Cliff Collinson National fun...
By John Dickinson on 15th Nov 13
Scarborough & DMCs Cliff Collinson National Trial which will take place this Sunday, November 17 has drawn a fantastic entry of no fewer than 112 riders - and the Expert National class falls into two distinct categories, youth versus experience.
Heading the all star list and surely favourite - on paper is newly crowned British Trials Champion, Gas Gas factory rider Michael Brown who will be hoping to follow last year's win in the event with another victory.
Much will depend upon how well Michael's knee has recovered since he tweaked it in the Scott Trial which resulted in him having no strength in the leg at all. That he finished the event is testament to his willpower.
Riding on home soil, the pressure will be on Michael, as a strong line-up of Beta riders, Ian Austermuhle, Andy Chilton and Jack Challonor push for honours.
If any rider qualifies as Mr Consistence, whether in events like the Scottish, the Scott or in the Nationals it has to be Austy who is just always there or thereabouts.
Also at the sharp end and with a point to prove will be Liam Walker from Pontefract, MRS Sherco mounted Tom Affleck, Scarborough's Simon Kershaw on the AM Beta and Acklam Beta rider Adam Milner.
Then, bidding for their moment of glory, which must surely come, are the dynamic young stars of tomorrow.
The unpredictable skill of Ossa- mounted Billy Bolt that can bring a crowd to its feet in a second, the newly crowned British Youth A Champion Jack Price from Huddersfield, along with unflappable and highly talented Dan Peace from Keldholme ensures another mighty tussle for honours.
Add in Rob Waite and Ollie Kendra who are in top form at present, so it promises to be a day to witness great skill and also a test of character.
Intermediates include the irrepressible home grown talent of Shaughan Galway, Gary Collinson and Josh Sprintall, 11 times East Yorks Champ Dave Pye, blast from the past with Simon Winfield and youngsters lurking in the shadow of these men, Tom Wood and Shane Monkman.
To pick a winner from the massive Clubman entry would be difficult, but the consistency of Stockton's Roger Williams and Colin Bailey cannot be overlooked with the hard riding Mark Cameron never being far away and with Colin Chapman and Mike Watson being close numbers they will drag each other on.
Cliff's wife Margaret will be in attendance and it will be quite a touching moment for her as son Gary, along with grandsons Josh Sprintall and Zac Collinson are all competing.
Held at the Scarborough club's own Low North Park, Harwood Dale, venue, the first rider away will be at 9 am. There's ample parking on site with a cafe and refreshments at the start.
So no reason not to get along and enjoy a cracking National trial.
