The first two rounds of the 2016 RT Keedwell sponsored British Trials Championships were held last weekend up in Cumbria at Fell Green, Bootle.
The Lakes events were actually Rounds one and two and fortunately the weather for once shone on the event.
On Saturday James Dabill started his defence of his Championship crown with a great win on the Vertigo machine. Dabill was leading by no less than 16 marks at the end of lap 1 and he increased his advantage steadily to take the win from Ross Danby on the new TRS machine. Alexz Wigg just back from a trip teaching in Australia soon got back into finding grip in the UK with a very good third place on his Gas Gas.
Dan Peace who missed some much of last season through injury reminded everyone of his ability by taking fourth place ahead of Jack Sheppard who is also back in the ‘Brits’ and now Beta mounted
Dan Thorpe the present Expert title holder had a day of mixed fortunes. He won his class by 3 marks from Tom Minta but has a nasty crash during the day that saw him having to seek medical attention. Chris Pearson on his Sherco came home third whilst Jack Peace took the Youth A by a large margin.
Day 2 saw scores come down considerably across the classes but the top places in all three groups went to the same riders, giving Dabill, Thorpe and Peace (Jack) 40 points apiece from the two days.
The main Championship did however see some changes to the podium placing. Jack Sheppard came through to take second place just 6 marks behind Dabill. James was actually behind Jack and Michael Brown after two laps but the reigning Champion did what we have seen from him many times. A faultless last lap saw him race past his rivals. It was good to see Michael back at the sharp end but he was kept off the third place rostrum by Jack Price who was making his best ever senior finish.
Thorpey once again grabbed the top Expert place in a much lower scoring class than on day 1. Dan lost just 11 marks with two threes on section seven being the only sub that caused him too many problems. Tom Minta once again took the Montesa into second with Joel Edwards third.
Jack Peace was once again in great form finishing no less than 49 marks ahead of his nearest rival.
Round 3, a single day event comes on May 15
th down in South Wales.
Photos by
www.trialmaguk.com