THIRTY-two year-old Ben Hemingway – Beta goes into the final day of the 2010 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) with a strong chance of winning what remains the most famous trial in the World. Hemingway from Leeds, West Yorkshire, is no stranger to being in this position having been runner up at the SSDT on no less than three separate occasions.
Says a spokesperson: “The Beta rider has stood on the second step of the podium in 2003, 2005 and 2006, and came within a single mark of winning in 2005. The annual trip to the Scottish Highlands is in the Hemingway’s blood with Ben’s father John having ridden in the past, and his brother Dan being a regular competitor alongside him.”
Despite the potential pressure Ben remained his happy self and said: “It’s nice to be in this situation, but I have been here before, so this time I am going to take it as it comes and keep looking and riding as we have done all week. The main thing is to be happy though I am obviously desperate to win.
“I hope it’s different this time as I am quite fed up with being second, so hopefully everyone will drop a few marks today and will make it easy for me.
“It’s going to be a tough day, the group before Ben Nevis can be tricky and I am sure there might be an odd surprise on the Ben too. As I said before you have just got to take it in your stride and keep doing as we have done all week. It’s simple, look and ride, and forget about the pressure.
“Riding with my cousins Dougie and James Lampkin plus my brother, Dan, is a massive boost. Dougie has been riding in front and when he cleans a section you know in your own mind you can and must do the same. Dan and James are also doing a great job of keeping an eye out for me.’
“Winning the Scottish Six Days Trial is all I think about ever and I really mean that. Having been second three times makes me think about it even more. Maybe its my turn this year?”
For more information on the Scottish Six Days Trial please visit – www.ssdt.org
Overall Positions / Scores
1: Michael Brown – Sherco – 15
2: Alexz Wigg – Beta – 15
3: Ben Hemingway – Beta – 15
4: Ian Austermuhle – Beta – 18
5: James Dabill – Gas Gas – 20
6: Gary MacDonald – Gas Gas – 21
7: Ross Danby – Gas Gas – 27
8: Albert Cabestany – Sherco – 30
9: Jonathan Richardson – Sherco – 32
10: Dougie Lampkin – Beta – 35
To view route for day 6 – http://www.g2fgroup.com/html/ssdt/docs/SSDT10-SAT-D6.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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MEDIA CONTACT:
Paddy Cuthbert – Podge Publicity
Lawhead House | East Linton | East Lothian | EH40 3DT
M: 07968 699 636 | E: paddy@podge.co.uk | W: www.podge.co.uk
Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Phone: 07968699636
Email: paddy@podge.co.uk
Website: http://www.ssdt
