AFTRER a three-week interlude, the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship resumes pace as it lands in Fort William, Scotland for the sixth round of the series.
Situated on the west side of the country, Fort William has a long association with Trial, with the Scottish Six Days Trial taking place in and around the town each May for the last 100 years.
Reigning world champion, Toni Bou – Repsol Montesa, arrives in Fort William with a clear eighteen-point lead over his nearest rival.
Despite this, the 24 year-old Spaniard will approach the event with caution after experiencing the full wrath of the demanding Highland sections at last year’s two-day British GP.
Initially showing great form by winning the first day’s competition, Bou was less effective in the Scottish hazards on the second day and he was forced to settle for third.
Compatriot, Adam Raga – Gas Gas, strengthened his second place position in the championship by recording a valuable runners-up spot at the Italian GP, something he will aim to repeat this weekend.
In stark comparison, Albert Cabestany – Sherco, endured a frustrating time in Italy, which saw him record his worst result of the season, eventually finishing fifth.
After crashing heavily and sustaining an ankle injury Cabestany, who is currently third in the series, will be keen to get his campaign back on track in Scotland.
Japan’s Takahisa Fujinami – Repsol Montesa currently sits fourth in the championship and after recording a podium finish in Italy the 31 year-old veteran campaigner trails Cabestany by only two points.
After going 3-1 at the UK event last year, Fujinami will travel to Fort William looking to capitalise on Cabestany’s injury and move up the standings.
Despite producing a determined performance at the first day of the French GP, which saw him finish second, Jeroni Fajardo – Ossa has experienced a frustrating season so far.
Lying in fifth place some eleven points adrift of Fujinami, Fajardo must find his form amongst the Highland hazards if he is to fight for a top four finish in the championship.
Sixth-placed James Dabill – Beta will look to use home support to his advantage as he continues his campaign to break into the top five in the general standings.
Further down the World Pro class Loris Gubian – Gas Gas holds seventh place whilst Jack Challoner – Beta, Michael Brown – Gas Gas and Matteo Grattarola – Gas Gas are placed eighth, ninth and tenth respectively.
With only eight points separating these four young protagonists there is still much to fight for.
In the Junior category Spain’s Alfredo Gomez – Montesa continues to sit at the top of the table, currently holding a healthy 17-point lead over countryman Francesc Moret – Montesa.
Despite this, Gomez has slipped from the top step of the rostrum at the previous two rounds of the series with Alexandre Ferrer – Sherco taking top honours on both occasions.
This is something that Alfredo will aim to resolve in Scotland.
In the competitive Youth class, Jack Sheppard – Beta will arrive at his home GP with a slender eight-point advantage over second placed Cedric Tempier – Sherco.
Continuing to struggle with a longstanding wrist injury, Sheppard needs to find his winning form if he is to keep Tempier at bay.
Whilst advance tickets have now closed, tickets will be available on the gate throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Tickets – Adult: £10 / day & Children: £5 / day
Gondola ticket – Adult: £11 / day & Child: £6.25 / day
For further information please visit www.ukworldtrial.com or call the event hotline on 0845 643 6756.
Ends
Media contact:
Paddy Cuthbert, Podge Publicity – T: 07968 699636 / E: paddy@podge.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
The UK leg of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship
The UK leg of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, the 36th edition of the biggest, the most important and the best motorcycle trial competition series on the international calendar, will be staged at The Nevis Range, Fort William, Lochaber – the Outdoor Capital of the UK – on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July 2011
As a major focus for both country and rider, 60 of the most accomplished, composed and skilful motorcycle trials riders from 15 countries around the globe will descend on the Scottish Highlands to battle it out for valuable points towards the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship World Pro (male only at Fort William), World Junior (male and female) and World Youth (male and female) titles.
There will be a real war of attrition between riders as Fort William hosts the sixth of eight Grand Prix events; the potential for titles to be both won and lost high on the agenda.
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
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Podge Publicity. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Paddy Cuthbert
Phone: 07968699636
Email: paddy@podge.co.uk
Website: http://www.ukworldtrial.com
