Trials Torque: It’s all aboard the American express
By John Dickinson on 19th Jul 17
THE next round of the Trials World Championship will see contenders head across to the good old US of A next weekend for two days of action, plus Qualifying on Friday, for both TrialGP and Trial2.
The Trial125 season is already over with the final round, as most of you will know, having taken place with the British GP at Tong.
Sixteen year-old Italian (soon to be 17) Lorenzo Gandola was crowned Champion with Britain's 15-year-old Billy Green a very worthy vice Champion.
The American round, which features every two years in the calendar, takes place at Kingman in Arizona.
And this year it represents the first of the three-round Ladies Championship for both TrialGP Ladies and Trial2 Ladies and which ought to feature 17 riders in each class - including three British girls.
World Champion Emma Bristow naturally heads the list as the Sherco star looks to make it four World crowns in a row.
And, following the retirements from the World Champs of Becky Cook and Donna Fox, Emma will be joined in the top TrialGP Ladies class at Kingman by just one compatriot Jess Bown.
Katy Sunter was initially penned in to make the trip to ride in America but has unfortunately had to withdraw due to problems with a recurring knee inury and is still recovering from major surgery.
Chloe Richardson was also hoping to travel but has also withdrawn her entry.
Jess is really looking forward to the experience and will be riding a Scorpa provided by Ryan Young.
Due to recovering from a thumb injury Jess will be missing this weekend's Reeth Three Day as a precaution.
Trial2 will see the promising Alicia Robinson, daughter of Berko stalwart Stu who - as ever - as well as supporting all the British girls, will be minding for his daughter.
And America sees the International return of east Yorks girl Nikita Smith who is now making great progress and moving on from the horrific road accident that interrupted a promising trials career. This has been a huge effort and if anyone deserves a great result it is Nikita.