The 2025 ACU OSET Youth Trial GB Championship got underway with a fantastic two-day event hosted by Scarborough & District Motor Club at their impressive Harwood Dale venue, just north of Scarborough. For the first time, girls and boys competed in their own separate championships within the same event — a positive step forward for the sport, promoting inclusivity and equal recognition.
In brisk but sunny conditions, a three-lap course featuring 12 well-set sections was designed by Clerk of the Course Andrew Woodall, alongside Pat and Matt Galway and Steve Temple. Day one featured technical terrain in banks and gullies away from the river, while day two shifted towards river sections, combining water, banks, and gullies to test the full range of skills from riders across the board.
Among the standout performances were those in the Trial GB Aspire Girls class. Scarlett Collins (Wales) and Lily Butterworth (Isle of Man), both riding TRS machines, went head-to-head over the two days. Each rider claimed a win, with just three marks separating them overall. Jodie Collins rode consistently to secure third place on both days.
In the Trial GB Aspire Boys class, Koby Smith (Yeadon & Guisley) dominated with two commanding victories, dropping just 14 and 25 marks respectively. Tommy Keet (Hookwood) claimed two second-place finishes, while local talent Archie Birley (Scarborough) completed the podium on both days.
The Trial 2Y Foundation Girls category saw Clodagh Higgins from the Isle of Man take top honors across both days aboard her Beta, representing the well-known Peveril Club. Daisy Brooks and Ellyn Welch also impressed with strong podium finishes.
The Trial 2Y Foundation Boys class was the most hotly contested, with Scarborough’s own Joshua Tate showing outstanding form to win both days convincingly on his Beta. Tomos Reece (Llangollen) pushed hard on day two, finishing just 12 marks behind. Rowan Harland put in solid performances to complete the podium both days.
In the Trial 3Y Foundation Girls, Harper Oliver (Llanfyllin) was unbeatable, claiming top spot on both days. For the boys, Vaughn Harland took the win on day one, with Harry Tindell taking day two, ahead of Tommy Wakeford and Harland.
The youngest riders in the Trial 4Y Debutant class brought huge smiles and impressive determination. Chloe Grace Charlton delivered the best performance among the girls on both days, while Edward Wainwright (Scarborough) led the boys.
This season introduces a new rule change allowing stop-permitted riding and a time allowance per section, responding to rider and parent feedback. While a shift from previous years, the change was well received, and competitors adapted quickly to the new format.
With nearly 70 riders and no non-starters, the event was a strong launch for the 2025 series. The next rounds will be hosted by Earl Shilton on 21 June and Mansfield Maun on 22 June, followed by the season finale on the Isle of Man, staged by the Peveril Club, on 9–10 August.