Take the High Road
By TMX Archives on 22nd Jul 11
British World Trials round in Fort William...This time next week, July 30/31, the worlds greatest trials riders and their respective teams will arrive at Nevis Range, Fort William, Scotland, for the sixth round of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship.
This marks the second consecutive year that this mountain resort has hosted a leg of the World series and if the 2010 UK World Trial was anything to go by, then this year's event promises to be one not to be missed.
This is your only chance to watch the planet's best trials riders oudoors. See World Champ Toni Bou's awesome skill on the factory Repsol Honda. See the likes of Adam Raga (Gas Gas), Albert Cabestany (Sherco) and Jeroni Fajardo on the revolutionary Ossa try to keep Bou off the podium!
The festivities kick-off on Saturday morning when spectators will be treated to an abundance of two-wheeled talent. Once the riders have put their bikes through technical control they will be on hand to sign autographs, before starting the practice session in anticipation for Sunday's main event.
Saturday afternoon visitors will bare witness to the awesome finale of the much talked about Highland Challenge, in which former World champions Dougie Lampkin and Takahisa Fujinami will go head to head in order to settle the score once and for all.
In addition to this, World famous Steve ‘Mr Showtime' Colley will perform his unique display of trials based tricks. Former British Trials Champion, Steve Saunders, will also be in attendance with his distinguished training school, passing on some of his vast knowledge to the next generation of riders.
Saturday will come to a close with a true clash of the titans as Colley and Saunders do battle once again in an unmissable event billed as 'Steve versus Steve'.
Sunday morning will mark the start of the championship action proper as over 50 riders from all over the globe will compete on the mountain course. Keeping up with the action could not be easier with a group of seven sections located close to the paddock and three man-made hazards actually at the start /finish area. The gondola will whisk spectators up the mountain to enjoy four more hazards, which are set in one of the most stunning locations on the planet and all within a short walk of the top gondola station, which boasts its own restaurant and play area.
Fort William is 2.5-hours north of Glasgow and 1.5-hours south of Inverness, along the scenic A82.
For those travelling from the East there are several routes off the A9, which can be taken, including from Perth and Aviemore. Nevis Range is situated seven-miles north of Fort William just off the A82 to Inverness, the route is well signposted.
Nevis Range, Torlundy, Fort William, Inverness-shire, Scotland, PH33 6SQ.
Telephone: 01397-705-825 or e-mail info@nevisrange.co.uk or log on to www.nevisrange.com
Nevis Range is one of the premier visitor attractions within the Highlands, offering visitors a truly unique experience all year round. Situated in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the gondola ride has a truly stunning backdrop with some of the most spectacular views that you will witness anywhere in the World.
The gondola journey allows breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands, including the Great Glen, Ben Nevis, and surrounding areas. On a clear day this spectacular view can extend as far as the Inner Hebrides.
British riders to watch out for
As the UK World Trial draws ever closer there is a host of home-grown talent looking to make their mark amongst the notorious Highland sections. In fact Britain will be the best represented nation in the World Pro class, with no less than five riders featured on the entry list.
At the forefront of the British attack is 12 times SPEA FIM Trial World Champion Dougie Lampkin on the factory Gas Gas. In search of his 100th GP win and motivated by massive home support, Lampkin is fully committed to taking victory on British soil. After coming desperately close to claiming his 100th World round win at last year's event, when he finished second during the first day, the undisputed King of trials is determined to realise his target and ride on to the top step of the podium once again.
"Having a noisy home crowd behind me is a massive confidence boost and is one of the things which makes this event so unique. Over the years I have ridden in the Highlands several times, however still it remains special to me, so I cannot wait to return for the UK World Trial.”
Dougie is not alone in his bid to reach the rostrum at his home Grand Prix with current British Trials Champion, James Dabill also looking to stamp his authority on the famous Scottish sections. Currently sixth in the overall World standings, the Beta factory ace will be keen to use the advantage of home support in order to record a good result.
Twenty-one year old Jack Challoner (Beta) will also have high hopes arriving in Fort William. Despite this only being his first year in the World Pro class Challoner has produced a series of determined performances and currently finds himself in eighth place, only five points behind Loris Gubian (Gas Gas). Further down the standings Michael Brown (Gas Gas) and Alexz Wigg (Sherco) have both experienced mixed seasons so far.
Positioned ninth and eleventh respectively the pair will look to use their experiences from last year's British GP in order to improve their results. Browny is coming hot off a stunning British Championship win in Devon and if he can retain this form the Gas Gas rider could easily cause quite a stir.
In the Junior category Jonathan Richardson (Sherco) will continue his championship campaign and will be joined by wild card entries George Morton (Beta) Jack Spencer (Beta) and Harry Harvey (Montesa). As regular competitors in the British Trials Championship with previous experience of the formidable Scottish hazards, George and Jack could perhaps record surprise performances on the day.
Within the Youth class the hopes and dreams of the nation rest on the shoulders of young Jack Sheppard (Beta). Jack has led the championship since the opening round of the series in Germany and currently holds an eight-point lead over his nearest rival, despite struggling with a long-standing wrist injury.
After winning the second day of last year's UK World Trial, Jack will aim to replicate his good form again this year in order to further strengthen his grip on the 2011 SPEA FIM Youth Trial World Championship.
"Riding at the World round in Scotland last year was a personal highlight for me. Fort William has some of the best sections in the World and standing on the top step of the podium was brilliant – something I am determined to do again this year.”
WHAT'S ON AND WHEN?
Saturday July 30
08.00 Public access - opens
09.30 - 11.00 Technical control for World Championship riders
09.45 - 10.15 Autograph session for World Championship riders
11.00 - 13.00 Official practice for World Championship riders
13.30 - 14.00 Lampkin vs Fujinami - Highland Challenge - Finale
14.00 - 14.30 Steve Colley – Mr Show Time
14.00 - 18.00 Section inspection for World Championship riders
14.30 - 15.30 Steve Saunders – Training Session
15.30 - 16.00 Steve Colley - Mr Show Time (top Gondola Station)
16.30 - 17.00 Steve vs Steve
18.00 Public access – closed
Sunday July 31
08.00 Public access - opens
09.30 Trial starts - First Youth rider
11.00 Trial starts - Last World Championship rider
12.00 Finish first lap - First Youth rider
14.00 Finish first lap - Last World Championship riders
14.00 Trial finish - First Youth rider
16.00 Trial finish - Last World Championship riders
16.15 Prize Ceremony - Podium
18.00 Public access – closed
This is a provisional timetable and is subject to change - please visit www.ukworldtrial.com to obtain exact / revised timings nearer the event date. Please note that only competitors/ officials are permitted to ride motorcycles on site, this permission is limited to the duration of the event. The unauthorised riding of motorcycles at Nevis Range, on Aonach Mor, or on surrounding Forestry Commission land is strictly prohibited at all times.
TICKETS
Discounted advance ticket prices apply to all orders up to and including Monday, July 25, 2011.
Adult weekend ticket: £25 (includes two day gondola pass).
Child weekend ticket (ages 5-15): £15 (includes two day gondola pass).
OAP weekend ticket: £15 (includes two day gondola pass).
VIP weekend ticket: £99 (includes two day gondola pas, VIP parking, full hospitality including breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, plus much more).
VIP parking ticket: £20.
Tickets will be available to purchase on the gate.
Advance tickets can be purchased at – www.ukworldtrial.com – or by calling 0161-705-2075.
