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As the news of Dougie Lampkin's record extending seventh Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) victory filters its way around the world, it would be easy to take the thirty-seven-year-old's victory for granted especially when the margin of his win becomes apparent. However in reality the headlines do not tell the true story behind Dougie's road to his latest Scottish success, as the last six months have been anything but easy for the former twelve times FIM Trial World Champion. Two operations, the first of which was meant to be a routine minor procedure and a second to rectify the initial unsuccessful attempt, within a four-day period late last year saw Dougie's health begin a worrying downward spiral. With his immune system effectively destroyed Lampkin faced a long road to recovery that was not without its complications, which ultimately forced him off his bike for a prolonged and frustrating period.An intensive winter training programme that has included many miles in the saddle of a bicycle, as Lampkin also prepares himself for his summer pedalling challenge, followed by two months of daily trials practice put Dougie back in as good a shape as possible as he headed to Fort William late last week in an attempt to secure an incredible seventh win in the Scottish Highlands. However the Red Bull athlete's last minute preparations were disrupted just two days before the start of the 2013 SSDT as he was forced to visit the local hospital to seek medication as the underlying issue with his immune system flared up at just the thought of the sheer task that he was to face over the coming six days as he explains. "I couldn't believe it when I got the warning signs last Saturday morning, as I had been feeling the best I had felt for a long time. The medication takes a couple of days to kick in, but it's rocket fuel and doesn't make you feel the best before it starts to work. This plus the fact that I had not ridden a trial competition since last October made the first two days hard work." "I was cleaning sections, but not the way I wanted to and was on the edge a little bit in places, however that is all part of The Scottish. Come Wednesday things had started to click which was good as it was my early day and I knew that I needed to stay close to the lead if I was to have a chance of winning come the end of the week," continued Dougie. "Thursday proved to be the turning point and put me in front, but it was then that I started to feel the pressure. It took a bit to remember how to deal with pressure as it's been a while since I have been in that situation, but once I worked out what I used to do in these situations I felt slightly more comfortable," said the straight talking Yorkshire man. "Going into the last day with such a big lead was strange too, as I have never been in that situation before. Normally things are much closer and you just have to attack, but this time it was different. The opening group on Saturday was really tough which was not what I was looking for, but once I escaped the initial sections for just a dab I knew I was on my way," stated Lampkin. "It feels fantastic to have got a seventh Scottish win, and especially by such a large margin. I will definitely be back next year, although there are things I will do differently in the build-up to the event next May, as my preparations this year can be improved upon," ended Dougie in honest fashion. View the full article on the SSDT Website

Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) continues to rewrite the history books as he rode to an emphatic and record extending seventh win at the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) earlier today. Lampkin went into the sixth and final day of this year's event with a healthy lead over Sam Connor (Beta) and further increased his winning margin as he once again posted the best performance of the day. Dougie now stands head and shoulders above his peers in terms of SSDT victories, his seven wins now clearly surpassing the five achieved by legendary riders Sammy Miller and Mick Andrews.

Welcome to the sixth and final day of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial! Today is brought to you courtesy of Jitsie and Off Road Action.

Thirty-seven-year-old Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) will set out this morning with a real chance of capturing a seventh Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) title to further extend the record that he achieved last year. Lampkin has already amassed more SSDT wins than any other rider in the long history of the competition. When Dougie won last year's event for SSDT win number six, he overtook both Sammy Miller and Mick Andrews who have each won this world famous trial five times.

Heavy rain and strong winds at times failed to knock Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) off course as he moved within touching distance of recording a seventh Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) win following his performance today. Lampkin parted with only one mark on day five to open up a commanding lead ahead of tomorrow's final showdown as his nearest challengers faltered in the testing conditions. Sam Connor (Beta) will head into day six trailing Lampkin by twelve marks as he dropped ten marks today, that being his heaviest daily loss of the week to date. Connor will need to rediscover the form that has seen him sit close to or on top of the leaderboard all week if he is to claim the runner-up prize come tomorrow evening, as he now has only a one mark lead over 2011 winner James Dabill (Beta). Dabill's four mark ride was the second best performance of the day and continues a theme that has seen him leapfrog up the order with some purpose since his opening day disaster. However he was far from assured an ideal day as he lost marks as early as the second group. Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) and Gary Macdonald (Sherco) both of whom have not enjoyed the best of days now hold fourth and fifth places respectively on twenty-five marks apiece. Wigg added twelve marks to his overall total today as did Macdonald as they fought to find their lines in the swollen burns that rose as the day went on due to the persistent rain overhead. Ross Danby (Jotagas) goes into tomorrow in sixth place and on the same marks as the two riders ahead of him. Cruelly ruled out of last year's event due to a mechanical problem during the latter stages, Danby is on course for his highest ever SSDT finish. Ian Austermuhle (Beta) confirmed his tag of Mr Consistent as he came home on seven marks to bump himself two places up the overall results and into seventh position with just one day to go. Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) in contrast had his worst day of the week so far and dropped to eighth place at the end of day five. Richard Sadler (Sherco) and enduro ace Tom Sagar (Montesa) are the two riders who currently close out the top ten, but are only too aware of the close and chasing pack of riders that sit just behind them at this critical point in the competition. Whilst nothing is ever certain at the SSDT, the various class leaders all hold commanding positions heading into day six and should, barring a disaster, claim their respective awards come tomorrow night. Adam Norris (Beta) is clear favourite to take the top award in the over 40's class, whilst Robert Waite (Beta) is on course to become the best newcomer and Emma Bristow (Sherco) is surely set to claim the best female prize for a third year in a row with a score that is exactly half that of her nearest rival. Although only fifty-six miles in total, Saturday's route should never be under-estimated when there is so much at stake for so many riders, be they winners or event finishers. Provisional Results for Friday 10th May 2013 View the full article on the SSDT Website

Friday's results now available to download folks! Friday's Results View the full article on the SSDT Website

Welcome to Day Four of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial...how on earth is it Thursday already?! Today is brought to you courtesy of Hookwood Trials Centre, home to motorcycle and pushbike trials in the south of England.

Seventeen-year-old twin brothers Brad and Dec Bullock are gradually coming to terms with the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT), with this being the first time that either has competed in the world famous event. The teenagers from Tarvin near Chester have grown up riding trials, but have never witnessed the SSDT first hand prior to making their debut this week. With the exception of their riding numbers - Brad [268] and Dec [267] - spectators this week will have found it difficult to distinguish between the two brothers with both their appearance and riding style being almost identical. Sibling rivalry has been present since their very first trial aged seven, when Dec won and Brad finished second, and since that moment the brothers have used their inter-family competition to drive themselves forward.After the first four days of this year's SSDT Dec once again holds the upper hand and currently leads his brother Brad by forty-one marks. Both have competed on the world stage with Brad achieving his best result at this level when he placed eleventh at the Spanish round last year. Dec made the long trip to Japan just over a week ago without his brother and recorded his highest finish at the FIM Trial World Championship when he came home in eighth spot to make the lone and long journey very worthwhile. Speaking about his SSDT experience Brad said. "It's been a great week so far and I have really enjoyed it, though if I am honest I have struggled due to my fitness. I have had a few problems with the bike, but we have got those sorted, so the bad result on Wednesday was down to me." Brad continued, "The days are much longer and tougher than I expected, it's OK to read about this event in the magazines or to watch it on DVD, but it is totally different in reality. You need to have a good level of fitness and although the sections are not perhaps as bad as I expected it is still tough overall." "I obviously want to beat my brother, however his fitness is better than mine and he has the edge on me so far. I hope the weather is kind for the next couple of days, as when it rained on Monday I found it really hard going. Anyway, whatever happens I will be coming back for many years to come as I am really enjoying the event overall," ended Brad. Echoing many of his brother's views Dec stated, "It's been one hell of an experience so far, but one that I am really enjoying. I have had some good rides, some mega rides in fact, but also some bad ones too." "The big surprise has been the moor crossings, they are much harder than I imagined and certainly take it out of you, the good news is it will not stop me coming back in the future as I am loving it," enthused Dec. "My goal like Brad is to be in the top fifty at the end of the week and to perhaps be the best 125 plus I would like to beat my brother, which perhaps goes without saying. So far so good, let's see what happens in the next two days," Dec said with a huge grin on his young face. View the full article on the SSDT Website

Thursday lived up to its traditional tough billing as the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) moved into the second and deciding phase of the competition. Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) used the opportunity of the longest day of the trial, and the toughest to date, to move into the lead for the first time this week. His single mark loss today puts him on seven in total, and sees him move ahead of overnight leader Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) who dropped eight marks on day four.

Welcome to Day Four of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial...how on earth is it Thursday already?! Today is brought to you courtesy of

The 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) has once again confirmed itself as the single most important event in the international trials calendar, with this classic competition set in the Scottish Highlands having attracted just under two hundred and seventy riders from twenty-two different countries. Whilst the home nations continue to make up the bulk of the entry, it is the mighty Spanish Armada who are dominant in terms of the foreign contingent, which help to swell the ranks. Making up just shy of ten percent of the start list, Spanish riders have enjoyed a long and loyal association with the SSDT stretching back several decades. Whilst Great Britain may still be considered the birthplace of the sport of trials, in more recent times it is Spain that has ruled the roost both in terms of quantity and quality of riders on the world stage. However it was not until Jordi Tarres (Beta) conquered the Scottish terrain in 1987 that Spain could boast its first SSDT winner.Since then only two other Spanish riders have managed to match Tarres' feat, with Amos Bilbao (Montesa) claiming a highly popular win in 2002 before his compatriot Juan Pons (Sherco) then added his name to the famous trophy a year later. Spain's Jordi Pascuet (Jotagas) looked like he might join this elite club when he led last year's event to the halfway stage, but he finally finished in a respectable seventh position and as the highest placed foreign rider. Aside from the main challengers, one Spanish rider has become synonymous with The Scottish having now ridden it twenty-four times since he made his debut back in 1979. Carlos Casas has become as much a part of the SSDT as the boulders in the burns and has been an outstanding ambassador and advocate of the event over a prolonged period. As always, he only had kind words to say about his beloved Scottish. "Since I first came here in 1979 I have been a real fan of the SSDT as I love this event so much. I rode eleven times to start with, and then missed some years before returning again in 1990. Since then I have never missed a year and have been lucky enough to finish every time," explained Carlos. "The Spanish riders see this event as a big adventure and really love to come at least one time in their life to experience this very special trial. I would recommend every Spanish rider, and any rider from any country to come and ride the SSDT. You can learn so much and can have so much fun too. I especially want to tell the young riders that it is something that they cannot miss as it will certainly improve their riding," continued the ex-bank manager. "I have so many special memories. The best things about the SSDT are the friends I have made over the years, the scenery, the sections and just the incredible organisation. My best results were when I finished thirteenth twice, won the best foreign rider award four times and also won the over 40 class too," said Casas. "Now I come purely for enjoyment, but it is still the most important week in my year without question," ended Carlos. View the full article on the SSDT Website

Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) has now taken the outright lead of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) after losing three marks on the third day of competition. The 2010 SSDT winner has close opposition from Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) whose dream of a seventh win remains a real possibility as he sits just one mark behind Wigg overall. He too dropped three marks on what was his early day. Sam Connor (Beta) who had begun the day carrying a yellow leader board along with Wigg, notched up five marks on day three and now trails the leading duo by two and one marks respectively. Local rider Gary Macdonald will be pleased with his day's work having now ridden himself into fifth spot overall thanks to three consistent daily performances thus far. The best performance of the day was by Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) with the now SSDT veteran completing today's thirty sections for a mere one dab. This strong showing as the event reaches its midpoint sees Thorpe now join Connor on seven marks overall and within close reach of the outright lead. Wednesday proved to be the toughest of the three days so far and Michael Brown (Gas Gas) was to discover this first hand as he added a hefty ten marks to his tally to see himself slip slightly out of contention for the main prize. The second group of sections after today's short trip across the ferry was where most of the front-runners suffered their heaviest losses. Jack Challoner (Beta) was the only clean on the most difficult hazard at Inversanda, with Thorpe being the next best with a single dab attempt. Lampkin dropped two here to add to the early mark he lost at Lower Mamore, whilst most of the other main contenders were happy to see the ends cards for hard fought threes. Brown may live to regret the five marks he lost at Coire Dubh earlier in the day, whilst Connor can perhaps count himself fortunate to have escaped with only a two at Clachaig before he headed across the water. Guy Kendrew (Gas Gas) continued his incredible week to date and is neatly tucked into sixth place overall with both Jonathan Richardson (Ossa) and James Fry (Sherco) for close company. Only one mark separates this trio in the overall totals, as they dropped eight, four and eight marks respectively today to keep themselves within touching distance of what would be an historic win for any of these three riders for differing reasons. In the various sub plots Adam Norris (Beta) continues to head the over 40's class, Emma Bristow (Sherco) remains in control of the female category and Francesc Moret (Gas Gas) has clear water between him and his nearest challenger in the battle to be the best newcomer. It has often been said that the real fight for top honours does not begin until Thursday. With the riders facing the longest day of the week tomorrow, the order at the top of the leader board may look somewhat different in twenty-four hours from now, should day four play out like previou years.

Wednesday's results now available to download folks! Wednesday's Results View the full article on the SSDT Website

Welcome to Day Three of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial! Wednesday's trial is brought to you courtesy of Ossa Motos (UK) Ltd and Off Road Moto - thank you folks! Find out all about today's plans by reading the rest of the article below! The Weather! It's another bright and sunny day in the Fort folks - if you can get here, today is the day to do it!

Having turned seventeen years old late last May, the last twelve months have seemed like an eternity for local youth rider Jack Dignan (Beta) who is making his debut at the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) this week in an entry that is packed with pedigree and World Championship status contenders. The teenager from Lochaber has dreamed of riding this historic and unique event ever since he was a wee lad and has longed to be a part of something that is rich in his family's blood. Jack's uncle, Kevin Dignan was a SSDT regular over a prolonged period and his father David and his other uncle Simon have also competed in The Scottish in the past too, so there was a certain inevitability about Jack's participation in the 2013 SSDT now that he has come of age.Placed one hundred and seventh in the overall results after the first two days of competition, Jack is easily distinguishable amongst the international field thanks to his distinctive riding number [123] and was in high spirits about his week thus far having safely returned his 125 Beta to the Parc Ferme yesterday evening. Young Dignan explained how he has now turned from spectator to competitor. "I think I was about ten years old when I first watched the SSDT properly, but it was a few years later before I got more involved and started to ride trials. However ever since then I have always wanted to ride in the Scottish and now it has come true," said Jack. "Being a local and having the chance to watch the SSDT every year has been good in some ways, but in other ways it has made the wait to ride seem even longer and harder at times. Since turning seventeen last May it has seemed like a lifetime away, but now it is finally here and I can't explain how much I am looking forward to it," continued the Lochaber ex-youth rider. "The first two days have been incredible, I have loved every minute of it and even with the rain on Monday it just didn't matter as finally I am here and I am part of the SSDT, what could be better. So far my favourite sections have been Laggan Lochs and Forest Gate, but all of the sections are good and everything about the trial is just great," Jack enthused. "My aim is just to finish the week, I would like to try and be in the top one hundred and try to win the best Scottish newcomer. I have got the support of my whole family which is great, even my ten year old brother Ben who is a big trials fan managed to get the afternoon off school to come and watch me at Trotters Burn." ended the local teenager. Jack is currently the second highest placed Scottish newcomer and trails class leader Alan Forrester (Gas Gas) by a mere one mark with three days of competition still remaining. View the full article on the SSDT Website

Both Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) and Sam Connor (Beta) went unpenalised today to become joint leaders of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) after the first two days of competition. Enjoying the warmer and drier weather Wigg and Connor, who are both previous SSDT winners from 2010 and 2005 respectively, made light work of the new route that incorporated several new and testing sections. Yesterday's initial leader Michael Brown (Gas Gas) lost three marks today after having gone clean on day one. He now finds himself equal overall and on the same marks as Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) who dropped two marks today, one of those being in the last hazard of the day. These two more fancied runners are also joined on three marks by Guy Kendrew (Beta) who followed up his great performance yesterday with another incredible showing as he too stayed clean through today's thirty sections. Brown was to lose his lead early in the day with a three mark loss coming in the very first group of sections at Annat, but recovered his composure well to ride the rest of the day feet up. The new hazards at Loch Arkaig also took marks with last year's SSDT winner James Dabill (Beta) being amongst those who needed a helping dab on the step-infested waterfall by the loch side. James Fry (Sherco) produced another solid ride today, his single mark loss putting him on a total of four after two days and in sixth place. Scotland's Gary Macdonald (Sherco) was another rider to go unpenalised today and thanks to his faultless performance now moves into seventh spot and only three marks off the lead. Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas), Ross Danby (Jotagas) and Ian Austermuhle (Beta) are the three riders who currently round out the top ten respectively as they all showed their liking of the kinder weather. Women's World number two Emma Bristow (Sherco) further extended her advantage in the fight to be the best female rider, her loss of seven marks putting some of her male counterparts to shame and was significantly better than the thirty-five marks incurred by Becky Cook (Beta) who remains her closest challenger. Spain's Francesc Moret ( Gas Gas) has also began to open up a healthy lead in his aim to be the best newcomer. Moret parted with only five marks on day two to take his total to twelve overall, which puts him sixteen marks clear of Jack Stones (Gas Gas) who currently occupies second spot in this class. The Spanish youngster remains in thirteenth position in the general classification too. In the battle to be the top rider in the over 40's category, early leader John Shirt (Gas Gas) has fallen to third spot and has been overtaken by both Adam Norris (Beta) and Roger Williams (Beta) who now hold first and second positions respectively. Norris was in superb form losing just a single dab, and was almost matched by Williams who completed today for only two marks. Tomorrow will mark the midpoint in the 2013 SSDT, and could potentially present the toughest challenge of the week thus far, with the riders faced by a route totalling ninety-one miles.

Results for Tuesday are now available to download here!

Welcome to Day Two of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial! Tuesday is brought to you courtesy of Hope Technology and Masham's Sausages. The Weather! Guess what?!

It is not the first time that the Gomez family name has appeared on the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) results sheets, but 2013 does mark a SSDT debut for Sandra Gomez (Gas Gas). By carrying the riding number one hundred and five, the twenty-year old Spanish female rider is emulating her brother Alfredo who also competed in this unique competition back in 2011. The Gomez family have a real trials pedigree with Alfredo having clinched the 2011 FIM Junior Trial World Championship whilst Sandra placed third in the Women's World Trial rankings last year. Although this is her maiden outing in the main event Sandra is no stranger to the Scottish Highlands with the youngster from Madrid having now competed in the two-day Pre 65 trial for the last three years. However whilst she has some limited knowledge of the local terrain, Sandra has never been to actually watch the main SSDT prior to her taking place on the start ramp yesterday morning. Never one to shy away from a challenge the female protagonist spoke enthusiastically about the event despite enduring a tough opening day."I am ready, ready to ride my bike in this beautiful place and to experience the Scottish Six Days Trial for the first time. I was hoping for better weather, but anyway that is all part of the trial. From riding the Pre 65 trial I know a little about what to expect, but until you actually ride I don't think you can know the full story," said Sandra. "My brother and the other Spanish riders explained to me many things about this special trial so I could at least be prepared, but it is almost impossible to train for this event in Spain as we do not have the same kind of rivers as they have here in Scotland. The rivers here are narrow and slippery and can be very difficult to ride with the no-stop rule, but I will just try to do my best," continues Gomez. "I know Emma (Bristow) and Becky (Cook) very well from the World Championship, we are friends, but also rivals too. These two British riders have a lot of experience in this event and I know it will be tough to beat them in my first year, but like I said I will just do my best. To win the female class in my first year would be incredible, but is maybe too much to expect as my first goal is just to finish," explained Sandra. "It's been a very difficult first day, but anyway I still really love the river sections, as this is real trials and each time I ride, I ride to win, so let's see what happens now in the coming days," ended Gomez. 2012 was the best season to date for Sandra as she recorded three podium finishes during the FIM Women's Trial World Championship, to earn her highest ever position in the overall standings at the end of the year. Ironically she was sandwiched between World number two Bristow and fourth placed Cook, who she will once again be in battle with over the next five days as they fight it out to be the best female rider at this year's SSDT. View the full article on the SSDT Website

The predicted tight battle for top honours at the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) lived up to expectations on the opening day, with the top seven riders separated by just three marks. Michael Brown (Gas Gas) is the early leader having gone clean on day one, as he bids to record his first SSDT win after finishing as runner-up on four previous occasions. Brown has last year's victor Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) for close company. Dougie sits only one mark off the lead as he looks for a record-extending seventh win. Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) who won the 2010 SSDT has once again opened his assault with a strong showing, his two-mark loss putting him in third place at this point. Lampkin and Wigg dropped their marks at Coire Mhorair just before the day's lunch stop, as the steep and narrow waterfall with its cascading torrent proved to be one of the toughest sections on a wet opening day.Sam Connor (Beta) managed to remain feet up through this particular hazard and finished his day also on two marks, both of which he dropped at the initial group of the trial situated on the edge of the Leanachan Forest. Connor is another former SSDT winner, his triumphant ride being back in 2005. Sam's result is perhaps no shock with him currently enjoying a return to form with a recent string of strong results at the national domestic series. SSDT regulars Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas), James Fry (Sherco) and Guy Kendrew (Beta) currently occupy fifth, sixth and seventh places respectively as they showed their liking for the swollen burns earlier today. Equally Ross Danby (Jotagas) fresh from his two podium finishes at the opening two rounds of the British Championship set himself up for a solid week in the Highlands with an initial four mark loss. Danby's score was matched by Jonathan Richardson (Ossa) and Richard Sadler (Sherco) who both fought their way through the rising waters to also finish day one on four marks apiece. Local rider Gary MacDonald (Sherco) made a welcome return to the SSDT having missed last year's event, and in doing so keeps the hopes of a Scottish winner alive after having dropped five marks to put himself amongst the main contenders and just outside the intermediate top ten. One rider with work to do is 2011 winner James Dabill (Beta) who opened his account this year with a loss of eight marks after he experienced machine problems as early as the first section of the day. Dabill changed the carburettor on his factory machine when he arrived back in the Parc Ferme at the close of the day in an attempt to resolve the issue before he looks to mount his fightback tomorrow morning. His plight will not be made any easier as he is set to take to the road very much at the front of the field on the second day and will find a new route and several new sections which are part of this year's Tuesday's schedule. In the tussle to be the best female rider, Emma Bristow (Sherco) has set out her stall to take this title for a third year in a row by already opening up a healthy advantage over her main rivals. Spanish male rider Francesc Moret (Gas Gas) has taken the early initiative in the newcomer's class, but only has a four mark lead over James Graham (Gas Gas) after day one of six. It is a similar story in the over 40's category with John Shirt (Gas Gas) having stolen a slim lead from Richard Gaskell (Ossa), though with still much to play for over the next testing five days. View the full article on the SSDT Website

Welcome to Day One of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial! Monday's trial is brought to you courtesy of our daily sponsor, John Lee Motorcycles. The weather in the Fort today has been the traditional grey drizzle that we all know and love, but apparently over by Kinlochleven it's a lot brighter, so fingers crossed it won't be too wet out there today.

Edinburgh and District Motor Club are extremely sorry to have to announce the death of Kevin McColm, who passed away earlier today after a long period of illness. Kevin was a long-standing member of the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) Committee, and whilst he was most recently part of the Routemarking Team, he is best known for his role as Chief Marshal, a post he held for many years.

With the memory of narrowly missing out on winning last year's Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) still raw in his mind, James Dabill (Beta) is eager to exact revenge on 2012 winner Dougie Lampkin and his other rivals as he heads out on the first day of this year's event. The twenty-seven year old factory Beta rider from Leeds, West Yorkshire is going in search of his third SSDT victory, having already won twice before in 2007 and 2011. If James is victorious he will join an elite group of riders who have recorded the same achievement over the last century or so. Having just returned from the opening round of the 2013 FIM Trial World Championship in Japan which took place last weekend, Dabill has arrived in Fort William for the famous six day challenge in the Scottish Highlands in confident form. Knowing that he needs a strong start to the week James spoke about his imminent task."Obviously what happened last year was hard to accept and has made me even more hungry to win this year," explained Dabill. "In all honesty both me and Dougie (Lampkin) rode really well last year and both deserved to win, but there can only be one name on the winners' trophy and it was unfortunately not mine on that occasion." "To win the Scottish for a third time would be fantastic and would put me in the record books alongside the great riders of the past who have done the same, although that does not change anything for me, as each time I come to Fort William I come to win," said James who will ride with the number fifty-two plate on the front of his Italian machine this year. "With both the World Championship and British Championship now being run under no-stop rules, preparation for this year's Scottish has certainly been easier, as normally you get straight back from the World Round the week before and then have to adapt from stop to no-stop in a couple of days." Dabill continued. "Winning the centenary SSDT was an incredible feeling, however I am now ready to win the Scottish again. I have got a couple of early days to start with this year, but if lady luck is with me and I can get through those and still be in contention, then I will be in a position to challenge for the win again." "Although the SSDT is not so physically demanding for the top riders, it is mentally very tough and keeping your concentration throughout the week is so important. Obviously Dougie (Lampkin), Michael Brown, and Alexz Wigg are going to be the main guys to beat, but there are also several other riders who can go well at the Scottish. Michael always rides well at the SSDT, but still hasn't managed a win yet, so he will be a real threat again." When asked which part of the event he looks forward to each year, James joked. "The finish," before quickly adding. "I love every part of the Scottish, it is a unique event which I really look forward to each year. It is a great week to be on your bike and to have fun with your friends, and apart from another win, what more could you ask for?" View the full article on the SSDT Website

It was with great regret that the decision had to be taken to cancel the second day of the Pre'65 Scottish due to the severe weather conditions experienced in the Kinlochleven area. It had proved impossible to lay out a route with rideable sections for the second day due to the amount of water on the course. The volume of rain that fell continually on Thursday and Friday resulted in the majority of sections being raging torrents, with feet instead of the normal inches of water in them!

Competitors from as far afield as America, Japan, Australia, Canada and representing more than twenty nations, gathered in Fort William earlier today as they completed the formalities ahead of the first day of the 2013 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) tomorrow. The West End Car Park, which will serve as base camp for the event over the coming six days, was a bustling Mecca of motorcycling throughout the day despite the damp conditions, as riders carried out their final preparations for the almost week-long adventure that awaits them. The entry of just under two hundred and seventy riders from diverse countries such as Sweden, Kenya, Estonia and Andorra is made up of a mixture of amateur and professional sports persons who will all compete over the exact same course, which will total almost five hundred miles come next Saturday afternoon.The lure of this real and traditional test of man and machine against the natural elements remains as strong as ever with the entries for the SSDT, which is now in its second century, being over-subscribed once again. The lucky riders who survived the ballot process now just need to survive the next six days as they line up alongside 2012 SSDT winner Dougie Lampkin, who put himself in the record books last year by becoming the first rider to win this historic event six times. Lampkin joined his fellow competitors earlier today as they took part in the traditional opening parade through Fort William town centre to mark the official opening of this year's SSDT. Speaking ahead of tomorrow's first day of competition proper Dougie was in good spirits. "It's great to be back at the Scottish, rain or no rain, and to be defending the title I won last year. It has always been a special event in my schedule, but now with me only riding a few selected events, it has become my single biggest event in the year. So perhaps you can now understand why I am so motivated to win again this year. It's always a long week and you do need a bit of luck, but I hope come Saturday I will still be in with a shout." The man with the responsibility of heading up the organising team, who will plot the course that will ultimately determine the 2013 SSDT winner, is Clerk of the Course, Jeff Horne from the Edinburgh and District Motor Club. Explaining about the sheer scale of the event Jeff said. "Running the Scottish is a huge undertaking for an amateur body such as ourselves, but one we are immensely proud to continue on behalf of the club. It is fantastic that riders from literally all over the world queue up to take part in the SSDT and that we still continue to attract world level riders along with the many club riders." "Without the continued support of the various authorities, sponsors, volunteers, riders and spectators we would not be able to maintain the Scottish Six Days Trial as the greatest trial in the world, which is not only important to the event itself, but also in terms of the history and heritage of the sport as a whole" continued Jeff. Jeff added one final comment. "If today is anything to go by even with the rain, then we are in for another great week. On behalf of Edinburgh and District Motor Club I want to wish all the riders a safe and enjoyable event and look forward to seeing them at the finish, hopefully with a smile on their faces." View the full article on the SSDT Website