard to put this behind him and get back in contention for the win. On the second lap Matteo made his push for victory, parting with just two marks as eventual winner Ferrer parted with three, the same as the battling Martyn.

In second position was Gabriel Marcelli who made sure he maintained in a challenging position in the championship.

As Spain’s Aniol Gelabert improved so did Great Britain’s young challengers for Trial2 honours Jack Peace and Billy Green, who scored a career-best eighth position in his first year in this class.

RESULTS: 1: Ferrer 11; 2: Marcelli 15; 3: Grattarola 17; 4: Martyn 18; 5: Moret Aniol Gelabert (Scorpa-ESP): When this unbelievable talent matures into strong results the trials world will have to watch out, including his elder brother Miquel. His level of ability leaves many onlookers in no doubt that he is a star of the future.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

28; 6: Gelabert 28; 7: Peace 28; 8: Green 33; 9: Gondola 35; 10: Petrella 34; 11: Haga 35; 12: Colairo 46; 13: Pedersen 50; 14: Seiya Ujikawa (Gas Gas-JPN) 54; 15: Shibata 57

35

£6595.00

£7995.00

www.el ectri c- motion.co.u k

£7595.00

£8495.00

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Jack Peace (Sherco-GBR): Looking every inch a winner if it goes to plan, Jack knows he has to work at being more consistent if he is to reach the podium as he did in Italy with a superb second position.

Luca Petrella (Beta-ITA): Once the confidence starts with this young rider you can be sure the results will come; he will be very frustrated with his 2019 results in the first half of the season.

The Netherlands

It wasn’t just the heat that was the problem for the riders but Spain’s Gabriel Marcelli, who no one had an answer for; he was simply on fire. He knew he had to win and delivered. After the podium positions in Japan for second and third, he finally made it to the top step to keep his championship aspirations alive. In a victory that mirrored Toni Bou’s on the four-stroke machine, he parted with just a single mark but incurred nine time penalties.

Italy’s Matteo Grattarola made it a one-two for the four-strokes and retained his championship lead after a very ‘shaky’ opening lap where he parted with two fives.

It was a similar story for Great Britain’s Toby Martyn who suffered a very heavy crash on section ten. The fight for the last step on the podium was very close once again, showing how competitive this class really is.

The biggest loser was the younger of the two Gelabert brothers, Aniol. A rider with immense talent he had been the fastest in qualifying but the time element unsettled him, resulting in him making some mistakes on ‘race’ day as he came home seventh.

RESULTS: 1: Marcelli 9; 2: Grattarola 20; 3: Martyn 26; 4: Moret 27; 5: Petrella 29; 6: Ferrer 29; 7: Aniol Gelabert 30; 8: Suarez 36; 9: Haga 43; 10: Pedersen 48; 11: Jack Peace 55; 12: Colairo 60; 13: Petrangeli 61; 14: Gondola 65; 15: Piardi 71.

Hakon Pedersen (Gas Gas-NOR): Always looking for that elusive top five, it’s maybe a case of trying too hard that has kept Hakon away from it.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR): A broken collarbone hindered this young rider’s start to the season but he will become stronger as the year progresses.

Billy Green (Montesa-GBR): The move to the four-stroke power has done him no harm at all. He knows 2019 is a learning season and the fact that he has had some top-ten finishes can only bode well for the future.

37

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Belgium

Lorenzo Gondola (Vertigo-ITA): Expect this young rider to improve with experience, which he will gain at every round in his second year in the Trial2 class.

When a rider is showing some of his best form of his career, you know he is going to be hard to beat; and that was the problem at the Belgian round. In truth, the competition was all about who would finish second, such was the supremacy of the championship leader Matteo Grattarola. At the close of the first lap the nearest rider to him, some ten marks behind, was the talented Scorpa rider Aniol Gelabert.

The expected challenge from Great Britain’s Toby Martyn never got going and he became involved in the fight for second position between, believe it or not, four other riders: Marcelli who won the last time out, Gelabert, Moret and Ferrer. Separated by only a handful of marks Martyn worked hard all day to maintain his bid for the championship and the second-place reward was definitely a damage limitation exercise after a hard day. He knows he has to win soon if he is to challenge Grattarola but you must remember at each of these Trial2 rounds you have potentially eight riders who could win.

This championship could go all the way to the last round, as it did in 2018.

RESULTS: 1: Grattarola 32; 2: Martyn 49; 3: Marcelli 54; 4: Gelabert 54; 5: Moret 55; 6: Ferrer 56; 7: Peace 63; 8: Green 69; 9: Pedersen 76; 10: Suarez 76; 11: Colairo 76; 12: Petrella 80; 13: Haga 81; 14: Gondola 84; 15: Eric Miquel (TRRS-ESP) 91.

Pablo Suarez (Gas Gas-ESP): This is another young talent from Spain who is learning the ropes and will have his eyes on moving up the order.

Akira Shibata (VertigoJPN): It’s all good news from Japan as the home riders have improved so much over the years.

Maybe it’s time for some of them to follow their ‘Legend’ Takahisa Fujinami and move to Europe as he did, many years ago.

38

Who can catch Grattarola in 2019?

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

GET A GRIP! Climb any obstacle with the Sidi Trial Zero One

Whether you’re racing against the clock or simply testing your abilities, trial riding requires the maximum amount of control at all times. The Sidi Trial Zero One boots ensure that you have maximum grip without compromising flexibility. Complete with Sidi’s patented protection and comfort features, with the Trial Zero One there’s no obstacle you can’t climb.

Available colours: Brown - White/Red - Black - Black/Blue

sidisportsuk

www.sidiselect.co.uk

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

JAPAN

BRISTOW STYLE

Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR).

The two-day points-scoring opening round of the 2019 FIM TrialGP Women’s World Championships would once again start with the long-haul flight to Japan and the world famous Motegi race track at Narita. The wet weather welcomed the 12 riders to the qualifying session, which was formed from a mixture of man-made and natural hazards.

It was Norway’s Ingveig Hakonsen who posted the fastest time in a close contest with Great Britain’s Emma Bristow and Spain’s Sandra Gomez. Showing her true world championship style over both days of competition, Bristow was in reality never challenged for the top spot on the podium. She dominated both days with clear winning margins and highlighted her high standard of riding when the conditions were at their worst on day one.

With better weather on day two, the hazards rode easier, and she needed to be concentrating at her highest level, which she did to record another victory. On day one the battle between the other riders for the podium was much closer as Sandra Gomez took second position on the tie break decider from Ingveig Hakonsen, with the Spanish trio of Berta Abellan, Neus Mercia and Maria Giro all very close rounding off the top six. With much better weather conditions on day two Great Britain’s sole representative in this class, Bristow, showed a very high level of riding to lose just seven marks on her opening lap, the only single-figure score of the day. Abellan took the second step on the podium as she fought off Neus Mercia and Sandra Gomez, and Mercia got the last step on the podium on the tie break decider as Maria Giro took another top-five finish. The question as we look forward to the next round is who can stop Bristow marching towards another world title?

QUALIFYING: 1: Ingveig Hakonsen (TRRS-NOR) 27.04; 2: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 27.40; 3: Sandra Gomez (TRRS-ESP) 27.55; 4: Sarah Bauer (Sherco-DEU) 29.39; 5: Jule Steinart (TRRS-DEU) 30.86; 6: Berta Abellan (Vertigo-ESP) 32.42; 7: Neus Mercia (Gas Gas-ESP) 32.97; 8: Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) 33.51; 9: Madeleine Hoover (Gas Gas-USA) 35.55; 10: Alex Brancati (Beta-ITA) 37.26; 11: Aya Nishimura (Beta-JPN) 38.80; 12: Erika Melchior (Sherco-NOR) 5.

RESULTS, DAY 1: 1: Bristow 39; 2: Gomez 64; 3; Hakonsen 64; 4: Abellan 70; 5: Mercia 74; 6: Giro 77; 7: Bauer 86; 8: Brancati 87; 9: Nishimura 90; 10: Hoover 104; 11: Steinart 116; 12: Melchior 130.

RESULTS, DAY 2: 1: Bristow 17: 2: Abellan 40; 3: Mercia 45; 4: Gomez 45; 5: Giro 48; 6: Hakonsen 50; 7: Brancati 56; 8: Bauer 62; 9: Nishimura 62; 10: Hoover 64; 11: Steinart 71; 12: Melchior 83.

CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS: 1: Emma Bristow (Sherco-GBR) 40;

Berta Abellan (Vertigo-ESP): Making a good start to the 2019 championship, has she got what it takes to fight for the championship? We will see.

40

2: Berta Abellan (Vertigo-ESP) 30; 3: Sandra Gomez (TRRS-ESP) 30; 4: Neus Mercia (Gas Gas-ESP) 26; 5: Ingveig Hakonsen (TRRS-NOR) 25; 6: Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP) 21; 7: Alex Brancati (Beta-ITA) 17; 8: Sarah Bauer (Sherco-DEU) 17; 9: Aya Nishimura (Beta-JPN) 14; 10: Madeleine Hoover (Gas Gas-USA) 12; 11: Jule Steinart (TRRS-DEU) 10; 12: Erika Melchior (ShercoNOR) 8.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Maria Giro (Montesa-ESP): Small in stature, Maria is a very consistent and determined rider which was reflected in her results in Japan.

Sandra Gomez (TRRS-ESP): Very much an Enduro rider these days, Sandra can still show her skills on a trials motorcycle.

Aya Nishimura (Beta-JPN): Mixing it with the best of the rest of the world the Japanese ladies’ champion had a good solid weekend of results.

Neus Mercia (Gas Gas-ESP): Another young lady with her eyes focussed on a career in motorcycle trials; she will be disappointed with her form in Japan.

Podium Day One: Gomez: Bristow: Hakonsen.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Ingveig Hakonsen (TRRS-NOR): Setting the quickest time in qualifying this young rider will be looking at finding consistency in her riding.

Podium Day Two: Abellan: Bristow: Mercia.

41

0 5 2 â‚Ź r o f ial pant. w o n r e t Regiesceive a Jurassi2c0T, r2019 and r id until Aug. *val

From â‚Ź1,995 per person*

Competition event by invitation

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

ITALY • JAPAN • HOLLAND • BELGIUM

VIVE LA FRANCE Marco Mempoer (BetaAUT): He is the other find of the season in this class. The win in the Netherlands was well deserved and he has moved up the positions in the championship to second, something he will want to preserve at the close of it.

Kieran Touly (ScorpaFRA): Hard work has been rewarded and, barring a disaster, France will have a new Trial World Champion.

Riding very maturely despite the setback in the Netherlands he has one hand firmly on the trophy for 2019.

Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA): Do not be surprised if he wins in the final round, we won’t be! A very good rider, he is just missing consistency in his riding.

Japan: Day one

The ‘find’ of the 2019 season, Kieran Touly from France on the Scorpa arrived in Japan ready to fight for the victories and that’s exactly what he achieved. Despite the fact he lay down in third position after the opening lap behind Alberto Rabino and Marco Mempoer he remained calm to take the victory by three marks. Rabino and Mempoer were engaged in their own battle and rounded off the podium as Pau Martinez and Arthur Rovery finished within two marks of one another in what was a very competitive day, made harder for the 125cc machines in the very wet conditions.

RESULTS: 1: Touly 48; 2: Rabino 51; 3: Mempoer 55; 4: Martinez 60; 5: Rovery 62; 6: Canales 66; 7: Medinya 67; 8: Ball 76; 9: Kaoru Isogaya (Beta-JPN) 112; 10: Haruto Miyazawa (Beta-JPN) 119; 11: Rei Hamabe (Scorpa-JPN) 122; 12: Eley 131.

Japan: Day two Italy

On the slippery rocks this was always going to be a testing day for the 125cc two-stroke machines. With last year’s FIM Trial125 top three moving up a class it opened the door for some new talent to shine through. French rider Kieran Touly took the opportunity to take the win at round one, with the hard work done on the opening lap as he headed the field by seven marks from eventual third-placed Alex Canales. On the second lap the man on form was Alberto Rabino with a score of just seven marks lost to eventual winner Touly’s nine.

RESULTS: 1: Kieran Touly (Scorpa-FRA) 21; 2: Alberto Rabino (Beta-ITA) 28; 3: Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP) 29; 4: Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ESP) 34; 5: Pol Medinya (TRRS-ESP) 45; 6: Marco Mempoer (Beta-AUT) 57; 7: Arthur Rovery (Sherco-FRA) 58; 8: Ben Dignan (Gas Gas-ESP) 69; 9: Jonathan Heidal (TRRS-DEU) 83; 10: Philipp Eberharter (TRRS-AUT) 95; 11: Fabio Schollar (Beta-AUT) 102; 12: Dylan Ball (Beta-NZL) 108; 13: Gaudi Vall (Gas GasAND) 114; 14: Jake Eley (Beta-GBR) 124.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

It got even closer in the fight for the victory for Kieran Touly on day two as his French rival Arthur Rovery pushed him all the way. At the close of the opening lap Rovery held a single mark advantage but as he has demonstrated already this season Touly remained calm to once again take maximum points. Showing the talent that is waiting to come out, Spain’s Pau Martinez had a much more consistent day to finish on the podium in third position. The battle for fourth place was very close between Alex Canales, Marco Mempoer, Alberto Rabino and Pol Medinya.

RESULTS: : Touly 20; 2: Rovery 22; 3: Martinez 25; 4: Canales 32; 5: Mempoer 34; 6: Rabino 35; 7: Medinya 35; 8: Ball 61; 9: Miyazawa 73; 10: Isogaya 82; 11: Eley 88; 12: Hamabe 100; 13: Shinya Toudou (Scorpa-JPN) 110; 14: Chen Mao Wen (TRRSTWN) 120.

43

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Alex Canales (Gas Gas-ESP): Just off the pace for a top three finish in the championship, he will approach the final round with his eye on the podium if he can find an improvement in his results.

Netherlands

Everyone wants to get on the podium, but young Marco Mempoer for Austria did it in style under the intense heat in the Netherlands.

Parting with just a single mark on section nine on his first lap, he kept his calm on the second tour of the hazards to come home a worthy winner. Arthur Rovery kept the French flag flying on the podium as the championship leader Kieran Touly had a disaster of a day. With Alex Canales and Alberto Rabino the only other two riders with single figure scores Touly was well off the winning pace on 18 marks lost.

RESULTS: Mempoer 1; 2: Rovery 3; 3: Canales 7; 4: Rabino 9; 5: Touly 18; 6: Medinya 23; 7: Martinez 23; 8: Ball 53; 9: Heidal 55; 10: Dignan 57; 11: Schollar 68; 12: Eberharter 76; 13: Eley 118.

Pau Martinez (Vertigo-ES): A young man still learning the ropes, once he is consistent he can aim for the podium.

Belgium

Riding very much like a rider who wants the world crown, Kieran Touly came fighting back after his disaster in the Netherlands with a well-deserved clear victory. It was tough on the small-capacity machines under the heat in Belgium but he remained focussed on the win all day. The interesting fight is with the next three riders in the championship as Austria’s Marco Mempoer backed up his win the week before with a good second position in front of Rabino and Canales. The riders below form were Medinya, Martinez and Rovery, but expect some fireworks as their 2019 season concludes.

RESULTS: 1: Touly 42; 2: Mempoer 55; 3: Rabino 59; 4: Canales 59; 5: Medinya 71; 6: Martinez 71; 7: Rovery 75; 8: Ball 93; 9: Dignan 112; 10: Eley 125.

Arthur Rovery (Sherco-FRA): Despite two visits to the podium Arthur will be disappointed with his results this year.

44

Pol Medinya (TRRS-ESP): Very quiet and reserved, this is another good young rider coming through from the Spanish Federation Team RFME AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

BOULDER // WHITE / RED / FLO YELLOW

Designed and developed in Italy | Made in the EU Distributed in the UK by

www.apico.co.uk

PROTOTYPE TENACI-WONG

Is it time for the Chinese?

We picked what was probably the wettest day in late June for the test on the new Tenaci-Wong, but we were most certainly interested as the new UK importer Dan Clarke kept us entertained with his exploits on this new four-stroke model from China. He and the enthusiastic Andy Bunton, who is also involved with the importership, had just this one prototype machine for us to view but by the time you read this a new batch of ten pre-production machines will be in the hands of the new dealer-network for extensive testing. The production machines are expected to arrive in August. It’s coming into the UK at a very competitive £3,950.00, aimed at the clubman rider market as well as hopefully getting some new ‘bums’ on seats in, shall we say, the ‘dead easy’ trials scene. The question on everyone’s lips though: “Is it time for the Chinese?” – And we do not mean food!

ARTICLE: JOHN HULME WITH DAN CLARKE

46

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

PROTOTYPE TENACI-WONG

Overall handling is very good.

Tenaci-Wong?

The brand name Tenaci-Wong originates from the word ‘tenacity’ and the surname of its founder, Mr Zemin Wong. The name represents the spirit of perseverance and determination to conquer all obstacles. Mr Wong is himself an accomplished rider and has been involved in developing the TWC200 trials motorcycle. His passion for the sport began 17 years ago after watching a video of an international trials competition. Unfortunately, at that time specialised motorcycles for the sport were virtually unknown in his homeland of China. Following the testing, research and development of his designs, while incorporating the newest technologies, the Tenaci-Wong trials motorcycle was born.

First impressions These always count; the machine looks competitive and, in truth, well put together. One thing we must make clear from the start: it’s not a machine introduced to challenge the mainstay of the machines available on the trials market, which is reflected in the attractive retail price. As we have already stated, it’s aimed at the clubman market where the rider wants a competitive machine at a price that he can afford to be introduced to the fantastic TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Yes, it’s still very prototype!

In its natural environment: the Tenaci-Wong.

47

PROTOTYPE TENACI-WONG

In the safe hands of Dan Clarke on more challenging hazards.

The electric starter is located at the rear of the cylinder.

world of motorcycle trials. The engine is a compact 198cc four-stroke single-cylinder water-cooled type with a six-speed gearbox and hydraulic clutch. The ‘Wow’ factor has to be the electric starter. Conveniently located at the rear of the cylinder, it makes for easy starting every time, which has to encourage the rider under challenging situations.

On this pre-production model, all the components are sourced in China. Dan had fitted Michelin tyres and Renthal handlebars; the tyres for their superior gripping qualities and the Renthals for personal preference.

On test Watching Dan in action through the camera lens gave an insight into the potential of the machine. It certainly needs some development work in a few areas before the production begins, but on the whole, it really did impress in its ability to cope with many challenging hazards. On more suitable clubman hazards, it looked and performed very well.

Dan Clarke: “As John has stated, this is a prototype model which I have been riding to evaluate and give feedback to the factory before production begins. It does perform well for a 198cc engine, with good gear selection and the clutch works well. As it’s a four-stroke, in my opinion, it’s easier to leave the clutch alone and use your throttle and brakes to control the machine. We are still working on various engine braking setups, but in its present state everyone who has ridden, it has been very impressed, having plenty of power on hand at the turn of the throttle. Its biggest asset, of course, is the electric starter; just the press of a button fires the machine into life, it’s as simple as that.

It rides very well, and you must remember that it’s aimed at the clubman-type hazards.

The suspension works very well, in particular when riding up the rocks and rivers at this test venue. The riding position gives good feedback to the rider making for an all-round good experience. Yes, we still have some small changes to make, but on the whole, I am very happy with the machine and look forward to the batch of ten machines arriving for dealer evaluation.”

2019 TENACI-WONG TWC200 SPECIFICATIONS

Motor 198cc Four-Stroke Single Cylinder EFI 4T Water-Cooled

Oil Capacity 900ml – Fully Synthetic Oil Torque 16 NM Power 12kw/rpm Ignition Rojo RJ200 Starting Electric Battery NI-ZN 12Volts 2.8ah Transmission Six Forward Gears Clutch Hydraulic Exhaust Stainless Steel with Aluminium Silencer and a Carbon Fibre Heat Shield with Oxygen Sensor Inside

Top Speed 80km Chassis Tubular Steel Frame with Integrated Sump Protection Swinging Arm Aluminium Suspension Front: 40mm Ǿ High Strength Aluminium Low Pressure, Multi-Stage Adjustable Damping; Rear: Hydraulic Multi-Stage Adjustable Damping Wheel Front: 2.75” x 21” Tubed Type, Rear: 4.00” x 18” Tubeless Type Brakes Front: 184mm Ǿ Bi-Directional Four Piston Hydraulic Calliper; Rear: Brake 148mm Ǿ Bi-Directional Two Piston Hydraulic Calliper Footrests Aluminium formed by Pressure Casting

Fuel Tank Translucent Composite Material

Mudguards Composite High Elasticity Material Handlebars Aluminium Ultra-Light with Variable Diameter Fasteners High Quality 304 SS Cap and Hexagon Head Screws.

Dimensions Length: 2,030mm; Height: 1,150mm; Width: 800mm Wheelbase 1320mm Weight 83kg Fuel capacity 2.0 Litres Price includes VAT. Price correct at time of print.

CONTACT

TENACI-WONG UK The majority of the cycle parts and components are sourced in China.

48

Check out this trick aluminium swinging arm.

T: 01535 274943 / 07768 982029 E: enquires@rbunton.co.uk F: Facebook, search: Tenaci-Wong UK AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

Tenaci-Wong UK www.tenaciwong.com

Contact Dan for more information 07768982029

TWC200

Follow us on Facebook - Tenaci Wong UK

FACTORY VISIT ELECTRIC MOTION

Pure innovation It was in the shadow of the suburbs of Montpellier at Castrie that the second generation of the most innovative electric motorcycle available, the Electric Motion, was presented, at their new factory in early June. The most technologically advanced ePure Race model is the first electric trials motorcycle in history to have air-front forks as standard and is also fitted with a diaphragm clutch. Our test rider Bastien Vallee, who tried the former model, was more than excited to put this one to the test. With more than 1,500 units sold in 20 countries, the Electric Motion EM5.7 is bowing out. Now two ‘families’ of machine are united under the same 2020 model range. All EM models share the same frame and transmission.

The ePure models all get the battery technology, same power and durability, whereas the Escape model, which represents half the sales of the whole brand, gets a higher-quality battery.

WORDS: RODOLPHE SABATIER TRIAL MAGAZINE

In front of the invited press and trade Christophe Bruand puts on a superb display of the Electric Motion models.

50

FRANCE AND JOHN HULME • PICTURES: RODO.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

FACTORY VISIT ELECTRIC MOTION

All the enthusiastic members of staff at Electric Motion were more than happy to answer any questions on this exciting new model range.

This new factory is very open and clean.

Two families The ePure was released all most one year ago, during the French GP in Auron. It is the ‘Pure’ trials model, which is offered in three different versions. The ‘Escape’ is the trail version of the range. Both share the same technological base, which is directly inspired by the Christophe Bruand prototype used in the FIM TrialE World Championship in 2018. The ‘Lite’ model is the entry-level machine with basic wheel and suspension, steel ‘Tech’ forks at the front and an Olle rear shock. The ‘Sport’ model is very close to the Bruand prototype with high-end wheels, sprockets, chain and suspension including the very new M4 air front forks, CNC machined triple clamps and a R16V Olle rear shock. And then here comes the surprise package with the all-new ‘Race’ model. It’s the same as the ‘Sport’, but with a real hydraulic diaphragm clutch, the same as you will find on the petrolpowered machines currently available from the other manufacturers.

Frame The frame is at the cutting edge of technology with its middle section micro-fused. It is fabricated with 15CDV6 steel, which is only 1mm Ǿ and weighs less than 5kg. This steel is usually used for prototypes only and is very rare on stock production models.

Production of the new models is well under way.

Suspension Both the Lite and Escape models share the same basics at the front and rear with the Tech/Olle suspension combination, whereas the Sport and Race use more high-end components with the M4 air front forks and the fully adjustable R16V Olle rear shock which offers a weight saving of 1kg on the standard model. The CNC black anodised triple clamps offer higher rigidity and improved looks, and also gives the machine the lightest front-end feeling on the market.

Transmission It’s different from on Bruand's prototype machine, in that it is now manufactured in Italy. Selection is perfect, the design is new, and the package is much smoother than it was before. The quality of the frame and the transmission allows it to use a new motor mounting, making it run even more smoothly.

Battery The same battery that was used on Bruand's machine is fitted, held in TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

New avenues for increased sales are on the agenda, including the police force.

51

A TIME TO REWIND

POCKET MONEY PRICE

£8.99 FREE P&P (UK ONLY)

ROAD RACING

ROAD RACING

UNSEEN IMAGES

Anglo-American Match Races 1971

PHOTOS | PETER J BEARDMORE

1

971 — The Easter Bank holidays in April would come alive for the first time to the booming sound of the four-stroke BSA and Triumph machines in the Anglo-American Match Races. Launched by the BSA–Triumph group, two teams of riders from Great Britain and the United States of America would race over three rounds at Brands Hatch on Good Friday, Mallory Park on Sunday, and finishing at Oulton Park in Cheshire on Easter Monday.

The winning team would be the one with the highest number of points.

The two main teams of five riders were limited to factory contracted riders from both BSA and Triumph. This limited the strength of the American team, but without a doubt the new series format was a big hit with the fans.

This was very much a show of power from the once mighty ailing British motorcycle manufacturers and the upper hand was without a doubt with the British from the very start. They would compete on the superior and lighter new triple-cylinder machines whereas their America rivals were on the 1970 model machines which were heavier and not as dynamic.

p The first ever Anglo-American series was restricted to factory contracted riders on BSA and Triumph machines. Both brands were still very prominent in road racing around the world despite the problems the motorcycle industry in the UK was facing.

Number eight, John Cooper, leads the way from Don Castro (5), Dick Mann (4), Don Emde (6) and Dave Aldana (3). t ‘Moon Eyes’ John Cooper on the BSA Rocket 3 was still using an open-face ‘cork’ crash helmet and goggles for head protection!

1971 Teams

GREAT BRITAIN John Cooper (BSA), Tony Jefferies (Triumph), Ray Pickrell (BSA), Paul Smart (Triumph) and Percy Tait (Triumph) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dave Aldana (BSA), Don Castro (Triumph), Don Emde (BSA), Dick Mann (BSA) and Jim Rice (BSA) RESULTS: 1: Great Britain 183; 2: TRIALS

USA 137

q The full-on aggressive riding style from Dave Aldana was reminiscent of flat track racing as he ran onto the grass on a few occasions! You can see the ‘Gaffer’ tape holding the fairing together after numerous crashes.

70 | EDITION 01 | YEAR 2018

Motorcycle Retro Replay Issue 1.indd

TRIALS 70-71

P

PHOTO | UNKNOWN

erhaps the best known of the trials riders from the Manchester 17 Motor Cycle Club is Dave Rowlands, after his exploits on factory support BSA machinery. He had pushed for the road-based trial they had run in the past to get it National Trial status, and it came to fruition in 1979 much to his and the club’s delight.

In 1978 they had a rehearsal with the Hepworth Trophy Trial, the ACU centre stewards report gave them 10 out of 10 and it was awarded national status for the first time in 1979. Now it had grown in stature they wanted a better start area and it was Norman Eyre who came up with the answer. He was a manager at the Duron Brake factory in Buxton and he gained the club’s permission to use the factory and its canteen facilities as the start area for the first time in 1980. The event attracted 75 riders in the solo class and taking his first national win at the event was Chris Clarke.

94 | EDITION 01 | YEAR 2018

EDITION 01 | YEAR 2018 | 71

05/10/2018 13:16

The Dave Rowland Trophy Trial 1980

Motorcycle Retro Replay Issue 1.indd

p Dick Mann on the left and Dave Aldana on the right, of the American team. The crash helmet Aldana was wearing was the latest offering from Bell helmets. u American Jim Rice signs another autograph. The Yanks were very popular with the ladies!

RESULTS

DAVE ROWLAND TROPHY TRIAL

1980

1: Chris Clarke (350 Sandiford Montesa) 39; 2: Norman Shepherd (310 Holden Ossa) 41; 3: Rob Shepherd (360 Honda) 41; 4: Chris Sutton (350 Sandiford Montesa) 43; 5: Nigel Birkett (350 Sandiford Montesa) 49; 6: Allen Collier (280 Jerrard SWM) 62; 7: John Hulme (350 JES Majesty) 63; 8: Kiyoteru Hattori (200 Honda) 65; 9: Steve Moore (325 Comerford Bultaco) 65; 10: Alan Lampkin (325 Comerfords Bultaco) 75.

94-95

LIMITED PRINT-RUN EDITION

EDITION 01 | YEAR 2018 | 95

17/01/2019 15:06

Looking at a very ‘Golden Age’ of motorcycle sport from 1965–1985 this limited edition 132-page publication spans Enduro, Motocross, Road Racing and Trials.

The majority of pictures have never been seen in print before.

You will enjoy this motorcycle adventure demonstrated with black & white and colour photos captioned with informative text. Presented in an A4 magazine format, it is a step back in history for any motorcycle enthusiast to enjoy and remember an iconic time with the great names and machines.

EASY ORDERING! Visit: www.motorcycleretroreplay.com For more information, email england@retroreplay.net or call: 01663 744766, 01663 749163 (please leave a message if no answer).

FACTORY VISIT ELECTRIC MOTION

The electric motor is at the heart of the machine.

A very modern look is found on the drive side of the motor.

Our test rider Bastien Vallee believes the future is already here with the 2010 Electric Motion range.

position by three screws. It weighs around 10kg, more or less the same as the old one, but the physical size has been reduced, and the power is so much better. EM claims 43km of power for the ePure against the 26km of the former 5.7 model, and 61km for the Escape against 38km previously. “The goal is to enable trial riders to do three laps of a 10km course attempting hazards like they have done before on the petrol motorcycles” explains Leo Finiels, the young and enthusiastic spokesman for the brand. The battery is also very easy to switch compared to before. Leo comments: “We now can hire out batteries for one-off events where you need more power, such as classic events in France, for example. The idea is you don't have to buy one because they cost 2,000 euros” he added.

Weight The ePure Sport and Race models lose 5kg and 4kg and are at the FIM limit of 70kg. “We have made huge gains, that's a fact, but more important is the mass location,” says Leo. The machine’s dimensions are very close to that of a fuel aspirated model. According to Leo, what makes the new models better is the handling compared to other machines on the market.

“Extraordinary,” he told us. For sure, he is a little biased, but still. “I was looking forward to trying the clutch version because as a trials rider, you rely on the clutch to ‘jump’ for example. And then, when I tried it, that’s when I realised how well it handled as well”.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Clutch What’s most notable between the Lite/Sport duo and the Race model is the clutch. The first two keep their switchable PELS/PRB system – the left lever can be an electric brake or a progressive switch, but it can't make the engine rev – while the Race gets a full-on clutch and a mass of inertia. The diaphragm clutch is very close to that of a Gas Gas GP model. EM even admits that this is where the idea came from. It allows for more intuitive riding, just like any normal motorcycle we know. The master cylinder is a hydraulic Braketec one, like on many machines on the market. Now, with this clutch, you can make the machine ‘rev’ just before a big obstacle, for example.

Power The power goes from 5kW to 6kW, with a ‘peak power’ of 11kW. Torque is also progressing by 100Nm at the rear wheel, now with 600Nm. Regarding the Escape, the torque has been voluntarily limited at 450Nm. Both models also increase their top speed by 5km/h: 60 to 65km/h for the trials and 70 to 75km/h for the Escape. Charging time is also increased... 3 hours 20 minutes for the trials model and 4 hours 15 minutes for the Escape. A fast battery charger at an affordable price should be available soon as an option.

On test Electric Motion ePure Sport/Race, Escape: The future is already

Quality components can be found in all areas of manufacture.

Smooth well-thought-out styling can be found for rider comfort on the Escape model.

here. This title comes directly from the mouth of our test rider Bastien Vallee. We were expecting a lot from the ePure, and yes, it delivers. That's the electric model we were all waiting for. The first thing you notice when you ride is the clutch, which shouldn’t be used in the same way as on a petrol motorcycle. You hardly have to use it, in fact; much less than on a normal one, just on very short run-ups before an obstacle. But it completely changes the character of the EM. The engine doesn't pull very high, but it has a ton of power and torque at the bottom end. The mechanical clutch engages very well and allows all the power to get to the ground.

53

FACTORY VISIT ELECTRIC MOTION

ELECTRIC MOTION: ePURE LITE/SPORT/RACE 2020 SPECIFICATIONS

Electric Motion ePure Race Model 2020

Top chassis Other positive points are in the new chassis, with the battery lower and further backward compared to the old one. You just don't feel the 10 kilos from the battery. On pivot turns, little jumps or positioning yourself, everything feels in place.

Combined with the new M4 fork, the machine seems very light and very easy to handle. The rear Olle shock also works fine, giving grip to the rear wheel even when not set up to my weight and level of ability. I felt better on this machine than on a two- or four-stroke one. Even the aesthetics are very clean: not full of stickers everywhere, no colours, the machine is just simple and beautiful.

Sport The Sport model is the perfect way to learn the electric method of riding. You have to rely on the torque a lot, rather than revving it. When you shut the throttle the engine doesn't stop right away, like on the former version. That's because of the flywheel, which is available as an option. For an average rider that option is a must-have; almost better than the clutch on the Race model. If your level is higher and you attack more significant steps and such, you may need the clutch, however.

The three different electrical maps are very efficient. The blue one is for everybody; the green one is the easiest for hobby riders and the red one for the top guns with significant power. Before, you would twist the throttle wide open and hope for the best. Now you can hear the revs growing so that it is easier to know where you are in terms of the power band. It makes a big difference for the most advanced riders. We saw Christophe Bruand doing obstacles he could not manage without the clutch. Sure there is a learning curve in adapting, but it comes quickly and then it feels like normal again.

Escape The Escape looks bulky at first. It makes you wonder how it will handle the hazards. But when you get on it, everything falls into place. The riding position is okay for a trial or an enduro rider. As a trials rider, I’m not used to having a seat, but it didn't bother me at all. It handles very well and is not out of place for easy trials riding. The engine has less torque but pulls well compared to the ePure.

54

Electric Motion ePure Escape Model 2020

Simply put, it is not made for the same purpose, but this model is still efficient and can pull wheelies if you want to. The three different electrical maps are mellower than the Race version. And with this engine, you really don't need the hydraulic clutch.

The EM team There is a whole team of enthusiasts behind this EM brand. Christophe Bruand is a great test rider and the experienced Marc Colomer, who joined the team not long ago, will bring all his knowledge to the table. I really think we'll see more and more of these machines at every level in the trials world.

The cost?

They are cheaper than a factory-model two- or four-stroke. And we know people like to put the latest aftermarket parts on their machines. With the EM there's no tuning to be done. The price seems fair in regards to the technology involved. I even thought to myself when I saw the prices that the models are actually affordable!

PRICING

2020 Electric Motion ePure Lite

£6,595.00

2020 Electric Motion ePure Sport

£7,595.00

2020 Electric Motion ePure Race

£7,995.00

2020 Electric Motion ePure Escape

£8,495.00

Price includes VAT. Price correct at time of print.

CONTACT

INCH PERFECT TRIALS T: 01200 448130 E: info@inchperfecttrials.co.uk W: www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk

Motor Nominal Power: 6kW

Peak Power 11kW Wheel Torque 600Nm Cooling Air Transmission 1 Forward Gear Electrical settings 3 Maps: ePure Sport model only, Progressive Electric Lever System; ePure Race model only, Hydraulic Controlled Diaphragm Clutch and Flywheel Maximum Speed 65km/h.

Battery Li-ion Voltage 50.4V Capacity 1,875Wh Weight 10.5kg Charger 15A Charging Time 100% – 3 Hours 20 Minutes Range 100–240 Minutes @ 43km.

Chassis Tubular Steel 15CDV6

Suspension Lite Only: Front, Tech 39mm Ǿ: Travel, 175mm; Sport and Race Only: M4 39mm Ǿ: Travel, 175mm Rear Suspension Olle 16V Travel 170mm Brake Rotors Front: 180mm Ǿ; Rear: 142mm Ǿ Wheels Front 2.75” x 21”; Rear: 4.00” x 18” Tyres Michelin X11.

Weight Lite, 73kg; Sport, 70kg; Race, 71kg Wheelbase 1,325mm

Seat Height 670mm Ground Clearance 320mm

ELECTRIC MOTION: ePURE ESCAPE 2020 SPECIFICATIONS

Motor Nominal Power: 6kW

Peak Power 11kW Wheel Torque 450Nm Cooling Air Transmission 1 Forward Gear Electrical Settings 3 Maps: Progressive Electric Lever System; Flywheel Maximum Speed 75km/h.

Battery Li-ion Voltage 50.4 V Capacity 2,620Wh Weight 14 kg Charger 15A Charging Time 100% – 4 Hours 15 Minutes Range 160–290 Minutes @ 61km.

Chassis Tubular Steel 15CDV6

Suspension Front: Tech 39 Ǿ mm; Travel, 175 mm; Rear: Olle R16V; Travel, 170mm Brake Rotors Front: 180mm Ǿ; Rear: 142mm Ǿ Wheels Front: 2.75” x 21”; Rear; 4.00” x 18” Tyres Michelin X11.

Weight 77kg Wheelbase 1,325mm

Seat Height 810mm Ground Clearance 320mm.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

Proud to Sponsor

Trial2 rider Hannah Styles

British Superbike racer Christian Iddon

“Thorneycroft Solicitors truly understands the needs of bikers and I’m delighted to be involved with a company that provides such high level of service.”

“I’m really pleased to be working alongside such an enthusiastic bunch of people, who understand that motor biking is not just a hobby but a way of life.”

Specialist Motorbike Solicitors Thorneycroft Solicitors is a leading firm of solicitors, with a dedicated team, that specialises in working on behalf of motorcyclists who want to make a motorbike accident claim.

We actively take an interest in and understand our clients’ passion for motorcycles.

The Thorneycroft Solicitors team understand how distressing a motorcycle accident can be for both an injured biker and their loved ones, that is why our team:

•

Put your recovery first during the claim process

•

Travel nationwide to meet and assist our clients

•

Support you through the claim process and beyond

•

Work with medical experts and organisations to offer you and your family support

•

Have developed an unrivalled understanding of the physical, social and financial impacts of a motorcycle accident

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident please don’t hesitate to contact our team today.

Contact us

0800 1979345

Motorcycle Accident Specialist

INTERNATIONAL

FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

CABESTANY’S

Albert Cabestany (Gas Gas-ESP)

BUZZING

With this championship consisting of only two rounds, three manufacturers and five riders, Spain’s Albert Cabestany stamped his authority in the class with clear victories on the Gas Gas at both rounds. Despite the might of one of the Japanese big-four manufacturers Yamaha applying its financial and development resources to their machine with Kenichi Kuroyama holding the handlebars, it was very much a case of ‘David and Goliath’ with the Spanish manufacturer backing up its wins in 2017, 2018 and now 2019. It’s quite disappointing that other motorcycle manufacturers have not embraced the electric opportunity that can be found in the TrialE World Championship, but we are sure with the ongoing developments we will see the entry grow over the coming years.

Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN)

ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA

In truth Albert Cabestany has dominated the two-round championship in both the qualifying and championship events. He has brought a new dynamic to the capabilities of the ‘E’ machines. He rides the machine in such a different way, using his superb delicate throttle control to understand the workings of the electric power delivery. The use of the clutch and gear selection is the same as the petrol-aspirated two-stroke models but it’s his unquestionable ability that makes the difference.

Take nothing away from Japan’s Kenichi Kuroyama and his ability but Cabestany up until the close of the 2018 season was at the cutting edge of the sport in the TrialGP class. One of the talking points at the event was the no-show of the French brand Electric Motion. With a fantastic range of new machines, which you can read about in this issue, it appears to be a political issue that kept them away in 2019 but let’s hope this is resolved and we see their welcome return in 2020.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Gianluca Tournour (Gas Gas-ITA) 57

KING CABESTANY

2017: Marc Colomer (ESP)

2018: Loris Gubian (FRA)

2019: Albert Cabestany (ESP)

TRIALE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2019 FIM TRIALE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS: 1: Albert Cabestany (Gas Gas-ESP) 40; 2: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 34; 3: Gianluca Tournour (Gas GasITA) 30; 4: Joan Cordon (Mecatecno-ESP) 26; 5: Dany Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 22.

2018 TRIALE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS: 1: Loris Gubian (Gas Gas-FRA) 37; 2: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 37; 3: Christophe Bruand (Electric Motion-FRA) 28; 4: Joan Cordon (Mecatecno-ESP) 24; 5: Bastien Hieyte (Electric Motion-FRA) 22; 6: David Oliver Blasco (On Racing TrialE-ESP) 20; 7: Jerome Delair (Electric Motion-FRA) 19; 8: Takumi Narita (Electric Motion-JPN) 11.

2017 TRIALE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS: 1: Marc Colomer (Gas Gas-ESP) 20; 2: Cesar Panicot (Mecatecno-ESP) 17; 3: Bastien Hieyte (Electric Motion-FRA) 15; 4: Jerome Delair (Electric Motion-FRA) 13; 5: Joan Sole (SoRev-ESP) 11; 6: Matteo Bosis (Electric Motion-ITA) 10; 7: Loic Monini (Electric Motion-FRA) 9; 8: Edoardo Verdari (Electric Motion-ITA) 8; 9: Gian Concena (Electric Motion-ITA) 7; 10: Jordi Mila (Mecatecno-ESP) 6

INTERNATIONAL FIM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Gas Gas: This picture shows the Gas Gas TXE with the battery removed, and as you can see it’s very similar to its two-stroke counterpart. The tried and tested tubular chassis is made of chromium-molybdenum steel, as used on the TXT model range. It also inherits a large part of its aesthetics as well as its tried and tested components in terms of suspension, brakes, wheels and tyres. It has an efficient electric watercooled motor powered by the latest generation of batteries. Very efficient in its running, the engine is paired with a six-speed transmission and a mechanical clutch, and it has a weight of a claimed 68kg.

Joan Cordon (Mecatecno-ESP)

Dany Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL)

Netherlands

With limited natural hazards to be used, those found in the Netherlands were very much demonstration ones for the TrialE class.

Technically quite difficult it was the heat that was the problem, but after a clean ride on the opening lap Cabestany did not succumb to the pressure, using his vast experience to stay calm and complete the event parting with no marks. Both Cabestany and second-placed Kuroyama were aware that a stop and the five-mark penalty which could spoil their results was always around the corner, and both remained focussed on the job in hand. When you complete an event parting with no marks it may look an easy victory, but no victory is easy whether you part with any marks or not.

Italy’s Gianluca Tournour is new to this class and his score of 11 marks lost was a respectable ride as he finished well clear of the ex-world round minder for Toni Bou, Joan Cordon on the prototype Mecatecno. This Spanish rider and machine combination looks to have huge potential but was not on the same pace as the top three.

Belgium

Would the electric machines have enough power to even climb some of the imposing rocks and hills? Could Kenichi Kuroyama challenge Albert Cabestany? Sections six and eight would provide the answers.

The nature of section six, with its entrance off the closed road and its steep undulating rocky climb stopped Kuroyama on both laps along with the entire Trial125 class riders, as Cabestany used his experience to part with two single-mark attempts.

On section eight, in the shaded wooded area, the hazard looked impossible for the electric machines. Very steep in its nature and with large rocks littered through it only two of the Trial125 class riders, who were on the same route as the TrialE class, passed the ends cards! Enter Cabestany and the Gas Gas. Looking incredibly confident, once again he used his knowledge to part with just a single mark after riding so smooth over the opening jagged rocks that it prompted a huge appreciation from the watching crowd. They knew they were watching a master at work; on the second lap he ‘cleaned’ it! In a class of his own, he was a very worthy winner.

60

Yamaha: The TYE brings a touch of ‘Moto GP’ to the trials paddock with its handcrafted, carbon fibre monocoque frame. It looks ‘Trick’ and is very much a work of art with its change of shape and form from the headstock down to lower part where the footrests are located.

The motor is a high rotation compact type with high-power, which achieves a high off-road performance whilst being powerful at low speed. A mechanical clutch controls the power, offering excellent traction and feedback to the rider. No one would disclose the weight, only the fact that it’s less than 70kg.

2019 TRIALE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NETHERLANDS QUALIFYING: 1: Albert Cabestany (Gas Gas-ESP) 0 + 34.22; 2: Kenichi Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 0 + 36.75; 3: Gianluca Tournour (Gas Gas-ITA) 1 + 43.86; 4: Dany Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 1 + 49.22; 5: Joan Cordon (Mecatecno-ESP) 5.

RESULTS: 1: Albert Cabestany (Gas Gas-ESP) 0; 2: Kenichi Kuroyama (YamahaJPN) 4; 3: Gianluca Tournour (Gas Gas-ITA) 11; 4: Joan Cordon (MecatecnoESP) 46; 5: Dany Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 75.

BELGIUM QUALIFYING: 1: Albert Cabestany (Gas Gas-ESP) 0 + 23.81; 2: Kenichi

Kuroyama (Yamaha-JPN) 0 + 29.76; 3: Gianluca Tournour (Gas Gas-ITA) 0 + 31.84; 4: Joan Cordon (Mecatecno-ESP) 0 + 34.79; 5: Dany Crosset (Gas GasBEL) 0 + 46.07.

RESULTS: 1: Albert Cabestany (Gas Gas-ESP) 12; 2: Kenichi Kuroyama

(Yamaha-JPN) 34; 3: Gianluca Tournour (Gas Gas-ITA) 66; 4: Joan Cordon (Mecatecno-ESP) 74; 5: Dany Crosset (Gas Gas-BEL) 114.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

HIGH PERFORMANCE LUBRICANTS rockoil.lubricants

Photograph courtesy of Red Bull Media

rockoilnews

OFFICIAL

Stockists...

NOW O

NLY

£219.9 + FREE

DELIVE

9

RY!

available

In-store or

Online!

WHITE / BLACK TECH T BOOTS

Boots - hats - sweaters - caps - t-shirts - jerseys - pants - bags - gloves - accessories & more!

Visit us: new hey barn , whitewell, clitheroe, bb7 3au

The uk`s ultimate

TRIALS DESTINATION

SPECIFICATIONS

65KM/H RANGE 43KM WEIGHT 70KG TORQUE 600NM MAX SPEED

AVAILABLE AUGUST 2019 Enquire now 125CC 250CC 300CC MODES HYDRAULIC DIAPHRAGM CLUTCH

Www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk

tel: 01200 448130

OBSERVATION IAN SMITH

TRAVELLING

MAN International events for handy club- and national-standard riders appear to be getting ever more popular, with a variety of events around the globe and seemingly new ones every year. The most popular is the 110-year-old Scottish Six Days Trial, with more than 500 hopefuls entering for 280 places.

A contender for 2nd place is the Three Day Trial Santigosa in Northern Spain. Every Easter more than 200 riders set off, followed by perhaps 100 ‘Seguidors’ who tend to chaperone the younger riders. Entries seem to fill up within hours of the opening. There is a relationship between the two events, with the legendary Sandy Mack OBE inviting Spanish riders to the SSDT and a reciprocal invitation coming from Spain to the ‘Brits’. The result is always a healthy smattering of Brits, making the trip to Spain. In 2019 they totalled 35 out of 221, with eight of them falling into the Youth and Junior categories.

WORDS: IAN SMITH WITH JOHN HULME • PICTURES: JOAN VALLS

Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa) 64

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

OBSERVATION

IAN SMITH

Ashton Brightmore (JST Gas Gas UK): He has been making waves for those ‘in the know’ in the UK for years. At 12 years of age, Ash is at the lower age-end of a group of phenomenal British riders including Harry Hemingway, Harry Turner and Jack Dance. As a ‘Seguidor’ following Oliver Smith, Mitch and Ash Brightmore along with Dad Chris, I had the pleasure of watching Ash through the three days. Ash would size up every section on his own, choose his lines, hop on his machine and nail it. To put some perspective on it, day two featured a hard section through some awkward rocks, followed by a big rock then fire up a really steep climb. The consensus was that a 125cc couldn’t make it. He had other ideas and shot up for a fantastic clean, and a huge round of applause from the stunned crowd. Dougie Lampkin himself lost his only real ‘loose’ point of the trial on that very climb! Most in the entry didn’t attempt it, and of those who did, most fived it.

Alice Minta (BMS Scorpa)

T

he format is a proven winner. Every rider competes on the same course and in exactly the same sections. It goes from Trials legends like Dougie Lampkin down to ‘Joe Clubman’.

Daily course There is a total of 31 sections per day. A daily course tends to consist of about 25km of singletrack and fire roads on the way round the first 20 sections or so, followed by a fuel stop and nice lunch and then another ten-ish sections on a 15km run back to town.

Several sections each day will be very difficult, and it’s likely only the brave will attempt! For Joe Clubman, this will add a few fives. At the end of each day, there is the traditional graded hill-climb, followed by the final section — a graded arena section in the

Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

centre of Abadessas. Each day the final sections increase in difficulty with only World Class riders capable of ‘zero point’ or clean rides. A real attraction of the event and one that makes it unique is that the sport’s superstars are invited to ride around as ‘guests’.

In 2019 this meant the participants could be rubbing shoulders and riding the same sections as Toni Bou, Adam Raga, Jaime Busto, Takahisa Fujinami, etc. All these riders clearly take this event as a bit of fun and as a way of giving something back to the sport. All are more than willing to converse, sign autographs and pose for selfies. It’s a real thrill to line up for a section and have a quick chat with Gas Gas factory rider Jeroni Fajardo while waiting! A further fun factor is provided by the encouragement of the vocal observers, some of whom appear to be a little juiced up with rum and coke!

Billy Green (RG Trials/Honda UK) 65

OBSERVATION IAN SMITH

Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa)

Dec Bullock (JST Gas Gas UK)

The ‘Brits’ For those Brits making the trip, the trial itself is just one part of the adventure. For us, Team Smith, this year was a little extra special, with a stop at a Spanish practice area a couple of days before the event where we got together with Jitsie road warriors and VLOG stars Jan Peters and Richard ‘Milky’ Midgely for a photo/video shoot with Dougie Lampkin. Jan added an impromptu photo session with our own Elliot Smith featuring the range of OSET/Jitsie riding gear. Jan and Milky are now added to the long list of Elliot’s heroes, ranking just a tad below King Dougie!

We also just happened to be sharing the practice area with rising Spanish star Gabriel Marcelli who was preparing for round one of the European Championship — where he ended up in a fine second place. On top of that, Elliot made another dream come true with a visit to Barcelona Football Club and enticed a few Spanish kids into a game at the campsite.

The 3DTS To give an idea of the level at the 3DTS, the results tell a story. Miquel Gelabert, Dougie Lampkin and Jorge Casales all finished on six, with Miquel sneaking the win. In brilliant fourth and fifth places were Brits Ross Danby and Andy Chilton on 10. Billy Green made

Barry Rhodes (Beta) 66

his Santigosa debut and ended in a fine eighth place on 18. Tom Minta, Tom Affleck, Luke Walker and Dec Bullock occupied the 15th–19th places.

Next up would have been Oliver Smith and Mitch Brightmore but they, unfortunately, took a wrong turn on day one and missed two sections. It just so happened to be the longest stretch of gnarly trail and trying to get back resulted in Mitch running out of fuel.

Fifty points in penalties each didn’t help their positions! Arguably the ride of the week came from 12-year-old Ashton Brightmore. The youngest rider in the event, Ash was ‘on it’.

The ‘3DTS’ is split into age categories for the awards. The Brits are always well represented, and this year was no exception as you will see.

JUVENILE 11–13-YEAR-OLDS: 1: Ashton Brightmore 79; 2: Elliot Laws 116.

CADET 14–16-YEAR-OLDS: 4: Alice Minta 137; 11: Alfie Lampkin 219.

JUNIOR 17–19-YEAR-OLDS: 2: Billy Green 18; 9: Oliver

Smith 97; 11: Mitch Brightmore 110; 12: Scott Aitkin 110; 13: William Dalton 115.

OVERALL: 1: Miquel Gelabert 6; 2: Dougie Lampkin 6; 3: Jorge Casales 6; 4: Ross Danby 10; 5: Andy Chilton 10.

Adam Raga (TRRS-ESP)

Anyone wanting to compete in this event should keep their eyes on the media and press; it’s well worth attending!

Michael James (TRS)

Sondre Haga (TRRS-NOR) AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

CATCH UP

ROBER CRAWFORD

68

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

CATCH UP

ROBER CRAWFORD

IRELAND’S MOTORCYCLE

‘ROCKY’ Some names catch your eye in the trials world, and in the mid-80s the name Robert Crawford – or ‘Rocky’ as he would become known – was one of them. As I suspected, he was the son of the Irish trials Legend Benny Crawford, who still holds the record for the most wins in the Irish national trials championship with 16 under his belt. With this pedigree in the family genes, Robert soon started to make the press headlines at a very young age. My first contact with Robert was through my good friend John Shirt Jnr as I witnessed them on the monoshock Yamahas at the hotly contested ACU Youth British Championship rounds. Over the years as Robert’s career progressed, we became friends, which has endured the test of time, and we remain very much in contact.

With ‘Rocky’ back on the trials scene with his ‘RC Live’ training days, it was time to have a catch-up and reflect on his trials riding career.

WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA WITH ROBERT CRAWFORD PICTURES: IAIN LAWRIE ERIC KITCHEN JOHN HULME BARRY ROBINSON COLIN BULLOCK THE CRAWFORD FAMILY

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

69

CATCH UP

ROBERT CRAWFORD

1989: On the way to the Best Newcomer award and sixth position in the Scottish Six Days Trial.

1987: With good friend John Shirt, at Hawkstone Park on the Yamaha.

1989: John Lampkin invited Robert to leave his family home in Northern Ireland and move in with him and his young family at Silsden, North Yorkshire and become part of the Beta ‘family’.

1990 – Italy: Robert loved the Beta Zero and was rewarded with seventh position in the World Trials Championship

1990: Despite a few frustrating problems in the event Robert went on to win the 1990 Scott Trial; he was one happy man!

A

Youth A Class Championship. The press was starting to notice the results from Robert as his name was usually at the top of them.

The move into the Youth A Class was the chance to mix it with the ‘big’ boys, and the reward was third position at the end of 1987, riding a mono-shock Yamaha with some support.

The Youth A Class Championship in 1987 was all about Phil Disney and John Shirt Jnr who battled all season, with Phil winning. Robert continued winning, including the YMSA Six Day Trial in Derbyshire against a quality entry before the move to the Youth A Class in 1988.

t the height of the ‘Troubles’ the Crawford family was growing up in Northern Ireland and, for business reasons, they moved to the town of Hollywood. Under the guidance of his father, it was always going to be a good time as the family embraced the young Robert’s interest in anything with two wheels. Benny and his wife Betty soon had in their possession a Bultaco 50cc Chispa purchased from Harry Lindsay for Robert to dip his toe into the two-wheeled world of trials.

The youth scene It was soon a natural progression to the Yamaha TY 80; many off-road careers were launched off the back of the legendary Japanese machine and the young boy from Ireland would be no different. He would outgrow the TY 80, which made way for the bigger engine in the TY 175cc model. With interest in trials at the Crawford family now high on the agenda, such was Robert’s enthusiasm, a move was made to the Montesa Cota 123 and then the bigger engined whitemodel Cota 200 for their first visit to the YMSA Six Day Trial. The school lessons were regularly attended, but at every other opportunity, the handlebars would be the main choice of entertainment as he ventured out to practise. The youth trials scene was growing at a rapid rate on the UK mainland, and soon many crossings of the Irish Sea would be made.

The outward crossing would be a chance for TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

1990: Riding at his very best on the factory-supported Beta Zero model.

some superb family time; such was Robert’s enthusiasm for life. The return journeys would be a much quieter affair, usually with the young boy fast asleep as he had to attend school back in Ireland on the Monday morning.

After some hard graft, the reward was the 1986 ACU Youth Class B British Champion on the Fantic 201 single-shock machine. Robert had watched and learned from so many riders, including Rob Sartin who had won the 1986

A stepping stone 1988 would become a significant year for Robert as he realised it was a stepping stone to the adult world of motorcycle trials at 16 years of age.

In the Youth A Class, he was at the top of his game, winning the British Championship in front of Steve Colley. The mono-shock Yamaha was a revelation to so many riders, and Robert was no different. With the opportunity to compete in round three of the FIM World Trials Championship in his native Northern Ireland in the Hurst Cup in the early part of 1988 he became the youngest rider to score points, with a single one against the best riders in the world.

As soon as the Saturday event finished he and the machine were loaded into the van to get the ferry over to the UK mainland for a schoolboy event on the Sunday; life was hectic at the Crawford household, to say the least!

71

CATCH UP

ROBERT CRAWFORD

1991: Robert had his first world championship outing on the new prototype aluminiumframed water-cooled Montesa in Luxembourg, where he was 16th.

1991: On the air-cooled Montesa in the Cotswold Cup. The season started badly, as Robert was advised to rest with problems with Tendonitis in his right wrist. He missed the start of the season including the opening BTC round.

1993: Seen here on the Aprilia in the Scott Trial.

1992: In action at the BTC Cleveland Cup on the new Montesa Cota 311.

1995: In 1994 he went back to enjoying his trials riding with support from the Hamilton Yamaha Trials Team on the TYZ model. A much happier rider, many national wins would come his way. The 1995 season was very much enjoyed as he finished the season off with another Scott Trial victory.

With the confidence in man and machine now working together, the results just got better with the fourth position at the Red Rose BTC, opening the door to the future.

Before the season closed, he would win the televised Youth Kickstart Trial, his first Irish Experts title and national championship. A second place in the British Experts Trial at Hawkstone Park would bring its rewards later in December at the Dirt Bike Show.

a sixth position. In the world championship, he was starting to hit the top 20, but the points awarded to the top 15 remained elusive.

In the British Championship, the frustration was the same as Steve Saunders remained the man to beat. The year finished with Robert having to miss the Scott Trial due to a broken wrist.

As 1989 closed, the Beta UK importer John Lampkin received the first of the new production liquid-cooled ‘Zero’ models.

Yorkshire bound In late 1988, the hand of friendship was offered from the Beta UK importer John Lampkin.

John had witnessed first-hand the raw talent that Robert had in abundance, and with exciting times on the horizon, he wanted a young rider to promote the new Beta machines; he knew that man was just a phone call away. John invited Robert to leave his family home in Northern Ireland and move in with him and his young family at Silsden, North Yorkshire and become part of the Beta ‘family’. Just remember that the great Jordi Tarres was at Beta, and Lampkin knew that the Beta and its cutting-edge performance was just what Crawford needed to further his career; a contract was signed, and Robert moved to Silsden in early 1989. It was a case of practice, practice and more practice on the Beta under the guidance of John Lampkin.

As his 17th birthday approached, he was already competing in the FIM World Championship, fighting for that vital top-15 position and the championship points. His ride at the Scottish Six Days Trial was rewarded with

Riding at his best John Lampkin had reported back to Beta in Italy, the progress of the young Crawford at every opportunity, and based on his results and enthusiasm they had been watching him closely.

In the first world championship round of 1990 in Southern Ireland, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow he had beaten three of their factory-supported riders Peter Jahn, Pascal Couturier and David Marchi to finish in a very creditable sixth position, also beating his team-mate and British champion Steve Saunders.

At 18 years of age, the factory-prepared machines would be presented to Robert at the British round in Wales; he was a very happy man.

With the machines supplied by the Beta factory and talent and enthusiasm in abundance, he had a fantastic season to finish seventh overall in the world championship. A single mark missed the SSDT victory to Saunders. Putting this defeat behind him he had taken his first ever British Championship round victory at the fifth round, the St David’s in Wales, followed by another victory at the Jack Wood BTC two weeks later to

72

1996: Back on the Beta in the BTC.

finish runner-up in the championship.

At the Scott Trial in October he re-wrote the history books.

My best ride The Scott Trial is full of wonderful memories, but one of my favourites is when Robert took the win at his very first attempt as an 18-year-old riding the Screenart Beta. The record he set of being the youngest winner and setting the fastest time at his first attempt is something we may never witness again. Robert: “Living and training around Silsden had its advantages with this trial, as many previous winners were on hand to advise me on this tough time-and-observation event. I was out on foot the day before to see approximately 30 of the hazards. It was very misty and wet as I set off down the start-field and I made the decision early on to stop at the start to each hazard and take a quick look to see where I was going before entering it. I caught Philip Alderson, who had started five minutes behind me, which really fired me up but as he rode around a deep pool of water I rode straight in it, filling the Beta full of water and it took me a good 15 minutes to get going. I rode to my limits and beyond for the next four hours or so, and passed many of the fancied runners. In the closing stages, I had the chain derail and a puncture and was convinced I had not done enough to win.

The finishing positions were read out in reverse order, with Wayne Braybrook in third.

They read out Philip Alderson was second and then I heard the words ‘in first position, Rob Crawford’ — I was over the moon”.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

CATCH UP

ROBERT CRAWFORD

2006: He decided to concentrate on building up the family business and then met the love of his life, Emily. They married in 2013.

Robert is eternally grateful for the support John Lampkin gave him during his trials career. He attended his wedding, where the 1990 Beta Zero also made an appearance!

A change to Montesa With the opportunity to ride for a full factory-supported team and the introduction of a new water-cooled machine, he moved to Montesa for the 1991 season. The season started badly as Robert was advised to rest with problems with Tendonitis in his right wrist. He missed the start of the season including the opening BTC round and moved to Spain to be near the factory’s base where the new model was under development. It had seen eight months of development with production manager Miquel Cirera. The new Montesa prototype testing continued in Bilbao with team manager Gabino Renales and French rider Thierry Girard, backed up by 17-year-old Marc Colomer and Stefano Dellio.

Robert had his first world championship outing on the new prototype Montesa in Luxembourg, where he was 16th. It was a season of constant development changes for the new Cota model, and his riding suffered.

He was once again second at the SSDT and finished the season 12th in the world. His best performances on the Montesa would come in the British championship where he took two wins, much to the delight of the UK Montesa importer Jim Sandiford.

In 1992, his loss of form on the new production Cota 311 would see him slip to 15th in the world rankings. He had some good results at home in the British Trials Championship, but he knew it was time to move from the Spanish manufacturer Montesa.

A move to the Italian brand Aprilia for 1993 did not change his fortunes as he realised his world championship ambitions were over.

In 1994, he went back to enjoying his trials riding with support from the Hamilton Yamaha Trials Team on the TYZ model. A much happier rider, many national wins would come his way.

The 1995 season was very much enjoyed as he finished the season off with another Scott Trial victory. He would continue on the trials scene until the late ’90s riding a mixture of Beta, Yamaha and Montesa machinery.

All change During his career, he has represented Great Britain (ACU) in the Trial Des Nations (World Team Trial) in 1990, 1991 and 1992. He represented Ireland (MCUI) in the Trial Des Nations in 1989 in Belgium and returned to represent them from 1993–2006. He was appointed Rider/Trainer in

RC Live Ltd was formed in August 2018 by Robert: “It is all about what I am passionate about, as well as helping people achieve and improve. I am now focusing on building on my previous experience in facilitating trials and enduro training schools across the UK, Ireland and further afield”.

74

Dreams do come true! Robert with his beautiful wife Emily.

1994 by the long-time Team Manager Billy Rodgers to help build the team’s skillsets and competitiveness at this great event.

Using the experience he had gained in his professional career he arranged training days in Ireland throughout the year in order to progress the riders and minders. He carried on this programme until they won the ‘B Group’ in 2004 and 2006 beating countries such as America, Canada and Australia, to name but a few.

One of his motorcycling highlights was heading off to the Sheffield Supercross. He went on his own with a 250YZ Yamaha arriving at the stadium on Friday evening, and went straight away to sign on, totally star struck; he was in the queue along with American MX ‘Gods’ Larry Ward, Damian Bradshaw and Mr Showtime Jeremy McGrath! He managed to scrape through all his pre-event races and got right through to the ‘main event’ late on in the evening.

Unfortunately, his father Benny had a stroke in October 1997. In 1998 Robert carried on in Expert Class Motocross with an event-best position of fifth, but was feeling the pressure of having to carry on the family business and retired at the end of that year due to the risk of injury.

In 1999, he went back to the British and Irish Trials Championships and became a Red Bull Athlete. Having performed many trials demonstrations in Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe, he was then asked to go to Dubai and perform at events for Red Bull. On the success of that ‘tour’, he then got asked to go to Jordan and do a Road Show, which became so successful in Jordan he was asked by the King of Jordan to perform at his Palace for his family. It was another one of the highlights of his life.

He continued to work in the family business piano tuning, and carrying out his Red Bull Athlete duties as well as continuing in the Irish Trial Championships.

In 2006, he decided to concentrate on building up the family business and then met the love of his life, Emily. He branched out within the piano industry and secured a showroom for new and second-hand pianos, and this continues to the present day.

RC Live RC Live Ltd was formed in August 2018 by Robert: “It is all about what I am passionate about and helping people achieve and improve. I am now focusing on building on my previous experience in facilitating Trials and Enduro Training Schools across the UK, Ireland and further afield. I am also running Moto Enduro training-based tours in Bansko, Bulgaria. I bought a small apartment in Bansko in 2008 and have enjoyed the town, and what the surrounding area has had to offer in the way of hiking, mountain biking, skiing and also ski touring etc. I also just started off-road bike training with the Bulgarian Mountain Rescue Centre in Bansko, with the aim of cutting down on first-response times when attending incidents.

“With help from the Beta factory and the Bulgarian importer, I am training the guys on the Alp 4.0 350cc All Mountain machine, which is an ideal machine for the job! The local Sunflower charity has helped fund the project thus far, and a big thank you to Apico UK and Michelin for supporting this project also. It’s been busy running two businesses, but I am really enjoying building this up, and the feedback has been great from the bike training I have done so far.

“Once I get things moved on a bit more with the off-road bike training I plan to go for my ‘Mountain Leader Awards’ for hiking and mountain biking. Have a look at www.rc-live.net for more information on my life and times”.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

DEALER VISIT VAN & KOMBI

Van & Kombi Having a van opens doors – excuse the pun – in both business and pleasure, to a host of options regarding travel and comfort. In truth, you can order exactly what your needs require: more seats, more room, what to carry; making it a superb option to the family car. I have a van for work, a crew cab; also called a Kombi, where we can seat five people, or remove some seats and carry one or three motorcycles securely; I can also get two pallets of magazines in when work gets in the way! Have you, the car owner, ever considered the option of a van? Well, we know a man with a van, in fact, more than one who can organise a vehicle to suit your everyday needs, including finance, purchase or rental options. It was a nice drive of just over an hour to Sheffield to meet the guys and gals at Van and Kombi Ltd where I was introduced to Oliver Twigg and his team.

ARTICLE: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: DUNCAN HAGUE – LLEWELYN PAVEY

I

n my life, the business connections I have made through the motorcycle trials world have often amazed me, and that’s where the Van and Kombi connection goes back to. I have known Peter Stewart, the Team Hamilton Yamaha Trials man who also supported many individual riders, for many years and, as it turned out, Oliver’s dad, Joe, was good friends with him.

Joe rode in trials in the ’70s and became good friends with Tony Peat at Hillsborough MCC. He also had a car recovery business, which probably 76

planted the seed for Oliver at a very young age as to where his career might take him in life.

Like many others before him, Oliver’s motorcycle time began on the Yamaha TY 80 under his father’s close supervision. As they say, ‘Dad and Lad’ times are something cherished by so many young riders.

Having ventured into the enduro world, Oliver describes himself as the occasional trials rider these days, with the majority of his time juggled between a house renovation, a young family and, of course, building his business. The addition of a

new OSET for the elder of his two young children could soon change that though as the ‘Dad and Lad’ times move to another family generation.

An automotive passion As with many things in life, the direction of education and employment does not always follow the expected path or plan. A very keen academic, Oliver graduated with a degree in Law before completing a Master’s in Business Administration, but an automotive passion would come between him and his first chosen AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

DEALER VISIT VAN & KOMBI

Discuss your business in the comfort of the modern offices.

profession as we will find out.

In 2009, and looking for a summer job, he found himself at the Rainbow BMW motorcycle dealership, now owned by the well-known Yorkshire motorcycling family, the Jefferies. He loved the time spent there learning all the time. He progressed through the promotional ladder to become the Sales Manager. Dealing with motorcycles all day, he found it was a profession he enjoyed. The experience gained would lead him in 2014 to a well-known Jaguar dealership for a brief period. He was working all days and all hours, which made him realise that he would like to be doing the same job but for himself.

Westbourne Professional Very much a person to make a move on instinct, Oliver took the bold move onto his own two feet in 2015 and opened the Westbourne Professional dealership to buy and sell cars, vans and motorcycles, etc. It was hard work but turned out to be a very wise move indeed.

The goal was to welcome customers by offering what can only be described as the very best buying experience. Out with the old image of the used car dealer and in with the new one; a new model to make the customer feel more confident and relaxed in what they were purchasing. Oliver was someone with a keen eye to providing an experience to a customer who would come back time after time; such was the commitment to the highest level of service.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Richard Cotton on the left, with John McGuinness and Oliver Twigg.

Welcoming Dougie Lampkin on board was a pleasure.

77

DEALER VISIT VAN & KOMBI

World Speedway Champion Tai Woffinden loves his VW.

Van and Kombi can offer many variants of the Volkswagen vans, with specifications to suit the pocket.

Van and Kombi Many motorcycle related people had vans, and Oliver was no different. He had owned various makes but was looking for a VW and came into contact with Richard Cotton, who would eventually become his business partner at Van and Kombi. A passionate Speedway fan, Richard owns Rentruck, based at Rochdale, which is a sponsor of the world-famous Belle Vue Aces speedway team.

Soon a VW van was in Oliver’s possession.

After various meetings between the two, Van and Kombi was founded in 2016. As is the norm with friends and associates, Oliver’s friend and fellow trials rider Josh Atkinson started at Westbourne Professional in 2017, giving Oliver the time to develop Van and Kombi into the business model of what it is today.

Affordable options Using his entrepreneurship skills, Oliver wanted to offer more affordable options for people to drive vans and kombis. In an ever-changing world, his affordable options on the vans offers people the chance to negotiate the period of the time they want to have the van, because who knows where many businesses will be in two, three or five years?

Shortening the agreement period gives peace

of mind and the opportunity for businesses to run a van or a small fleet of up-to-date models, which comes with its own rewards. First impressions of a business always mean so much to the potential clients it deals with, and the image it portrays can be no better represented by a new van proudly carrying the company’s logo and name.

Famous names The next step was to get the name Van and Kombi into the motorcycling arena to give maximum exposure for the brand. Bring on the 23-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness, 12-time FIM World Trials Champion Dougie Lampkin and the three-time World Speedway Champion Tai Woffinden – you may ask what they have in common? They are all supported by Van and Kombi, driving VW transporter vans supplied by the dealership to attend a multitude of motorcycle events. Van and Kombi are also providing vehicles to Gas Gas UK, Llewelyn Pavey for his 2020 Dakar training, Quattro Kawasaki during for the BSB machines plus the GB Speedway Team, and annually supply over 50 vehicles to UK Speedway riders and teams for their season. Ideal for their chosen profession, you will find the vans in some of the most famous motorcycle paddocks.

If it’s a car you want, the Westbourne Professional dealership can offer many options on all terms of purchase, lease or rent.

78

Motorcycling legends Dougie Lampkin and John McGuinness. There’s always a good story here!

It’s your choice The Van and Kombi brand name gives you an idea of what you can purchase. The Volkswagen van range which they specialise in is huge, but the strong point of the business is the fact they can offer the potential customer exactly what they require. You can actually ‘spec’ any van up or down to your requirements, which can also help with the purchase price; this includes new and pre-owned vans. To the man on the street who does not want the initial outlay for a new vehicle the ownership options on pre-owned ones are just as good, making the van a very affordable alternative to suit the pockets of potential purchasers.

Give Oliver Twigg and his team a call, and we can assure you it will be a dealt with in a very professional honest manner; after all, he is a motorcycle enthusiast and, most importantly, a trials rider.

It’s all in the name; just ask Dougie Lampkin.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

DEALER VISIT MARSH MX

THE W E L S H

WOW FACTOR

In my life of off-road motorcycles, I have seen many things that have given me the ‘Wow’ factor. When I walked into the Welshbased motorcycle dealership at Marsh MX, it was one of those ‘wow’ moments.

ARTICLE: TRIAL MAGAZINE

W

hen two brothers, Gareth and Anthony Marsh, acquired the former Bob Wilding Motorcycles shop in Merthyr Tydfil in April 2010, they took a well-established business which had been trading for over 30 years and formed a new company, Marsh MX Ltd. A new off-road name In taking over this business they inherited the Yamaha ATV (Utility) dealership, and the rest of their business was made up of used off-road Motocross/Enduro and Quad Bikes. Within a few months of trading, they then became a TGB Main Dealer, offering a full range of road-legal quad bikes to their customers, which became a very busy part of their business. With a new off-road name the business was growing and, in 2012, they became a Honda off-road dealership offering the new 2013 range. It was a significant step in the business. They planned to offer such a wide range of motorcycles, from kids to adults.

Moving forward at a rapid rate of growth, Kawasaki, Yamaha Off-Road Motocross/Enduro and Yamaha Sports ATV dealerships were added. This took the business up another level.

The company became primarily about selling new machines, with a great range of used ones also available. With this in mind, they wanted to grow the business into a ‘one-stop-shop’ and became a Gas Gas Enduro dealership offering a great Enduro machine alongside a vast range of Motocross ones.

Expansion In 2014, the business was growing at high speed and the building they were trading from now becoming full to its maximum capacity, and so the decision was made to look for new premises.

82

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

DEALER VISIT MARSH MX

After months of searching the brothers finally decided to go with the purchase of their current premises, which was bought in November 2014. It was a bare shell; 30,000sq foot in size and purposely designed to suit their requirements. This was a massive gamble for Gareth and Anthony and a different type of premises that they were directly working from in the town.These new premises offered excellent parking facilities, an extensive one level showroom, a fully stocked Parts/Accessories/Clothing counter, full workshop facilities, a full loading bay for deliveries and, most of all, a very impressive first impression for customers. They invested heavily in the business and finally moved in during April 2015. It was a totally new lease of life for all of the team at Marsh MX, and they could not wait to open the doors for all their customers to see what they had created.

Shortly after the ‘Grand Opening’, they received the Sherco Enduro/Trials, TM Enduro and Motocross, Gas Gas Trials and finally Honda Montesa franchises.

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Off-road motorcycle centre They now had coverage in the Trials sector alongside a great Motocross/Enduro and Quad presence. Now fully up and running in the new store, they have proudly created ‘The UK’s Largest Off-Road Bike Centre’ with over 450 motorcycles in stock at any one time.

The aim of becoming a one-stop-shop was getting closer and closer by providing a massive range of stock to view for their new and existing customer base. After a year of trading at the new premises, the Husqvarna dealership was awarded to the business in May 2016. They were now able to offer a massive range of kids’ motorcycles, adult Motocross and Enduro, two- and fourstroke machines, making the business even stronger as they were able to offer such a great range of motorcycles to suit everyone and every need.

Christmas came early in December 2017 when they then secured the Can-Am dealership, opening up the door to an extensive range of quality ATVs and SSV models.

Marsh MX: “As you can see from the above, we have come a long way since 2010. Our business has grown considerably in the dealerships and volume of machines we are selling. We have worked hard to give our customers a full range to choose from, achieving our goal of a ‘one-stopshop’ for all your needs under one roof from sales to parts and accessories, and service.

“My brother and I would like to personally thank all our existing customers from since we started to the present day, and look forward to seeing you again in the future; thank you for your support.”

With over 450 motorcycles in stock at any one time for viewing and for more details visit: www.marshmx.co.uk 83

YOUTH MINTEX

Reece Gazzard (Scorpa)

MINTEX

Flying Gazzard WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: BARRY ROBINSON

Malcolm Summers (Scorpa) TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK)

You have to take your hat off to the Richmond Motor Club (Yorkshire) Ltd for the opportunity given to our apprentice Scott Trial stars of the future. The Mintex Trial is a chance for the younger riders to get a taste of the legendary Scott Trial and its challenge of time and observation together. The majority of the members of the organising team have either ridden or been involved at the event, and they offer their experiences to this young breed of riders. It’s the chance for them to be challenged by a two-lap course of 30 hazards under the close eye of the watching officials to make sure everyone is kept safe.

Greeted by calm warm weather, the Mintex Trial always has an air of excitement about it, and this year was no different as the class of 2019 included a superb entry of 56 young riders.

Using many parts of the ‘Big Boys’ Scott Trial during the testing day, the event turned into a Scorpa one-two for the winner Reece Gazzard and Malcolm Summers, who were separated by a close margin at the end. Setting the ‘Standard Time’ as the quickest rider, Gazzard was also very reliable in the observed hazards parting with 41 marks. His closest rival, Summers, had a very consistent day, but the slightly slower time kept him away from the podium.

After heading to the front of the riders after the opening lap, Harry Hemingway was slowed by a front brake problem as he finished a very strong third in front of Brett Harbud.

85

YOUTH MINTEX

Harry Turner (Gas Gas)

Alice Minta (Scorpa) with Glen Scholey

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Jaime Galloway (2T Off Road TRS)

Monte Andrew (Beta)

Podium: Summers, Gazzard, Hemingway and Scholey

Feet-up

Riding with a maturity way above his young age, Buxtonbased Harry Turner was the best when it came to keeping feet-up with a stunning score of just 30 marks lost to record the lowest score.

Keeping the ladies’ flag flying was Alice Minta who just got on with the job in hand for a fine sixth-place finish.

With no major disasters reported the club once again delivered a first-class event where the riders were let loose to enjoy the thrills and spills of motorcycle trials under the eyes of the vigilant marshals and observers.

2019 MINTEX TIME AND OBSERVATION TRIAL RESULTS: 1: Reece Gazzard (Scorpa) 0 + 41 = 41; 2: Malcolm Summers (Scorpa) 7 + 38 = 45; 3: Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK) 20 + 34 = 54; 4: Brett Harbud (BVM Beta) 23 + 52 = 75; 5: Harry Turner (Gas Gas) 46 + 30 = 76; 6: Alice Minta (BMS Scorpa) 39 + 46 = 85; 7: Jack Dance (JST Gas Gas UK) 39 + 52 = 91; 8: Andrew Reynolds (Beta) 31 + 61 = 92; 9: Jaime Galloway (2T Off Road TRS) 20 + 73 = 93; 10: Luke Coughlan (Beta) 18 + 85 = 103.

SPECIAL AWARDS BEST PERFORMANCE UNDER 15: Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK) 54.

BEST NEWCOMER: Third Position – Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK) STANDARD TIME: Reece Gazzard (Scorpa) 02.46.41.

1979 Winner Glen Scholey (Bultaco) 86

BEST ON OBSERVATION: Harry Turner (Gas Gas) 30.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

YOUTH

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Jack Dance (JST Gas Gas UK)

BELLE TRAILERS BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Brothers on target REPORT: TRIALS MEDIA AND BARRY ROBINSON PICTURES: COLIN BULLOCK AND BARRY ROBINSON

Great Britain’s future as a leading trials nation just gets better, looking at the amount of rising talent that is coming through the ACU youth system. The five classes remain very competitive, as you will see with the latest championship positions.Greeted by calm warm weather, the Mintex Trial always has an air of excitement about it, and this year was no different as the class of 2019 included a superb entry of 56 young riders.

A Class

Looking very confident is Jack Dance with the upper hand at three wins from the four rounds, only interrupted

by Reece Gazzard. The fight for the final step on the podium looks like it will be a very close one, with Ross Galloway holding the upper hand at the moment over Harvey Taglione and Cameron Brice (Beta).

88

Reece Gazzard (BMS Scorpa)

A CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS RESULTS: 1: Jack Dance (JST Gas Gas UK) 77; 2: Reece Gazzard (BMS Scorpa) 71; 3: Ross Galloway (2T Off-Road TRS) 54; 4: Harvey Taglione (Gas Gas) 50; 5: Cameron Brice (Beta) 50; 6: Frankie Rhodes (Beta) 42; 7: Alice Minta (BMS Scorpa) 18.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

YOUTH

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

B Class

The B class story replicates the A class, as the fight for the top spot remains very close between Buxton-based Harry Turner and the elder of the two Hemingway brothers Harry. Young ‘Hemmo’ broke the winning run of Turner at the last round, and it will be interesting to see the outcome in this title race.

B CLASS

CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS RESULTS: 1: Harry Turner (Gas

Harry Turner (JST Gas Gas UK)

Gas) 77; 2: Harry Hemingway (BetaUK) 71; 3: Ashton Brightmore (JST Gas Gas UK) 58; 4: Harry Bowyer (Gas Gas) 48; 5: Owen Chestnut (Knight Gas Gas) 44; 6: George Clarke (BVM Sherco) 37; 7: Jaime Galloway (2T Off-Road TRS) 36; 8: Oliver Smith (Scorpa) 32; 9: Tomos Price (Gas Gas) 27; 10: Joe Snelling (Beta) 24.

Harry Hemingway (Beta-UK)

C Class Standard Wheel

Winning all the rounds to date George Hemingway has one hand on the 2019 title and has shown a superb maturity in his riding, remaining consistent and focussed to take the full house of wins. Take nothing away from the fight for the runner-up position between Jasper Fox and Euan Sim, this will go all the way to the wire.

C CLASS STANDARD WHEEL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS

RESULTS: 1: George Hemingway (Beta-UK) 100; 2: Jasper Fox (Beta) 79; 3: Euan Sim (Beta) 79; 4: Harrison Skelton (Andy Metcalfe Beta) 67; 5: William Sagar (Beta) 41; 6: Stefan MewettRichardson (Beta) 39; 7: Thomas Wright (Beta) 36; 8: Ross Allen (Beta) 31; 9: Charlie Astwood (Beta) 31; 10: Jack Challice (Beta) 31.

George Hemingway (Beta-UK)

Jasper Fox (Beta)

C Class Medium Wheel

Small in stature but big on talent, both Elliot Smith and Stanley Cubbon continue to trade blows with one another in the fight for the 2019 title. Smith has the upper hand with the four wins to Cubbon’s single one, but they both know that they will have to be riding at their very best as the championship approaches its conclusion.

C CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS RESULTS: 1: 1: Elliot Smith (OSET) 97; 2: Stanley Cubbon (Beta) 88; 3: Joe Drysdale (Beta) 73; 4: Matilda Arbon (OSET) 60; 5: Archie Bremner (Oset) 57; 6: Harrison Elliot Smith (OSET) TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Stanley Cubbon (Beta)

Lightfoot (Beta) 55.

89

YOUTH

BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Max Dance (Gas Gas)

D Class Medium Wheel

Following in the footsteps of his elder brother, Max has dominated the 2019 series which is reflected in the 100% winning record. Connor Watson has kept the pressure on but has let Dance pull out a clear lead. Will the Dance and Hemingway brothers dominate the championship as it concludes? We will have to wait and see.

D CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS

RESULTS: 1: Max Dance (Gas Gas) 100; 2: Connor Watson (Beta) 83; 3: Ruari Younie (Beta) Jacob Wilson (OSET)

74; 4: Corey Shepherd (Beta) 59; 5: Kai Fairhurst (Beta) 52; 6: Rhodri Tamplin (Beta) 46.

Tom Gibbins (OSET)

D Class Small Wheel

Absolutely wide open is how we would describe the D Class small wheel championship. What else can you say, when you have four winners from the five rounds contested? Jacob Wilson heads the field but with wins also from Tom Gibbins, Mason Crawford and Bobby Crabtree, who will come out on top of these OSET riders to take the 2019 title?

90

Mason Crawford (OSET)

D CLASS MEDIUM WHEEL CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS

RESULTS: 1: Jacob Wilson (OSET) 83; 2: Tom Gibbins (OSET) 80; 3: Mason Crawford (OSET) 78; 4: Bobby Crabtree (OSET) 73; 5: Robbie Bremner (OSET) 55; 6: Fletcher Ely (OSET) 48; 7: Edwyn James (OSET) 47; 8: Samuel Lefevre (OSET) 39; 9: Joshua Witting (OSET) 36; 10: Dan Bruce (OSET) 31.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

TRIAL MAGAZINE DVD SUPERSTORE

TRIAL DVDs ORDER YOURS TODAY

www.trialmaguk.com

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR ONLINE SHOP FOR LATEST .99 DEALS AND PRODUCTS AT TRIALMAGUK.COM? 6CH £1EA FROM ONLY

01 TONI BOU TRAINING

£22. 99 + FREE UK P&P

01

02

03

This is Toni Bou’s ultimate guide to motorcycle trials. Enjoy your time with the World Champion and learn about trials training and techniques.

02 BASIC TRIALS TECHNIQUES WITH DAN THORPE

WAS £22. 99

NOW £19. 99 + FREE UK P&P

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.

03 SSDT 2018

C

£19. 99 + FREE UK P&P

Wind the clock back and enjoy the six days action in the comfort of your own home.

04 NEW SSDT 2019

M

Y

04

05

06

CM

£19. 99 + FREE UK P&P

MY

Enjoy all the action from the 2019 six days, ‘Feet-up’ in the comfort of your own home.

CY

CMY

05 NEW PRE-65 SSDT 2019

K

£19. 99 + FREE UK P&P

Enjoy all the classic action from the 2019 Pre-65, ‘Feet-up’ in the comfort of your own home.

06 NEW THE 2018 UK TRIALS REVIEW

£19. 99 + FREE UK P&P

Enjoy over four hours of coverage including: British Championship; Supertrial; SSDT; Twin-Shock; Ladies BTC and so much more on this two-disc DVD.

ORDER FORM

Please fill the form below and return to: Trial Magazine, CJ Publishing, 48 Albion Road, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 3EX. Tel: 01663 744766 or order online: www.trialmaguk.com

01 n TONI BOU TRAINING • £22.99 02 n BASIC TRIALS TECHNIQUES • OFFER: £19.99 03 n SSDT DVD 2018 • £19.99 04 n NEW SSDT DVD 2019 • £19.99 05 n NEW PRE-65 SSDT 2019 • £19.99 06 n NEW THE 2018 UK TRIALS REVIEW • £19.99 PRICE INCLUDES FREE UK P&P. For Europe and Worldwide P&P please email: england@trialmag.com or call 01663 744766 92

POSTAGE AND BILLING DETAILS Full Name: Address: Postcode: Phone number: Email:

Country:

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

PAYMENT METHOD

You can pay by cheque or debit/credit card: TOTAL: £ I’m paying by Cheque n made payable to ‘Trial Magazine’ I’m paying by Card n Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard Card N°: n n n n n n n n n n n n Expiry date: n n n n Security code: n n n

nnnn

Signature:____________________ Date:_____________ AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT

ACU BTC SOLO

Toby Martyn (Beta)

Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK)

TRIAL GB

Price on point WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: BARRY ROBINSON

Jack Price has pulled out a significant advantage over his closest rival in the 2019 series, Toby Martyn, after five of the proposed eight rounds. The double-header round organised by the Tynemouth & DMC at the open, exposed Shaftoe Crags venue at Morpeth in Northumberland for rounds three and four offered Martyn the opportunity to close the gap on Price. On a dramatic day of action they both finished well in front of the field on 24 marks lost each, with Price getting the win on the tie-break decider. The dry exposed rocks on the open moorland had Price open up an advantage, but Martyn came fighting back on the last lap, posting the lowest lap score.

Day two started in the rain but it soon dried out, with the sun and wind proving vital. After a costly opening lap Price put the hammer down as the elder of the two Peace brothers, Dan, moved into second place on the day in a fight with his brother Jack as Martyn slipped to fourth.

It was a trip to the south of the country for 94

round five and the The Anthony Rew Trial, hosted by the West of England Club. The unforgiving wooded Kelly Farm venue was in a very difficult mood with persistent rain showers. Toby Martyn was expected to go well, and came out fighting with Jack Price. A narrow advantage was held by Price after the opening lap but Martyn came fighting back on his second lap to edge ahead by a single mark. Price had incurred two time penalties on his opening lap in the rush to finish. Despite incurring a puncture in the final hazard Price took the maximum points to further extend his lead over Martyn. In third place in the trial and the championship was Dan Peace, who had a frustrating day as two unexpected stops kept him away from second position.

One of the younger riders in this class, Billy Green, relied on his local knowledge to rescue a disastrous day with the second-best lap score of the event of just nine marks lost on his final lap to secure fifth in the trial and the championship.

Billy Green (RG Montesa-Honda UK)

TRIAL GB CLASS ROUND THREE: The Reed Bowl Trophy Trial – 1: Price 24; 2: Martyn 24; 3: Jack Peace 38; 4: Roberts 40; 5: Dan Peace 52; 6: Chilton 66; 7: Sheppard 70; 8: Green 73; 9: Jervis 102.

ROUND FOUR: The Reed Bowl Trophy Trial – 1: Price 23; 2: Dan Peace 27; 3: Jack Peace 28; 4: Martyn 31; 5: Roberts 52; 6: Green 69; 7: Sheppard 76; 8: Chilton 78; 9: Jervis 141.

ROUND FIVE: The Anthony Rew Trial – 1: Price

31; 2: Martyn 34; 3: Dan Peace 44; 4: Jack Peace 52; 5: Green 59; 6: Sheppard 66; 7: Chilton 84; 8: Jervis 129.

TRIAL GB CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS AFTER 5 OF 8 ROUNDS RESULTS: 1: Jack Price (JST Gas Gas UK) 95; 2:

Toby Martyn (Beta) 81; 3: Dan Peace (Sherco) 71; 4: Jack Peace Sherco) 63; 5: Billy Green (RG Montesa/Honda UK) 49; 6: Andy Chilton (BMS Scorpa) 46; 7: Iwan Roberts (TRS UK) 37; 8: Jack Sheppard (Sherco) 37; 9: Hugo Jervis (TRS UK) 35; 10: James Dabill (Beta) 20.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT

ACU BTC SOLO

Ross Danby (TRS UK)

TRIAL 2: ROSS ON FORM

In the Trial 2 class we have seen three different winners in the last three rounds. Ross Danby confirmed a consistent run of results with a win at round five to put him at the head of the points table with Sam Connor just a few points behind. Richard Sadler’s win at round three leaves him just a single mark behind Connor, but this championship is far from over.

Dropping down from the Trial GB class is Tom Minta, who could become the championship ‘Spoiler’. Both Sam Haslam and fifth-placed Luke Walker have been inconsistent, but this championship will go all the way to the wire so look out for some more ‘Fireworks’ as we move into the latter part of this eight-round series.

Sam Conner (Beta UK) TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

TRIAL 2 CLASS ROUND THREE: The Reed Bowl Trophy Trial – 1: Sadler 11; 2: Connor 16; 3: Walker 19; 4: Haslam 22; 5: Minta 23; 6: Danby 24; 7: Bullock 24; 8: Hanlon 32; 9: Fry 37; 10: Brightmore 47.

ROUND FOUR: The Reed Bowl Trophy Trial – 1: Minta 16; 2: Sadler 16; 3: Danby 17; 4: Fry 23; 5: Haslam 24; 6: Bullock 24; 7: Connor 28; 8: Hanlon 38; 9: Walker 39; 10: Brightmore 44.

ROUND FIVE: The Anthony Rew Trial – 1: Danby 37; 2: Connor 41; 3: Minta 43; 4: Sadler 45; 5: Walker 48; 6: Haslam 51; 7: Wigg 55; 8: Fry 68; 9: Baker 86; 10: Brightmore 90.

TRIAL 2 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS 1: Ross Danby (TRS UK) 81; 2: Sam Connor (Beta-UK) 76; 3: Richard Sadler (JST Gas Gas UK) 75; 4: Sam Haslam (JST Gas Gas UK) 66; 5: Luke Walker (Sherco) 51; 6: James Fry (Sherco) 47; 7: Tom Minta (BMS Scorpa) 46; 8: Dec Bullock (JST Gas Gas UK) 42; 9: Mitch Brightmore (JST Gas Gas UK) 32; 10: Josh Hanlon (Beta) 24; 11: Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) 16; 12: Oliver Smith (Gas Gas) 15; 13: Joe Baker (Sherco) 13; 14: Ben Hemingway (Beta-UK) 5.

Richard Sadler (JST Gas Gas UK) 95

SPORT

ACU BTC SOLO

Chris Stay (TRS UK)

Ben Dignan (JST Gas Gas UK)

Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK)

EXPERT – STAY’S ON TOP

The Isle of Wight’s Chris Stay holds the advantage at the top of this closely fought class with three wins to his name, but do not count out a strong attack to come from the victorious Dan Thorpe who was the man on form at round five. Lloyd Price will want to add to his winning ride at round two and the vastly improved Sam Yeomans will have an eye on the championship podium. With 60 points still up for grabs who can take the advantage at round six in the Lake District?

EXPERT CLASS ROUND THREE: The Reed Bowl Trophy Trial – 1: Stay 8; 2: Thorpe 16; 3: Jones 20; 4: Bristow 24; 5: Yeomans 26; 6: Bullock 31; 7: Ablewhite 33; 8: Price 34; 9: Smith 41; 10: Blacker 54.

ROUND FOUR: The Reed Bowl Trophy Trial – 1: Stay 15; 2: Yeomans 18; 3: Thorpe 23; 4: Price 26; 5: Bullock 26; 6: Jones 28; 7: Bristow 33; 8: Smith 45; 9: Ablewhite 46; 10: Culliford 52.

ROUND FIVE: The Anthony Rew Trial – 1: Thorpe 28; 2: Stay 36; 3: Yeomans 44; 4: Jones 50;

Adam Harris (Gas Gas)

TRIAL 125

Scottish rider Ben Dignan continues to be dominant, and now holds a small advantage over his close rival Brett Harbud. It’s good to see Ireland’s Adam Harris continuing to support the championship as he gains experience.

TRIAL 125 CLASS

5: Bristow 56; 6: Price 63; 7: Morphett 65; 8: Connor Atkinson (Sherco) 71; 9: Bullock 78; 10: Blacker 88.

ROUND THREE: The Reed Bowl Trophy Trial – 1: Dignan 46; 2: Harbud 59; 3: Harris 60.

EXPERT CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS

ROUND FOUR: The Reed Bowl Trophy Trial – 1: Dignan 56; 2:

RESULTS: 1: Chris Stay (TRS UK) 87; 2: Dan Thorpe (JST Gas Gas UK) 82; 3: Sam Yeomans (JST Gas Gas UK) 67; 4: Lloyd Price (TRS UK) 61; 5: Emma Bristow (Sherco) 58; 6: Gwynedd Jones (Beta) 51; 7: Charlie Smith (Beta) 38; 8: Ben Morphett (Montesa) 35; 9: Tom Culliford (TRS UK) 32; 10: Brad Bullock (Beta) 28; 11: Tom Ablewhite (Sherco) 20; 12: Aldis Blacker (Gas Gas) 18; 13: Richard Pallot (Beta) 17; 14: Iwan Jones (TRS UK) 17; 15: Joseph Collins (Montesa) 9.

96

Harbud 60; 3: Harris 90.

ROUND FIVE: The Anthony Rew Trial – 1: Dignan 100; 2: Harbud 103; 3: Harris 111.

TRIAL 125 CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS RESULTS: 1: Ben Dignan (JST Gas Gas UK) 97; 2: Brett Harbud (BVM Beta) 88; 3: Adam Harris (Gas Gas) 75.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT

ACU BTC LADIES AND GIRLS

Chloe Baker (TRS UK)

Jess Bown (BMS-BVM Scorpa)

BELLE TRAILERS ACU BTC LADIES AND GIRLS

All to play for WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: LEAH ROBINSON

Good strong entries can be found at this year’s ACU Ladies’ and Girls’ British Championship rounds, producing some very close results in the overall championship standings. The recent ‘double header’ round at Hope Farm run by the North Eastern Centre at Longframlington, Northumberland, was well received by the riders. It’s still all to play for in the majority of the classes, in some cases with just a few marks separating the riders at the head of the championships.

Daisy Craig (OSET)

ACU BTC LADIES AND GIRLS BELLE TRAILERS 2019 BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP: 4 OF 6 ROUNDS LADIES: 1: Jess Bown (BVM/BMS Scorpa) 77; 2: Donna Fox (Montesa) 71; 3: Louise Alford (JST Gas Gas UK) 54; 4: Alicia Robinson (Beta) 54; 5: Gabby Whitham (Inch Perfect Beta) 52.

LADIES’ 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Chloe Baker (TRS UK) 72; 2: Jazz Hammond (Sherco) 72; 3: Bethanie Dunning (Trials UK Beta) 64.

GIRLS’ A CHAMPIONSHIP 50/50 ROUTE 2: 1: Sarah Bell (Beta) 80; 2: Elizabeth Tett (Beta) 68.

LADIES’ INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Charlotte Kimber (Gas Gas) 77; 2: Victoria Holmes (Sherco) 71; 3: Jo Mins (Beta) 54; 4: Olivia Pearson (Gas Gas) 30; 5: Zoe McDonald (South West Trials TRS) 13.

GIRLS’ A INTERMEDIATE ROUTE 2: 1: Libby Martinez (Beta) 20; 2: Amy Clarke (BVM Sherco) 17.

GIRLS’ B ROUTE 2: 1: Katlyn Adshead (TRS) 74; 2: Daisy Parsons (Beta) 74; 3: Sophie Bailey (Gas Gas) 52; 4: Amelia Mayhew (Beta) 50; 5: Emily Copp (Gas Gas) 42.

GIRLS’ C ROUTE 3: 1: Matilda Arbon (180° Off Road Beta) 80; 2: Brianna King (Beta) 66; 3: Holly Dixon (Beta) 58: 4: Gemma Kerruish (OSET) 45; 5: Kayleigh Rice (Oset) 44.

GIRLS’ D ROUTE 3: 1: Daisy Craig (Inspire Racing Team 98

OSET) 57; 2: Ealish Cubbon (OSET)

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

SPORT

ACU BTC SIDECAR

Graham Thomas & Debbie Merrell (Gas Gas)

Josh & Luke Golding (TRS)

WESSEX PLANT HIRE ACU BTC SIDECAR

Close again WORDS: TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: JOEL CRABTREE

As we pass the halfway stage of this year’s Wessex Plant Hire British Sidecar Championship, the four classes are starting to take shape as to who is pushing for the 2019 titles. In the Class A Championship this looks like it’s going to be very close once again, as in the previous years, but in the Class B Intermediates Jack Corlett/Beth Thomas have a 20-point advantage. The Class C Clubmen is the strongest class and Jake Pope/Harriet Shore will be hoping to close the gap on Jon Corlett and his various passengers. The only clear leaders of the four classes are Neil/Mike Franks in the Class D Newcomers.

Steve & Izzy Saunders (TRS) 100

ACU BTC SIDECAR CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS AFTER SIX OF THE PROPOSED 11 ROUNDS CLASS A CHAMPIONSHIP: 1: Jon Tuck/Matt Sparkes/Izzy Saunders (TRRS) 109; 2: Josh/Luke Golding (TRRS) 105; 3: Nigel/Gracie-Mae Scott (Beta) 90; 4: William Cane/Sam Baxter (Sherco) 41; 5: Rupert/Chris Kimber (Beta) 17.

CLASS B INTERMEDIATE: 1: Jack Corlett/Beth Thomas (Gas Gas) 120; 2: Robert Head/Arron Jacobs (Beta) 100; 3: Sean/Paul Cuckow (Sherco) 17.

CLASS C CLUBMEN: 1: Jon Corlett/Jaime Howe/Harry Gell (Gas Gas) 94; 2: Jake Pope/Harriet Shore (Sherco) 88; 3: Luke Etheridge/ Dave Denyer (TRRS) 76; 4: Paul Fishlock/Sam Atherton (Montesa) 75; 5: Karl Jarvis/Jane Grossman (Scorpa) 65.

CLASS D NEWCOMERS: 1: Neil/Mike Franks 71; 2: Michael Shipley/Robert Wilson (Montesa) 40; 3: Richard/Miles Gilham 40; 4: David/Kevin Ryan 20.

Nigel & Gracie Mae Scott (Beta) AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

AG Bikes TrialMag 0719.pdf

1

10/07/2019

07:18

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Inta Trialsport Trial Mag 0719.pdf

1

10/07/2019

07:24

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

101

SW Trials TrialMag 1118.pdf

1

12/11/2018

21:10

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

EAST NEUK

TRIALS MOTORCYCLES

2019 MODELS IN Congratulations to both winners at the Shetland 2 Day Trial; Andy Anderson taking 1st in the Experts class and Connor Paton taking 1st in the Clubman Class, both riding Scorpa

STOCK NOW

NEW AND USED MACHINES AVAILABLE

Call now: 01333 311744 www.DuncanWoodTrialSport.com Email duncan.wood@btconnect.com Duncan Wood Trials Sport HP 0719.indd 1

102

SALES • SET UP • SERVICE 03/07/2019 09:18

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

Andy Metcalfe Trial Mag 0318.pdf

1

08/03/2018

20:53

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Herts MX TrialMag 0719.pdf

1

10/07/2019

07:29

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

103

Search ‘Kia Chesterfield’

Very special offers across the Kia range when you quote ‘Trial Magazine’.

Contact Richard Timperley for further details.

Triangle of Chesterfield

6 Duke Street, Whittington Moor • S41 9AD • 01246 454545 • triangle-kia.co.uk

Fuel consumption in mpg (I/100km) for the Kia SUV range: Combined 32.1 (8.8) — 54.3 (5.2), CO2 emissions 168-99 g/km. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Fuel consumption is tested using WLTP and CO2 emissions are NEDC equivalent. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. For more information about WLTP please refer to kia.com/uk. Models shown: New Sportage 'GT-Line S' 1.6 T-GDi 174bhp AWD 7 speed Auto DCT ISG at £32,735 including premium Infra Red paint at £615, Sorento 'GT-Line S' 2.2 CRDi 197bhp 8-speed auto ISG 7-seat at £43,585 including premium White Pearl paint at £635, Stonic '4' 1.0 T-GDi 118bhp 6-speed manual ISG at £20,475 including premium Blaze Red with Black Roof paint and New Niro '4' 1.6 GDi 1.56kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6-speed auto DCT Self -Charging Hybrid at £29,855 including premium White Pearl paint at £585. *Free first two services available on Sorento, New Sportage, New Niro (excluding e-Niro), All-New XCeed, or Stonic models for new car orders placed before 31.08.2019 and registered between 01.07.2019 and 30.09.2019. Offer not available in conjunction with Scrappage saving. Customers have one month from their vehicle's registration date to subscribe. Offer available to private customers only, excluding Private Contract Hire. 7 year / 100,000 mile manufacturer's warranty. For full terms and exclusions visit kia.com/uk.

Triangle of Chesterfield Ltd trading as Triangle Kia are a credit broker (not a lender) for the purposes of this financial promotion and can introduce you to a limited number of carefully selected finance providers and may receive a commission from them for the introduction.

2T Offroad Trialmag 0419.pdf

1

26/04/2019

22:30

AB MC's TrialMag 0918.pdf

C

C

M

M

Y

Y

CM

CM

MY

MY

CY

CY

CMY

CMY

K

K

Active Bikesport Trialmag 0719.pdf

1

10/07/2019

07:16

C

M

M

Y

Y

CM

CM

MY

MY

CY

CY

CMY

CMY

K

K

1

13/11/2017

03/09/2018

Dave Cooper Trial Mag 0817.pdf

C

Trial and Trail Trialmag 1117.pdf

1

1

21:57

14/08/2017

22:51

22:21

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

RCM TrialMag 0116.pdf

1

15/01/2016

RAS Sport TrialMag 0918.pdf

19:17

The South West’s only Dedicated Trials Dealer for:

1

03/09/2018

22:06

C

M

Y

CM

Clothing | Boots | Helmets Accessories | Tyres | Oils MY Chains | Sprockets CY

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

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

105

DEALER LOCATOR

FIND YOUR NEAREST SUPPLIER

01 180ยบ Off Road Tel: 01228 588838 Web: www.cloburntrialsandenduro.com Email: 180offroad@gmail.com Area: Helmsley, YO62 5LX

02 2T-Offroad Tel: 01592 772867 Email: trial2t-offroad@Hotmail.com Area: Kirkcaldy, KY1 4DE

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

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: alan@feetup.wanadoo.co.uk

04 Acklams Motorcycles

Web:

www.feetuptrialsport.co.uk

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

Area:

Scarborough, YO12 4QB

05 Active Bikesport Tel: 01761 241887 Email: activebikesport@gmail.com Area: Radstock, BA3 4PD

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

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

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

09 Bob MacGregor Trials Academy Web: Area:

www.trialsacademy.co.uk Annick, KA3 4EH

10 BVM Moto UK Tel: 01453 297 177 Email: sales@bvm-moto.co.uk Web: www.bvm-moto.co.uk Area: Stroud, GL5 5EX 106

14 Herts MX Tel:

01462 486580

Email: info@hertsmx.com Web: www.hertsmx.com Area: Letchworth, SG6 1LH

15 Inch Perfect Trials Tel:

01200 448130

Email: sales@inchperfecttrials.co.uk Web:

www.inchperfecttrials.co.uk

Area:

Whitewell, BB7 3AU

16 Inta Bikes Tel:

01622 688727

Email: intabikes@btconnect.com Web:

www.intabikes.co.uk

Area:

Maidstone, ME15 6HE

17 John Lee & Sons Motorcycles Tel:

01933 312827

Email: johnlee.mc@btconnect.com Web:

www.lee-motorcycles.co.uk

Area:

Higham Ferrers, NN10 8BP

18 Marsh MX Tel:

01685 385201

Email: Anthony@marshmx.co.uk Web: www.marshmx.co.uk Area: Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8PE

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

20 RAS Sport Tel:

01484 711720

Email: andrew@rassport.com Web: Area:

www.rassport.com Brighouse, HD6 1LH

21 RCM Trialsport Tel:

01209 820896

Email: rcm-trialsport@hotmail.com Area:

Redruth, TR16 5PN

22 Sandiford Offroad Tel:

01282 455697

Email: martin@sandifordracing.co.uk

www.sandifordracing.co.uk Area: Burnley, BB11 5SS Web:

23 South West Trials 01395514287 southwesttrials@gmail.com Web: www.swtrials.co.uk Area: Sidmouth, EX10 9DN Tel:

Mail:

24 TrialEnduroDirect Tel:

01298 766 813

Email: sales@trialendurodirect.com Web: Area:

www.trialendurodirect.com Buxton, SK17 9JL

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

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

27 Winchester Off Road Honda 01926 771122 Email: mike.carter@huskysport.co.uk Web: www.worhonda.co.uk Area: Winchester, SO24 0QA Tel:

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 โ ข TRIAL MAGAZINE

DEALER LOCATOR

FIND YOUR NEAREST SUPPLIER

02

25 12

19 09

07 06

08 15 22

13

01 26 20 11

04

24

17 14 03 18

10 16

05 27 23 21

TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

107

CLASSIC

HIGHLAND TWO-DAY

T

H

E

SWM EDITION Bernie Schreiber (SWM-USA)

The annual Highland Classic Trial took place on the fabulous Alvie hunting estate near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands over the weekend of the 8th and 9th June, organised by the Inverness & District Motor Cycle Club. This year it celebrated the Italian trials marque SWM in fine style with no less than the 1979 World Trials Champion and former factory rider Bernie Schreiber as the event’s guest of honour. Homage was paid to Schreiber from Los Angeles USA, now living in Zurich, who is the only non-European World Trials Champion and the only nonEuropean competitor to have won the Scottish Six Days Trial, a feat he achieved in 1982 on the SWM factory machine. During the sporting weekend, Bernie also launched his line of race clothing with the S3 brand and his ZEROBS trials school on the Alvie Estate on the Monday following on from the two-day event.

WORDS: TRIALS GURU AND TRIALS MEDIA • PICTURES: JAXX LAWSON

108

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

CLASSIC

HIGHLAND TWO-DAY

The SWM display

Martin Matthews (SWM)

Kevin Chapman (Trifield) Callum Murphy (Ariel)

I

t was intended to have Gilles Burgat as the Special Guest, but unfortunately, he was unable to attend due to an injury sustained at this year’s Scottish Six Days. The UK’s historic SWM main dealer, Martin Matthews who supplies spare parts and machines to customers worldwide, was on hand as a ‘Trial Partner’ with two SWM machines, one for Schreiber and the other for Burgat. These machines were offered for sale after the event.

Guest of Honour

As expected, Schreiber, with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport, was the perfect guest of honour signing the event posters, fuel tanks and side panels from enthusiasts’ machines.

He was very happy to reminisce with his fellow friends and riders about his life and times when motorcycle trials was very much a part of his life having travelled from the USA to Europe in the '70s. His is still the only American World Trials Champion, which he achieved on a Bultaco in 1979.

No fewer than 30 SWM machines took part, with 182 competitors present for the event. A special ‘Parc Ferme’ was set up to have all the SWM machines in one area for photographs at the start of the trial on the Saturday morning.

The motor club, Inverness & District, arranged TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Yrjo Vesterinen (BSA)

for their official piper to play some Scottish bagpipe music just before the start, adding an extra touch of nostalgia to the occasion. John Moffat, General Secretary of the motor club, opened the celebrations by inviting the owner of the Alvie Estate to say some words. The Laird of Alvie Estate is Jamie Williamson, and he enjoys having all the riders on his land and encourages trial competitions there, such is his enthusiasm for the sport.

Other famous personalities were also at the trial, which included road racers Nick Jefferies, Iain Duffus and Donnie McLeod, trials riders Yrjo Vesterinen and Bill Wilkinson, and many more were introduced, including more riders who had travelled many miles to attend. There were entrants from Luxembourg, France, Switzerland, Germany and Southern Ireland; this makes for a nice continental feel to the now well-established event. Berry Gemelkoorn of AJG Twin-shocks from the Netherlands was also there showing his special alloy swinging arm kits; he sold many and took orders for many more.

Cheese and wine

Clean sheets were posted by both the top Scottish classic rider Gary Macdonald (Triumph) and from the southerner Chris Koch (Fantic) who rode the Red route sections. Owen Hardesty (Honda TLR) picked up the best

Ben Butterworth (Bultaco)

Post’77 twin-shock award on the Blue route.

It was good to hear such positive reports on the level of the hazards, where the standard is set to suit riders of all abilities. There is no outright winner at the Highland Classic, it is a class winners’ event, and this year the club gave all class winners special pit caps along with prizes from the Trial Partners: Putoline, Classic Trial Magazine and Rockshocks.

A nice feature of this trial is the ‘Section 19’ where the club has cheese, wine and Scottish speciality ale available for all the riders and spectators, bestowing some real Scottish hospitality. It is very popular with the riders and spectators and helps make this truly the ‘Friendliest Classic Trial in Scotland’ something the club is very proud of.

109

CLASSIC

HIGHLAND TWO-DAY

Gary MacDonald (Triumph)

Chris Koch (Fantic)

Gary Shaw (Triumph)

Stuart Edgar (BSA)

Owen Hardisty (Honda)

Alan Gordon (James)

Schreiber Experience Days

Bernie Schreiber also held the first of his series of ‘Schreiber Experience’ days which was attended by 20 riders, some of which rode the previous two days. It started at 10.00am with an introduction session, where all participants introduced themselves and went on to a 70-minute classroom-style presentation by Schreiber who proved that he had forgotten little of his vast experience as a world champion, having been involved with other life experiences in the 30-odd years since he quit as a full-time motorcycle professional.

After the classroom instruction, it was lunchtime, and the participants were treated to a sit-down meal provided as part of the 110

package. The participants were joined by Alvie Estate’s factor, Mr David Kinnear as a special guest.

After lunch, it was machine-time with Bernie, putting the theory into practice. Schreiber’s Experience was well thought out and planned; it went without a hitch and was enjoyed by all, who learned something new during the day. The participants also received an instruction pack, certificate or attendance and a commemorative pit cap to round off the experience.

Bernie is hosting his ZEROBS Experience days in the USA, Canada and Spain this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his World Championship win.

HIGHLAND TWO-DAY 4ST PRE-UNIT: Kevin Chapman (Trifield) 4ST UNIT: Gary MacDonald (Triumph) POST’77 TS: Chris Koch (Fantic) TWO-STROKE A: Yrjo Vesterienen (BSA-FIN) UNDER 35 P’65 A: Callum Murphy (Ariel) UNDER 35 TS A: Ben Butterworth (Bultaco) 4ST PRE-UNIT B: Gary Shaw (Triumph) 4ST UNIT B: Stuart Edgar (BSA) POST’77 TS B: Owen Hardisty (Honda) TWO-STROKE B: Alan Gordon (James) AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

TRIAL MAGAZINE

SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

& SAVE SUBSCRIBE TO TRIAL MAGAZINE AND GET THESE AMAZING OFFERS OPTION 2 OPTION 1

.94 £29 GREAT DEAL SUBSCRIBE TO 6 ISSUES

(1 year) and we’ll include: FREE P&P* and a FREE HEBO NECKWARMER (Worth £6.99)

YOU SAVE: £6.99!

LIMITED

.90 £49

MEGA DEAL SUBSCRIBE TO 12 ISSUES

(2 years) and we’ll include: FREE P&P*, 2 FREE issues and a FREE TRIAL MAG T-SHIRT (Worth £12.99)

YOU SAVE: £22.97!

OFFER

FREE

HEBO NEC WARMERK worth £ when Op 6.99 tio is chose n 1 n

LIMITED

OFFER

E E R F RIAL MAG

T

T-Shirt 99 worth £12. n 2 io when Opt is chosen

FOR LATEST HAVE YOU VISITED OUR ONLINE SHOP DEALS AND PRODUCTS AT TRIALMAGUK.COM? 112

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019 • TRIAL MAGAZINE

TRIAL MAGAZINE

SUBSCRIBE

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM Please fill the form below and return to: Trial Magazine, Subscription Department, West Street, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 9PH. Tel: 01778 392481. Email: subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk or order online by visiting: www.trialmaguk.com

www.trialmaguk.com

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS n 01 Subscribe to Trial Magazine: 6 Issues (1 Year) includes FREE Hebo Neckwarmer for £29.94 SAVING £6.99. n 02 MEGA DEAL (LIMITED OFFER) Subscribe to Trial Magazine: 12 Issues (2 Years) includes 2 FREE magazines and FREE TRIAL MAG T-Shirt for just £49.90 SAVING £22.97.

T-Shirt size: Small n Medium n Large n Extra Large n

If no size given then any available size will be sent. T-Shirt design may vary.

POSTAGE AND BILLING DETAILS Full Name: Address: Postcode:

Country:

Phone number: Email: n Tick here if you wish to receive promotions of Trial Magazine and its partners

PAYMENT METHOD

You can pay by cheque or debit/credit card: TOTAL: £ I’m paying by Cheque n made payable to ‘Trial Magazine’ I’m paying by Card n Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard Card N°: n n n n n n n n n n n n Expiry date: n n n n Security code: n n n

nnnn

Signature:___________________________ Date:_____________

Warners Group Publications Plc Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the form and send to: Trial Magazine, c/o Warners Group Publications Plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH Name and full postal address of your bank or building society Service user number

To: The Manager

Bank/building society

Address

Postcode

Name(s) of account holder(s)

Branch sort code

Bank/building society account number

Reference

Instruction to your bank or building society Please pay Warners Group Publications Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Warners Group Publications and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Signature(s)

Date

* Free P&P applies to mainland UK only. Overseas please email: subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk or call +44 1778 392481 TRIAL MAGAZINE • AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2019

Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

DDI6

113

BEN HEMINGWAY - RT KEEDWELL GROUP TRIAL GB THE SURREY CUP

IMAGE CREDIT - TRIAL MAGAZINE