Newcomer Follows In Ssdt Tyre Marks

[ssdt news]

It is not the first time that the Gomez family name has appeared on the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) results sheets, but 2013 does mark a SSDT debut for Sandra Gomez (Gas Gas). By carrying the riding number one hundred and five, the twenty-year old Spanish female rider is emulating her brother Alfredo who also competed in this unique competition back in 2011. The Gomez family have a real trials pedigree with Alfredo having clinched the 2011 FIM Junior Trial World Championship whilst Sandra placed third in the Women's World Trial rankings last year.

Although this is her maiden outing in the main event Sandra is no stranger to the Scottish Highlands with the youngster from Madrid having now competed in the two-day Pre 65 trial for the last three years. However whilst she has some limited knowledge of the local terrain, Sandra has never been to actually watch the main SSDT prior to her taking place on the start ramp yesterday morning. Never one to shy away from a challenge the female protagonist spoke enthusiastically about the event despite enduring a tough opening day.

"I am ready, ready to ride my bike in this beautiful place and to experience the Scottish Six Days Trial for the first time. I was hoping for better weather, but anyway that is all part of the trial. From riding the Pre 65 trial I know a little about what to expect, but until you actually ride I don't think you can know the full story," said Sandra.

"My brother and the other Spanish riders explained to me many things about this special trial so I could at least be prepared, but it is almost impossible to train for this event in Spain as we do not have the same kind of rivers as they have here in Scotland. The rivers here are narrow and slippery and can be very difficult to ride with the no-stop rule, but I will just try to do my best," continues Gomez.

"I know Emma (Bristow) and Becky (Cook) very well from the World Championship, we are friends, but also rivals too. These two British riders have a lot of experience in this event and I know it will be tough to beat them in my first year, but like I said I will just do my best. To win the female class in my first year would be incredible, but is maybe too much to expect as my first goal is just to finish," explained Sandra.

"It's been a very difficult first day, but anyway I still really love the river sections, as this is real trials and each time I ride, I ride to win, so let's see what happens now in the coming days," ended Gomez.

2012 was the best season to date for Sandra as she recorded three podium finishes during the FIM Women's Trial World Championship, to earn her highest ever position in the overall standings at the end of the year. Ironically she was sandwiched between World number two Bristow and fourth placed Cook, who she will once again be in battle with over the next five days as they fight it out to be the best female rider at this year's SSDT.

View the full article on the SSDT Website