British Championship Devon Weekend

gas-gas-in-articleWe had a double BTC this weekend down in the West Country. Saturday was the West of England Trial at the great Kellys Farm venue in dry conditions.

 

No.1 JST GGUK rider Michael Brown was trailing championship leader James Dabill by 9 points before the weekend so it looked doubtful to come out as Champion after the two events unless a major problem with Dibs or his machine. Michael rode well on Saturday after a shaky first lap but was no match for a very chilled out Dabill who took the win to increase his points lead to 12. JST rider Alexz Wigg had his best ride of the year finishing 3rd and only 3 marks behind his team mate Michael. Alexz again gave 100% and after Saturday had a fairly safe 3rd in the Championship point’s battle in front of Jack Sheppard. Sam Haslam also had his best BTC result of the year finishing 5th on the day to sit a safe 6th in the Championship. Road and Trials GG rider Jack Price was again in the points finishing 12th. JST Teamster Dan Thorpe battled on in 18th and rode well after a bad first lap. JST Youth superstar Dan Peace won the Youth Class back on his 125.

 

We all then travelled deeper into Devon to ‘Peter Davy’ for Sundays Rene Pearce Memorial Trial organised by the Torridge Club. Another great event with a good mix of sections. My top 3 riders were all fairly safe regards to their current championship positions with Browny safe in 2nd, Wiggy 3rd and Haslam 6th. I just told them all to have steady days and not do anything daft.

 

Michael knew his title was gone to James Dabill but he was still trying but was no match for the really on form and relaxed new Champ Dabill who took an easy and deserved win. Congratulations to James and also to Beta. Michael now looks forward to the Scott Trial which I know will be the only thing on his mind now.

 

Alexz Wigg has been the hardest working team rider this year and yesterday showed what he was made of! He rolled over on his weak ankle on section 3 on the first lap which swelled up instantly. He rode with a lot of pain all day and still managed 5th place which was impressive. This secured a very well deserved No.3 plate for next year. Well done to Alexz who as I said has given 100% every event this year and if his ankle holds up im confident of a flying Wigg come Scott Trial in a months time!

 

Sam Haslam had a steady day finishing 7th to secure 6th in the championship which is one place higher than last year. Sam has ridden well in the BTC this year considering missing quite a lot of ‘bike time’ helping Michael at the WTC. R+T GG rider Jack Price struggled a bit yesterday in 15th but has finished a very creditable 11th place overall in the Championship which for his first year is good. Dan Thorpe finished 18th again and 16th overall in the Championship. I must give Dan and Katy congratulations on their engagement last weekend in Andorra. Dan Peace was second yesterday behind a great ride from Tom Hooper.

 

Many thanks to Kev again for preparing Michaels immaculate bike again for this weekend.

 

I must also give belated congratulations to the GB Girls for winning the TDN last weekend. Good to see the Brits win the TDN and proud to see Joanne Coles (JSTGGUK) a worthy member of the winning team. Also no matter the make of machine Emma Bristow clinched the World title so a belated congrats to her and Sherco aswell.