I observed at the our round of the British Champs at Addingham this year. Jim Lampkin did not look to be as focused this year as previously, maybe he has had a busy year with Dougie. If he is not 100% up for the masters I see no problem with him doing the easier route, but as champion he probably should not be able to compete for points in the experts the following year.
There did not appear to be much wrong with the format, decent entry, good crowd and spectacular sections.
Rode plenty of champ rounds years ago. Did the Jefferies with Mika's old man riding next to me and never saw his expression change all day.
Memories of Steve Saunders on the RTL at the Red Rose making those evil slippery rocks look like a main road bring it all back.
Great days, but the sport has moved on so we should encourage innovative thinking by our governing body.