WITH just over one week remaining before the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship arrives at the Nevis Range, Fort William, for the sixth round of the series, the focus is now very much on the riders that will be representing Queen and Country at their home GP.
During the weekend of 30 and 31 July, a host of British talent will descend on the Scottish Highlands, looking to make their mark on sections that should favour the home runners.
In fact, Britain will be the best represented nation in the World Pro class, with no less than five riders featured on the entry list.
Spearheading Britain’s attack is 12-times FIM Trial World champion, Dougie Lampkin – Gas Gas.
In search of his 100th GP win and sure to be motivated by massive home support that will be present, Lampkin is fully-committed to taking victory on British soil.
After coming desperately close to claiming his 100th world round win at last year’s event, when he finished second during the first day, the undisputed ‘king of trials; is determined to realise his target and ride on to the top step of the podium once again.
Dougie Lampkin said: “Without doubt, Scotland is one of my favourite places to ride and I’m really looking forward to this year’s UK World Trial.
“Having a noisy home crowd behind me is a massive confidence boost and is one of the things which makes this event so unique.
“Over the years, I have ridden in the Highlands several times; however, still it remains special to me, so I cannot wait to return to Scotland.”
Dougie is not alone in his bid to reach the rostrum at his home Grand Prix with current British Trials champion, James Dabill, also looking to stamp his authority on the famous Scottish sections.
Currently, sixth in the overall standings, James will be keen to use his home advantage in order to record his best result of the season, to date.
James Dabill said: “The Nevis Range terrain is second to none and if this year’s sections are anything like last year’s the trial will be brilliant. I’ve ridden all around the world, but I still get the biggest buzz when performing in front of British fans on home soil – it’s amazing!
“I think the fact that there is something for everyone also helps – with star-studded entertainment and activities on the Saturday and then the main trial on the Sunday; it is a real family experience.”
Twenty-one year-old Jack Challoner – Beta will also have high hopes arriving in Fort William.
Despite this only being his first year in the World Pro class, Challoner has produced a series of determined performances and finds himself in eighth place, only five points behind the more experienced Loris Gubian – Gas Gas.
Currently ninth in the general standings, Michael Brown – Gas Gas will travel to Fort William riding on a wave of confidence after recently taking his maiden win of the season at the latest round of the 2011 British Trials Championship.
“Obviously getting my first victory of the domestic championship was brilliant and it has certainly given me increased motivation heading to Fort William. Last year’s UK World Trial was fantastic and I am expecting it to be just as good this time around. With my team by my side and the crowd behind me I will be pushing for a good result,” said Michael.
In the Junior category, Jonathan Richardson – Sherco will continue his championship campaign and will be joined by wild card entries, George Morton – Beta, Jack Spencer – Beta, and Harry Harvey – Montesa.
As regular competitors in the British Trials Championship, with previous experience of the formidable Scottish hazards, George and Jack could perhaps record surprise performances on the day.
Within the highly competitive Youth class the hopes and dreams of the nation rest on the shoulders of young Jack Sheppard – Beta.
Jack has led the championship since the opening round of the series in Germany and currently holds a slender two-point lead over his nearest rival, despite struggling with a long-standing wrist injury.
After winning the second day of last year’s UK World Trial, Jack will aim to replicate his good form again this year in order to further strengthen his grip on the 2011 SPEA FIM Youth Trial World Championship.
Jack Sheppard said: “Riding at the World round in Scotland last year was a personal highlight for me. Fort William has some of the best sections in the world and standing on the top step of the podium was brilliant – something I am determined to do again this year.”
Full travel and accommodation details plus the opportunity to buy discounted advance and VIP tickets for the UK leg of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship can be found on the official event website -http://www.ukworldtrial.com or by calling the event hotline 0845 643 6756.
Ends
Media contact:
Paddy Cuthbert, Podge Publicity – T: 07968 699636 / E: paddy@podge.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Useful websites:
2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship at Nevis Range, Fort William – http://www.ukworldtrial.com.
FIM – http://www.fim-live.com/en/
ACU – http://www.acu.org.uk/
Trials Central – http://wwwtrialscentral.com/
The 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship at Fort William
The inaugural SPEA FIM Trial World Championship held at Nevis Range in 2010 was a huge success with the spectacular setting creating one of the best events the championship has seen in its 35-year history. The natural sections plotted by Martin Lampkin provided a unique challenge for the competitors and brought out some superb riding that was warmly appreciated by the assembled crowd who enjoyed the atmosphere of this incredible location. The UK’s only mountain gondola allowed the fans easy access to all parts of the course and provided them with unrivalled views of Lochaber and the Scottish Highlands
Funding and support
The 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship at Nevis Range, Fort William is supported by EventScotland, Highland and Islands Enterprise and The Highland Council together with Nevis Range, Alcan, Forestry Commission Scotland, VisitScotland, Outdoor Capital of the UK, TMX and Hope.
World Championship classes
World Pro – As the name suggests, this is the World’s elite – the professionals, the best on the planet.
World Junior – This class is for riders aged 16 to 23 years-old and is a feeder class for the top category.
World Youth – Riders in this class are restricted to 125cc machines, and must be aged 16 to 18 years-old.
Governing bodies
The 2010 and 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship and Trial Des Nations 2012 will be run on behalf of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) which is the World governing body of motorcycle sport. The Auto Cycle Union (ACU), the British motorcycle federation, has sanctioned these events to be run within its territory. The events will be run in accordance with the FIM sporting code, trial regulations, technical rules and environmental code, with delegates from both the FIM and the ACU present throughout the events to ensure compliancy.
EventScotland
EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org
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Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Phone: 07968699636
Email: paddy@podge.co.uk
Website: http://www.ukworldtrial.com
