Factory Beta rider, James Dabill narrowly missed out on his third victory at the iconic Scottish Six Day Trial after finishing the event on the same 15 marks as fellow Yorkshire rider Dougie Lampkin (Gas Gas). Lampkln won the event after the "tie breaker" ruling meant the rider who started the trial with most consecutive cleans would take the highest position.
During six gruelling days, 245 passionate entrants cover as much as 100 miles a day over notoriously tough Scottish highland terrain and naturally unpredictable weather conditions. Now in it's 101st edition of the event, James Dabill was keen to repeat the victory he had in both 2007 and at last year's centenary trail.
The Monster Energy rider started the week as expected and was one of five riders to clean the opening day, unfortunately, James dropped two marks on Tuesday which subsequently lost him the tie-breaking ruling when the time came on the final day.
James was consistent though out the first three days of the event dropping only three marks and resting within the top three riders. Thursday's severe Scottish weather saw freezing temperatures and heavy showers meant the longest route of the week saw high marks throughout the leader-board. Each batch of riders have an early day to contend with, James was unlucky drawing Thursday as his, and finished the day on 10 marks which couldn't match up to the six marks lost by Lampkin and Michael Brown (Gas Gas) who eventually finished the event in third position.
Dabill's week won't be remembered for Thursday, but the immense come back effort through Friday and Saturday where the 26 year old recorded the lowest marks of both days. The Friday route was full of various hazards, including the famous Pipers Burn and Glenuig and meant that Dougie Lampkin only held a single point advantage over James going into the final day on Saturday, where he again finished with the lowest marks on two, compared to three lost by Lampkin.
Speaking about the trial, the Leeds rider commented "Obviously I am a little disappointed not to win this week, it's never nice to loose out on a "tie breaker" ruling, but at the same time, if there's one rider you don't mind loosing to it's probably Dougie who has been such a inspiration to me in my career"
"I was a little unlucky that my early day was Thursday, the longest and most severe day of the trial, we were carving out the routes in the sections all day which is never easy. However, I had a great ride on Thursday and Friday which was brilliant"
"I've got to say a massive thank you to Beta UK for all there help this weekend, and also my Mum, Dad, fiancé Emma, Dan at Amped clothing and of the team at Vito Sport for all there help."
James was accompanied by a small film crew during this event, and together with Vito Sport are producing a short edit of the gruelling six days. Keep checking the Vito Sport blog (www.blog.vitosport.co.uk).