It's that Man again!
By TMX Archives on 21st Aug 08
THIS weekend, the focus of the UK trials scene is the Isle of Man for the annual Manx National Two Day Trial. The event is once again able to boast a full entry of a mighty 275 solos and a healthy 35 sidecars and all of those travelling to the island will be in for a great weekend of riding, together with some of the legendary socialising! After the havoc caused in 2007 by the foot and mouth restrictions, the route for this year has a more familiar feel to it. On Saturday morning, the riders will depart the TT Grandstand start with the first rider away at 8am. Solos will head toward the south of the Island covering around 56-miles and completing 45-sections. Meanwhile, the sidecars, starting at 8.30am, head north for a loop that covers almost 38-miles and 45-sections.
Directions are reversed on Sunday with the solos heading north, covering a further 51-miles and another 39-sections, while the sidecars head south to cover 39-miles and 45-sections.
The Premier award for winning the Manx remains a replica of the Manx Sword of State, a very prestigious and sought after prize. This year, the Solo replica is sponsored by Manx Independent Carriers Ltd, while the sidecar driver's sword is courtesy of building supplies company Corletts, while flooring specialists Swales sponsor the passenger's replica. Without the generous support of these companies, the organisers would be unable to continue to offer such unique and prestigious
trophies so a big thanks for their support.
Reigning British Solo Champion, Graham Jarvis, won last year on his debut and is back again to defend his title. On current form, Graham will start as favourite and it will be hard to see who will prevent him from carrying off his second Sword of State.
The main challenge should come from National specialist, Dan Thorpe. Dan has claimed one victory in the Manx and with the event renowned for straightforward and natural sections big scores are unlikely so we could see an upset come Sunday night if luck is on his side. Other riders to feature should be Craig Robinson, Nigel Crellin, local ace Juan Knight, Nathan Wrigglesworth and Miles Jones.
There are two ladies tackling the National course, namely JST Gas Gas rider Emma Bristow and Beta UK rider Maria Conway and both are capable of a strong finish.
Meanwhile, in the Solo Clubman class the result is wide open, with many of the usual suspects in with a chance. Local builder Neil Christian leads a strong Manx challenge but 2007 winner, Darren Wasley, is back and will be keen to defend his title after dominating last year.
Other riders to watch out for are Jonathan Lee, Scott Dommett and Kieran Hankin who, after making his debut in this year's TT, tries his hand back at the trials game.
There are also two ladies riding in the Clubman solo class, aiming to win the Sykes Trophy, presented for the best performance by a lady rider. Close friends Katy Sunter and Manx rider Saskia Baxter will be battling to see who comes out on top.
In the Sidecar class, it is likely that there will be a close battle for honours. Robin Morewood will start as favourite after taking his seventh victory in 2007 but the form shown by Jon Tuck/ Matt Sparks in the British Championship means they will be in with a chance of a win on their debut.
Challenging will be a number of crews who will be at least hoping to make it onto the podium and maybe cause an upset. Kevin Nolan/ Karl Jarvis, Bernard Chambers/ Helene Allaway and Jamie Teare/ Jane Birchall are all talented and experienced crews who have finished on the podium in the past.
The award for furthest travelled competitor will go to Bob Manifold and his son Robert who have travelled from the USA to compete. Bob is a former competitor and has gone to great lengths to get here for the trial, so let's hope he has a great weekend.
Signing-on for riders and observers takes place on Friday, August 22, at the Villa Marina, located centrally on Douglas Promenade from 7.30pm, with the massive presentation taking place in the Royal Hall at the same venue on Sunday evening, where every finisher will get their moment of glory on stage to collect their award!