Fort William awaits the 99th coming
By TMX Archives on 11th Mar 10
Just a year away from celebrating its centenary, the World famous Scottish Six Days Trial is set to return to the Highland town of Fort William for its traditional slot during the first week of May. The 2010 event, again organised by the accomplished Edinburgh and District Motor Club, will kick off on Monday 3rd May, with its two hundred and seventy five competitors from all over the World facing what remains, even in the modern era, one of the greatest challenges in the sport of trials. Typically entries for this ultimate test of man and machine were once again over subscribed, with the elect entrants having already survived the initial hurdle of making it through the recent ballot process.
Twelve times FIM Trial World Champion Dougie Lampkin - Beta will return to defend his title, after having narrowly defeated Alexz Wigg – Beta by a single mark during last year's epic duel. The 2009 event was hosted in some of the worst weather conditions this historic trial had ever seen. Lampkin has won this competition no less than five times, but knows his route to a sixth and third successive win will be as tough as ever, especially with fellow World championship contender Albert Cabestany – Sherco making his Scottish debut this May.
Although all eyes will be focused on the fierce battle at the head of the daily leader board, the Scottish Six Days Trial has many stories to tell, with the riders from nearly twenty different nations from as far a field as Australia and Canada covering a wide range of abilities. This year's entry list includes fifty-nine new comers, and six female competitors. These mere mortals will uniquely share their week alongside the professional riders who earn their living from the more usual form of this sport, which is broadcast to millions of homes around the globe on a weekly basis during the FIM World championship season.
Whilst the likes of Lampkin, Wigg, Cabestany and 2007 winner James Dabill – Gas Gas will make the journey to the Scottish Highlands with one goal in mind, for many of the other riders their sole aim will be make it to the finish. Covering nearly one hundred miles and thirty sections each day, the event is a real test of endurance, both for the modern trials bike (which is designed for far more compact courses) and the riders.
This is much due to the unique nature of the Scottish terrain and sections that remain the real lure of this great competition. Over the last century many thousands of riders have made the famous pilgrimage to the enthralling and unmatched landscape that surrounds Fort William, but only the select few have the honour of having had their name etched on the famous winners' trophy.
Only come Saturday 8th May, will the 2010 winner be clear. The latest victor of this classic event will have triumphed after six long days in the saddle and after having endured one of the most mentally and physically grueling week's of their career. So with the entry list having now been published (click here for details), Fort William awaits the 99th coming of what remains the most important event in the trials calendar outside of the FIM Trial World championship proper.
Previous winners*
2009 - Dougie Lampkin - Beta
2008 - Dougie Lampkin - Beta
2007 - James Dabill - Montesa
2006 - Graham Jarvis - Sherco
2005 - Sam Connor - Sherco
2004 - Graham Jarvis - Sherco
2003 - Joan Pons - Sherco
2002 - Amos Bilbao- Montesa
2001- Cancelled due to Foot + Mouth
2000 - Steve Colley - Gas Gas
1999 - Graham Jarvis - Bultaco
1998 - Graham Jarvis - Scorpa
1997 - Steve Colley - Gas Gas
1996 - Dougie Lampkin - Beta
1995 - Dougie Lampkin - Beta
1994 - Dougie Lampkin - Beta
1993 - Steve Colley - Beta
1992 - Steve Colley - Beta
1991 - Steve Saunders - Beta
1990 - Steve Saunders - Beta
1989 - Steve Saunders - Fantic
1988 - Steve Saunders - Fantic
1987 - Jordi Tarres - Beta
1986 - Thierry Michaud - Fantic
1985 - Thierry Michaud - Fantic
1984 - Thierry Michaud - Fantic
1983 - Toni Gorgot - Montesa
1982 - Bernie Schreiber - SWM
1981 - Gilles Burgat - SWM
1980 - Yrjo Vesterinen - Montesa
1979 - Malcolm Rathmell - Montesa
1978 - Martin Lampkin - Bultaco
1977 - Martin Lampkin - Bultaco
1976 - Martin Lampkin - Bultaco
1975 - Mick Andrews - Yamaha
1974 - Mick Andrews - Yamaha
1973 - Malcolm Rathmell - Bultaco
1972 - Mick Andrews - Ossa
1971 - Mick Andrews - Ossa
* 1971-2009 inclusive
For more information please visit www.ssdt.org