TWENTY-four year-old James Dabill – Gas Gas (Number 71) – was the winner of the 2007 Scottish Six Days Trial, and has returned to Fort William to look for his second victory at this classic event.
Dabill added to the history of the competition that year as he became the first rider in 41 long years to win on board a four-stroke machine. The last four stroke victor was Alan Lampkin riding a BSA 250 back in 1966.
Says a spokesperson: “Dabill who finished seventh in last year’s outdoor SPEA FIM Trial World Championship has begun the 2010 season in great form, twice finishing on the podium in this year’s SPEA FIM Indoor Trial World Championship en route to securing fourth place in the final standings.
“A winter of tough training over in Spain looks to have brought its rewards for the youngster from Leeds.
“Whilst James is focused on World domination, another victory at the Scottish Six Days Trial remains very high on his agenda.”
Dabill explained: “The trial might start today, but winning is about riding well all week. There are sections that stand out all week and they are ones you always think about most, but you have to concentrate in every section.
“I will need to keep my head on this week as it will be tough to beat Dougie [Lampkin], but it is something I want quite badly. After I won in 2007, I spoke with Dougie and, despite him winning 12 world titles, he still said that winning the Scottish Six Days Trial was one of his biggest achievements.
“I think that is the same for me, of course I want to be World champion, but winning the Scottish again would be one of my biggest goals. This week, it is definitely at the top of my list, and to win it again would be absolutely fantastic.”
James finished fourth in last year’s event, during what was one of the wettest weeks’ the competition had experienced during its near one hundred year history.
Continues the spokesperson: “Thankfully, after the sunshine of yesterday, the trial looks in for a much better week of weather this time around.
“Bravely, Dabill wore a skin-coloured suit during yesterday’s Six Days parade down Fort William High Street alongside Jamie Dobb – ex World Motocross champion – to promote awareness for male cancer.”
Day one route – http://www.g2fgroup.com/html/ssdt/docs/SSDT10-MON-D1.pdf
Images / Results:
SSDT Image Service
High Resolution Images and results from each day of the event can be found on our ftp server – details as listed below – these will be uploaded on a daily basis.
Server: ftp.g2fmedia.com
User: anonymous
Password: (not required)
Folder: SSDT
Credit: g2fmedia.com
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For further press info, event images and interview requests please contact Paddy Cuthbert from Podge Publicity on 07968 699636 or email Paddy@podge.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Backgroundis
The Scottish Six Days Trial is arguably the oldest (99 years) and the greatest motorcycle trial competition in the world. Riders from as far afield as Canada and Australia make the pilgrimage for the chance to tackle the unique and challenging Scottish terrain alongside local riders who relish the opportunity to take on the world’s best on their home turf.
What’s involved in motorbike trials?
The sport of motorcycle trials is a test of riding skill over observed sections. When competitors ride the sections their feet must remain on the footrests of the motorcycle. They must negotiate steep gullies, slippery rock steps, rocky streams or boulder-strewn gorges. Sections vary in length and severity, and riders are penalised if they put their feet down to help them ride the section, and more so if they fail to negotiate the section in its entirety.
What makes the Scottish Six Days Trial so special?
The Scottish Six Days Trial has the additional test of reliability over long distances, with riders completing up to 100 miles each day over a combination of rough moorland, rocky tracks and public roads. Each daily route is designed by the Clerk of the Course to challenge the ability, experience, strength and stamina of each rider. To ride 100 miles and negotiate 30 sections each day for six consecutive days requires strength, expertise and exceptional reliability from both rider and machine.
The Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) is mainly focused on the Lochaber area, centred in Fort William. Each day of the trial starts and finishes at the West End Car Park on the waterfront, providing a major attraction for the town.
For trials riders the Scottish Six Days Trial has the same status as the Isle of Man TT has to road racers.
The trial is limited by daylight hours to around 270 competitors, but entries are regularly in excess of 400, such is the popularity of the event. The majority of riders look forward to the only trial that allows them to compete on equal terms with professional and world-class riders. The trial has a reputation for being the toughest in the world, and it is the most prestigious event that a trials rider can win.
Competing in the Scottish Six Days Trial is the dream of every young trials rider, and long may that continue.
The SSDT is managed by the Edinburgh & District Motor Club, and in association with the SSDT the Club runs a Pre-’65 two-day trial for machines manufactured before 1965. This takes place immediately before the SSDT every year, starting and finishing in Kinlochleven. The Pre-’65 trial celebrated it’s Silver Jubilee in 2009 and has proved to be the most important Pre-’65 trial in the UK, with entries for the trial massively over-subscribed each year. The Scottish Six Days Trial attracts over 270 riders who together with their followers, spectators and the 150 Pre-’65 riders, provide a major boost to the economy of Fort William and the surrounding areas.
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Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Phone: 07968699636
Email: paddy@podge.co.uk
Website: http://www.ssdt.org/
