Sparks will fly in Scotland
By TMX Archives on 19th Mar 09
THE ACU Events Ltd sponsored 2009 British Solo Trials Championship moves north into Scotland this Sunday for the second round of the series and, following the excitement of the opening round in Scarborough a couple of weeks back, the sparks are set to fly in Kinlochleven! James Dabill was the victor in Scarborough and the Gas Gas ace will be looking to stretch his early series lead. His big pal, Michael Brown, will be looking for instant revenge though, having been pushed down to third place in his home round when the Sherco rider was hot favourite to take the win. Michael finished a desperately close second in the 2008 series and really does want to go one better this time!
The fly in the ointment though, for the Championship chasers, could just be Dougie Lampkin. Doug was not happy at finishing second in the opening round and instantly entered the Kinlochleven event with the intention of putting the record straight! Whether Doug will contest the whole series is not known but he will be going all out to win on Sunday. Another rider looking to get in there is Beta's Shaun Morris, fresh from his win in last Sunday's Cleveland National.
The Expert A (the Experts has been split into two classes this year) again looks super competitive and if the opening round is a pointer, then expect east Yorkshire Beta ace Ian Austermuhle to be up at the sharp end having dropped down a class from 2008. If Sam Connor makes the long trip north from London, he is sure to challenge, while Kinlochleven local, Gary Macdonald, always raises his game for the fans.
In Group B, Scarborough winner, Ricky Wiggins, goes for a double and, once again, surely Sam Ludgate will give him a run for his money.
The trial takes place on the shores of Loch Leven with the start being in the village of Kinlochleven itself. If you are going to watch, Kinlochleven is on the A82 near Ballahulish. But don't expect traditional Scottish sections, the trial takes place at The Mound, which is really rough rocks and trees right down on the loch side. Arthur Macdonald has done a brilliant job in previous years, getting the severity of the course just right for all classes as he knows the venue well.
Unfortunately, the school grounds are not available for parking this year and the club has made alternative arrangements. Please follow the advice of club officials and park carefully and legally. It is only a short walk to the sections from the village. Riders get a practise lap on Saturday, from 4 to 6pm while Sunday's trial gets under way at a bright and early 9am prompt.
There'll be a presentation immediately after the finish.
If you can't make it we'll bring you a full report plus top pics from Eric Kitchen in next week's T+MX!