SSDT Day Five - Three way tie at the top
By G2F on 7th May 10
The 2010 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) is set for a dramatic climax with three riders tied for the lead going into the sixth and final day. Michael Brown - Sherco, Alexz Wigg - Beta and Ben Hemingway - Beta are all on fifteen marks apiece and are locked in a three way battle, with only one of them able to have their name added to the famous trophy come tomorrow afternoon. Whilst all three riders have previously finished as runner up in this unique competition, none of them have ever tasted the winners's champagne.
Having seen his lead disappear yesterday morning when his bike failed to start, Brown rode his way back into contention today by losing marks just in one section. With the exception of his five at WD's Michael completed the rest of the day with no further loss. For both Wigg and Hemingway, it was their early day with this leading duo having to ride the hazards when they were most slippery. Ben dropped three of his six marks for the day amongst the big boulders at Meall Nam Each. Alexz's daily score of five was made up of three separate dabs and one two.
Whilst all eyes will be on this leading trio Ian Austermuhle - Beta has quietly ridden his way within reach of snatching the victory from under the noses of the favoured three. Austermuhle's three dab ride today leaves him just three marks off the lead and perhaps without the pressure and attention of the other front runners. Since placing third on the opening day Ian has remained amongst the main contenders thanks to a series of consistent rides.
The 2007 SSDT winner James Dabill - Gas Gas who held fourth spot overnight looked as if he was making a late charge to perhaps secure his second victory in the Highlands, but an indifferent performance today has left him with only the slimmest chance of taking the overall honours. Again it was the hazards at Meall Nam Each that took their toll, with Dabill also dropping three of his eventual seven marks all in this one group. James now only holds a single mark advantage over Scotland's Gary MacDonald going into the final day after the lad from Kinlochleven dropped six marks today.
Friday's trip around the peninsula is always popular with the riders and the spectators alike, and with the sun overhead today the journey amongst the steep sided mountains and crystal clear lochs was as good as ever. Dan Thorpe - Gas Gas certainly enjoyed his day as he posted the best daily score of just one mark. Next best on observation today was Ross danby - Gas Gas, Jonathan Richardson - Sherco and Dougie Lampkin - Beta who all lost two marks apiece. Lampkin now sits in tenth place as he continues to climb up the overall rankings.
Tomorrow's finale will be played out over the shortest route of the week, but with six sections on the slopes of Ben Nevis during the later part of the day nothing can be taken for granted with the stakes being so high.
2010Results
Day 5 - Daily Positions / Scores
1: Dan Thorpe - GasGas - 1
2: Ross Danby - Gas Gas - 2
3: Dougie Lampkin - Beta - 2
4:Jonathan Richardson - Sherco - 2
5: Sam Connor - Beta - 3
6: IanAustermuhle - Beta - 3
7: Michael Brown - Sherco - 5
8: Ben Hemingway -Beta - 6
9: Gary MacDonald - Gas Gas - 6
10: Alexz Wigg - Beta - 6
11:James Dabill - Gas Gas - 7
12: John Shirt - Gas Gas - 8
13: Sam Haslam -Gas Gas - 9
14: Jan Peters - Beta - 9
15: Richard Timperley - Sherco -10
Overall Positions / Scores
1: MichaelBrown - Sherco - 15
2: Alexz Wigg - Beta - 15
3: Ben Hemingway - Beta -15
4: Ian Austermuhle - Beta - 18
5: James Dabill - Gas Gas - 20
6:Gary MacDonald - Gas Gas - 21
7: Ross Danby - Gas Gas - 27
8: AlbertCabestany - Sherco - 30
9: Jonathan Richardson - Sherco - 32
10: DougieLampkin - Beta - 35
11: Sam Connor - Beta - 35
12: Dan Thorpe - Gas Gas -35
13: James Lampkin - Beta - 38
14: Sam Haslam - Gas Gas - 39
15:John Shirt - Gas Gas - 41