The risk pays off for Jarvis
By John Watson on 22nd Mar 07
REIGNING British Trials Champion Graham Jarvis, and Sherco importer Malcolm Rathmell took a calculated risk at the Middlesbrough and DMC's National Cleveland Trial on Sunday in deciding that Graham would ride the revamped Sherco four-stroke.
No time for any real testing, Malcolm asked Grahamfor his thoughts. Never one to waste words, Jarvis replied: Its OK!''That was it. It was a brave decision on a day when only the talents ofJames Dabill and Alexz Wigg were missing from the entry list.
However, it was a decision that paid offhandsomely, as Jarvis called on all his experience in the trials gameto fight off the twin challenges of youthful exuberance from Beta UKrider Michael Brown and Gas Gas man Shaun Morris. Brown and Morris rodewith such fervour and no fear of failure that it was a treat to watch,while Jarvis matched that with rock solid conviction in his ability anda faultless concentration.
The sun was shining, but a biting cold wind wouldmake it a long day for the obser-vers as local rider Simon Lees fromFryup led the 180 strong entry up onto the windswept moors aboveCastleton.
Phil Kershaw, observing on section one, wasprobably on the most exposed section in the trial, with the wind sostrong, it repeatedly blew him off his feet! - you need more porridge,Phil.
Ian Austermuhle, always cool, calm and collected,appeared on song as he set the early pace. He was still unpenalized ashe floated up the huge rock step of section eight at Danby Top and rodeoff with the applause from the assembled crowd bringing a smile to hisface. Morris, Brown and Jarvis also cleaned, Jarvis beginning to settleafter team boss Rathmell saw him make a nervous, edgy start with a dabon the second section.
This left Austermuhle in the lead, still cleanafter eight sections and looking confident. Jarvis was on one, followedby Brown and Morris on two.
This hazard caused bother for the Inters though,with only Jay Stephenson and Martin Bayles hitting it perfectly torecord the only cleans in the Intermediate group. Mark Harrison and IanHopley attacked the step with plenty of bottle, but the double step onthe climb had them in trouble.
NATIONAL CLEVELAND TRIAL Castleton, North Yorks (Middlesbrough & DMC)
Premier: Graham Jarvis (Sherco) 8 marks lost.
First Class: Michael Brown (Beta) 21, Shaun Morris (Gas Gas) 23.
Second Class: Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) 32, Ian Austermuhle (Beta) 47.
Best Inter: Martin Bay les (Beta) 51.
First Class: Mark Harrison (Honda) 53, Ian Hopley (Gas Gas) 58, Mark Shaw (Gas Gas) 71.
Second Class: Jay Stephenson (Gas Gas) 74, Gary Pears (Scorpa) 78.
Best Clubman: Becky Cook (Gas Gas) 17.
First Class: Katy Sunter (Gas Gas) 23, PaulLamplough (Montesa) 30, Martin Philipson (Beta) 31, Mark Lamplough(Montesa) 33, Thomas Bennett (Gas Gas) 35.
Second Class: Mike Watson (Montesa) 37, Mark Summer (Beta) 37, Terry Raw (Montesa) 40, Sandy Mack (Montesa) 41.
Best Female Clubman & Gjers Trial Trophy: Becky Cook (Gas Gas) 17.
Best Middlesbrough member: Steve Currey (Gas Gas)63.
For full report, results and pictures see T+MX NEWS, Friday, March 23, 2007.