On top of the World...
By John Dickinson on 26th Jul 12
This weekend is the big one for trials in our little island as the World Championship rolls into the somewhat unlikely setting of a quarry near Penrith in Cumbria.
It might not be a traditional Cumbrian trial, they normally feature lots of slippery becks and even more slippery greasy rocks but it is the World Championship and the venue ticks all the boxes that such events require. The sections will feature some really impressive rockery and the event certainly won't lack drama and some awesome riding is guaranteed.
I must admit to feeling a bit sick when I reflect that our government sees fit to throw the best part of 10 billion quid (yes, ten billion of our sterling pounds - try counting that far in units of one and see how long it takes – of OUR money at a relative few running and jumping types at the London Olympics. Not the British Olympics note – it is always the London Olympics. There's a clue there...
It is just my opinion but I think it is a monumental waste of public money. I have no problem with spending OUR money on sports, in fact I welcome it. Kids these days should be given every incentive possible to take part in sports of all kinds.
They should indeed be encouraged to run and jump and throw things and swim and ride bikes and stuff like that.
But we all know that in the real world – not the fantasy world of politicians – this simply isn't happening. School playing fields are being closed at an alarming rate. When was the last time a useful sports facility was opened in your town. However, I can tell you when the BMX track was closed in mine.
The London Olympics are nothing whatsoever to do with sport and everything to do with ego and corporate greed. A lot of people, many with no connection with sport whatsoever, will emnerge very rich indeed. The only ‘legacy' will be one of massive ‘debt' and a couple of expensive stadia in the wrong places.
Ces't la vie. Check out the Barcelona Olympic site if you don't believe me. The stadium lies derelict even though the it was only built in 1992! The only useful legacy is the St Jordi Stadium (thank goodness).
But I digress. My mainpoint here is that there is no government money to run a World Championship Trial, or a World Championship Motocross. And there should be because what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. If it's worth spending money one one sport why would you deny another?
As it is, motorcycling as ever is left to look after itself. And, as ever, it will.
So, to get back to the British World Round, if you want to see a rider at the very top of his powers then you won't want to miss Toni Bou – in Cumbria – this weekend...
