With the start of the 2015 FIM Women’s Trial World Championship just around the corner some of the female contenders used the recent and famous Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) as part of their preparations ahead of the opening round at Sokolov, Czech Republic at the end of this month. More than one hundred years after its first edition the SSDT remains one of the toughest tests of man, woman and machine – a fact that will not have gone unnoticed by the seven brave female adventurers representing four nations who lined up in an entry of almost three hundred riders.
Reigning FIM Women’s Trial World Champion Emma Bristow – Sherco headed the female assault in the Scottish Highlands with some clear objectives in mind, which she was to achieve come the end of the week. “This was my eighth SSDT so I kind of know my way around by now. To get a good result you have to be consistent throughout the week and not have a bad day. My goal was to be the best girl and to be inside the top fifty overall, so by finishing forty-fifth and the top woman I am happy with how the week as gone. Although the sections are different to the World championship, it is good to spend so much time on the bike and it is good for my physical condition too to ride six days in a row. Now my whole focus is to be ready for the Czech Republic.”
Whilst unable to match Bristow’s incredible performance Women’s World current number two Rebekah Cook – Jgas was the second highest placed female rider at the Scottish. “Even after seven years this event doesn’t get any easier, the second day was my toughest ever. I wanted to be closer to Emma, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. I have been working on other types of training over the winter, so while my SSDT result was not as good as I hoped the time on the bike has definitely been a good point. I will ride a round of the British men’s championship before I go to the Czech Republic as the last part of my preparation.
I have a new bike this season, which feels great so there is no reason why I can’t push Emma for the win again.”
Ranked third in last year’s FIM Women’s Trial World Championship Sandra Gomez – Scorpa flew back in overnight from the US where she won a round of their Endurocross series to arrive in Fort William just in time for the start of the SSDT. “I am always super happy to ride in the Scottish as it is such an incredible event, but this year it was super tough coming back from the USA as I was so tired even before I started after eighteen hours of travelling. At the end of the week to be on the Women’s podium beside Emma and Becky is good for me. Also it was the perfect training ready for the World championship as I missed some hours on the trial bike with racing enduro too, so now I am ready for the first round.”
Chloe Richardson – Beta, Ina Wilde – Gas Gas and Jess Bown – Scorpa rounded out the six girls who made it to the finish of the SSDT, which is an incredible feat and one that all female competitors can be very proud of.
The 2015 FIM Women’s Trial World Championship starts in Sokolov, Czech Republic on 30/31 May.