Getting back on top Down Under
By TMX Archives on 31st May 12
After a disappointing end to the opening round of the FIM Junior Trial World Championship, the 18-year-old Jitsie factory Beta rider updates us on his progress in the series and tells us why he is feeling optimistic as he heads to Australia and Japan for rounds two and three.
When I wrote my last column I was travelling to France, ready to make my debut in the Junior class. I was fifth on the first day, but on the second day I finished just inside the top 15, putting me in ninth place overall.
The French GP was the first two-day event I had ridden in since recovering from wrist surgery. Riding on the Sunday, I tried to convince myself that my wrist was okay, but I had just taken too much out of it on the Saturday and had not given it time to recover.
Consequently I had no grip or strength in my right wrist and this meant that my left arm also felt the strain as I tried to compensate.
So it was a very tough round for me in France, but the four-week break between then and the second round of the series in Australia (May 26/27) has given me time to recuperate, pace my training, and to focus on building the strength back up in my wrist and arms.
I also competed in a two-day round of the German Trials Championship, and I was really pleased with my results and with how well my wrist held out throughout that event.
I won on the first day and, although I physically felt fine and able to continue on the second day, I unfortunately had to retire early due to a minor technical difficulty with my bike.
From Germany, I went on to spend a few days at my team headquarters in Belgium, getting the bike ready to be shipped out to Australia, and at the time of writing this column I am on the way to Oz myself.
This will be the first-ever Australian Trial GP and I'm really looking forward to it. I've heard that there's some great ground out there, so it should be two great days of riding.
This is actually my second time in Australia, I was lucky enough to go there last year to take part in Top Gear Live. My aim this time round is to up my game in the Championship and to get my first podium finish of the series.
After Australia, it's on to Japan for round three on June 2/3.
Having back-to-back two-day events over consecutive weekends will be a true test of how well my recovery is progressing, but I am optimistic.
My results in Germany have given me a boost, and I am definitely feeling a lot more confident and stronger than I did after the French GP.
Jan Cardinaels, who was my minder last season when I won the FIM Youth Trial World Championship will be working with me in Australia and Japan, but James Lampkin, will be back in the hot seat for the remaining European rounds of the series.
Right now everything is looking positive and I hope to bring you more good news in my next column. Goodbye for now!
You can read how Jack got on at the Australian Trial GP on pages 32/33
