Trials Torque: Keedwell is just gr-eight
By John Dickinson on 24th Aug 16
ROUND eight of the eleven round RT Keedwell ACU British Trials Championship heads to the rugged challenge of Guisborough DMCs land skirting the rim of Glaisdale, high above Glaisdale village, nestling deep in the north Yorks moors, this Sunday.
After a great response from all who attended last year's event, the club decided there was enough motivation coursing through the veins of members to run again and Bill Filer will be clerk of course.
Although reigning champ James Dabill, mounted on the factory Vertigo, is way out in front in the 2016 series, he will be out to maintain his 100 per cent winning record to date.
There is a monumental battle behind Dibs though between the two Jacks, Price – newly crowned FIM Trial 2 World Cup Champion – and Sheppard, who is concentrating hard on the British scene this year, for the vice-champion berth and they would love to give Dibs a shock on the day.
And you can't dismiss Welsh Champ Iwan Roberts, who rode out of his skin last year to take a surprise but well deserved win at the venue.
Iwan hasn't had the best season to date so maybe he can get it back on track this weekend.
Then there's the talented lad from just over the moor top, Dan Peace, who was missing last year due to injury but who should thrive on this terrain.
As indeed will former British champ, Michael Brown, now showing signs of a return to form following a slump after returning to riding after that badly smashed knee sustained in Japan last year.
It is much tighter at the top in Expert class as youth battles against experience. Tom Minta has been on fantastic form since his switch to Gas Gas, levelling the scores at the top alongside fellow GG rider and reigning champ Dan Thorpe.
The Championship looks to be a two horse race now with Tom Affleck now 30 points in arrears and just holding off Joel Edwards and former champ Chris Pearson.
World and British Ladies champ Emma Bristow loves the challenge of the Experts sections and currently holds an excellent eighth overall.
Kirkbymoorside`s Jack Peace is having a fantastic season and ashe is already the 20916 World Youth 125 Champion, Euro Youth Champion and Euro Junior Champion he will not want to let this British Championship Youth A title slip away.
Like Dabill in the Championship, Jack boasts a 100 per cent winning run and will be looking to extend that.
Chasing Jack is Kieron Child and Ulster's Josh Hanlon, son of former Championship contender Phil Hanlon.
Duncan McCall and Toby Churchill are contending the next two places.
Sunday's start, 9:30am at Mountain Ash Farm, Glaisdale, North Yorks, YO21 2QA will be signed from the Guisborough to Whitby road (A171) near Ugthorpe.
There is ample, easy parking straight off the road – £5 per car – into the start field through the top gate, exit at the bottom.
Overnight camping is available for Saturday night but no fresh water is available.
There will be a catering van on site and also toilets.
Some great sections are guaranteed for spectator viewing in some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
