ssdt news

Good morning afternoon everyone!

Michael Brown has found himself in familiar territory at the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) this week in Fort William. The 25 year-old Gas Gas rider from Scarborough, who has so far been runner-up in the SSDT four times (in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011), starts day six in third place, chasing his first ever win. With only one mark separating Brown from second-placed James Dabill (Beta), and current leader Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) just two marks in front, today's final battle for the top spot will be closely fought.

After five long days of battle incredibly only two marks separate the top three riders, leaving everything set for a tight and tense finale to the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT). Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) will take a single mark lead into the final day of the event tomorrow as he bids to claim a record-breaking sixth win at this world famous event. His closest challenger James Dabill (Beta) rode himself right back into contention today, as he went clean on a day when his rivals all increased their tallies. Both Lampkin and Dabill have previously tasted the winner's champagne in the Scottish Highlands, the latter having been victorious during last year's centenary SSDT and also in 2007, whilst Dougie has won the SSDT no less than five times already. Currently sitting in a close third place, Michael Brown (Gas Gas) will be going all out tomorrow to claim his first 'Scottish' win so as to bring to an end his series of four runners up finishes, the last of these bridesmaid performances coming just 12 months ago.Lampkin saw his advantage at the head of the pack reduced today as he embarked on a damage limitation exercise whilst riding at the front of the field along with Brown. The Gas Gas duo rode the boulder strewn hazards at their slipperiest, whilst Dabill made the absolute most of his late start time. Early event leader Jordi Pascuet (JotaGas) has dropped off the leading pace slightly in the last two days and now finds himself in a scrap for a potential fourth place overall with Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) who has improved as the week has worn on. Emma Bristow (Ossa) has edged further clear of Becky Cook (Beta) in her quest to be the best female rider for the second year in a row. Given the size of her advantage, barring a disaster on day six she now looks the clear favourite to do so. Seventeen-year-old Bradley Cox has ridden himself into a similar position, and has every chance of walking away with the best newcomer trophy come tomorrow evening. Andrew Anderson (JotaGas) remains the highest placed Scottish rider in the competition and will now focus on nursing home his new Spanish machine to claim this native prize. John Shirt (Gas Gas) is under severe pressure at the top of the Over 40 class, as Adam Norris (Beta) continues to close in on him with just one day remaining. Friday proved to be the usual friendly route, with riders enjoying their tour of the peninsula and the limited off-road excursions, which gave them the opportunity to recover slightly after the two tough previous days in the saddle. Pipers Burn turned out to be the first real test for the top riders, with conditions being green and slippery for the early runners. The familiar stops thereafter at Glenuig, WD's, Laudale and Camasnarcroise offered a good variety of hazards, before the final run in provided a sting in the tail for many of the riders. With the finish now in sight, the remaining riders have the task of making it through the last day, which will add another 58-miles to their weekly tally that stands at over 500 miles in total. Famous sections such as Callart Falls, Pipeline, Ben Nevis and finally Town Hall Brae will bring the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial to a dramatic close, with only one rider out of the 276 who started being declared the winner. View the full article on the SSDT Website

Good morning folks! Here's where you'll find all the hot gossip for Day Five of The Scottish!

Every year riders from around the world flock to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands to compete in the famous Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT). This year has seen riders travel from as far away as Japan, America, Australia and New Zealand to take on the oldest and toughest motorcycle trial in the world, and to ride for miles around the stunning Scottish countryside. But for four competitors - Kevin Dignan (number 114), Michael Fothergill (number 115), Gavin Brown (number 163) and Gary MacLennan (number 164) the action is right on their doorstep, as all are residents of Fort William or the surrounding Lochaber region. Of the 276 riders competing in the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial, 36 of them are from Scotland. For these native few it seems that there is something very special, even patriotic, about taking part in the SSDT, or 'The Scottish' as it also fondly known. Scottish riders are especially proud of their country's beautiful landscape, which is widely regarded as the best trials terrain on the planet.Speaking earlier this week, 43-year-old Fort William rider Kevin Dignan commented: "Nothing can compare to riding about in the Scottish countryside. Even when you live here, you don't always appreciate the scenery that we live in. It's just fantastic." Fellow Lochaber man, 42-year-old Michael Fothergill agrees with Kevin: "We are just so fortunate to have all of this around us. We take a lot of it for granted as we live here, but then we appreciate why you get so many Japanese, French and Spanish coming over to do it." Each route over the six days incorporates various private land and conservation areas, so it is a rare privilege for competitors to ride their bikes in these locations. In a recent statement, the Edinburgh and District Motor Club, which organises the SSDT, expressed their sincere gratitude to all the local landowners and authorities, including Scottish Natural Heritage, for granting special access to these areas and making the SSDT possible each year. Kevin is riding in his eighteenth SSDT this year, and as a resident of the event's host town, he regularly helps out with various planning aspects of finding new routes and sections for the trial. When asked how the SSDT compares to other trials he has ridden in over the years, Kevin answered: "This is a one-off, it is amazing. It's like a drug, it just gets you. It's not just the trial, but also the camaraderie amongst all the people out here. You meet people year in year out, and it's just great. It's like one big family." Michael has been one of the week's contenders to claim this year's award for the highest placed Scottish rider. "I have ridden in the SSDT around ten times now. Last year was supposed to be my last, but it didn't go too well. It's a hard trial, but when the sun is shining it's great fun," he added. Typically, the Scottish weather has been very interchangeable and unpredictable over the last few days. More rain and even snow is forecast in the region, but let's hope that 'mother nature' sends the riders some sunshine before the week is over. View the full article on the SSDT Website

As the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) moved into the sharp end of the competition, Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) emerged as the new overall leader. Whilst the thirty-six-year old bemoaned his failure in the final group at Fersit today, when he unexpectedly stalled his two-stroke machine, the five times previous SSDT winner's daily total of six marks was still sufficient to put him clear of the pack. Dougie's tally for the week now stands at seven marks, giving him a three mark advantage over his closest challenger. Jordi Pascuet (JotaGas) who had topped the tables for the opening three days saw his crusade for the win falter slightly as he dropped 13 marks today after having been clean up until this morning. The popular Spanish rider now sits third place in the overall rankings, but remains very much in contention with two days to go.Last year's runner up Michael Brown (Gas Gas) has now moved up into second place on ten marks, after having lost six marks today. His plight for his first ever SSDT victory continues, so could 2012 just be Michael's turn to take the top spot? James Dabill (Beta) is still in the hunt to make it two wins in a row, he is currently tied with Pascuet on thirteen marks in total. As with Lampkin, Dabill's heaviest losses came at the latter sections of the day with him adding eight to his score after his passage through the final Fersit group. Enduro rider Tom Sagar (Montesa) continues to show his all round bike skills, his tally of eight today keeps him in an incredible fifth spot overall. 2010 SSDT winner Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) was one of four riders to record a score of six marks today, that being the equal best performance for Thursday. Wigg sits just one mark behind Sagar in sixth position in the main results table at this point. Newcomer Bradley Cox (Beta) found out what a real 'Scottish' day is like, yet despite the rough and near arctic conditions the teenager still heads the list of best first timers. Emma Bristow (Ossa) has experienced the harsh nature of this event before, however remains undeterred in her campaign to become the top female rider for the second year in a row. Scotland's flag waver Andrew Anderson (JotaGas) is still the number one home rider, yet is under pressure from the ranks and will need to keep an eye on local protagonist Kevin Dignan (Gas Gas) who is a man on the move. Despite his early start today Adam Norris (Beta) is now closing in on Over 40 class leader John Shirt (Gas Gas) to set up a tense finale between these two SSDT veterans. Day four lived up to its billing, with it not only being the longest route of the week, but also the toughest as the Scottish weather added extra severity to an already challenging day. Even the top riders suffered in the driving rain and near freezing temperatures, so it is hard to imagine just what the lesser lights have been through today just to make it back to the parc ferme ready for the final two days of competition. Friday is always a favourite amongst riders and spectators alike. The 82-mile trip around the peninsula offers easy access for the fans to hop from group to group, whilst the mainly tarmac route will provide welcome respite for the weary bodies that now have the finish in sight View the full article on the SSDT Website

Good morning folks! Hard to believe that it's Thursday already, but it is, and from here the week just flies in!

The Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) is special in so many ways, and one such part of the event that makes it unique is the diversity of the competitors who take part each year. Indeed, the SSDT is famous for being that one trial of the year that enables amateur riders from around the globe to compete alongside, and to complete the same challenging course, as their professional heroes.

Jordi Pascuet (JotaGas) sat alone at the top of the leader board as the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) reached its halfway stage earlier today. The Spanish rider went clean for the third day in a row, to give himself a real possibility of providing the new bike brand with an incredible SSDT winning debut with three days to go. However having already won the SSDT five times previously, Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) remains a strong threat to spoiling the Spanish party as he dropped just a single dab today to stay very much in contention for top honours come the end of the week. The struggle at the top is far from a two-way fight at this stage, with a mere nine marks separating the top ten riders. Ian Austermuhle (Beta) and Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) are a part of this elite chasing group having both gone clean today along with Pascuet, and currently hold fifth and ninth places overall respectively.Centenary SSDT victor James Dabill (Beta) could still make it two wins in a row, his tally of one for today and three for the week thus far means he continues to be in touching distance of his two peers. It is a very similar story for Michael Brown (Gas Gas) who has often been the bridesmaid in this classic event, but is yet to get his hands on the famous trophy. His one dab ride today puts him on four marks in total and certainly keeps alive his dream of seeing his name engraved on the main piece of silverware come Saturday evening. In the sub plots, Emma Bristow (Ossa) continues to lead her female rivals as she bids for a second win in a row, whilst young Bradley Cox (Beta) remains on course to be the best newcomer after yet another day that confirmed his liking of the traditional Scottish hazards. Runner up to Amos Bilbao (Montesa) last year in the Over 40 class, John Shirt now looks a good bet to go one better this time around. The fight to be top Scottish rider remains fierce, with Andrew Anderson (JotaGas) currently heading the pursuing clan. Day three of the 2012 SSDT proved to be the toughest so far, with the many moor crossings taking their toll on the tiring riders on a day when there was little time to relax. The early runners were faced with a new opening group at Loch Eil that proved to be a slippery start before moving on to the more familiar sections at Annat and Trotters Burn, which were equally as slick for the front riders. This was a theme that continued throughout the day, with the later riders enjoying the biggest benefit of riding at the back of the pack thus far this week. Tomorrow sees the second and deciding half of the trial get underway with the longest daily route of the six. Thursday begins with the hefty jaunt out to Chairlift, which accounts for 24 of the 126 miles that will be completed by the remaining riders. The long day will come to a close with seven sections at Fersit, which can often play an important part in deciding the eventual winner. View the full article on the SSDT Website

Good morning folks!

21-year-old Sara Trentini (number 127) is one of only four women competing in the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT). This week sees the attractive young Top Trials Team rider take on the biggest challenge of her professional career, but throughout she has been able to count on the support of her Italian boyfriend and team boss, Michele Bosi (number 126) who is competing in the SSDT for the sixth time this year. Sara is no stranger to international trial events, having already competed at professional world-class level. Sara had her first taste of the SSDT in 2011 when she came along to watch boyfriend Michele who then encouraged her to enter this year. The couple agreed that the SSDT, which is famous for being one of the toughest trials in the World, would be ideal preparation for the 2012 FIM Women's World and European Trial Championships, in which Sara will also compete later this year.Speaking on day two of the SSDT, Sara said that the event had proved to be a lot tougher than she had originally anticipated. However, her objective was not simply to finish, but to finish with a good result. Michele has been supporting Sara every step of the way, sharing his knowledge of the SSDT and also his experience as the professional minder of British 2012 FIM Trial World Championship contender Jack Challoner (number 125) to guide Sara in her Scottish debut year. The SSDT is a very physically demanding trial - six long days of riding through the Scottish Highlands in the wind and rain is certainly not most young couples' idea of a romantic holiday. Michele commented: "This week has been a true test of our relationship - as both Sara's team manager and partner, I pushed her hard to come back here and ride this year." Sara added: "For sure it has not been easy, but I am having fun. It has been a great learning experience for me - I would not be able to get this level of training back in Italy. I will definitely be needing another holiday after this week is over though!" But before the young couple can book their two weeks in the sun, they have four more days of their gruelling Scottish adventure to complete. This year's female riders include Britain's Emma Bristow, Becky Cook and Katy Sunter. View the full article on the SSDT Website

After yesterday's five-rider congestion at the top of the leader board, day two of the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) has produced two clear front-runners in the form of Jordi Pascuet (JotaGas) and Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas) who both remained clean for the second day in a row. Whilst today's route was both longer and tougher than yesterday, once again the riders reported that the sections had ridden easier than usual, even for the early runners. Dan Clark (Beta) and Chris Pearson (Sherco) were the only other two riders to remain clean today with Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) being the next best on a single dab. Thorpe is now tied on two marks with last year's SSDT winner James Dabill (Beta) on the overall leader board, after Dabill parted with two dabs today. Of the five initial leaders Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas) faired the worst today, as his tally rose to eight marks.Seventeen-year-old SSDT first timer Bradley Cox (Beta) continues to impress, losing only six marks today he continues to head the newcomers class and holds a remarkable 16th place in the overall results. Emma Bristow (Ossa) further extended her lead in the female category after another solid showing today, which was also the case for John Shirt (Gas Gas) who currently holds top spot in the Over 40 class. Michael Fothergill (Montesa) has the honour of being the best placed Scottish rider at this stage of the competition. Tuesday began with heavy cloud shrouding the hills around Fort William with signs of the overnight rain still laying on the ground. The riders started their day with the long road ride north along the A82 to the opening three sections at Laggan Locks. Unfortunately this route was soon to become blocked as a fatal road traffic incident, totally unrelated to the SSDT, forced the A82 to be closed for several hours. A contingency plan was immediately put into place to re-route the remaining riders who had not passed this point already, and to record the appropriate time delay for those whose passage had been affected by this incident. A further safeguard to prevent the late running of riders was also put into action, this removed the penultimate group of four sections from today's revised route, reducing the total to 26 hazards for the day. Tomorrow will see the 2012 SSDT reach its midpoint, with the riders facing a full 30 sections plus an 81-mile excursion that will take them out to Spean Bridge and Fersit ahead of them making the long hill crossing that will eventually bring them out in Kinlochleven before heading for home. Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE m making the long hill crossing that will eventually bring them out in Kinlochleven before heading for home. View the full article on the SSDT Website

Apologies folks, but better late than never!

Full details of today's route and progress will follow shortly. Today's trial has been disrupted due to a fatal road traffic collision involving a motorcyclist on the A82, just west of Spean Bridge. The accident is in no way connected with the Scottish Six Days Trial, but has a direct impact on the event as the road has been closed, and will be for some hours yet as accident investigations take place. Further details will be provided as soon as we have enough time here in the office to sit down.

Having celebrated his 17th birthday only last month, Joshua Atkinson from Dronfield, Derbyshire (near Sheffield) is the youngest rider competing in the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT). This week Josh wears number '152' and sits just outside the top 250 after a tough opening day on his trusty 2011 Gas Gas 125cc machine. The college student is one of four riders representing Sheffield and Hallamshire Motor Club. Speaking at the beginning of the week, Josh told of how excited he was to be making his SSDT debut.

The 101st edition of the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) is underway and is already set up for another enthralling week-long battle in the Highlands with five riders currently sharing the lead, each on zero marks, at the end of the opening day. Last year's winner James Dabill (Beta) is amongst three previous victors who are tied at the top of the leader board after a relatively easy first day for the front-runners. Dabill is locked in a five-way fight with 2010 winner Alexz Wigg (Gas Gas), five times SSDT winner Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas), Richard Sadler (Sherco) and Jordi Pascuet (JotaGas) who has made a dream start for the new Spanish brand on its SSDT debut.Monday dawned with blue skies, but with an almost winter chill in the air as the traditional lone piper led the first rider, Jamie Reid (Ossa) down the starting ramp at 7.30am sharp to signal the beginning of the 2012 SSDT proper. The 276 strong field then filtered their way out of the parc-ferme in the West End car park, Fort Wiliam before making the short trip north on the A82 to the first group of sections at Leanachen. Here the sizeable crowds that had gathered were treated to two tricky opening hazards that began the sporting process of finding this year's winner. Ian Austlemuhle (Beta) who was on his early day, was amongst the many competitors who were pleased to find that the normally tough sections at Blackwater were kinder than usual as he completed day one for just a single mark. Michael Brown (Gas Gas), Ricky Wiggins (Gas Gas), Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas), Tom Sagar (Montesa) and Jordi Picola (Gas Gas) were the other riders who matched Ian's opening day total to keep themselves very much in contention with five days still to ride. James Lampkin (Beta) dropped a dab in the final group of the day at Lagnaha to take his daily tally to two marks, to equal the score recorded by Ben Hemingway (Beta) John Shirt (Gas Gas), Adam Norris (Beta), Ross Danby (JotaGas), Juan Knight (Gas Gas) and seventeen year old newcomer Bradley Cox (Beta). Just behind this gaggle, three more riders finished the day on three marks, those being Jack Challoner (Beta), Sam Haslam (Gas Gas) and George Morton (Beta). In fact no less than 35 riders recorded single figure totals today to create a packed and exciting initial leader board. After today's relatively leisurely 65-mile long course and kind opening sections, tomorrow the remaining riders will face their second longest tour of the week as they will need to cover 103 miles to complete day two of the 2012 SSDT. With perhaps a tougher proposition in store, who knows what the top order will look like in 24 hours time? Provisional Results for Monday 7th May 2012 View the full article on the SSDT Website

At 66 years old, Vojta Klecka from Stockholm, Sweden is one of the oldest competitors taking part in the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) and is almost 50 years older than this year's youngest rider (Josh Atkinson, 17). Vojta rode in his first SSDT back in 1973 and since then has returned an astonishing 35 times. So, what is it about 'The Scottish' that makes Vojta keep coming back year after year? Who better to answer this question than the man himself: "I think it is the haggis," jokes Vojta. "No, seriously, it is a fabulous event and Scotland is a beautiful place. It is quite a tough trial, the distances are very long, but I always have fun. A number of times over the years, when riding across the countryside in the cold and rain I have thought to myself 'never again,' but I keep coming back. I still enjoy taking part and I look forward to seeing the friends I have met here over the years."Vojta, who will celebrate his 67th birthday this August, has regularly placed in the top-100 in the SSDT, achieving his best results (top 70) during the 1970s when he was in his 20s and 30s. In his younger years, Vojta competed in a number of other international events, including World Championship rounds. Nowadays he mainly rides in local Swedish events with the SSDT being the only remaining international trial on his calendar. As one of the SSDT's longest standing competitors, Vojta has many fond memories of the event and of visiting the Scottish Highlands. As a professional freelance photographer, Vojta is a great admirer of Scotland's scenic landscape. Interestingly, however the most memorable photograph Vojta has taken in the region over the years is not of the countryside but of his favourite Scottish celebrity - Sean Connery, the 'original' James Bond. "In 1986, I met Sean Connery. The actor was in Fort William and Lochaber filming for his new film, 'Highlander' at the same time the Scottish Six Days Trial was on," recalls a smiling Vojta. "I remember, I asked 'Mr Connery, please can I take your picture?' and he replied 'Ask my manager'. So I did, and he said tourists were allowed to take photos but no professional pictures were allowed. So I took out my small holiday camera, and I got my picture!" Commenting on his hopes for the 2012 Scottish Six Days Trial, Vojta says: "This year I just want to have fun. As long as I finish, I will be happy. The course is 126 miles on the longest day, so just getting around it at all is a challenge, but I will try my best." So, will Vojta Klecka be returning next year to ride in his 36th Scottish Six Days Trial? "At my age I think you have to take each year as it comes but I certainly hope so!" View the full article on the SSDT Website

Well folks - that's it!

For the next six days the loch-side town of Fort William and the surrounding Lochaber region in the Scottish Highlands, will play host to the famous Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT). The SSDT is by far the world's longest running international motorcycle trial event and 2012 sees it enter its second century. Today, on the eve of the first day of the trial, riders have been busy making last minute preparations for the challenging six days ahead.

The Scottish Six Days Trial 4th to 12th May 2012 Unarguably the greatest motorcycle trial in the world. Since its origin in 1909, no other trial has captured the imagination of rider and spectator in the same way.

For all you folks riding the SSDT this year, here's a brief reminder of what you need to register your entry... 1.

2012 sees the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) enter its second century, with nine days of motorcycling entertainment being held in Fort William and the surrounding Lochaber region of the Scottish Highlands from the 4th to the 12th of May. The main trial takes place from 7th of May onwards and SSDT organisers, the Edinburgh and District Motor Club, are pleased to confirm the following details.

Incredible as it is to believe, this time next week we will all be basking in the Fort William sunshine, soaking up the immense atmosphere that is the Scottish Six Days Trial!

The SSDT Committee is delighted to confirm that the routes for the 2012 SSDT have now been finalised! Whether you're a rider looking to see what's in store for your week, a spectator looking to plan your holiday, or simply interested in seeing where the trial is going and when, you'll find the route for each day below.