No.1 JSTGG rider Michael Brown had a mixed weekend at the WTC UK Penrith at the weekend. He was a disappointing 12th on Day 1, only two marks off 9th. He rode very well in places but far too many mistakes and lack of confidence put him to 12th. Nothing was said overnight as Michael knew the ‘man in the mirror’ was at fault. He bounced back very well for Day 2 and was a lot more ‘on it’. He rode excellent for two laps sitting in a years best 7th place and best Brit. The ‘wheels’ came off on the last lap and he gifted 7th and 8th to his pals James Dabill and Jack Challoner. Michaels knee is not 100% but is not an excuse for the weekend. Lack of riding because of his knee since the SSDT is the reason. The big drop offs definitely niggled him at the weekend but have caused no more harm. Weekly Physio is helping and now that he rides during the week he will soon get back to where he should be.
Michael is now 12th in the championship with a double round left in France at the end of August. Missing 3 rounds because of his knee is very unfortunate and he would possibly be sitting in 8th if all was well. Michael is back in action this coming weekend at the North Berks Supertrial which is a great event.
Congratulations must go to Road and Trials GG rider Jack Price who had a fantastic ride on Day 2 to finish 2nd in the Youth Class in only his second WTC. He was 8th on Day 1. It was great to see the Youth Class Podium all filled with UK riders so congrats also to Ewan Roberts and Bradley Cox.
I think the section severity was spot on which is not easy with the no-stop rules at this venue.
There was also some ‘incorrect’ observing which is now a big problem with no-stop. I'm actually defending the observers now because the pressure they are under at this level with the no-stop rule is massive. The professional riders are continually being judged by amateurs and if the FIM continue with no-stop then the observers must be trained correctly and be issued with a licence, not just shown a video. I also think the observers at WTC should be paid because of the importance of their job. But even the riders don’t get paid so that will never happen.
Thanks to Team GG italia as normal.