Just one week to go
By TMX Archives on 26th Mar 08
IN just over a week the World's elite motorcycle trials riders will be in Bangor for the Grand Prix of Ireland, which will form the second round of the 2008 FIM SPEA Trial World Championship. The event will take place over the weekend of April 5/6 and include the opening round of the European series on Saturday, prior to Sunday's World competition.The riders last visited this beautiful coastline venue back in 2003 and 2004 when the competition was widely recognised as one of the best of the season.
The top riders have their say:
TONI BOU (Repsol Montesa Spain): reigning World Champion and is set for the challenge of retaining his crown: I remember Bangor very well, as it was the first time I competed in the World championship, and the place where I scored my first points. I liked the trial a lot, although it is not similar terrain to my home country. It will be a difficult competition as it is early in the championship and all the riders will be strong.
ADAM RAGA (Gas Gas Spain): had to settle for second place in the 2007 series behind Bou, after claiming the crown in 2005 and 2006. I have some very good memories of Bangor from when I rode there in 2003 and 2004. The thing I remember the most is that the sections were very slippery, but it was still a good trial. All the riders will want to win, as that is normal, but the conditions may suit Lampkin...
DOUGIE LAMPKIN (Beta UK): is looking to continue his winning run in Bangor. It would be great to achieve my 100th GP win at what I would regard as my home round. The sections should suit my riding style, so I am hoping that I can repeat the victories I took in both 2003 and 2004. The younger riders may have an advantage over me now, but I will be looking to use all my experience to make it a special weekend.
ALEXZ WIGG (Montesa UK): was the Youth World Champion in 2006, and hot favourite for top honours in Junior Cup this season. With no GP on the mainland in 2008, and with me having an Irish minder (Harold Crawford) I will be looking for plenty of support as that really helps. I have never been to Bangor before, but I have watched the DVDs from 2003 and 2004. It looks a good trial, and one that I can hopefully win.
No less than 62 riders representing 12 different nations are scheduled to take part from countries as far away as America, Japan and New Zealand.
For full event and travel details, please visit www.bangor
worldtrial.com or call the Bangor tourist office on 02891-270069.