Girls allowed at Seymours Arena
By TMX Archives on 15th Mar 13
No fewer than three BritishLadies Trials Champions line-up for the North Berks MCC organised opening round of the 2013 ACU British Womens and Girls Trials Championship at Seymours Arena, Aston Tirrold (OX11 9AW) on Saturday. The three leading ladies in question are Becky Cook, Gabby Whitham and Nikita Smith.
Newport,-Isle of Wight adult multiple champion Becky Cook, Britain's most successful female trials rider to date, makes her debut under TTT Beta colours as she sets off in her quest to try and win another title.
Becky's closest rival will be, as last year, new MRS Sherco signing Emma Bristow who travels from Alford, in the Lincolnshire Wolds, aiming to redress the cliff hanger ending of last year when she lost out to Becky at the final hurdle.
Emma has been training in Spain with Sherco factory number one Albert Cabestany as she gets to grips with her factory prepped Sherco 300, following her switch from Ossa and the 22 year-old hopes to keep the momentum swinging in her direction
For the first time for several years a total of six contenders ride the adult course.
Chesterfield's Jess Bown and Class A youth champion Nikita Smith take on effervesecent Doncaster chef Donna Fox and Sheffield resident Katy Sunter who has boyfriend Dan Thorpe handing out the riding tips.
The Class A girls will ride half the adult route and the other 50% will Class B route.
Bristol's Victoria Payne missed Class B last year when Richmond's Hannah Richardson claimed the title by a margin of eight points. Victoria rides her class alone.
Youth Class B will be a straight Yorkshire battle with Silsden's Gabby Whitham up against equally determined Beth Waite and Richmond's Beth Watling.
The latter switched up a gear last year and must be considered.
Youth Class C will be a replay of last year with local girl Alicia Robinson up against Alice Minta while Surrey Schoolboys field Jasmine Bowker and Izzy Whatmore.
The non-championship classes will be hard fought. Computer expert Michelle Naufahu and Rolls Royce student Catherine Alford should be favourites for the classes.
Reigning champ Becky Cook leads a very creditable 25 contenders off at 10.30am to battle for championship points on the John Lightfoot designed course.
The enthusiastic Stu Robinson has had a hand in the 12 section course in the famous Seymours Arena which will be lapped three times.
Stu says that the sections are nice and open and have been designed with no-stop observing in mind and the girls should enjoy a good competitive trial.
For spectators a full detailed programme will be available..
