After a two month gap the British Trials Championships return into action this coming weekend with the St David’s Trial down in South Wales.
You cannot say that the championships are not visiting every part of the country as we have already been to Yorkshire, Devon and Scotland.
This time however it is down to Wales for the Neath Club’s event held at Ammanford for the second year in succession. Last years trial was a bit different from many of the venues in that we had mud, cambers, tree roots and some nice big climbs mixed in with the expected rockery. It made for some variety and the club have been doing some work on new and improved hazards.
The championships as is now well established run over the three main catagories with Experts B being the most well supported in rider numbers. Not only that but the competition is pretty fierce with Richard Timperley and Guy Kendrew at the moment taking the top places at the opening three rounds. Timps holds a three point advantage over his Ossa mounted rival but between these two it is very close to call. This does not mean to say that these two are the only likely winners. Last year Josh Woods won the class so he obviously enjoyed the venue and the Gas Gas rider currently lies third overall. Look out also for Zac Sherwin and Midlander Buster Regan both are capable of getting on that podium.
The Expert A class has not too many riders in numbers but it is competitive to say the least. Three rounds have seen three different winners with Ricky Wiggins, James Fry and Gary Macdonald all topping the podium. Gary does not ride this round so could we see someone new up there, possibly Jack Sheppard who now has two second places to his credit after missing out the season opener due to other commitments. Jack is going great guns on the world youth scene but will the 125 be well suited to this venue. The way Jack rides quite possibly is the answer, but those in front of him in the Championship including Jack Spencer will be equally keen to make life difficult for the Ipswich rider.
This all brings us nicely to the Championship Class and the usual question of can James Dabill be beaten on home soil. It must be two years since he hasn’t made first place and Michael Brown, Alexz Wigg and co must be determined to make it happen sooner rather than later. Dib’s already holds a nine point advantage over his next rival and that gap is already looking pretty decisive unless he can be pegged back and quickly. Brownie is riding well as is Alexz but so far they nor any of the others in the class have been able to make a serious challenge. Maybe this weekend?
The event weekend is the 11th/12th of June and the venue is at Ysguthan Farm, Heol y Myndydd, Gararnswllt, Ammanford. SA18 2RY
Practice on the Saturday between 3-5pm with the trial starting Sunday at 10am
