Reigning British Expert Champion Dan Thorpe regained the lead in the Championship standings by taking the runner-up spot at Yeadon Guiseley MC’s Mackenzie Trophy Trial at the infamous Addingham Moorside venue near Silsden. After a slight mix-up with the results, JST Gas Gas UK rider Dan was actually presented with the winners award until it was discovered that Birkett Scorpa mounted Joe Baker had in fact won the prestigious event on a most cleans tie-break. It was a nail-biting finish as Thorpe recovered from an average opening 2 laps to record a stunning final lap of just 1 mark lost.
Despite the weather reports stating the opposite, the sun remained in the sky for the duration of the trial and the waterproofs stayed in the bag. It was evident during the early morning practise that the sections were on the technical side with plenty of grip available on the steep hillside, with first gear been frequently selected on the 3-lap 12-section course. Sections 1-3 were a gentle introduction to what is commonly known as a difficult trial; however s2 caught Thorpe out for a dab on the 2nd visit. s4 proved to be one of the most difficult hazards - the ending in particular being a stopper with three awkwardly placed steps. Thorpe and MRS Sherco rider Lee Sampson were the best here, both taking just a one on the opening lap. Championship leader going into the event and JST Gas Gas UK team-mate Sam Haslam had an expensive 5-0-5 ride, with eventual winner Baker having 0-3-3. s5 didn't cause the top 5 any problems but the rolly rocks and tight turns on s6 also proved to be very difficult to clean, with only seven cleans recorded all day. Team-mate Thorpe, Haslam and Craig Robinson were the best on the first lap with a 1 mark score. MRS Sherco rider Chris Pearson who eventually completed the podium in 3rd place was the best on this section with a 2-0-0 score compared to the 1-3-0 ride of Thorpe. The tricky ending on s7 (where a sideways jump across a gap was required) took a dab from Thorpe on lap 1 and 2 before being finally cleaned on the last visit.
s8 was changed after lap one but still proved relatively easy, despite taking a slack dab off Thorpe on the second lap after a close encounter with a section marker! s9 proved to be Dan's bogey section with the ending once again being the most difficult part. A somewhat indecisive ride on the first lap took Thorpe for an expensive 5 as he slipped backwards off a rock despite remaining feet up. A much more positive ride on the second lap achieved the clean but an almighty dab (his only penalty of the lap) was needed on the final visit. The loose and steep hill exit of s10 took all but Baker and Thorpe for marks. Thorpe was also the star of the show on s11 along with Sampson, as they were the only riders to clean it on every visit. s12 proved to be of some annoyance to Thorpe, as the tight right-handed corner just before the final step took a dab on both the first two laps before being finally cleaned on the last attempt.
Many thanks to all the organisers and observers. Thanks also to Kev and Katy for being an excellent back-up team. A special mention must again go to newly crowned European Junior Champ Wiggy who once again put in an excellent performance of just 14 marks to beat all of the Experts......again! A final thank you to Yeadon Guiseley Secretary Sue Smith for ringing up personally to apologise for the results mix-up.
