Day One - James Dabill wants to win again
By G2F on 5th May 10
Twenty-four year old James Dabill - Gas Gas (Number 71) was the winner of the 2007 Scottish Six Days Trial, and has returned to Fort William to look for his second victory at this classic event. Dabill added to the history of the competition that year as he became the first rider in forty one long years to win on board a four stroke machine. The last four stroke victor was Alan Lampkin riding a BSA 250 back in 1966. Dabill who finished seventh in last year's outdoor SPEA FIM Trial World Championship has begun the 2010 season in great form, twice finishing on the podium in this year's SPEA FIM Indoor Trial World Championship en route to securing fourth place in the final standings. A winter of tough training over in Spain looks to have brought its rewards for the youngster from Leeds.
Whilst James is focused on World domination, another victory at the Scottish Six Days Trial remains very high on his agenda. Dabill explained. "The trial might start today, but winning is about riding well all week. There are sections that stand out all week and they are ones you always think about most, but you have to concentrate in every section."
"The final group at Lagnaha is the big test today, thankfully in the past I have gone well on those sections. I should have warmed up by then, so the knees will be working good and you know if you have a good ride on one of the difficult sections here you can pull back any silly marks you may have lost earlier in the day."
"I want to be there or thereabouts come the end of the day. To be leading would be nice, as that's how I won in 2007, leading from the front from start to finish. When I got the yellow leader board in 2006 I was very nervous as it was the first time I had ever had it. That prepared me well for 2007."
"In 2007 I didn't feel any real pressure and I really enjoyed my week, I had some good people around me and that really helped. I have got good people around me again this year, so I am hoping I can do the same as I did in 2007. I have been riding really well so far this year, so I am feeling confident and I also feel very settled on the bike which is so important for this event as it is a long week."
"I will need to keep my head on this week as it will be tough to beat Dougie (Lampkin), but it is something I want quite badly. After I won in 2007 I spoke with Dougie and despite him winning twelve World titles he still said that winning the Scottish Six Days Trial was one of his biggest achievements. I think that is the same for me, of course I want to be World champion, but winning the Scottish again would be one of my biggest goals."
"This week it is definitely at the top of my list, and to win it again would be absolutely fantastic." Ended Dabill
James finished fourth in last year's event, during what was one of the wettest weeks' the competition had experienced during its near one hundred year history. Thankfully after the sunshine of yesterday, the trial looks in for a much better week of weather this time around. Bravely Dabill wore a skin coloured suit during yesterday's parade alongside Jamie Dobb - ex World Motocross Champion - to promote awareness for male cancer.