AFTER the opening two days of the 2010 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT), local hero Gary MacDonald – Gas Gas has once again put himself amongst the front runners thanks to a couple of strong initial performances.
Says a spokesperson: “Twenty-six year-old MacDonald, from Kinlochleven, carries the weight of the nation on his still relatively young shoulders as he bids to become the second ever Scot to win this world-famous event. To date, as the trial looks to celebrate its one hundredth birthday next year, Bob MacGregor back in 1935 remains the only home victor of the SSDT.
“After going clean on day two, MacDonald now sits in a close third place, which matches the best ever result he achieved overall in 2003 when he actually led the trial right up to the closing stages. So, once again the spotlight is on Gary, and he is having to absorb the pressure that comes with it.”
Says MacDonald: “Yes, there is a lot of pressure on me but it would be an absolute dream come true if I could win it. Though, if I am honest, it is a big ask for me against professional opposition. All I can do is to try my best to get another good score today and then worry about Thursday and so on, and let’s see where that leaves me on Saturday morning.
“Since my ride 2003, I have been learning to get my head around the pressure and trying to just have a good week. Having swapped to Gas Gas over the winter things have been going well. I have had the bike since January and I am really pleased with it, especially the power of the engine, it couldn’t be any better. It took me a little time to adjust, but now I am really enjoying riding it.
“As I am not a world championship contender this is without doubt by far the biggest event I have got a chance of winning. This week I am up against the best riders in the World, who ride as a full time job, unlike me. I have to keep cool for six days.”
For more information on the Scottish Six Days Trial please visit – www.ssdt.org
For the latest news – http://www.ssdt.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=1&Itemid=14
To view route for day three – http://www.g2fgroup.com/html/ssdt/docs/SSDT10-WED-D3.pdf
For high resolution copyright free images for media / editorial use:
Please credit – g2fmedia.com
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Media Contact:
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:
Background
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/
