KX Energy Trials rider Michael Brown was one of the challengers looking to win the 101st edition of the Scottish Six Day Trial, but had to settle for third position after his Gas Gas UK teammate, Dougie Lampkin took the win from under the nose of last years winner James Dabill. Despite been one of only four riders to keep every day of his score card under ten marks, the 25 year old finished just six marks behind Lampkin and Dabill.
Having finished in the runner-up position no fewer than four times, Michael was unable to convert his 2012 attempt of the iconic event into the illusive win he has been searching for. Over 245 riders took part in the event, and faced severe weather conditions as they navigate routes of up to 100 miles over challenging highland terrain in six consecutive days.
Based in and around the highlands of Fort William, Michael was riding in some of the toughest conditions ever seen at the trial, but managed to keep in the front-running pack though out the week. The KX Energy rider dropped a single mark on the opening day of the event, two on the second day and a single dab again on Wednesday. By mid-week, it was clear that the race for victory was between Dougie Lampkin, Jordi Pascuet, James Dabill and Michael Brown.
Thursday was particularly challenging for riders, as freezing temperatures and temperamental snow, sleet and rain made the 80mile moorland route almost impossible. The water sections were deep, and many of the best UK riders struggled to keep there score cards sensible, Michael however managed to keep focused and recorded the joint lowest score of the day on six marks.
Going into the final day of the event on Saturday, just two marks separated the top three riders, and Michael was in for a real shot of victory. Every ounce of effort was put in by the team, and going into the second to last group of sections Michael hadn't dropped a single mark, unfortunately a disastrous crash and two dabs in the last sections of the group meant Michael would have to settle for third place on the podium.
'The Mighty Atom' (as Michael is sometimes referred to) battled against many tough, slippery sections during the iconic annual event, and came close to success once again, speaking after the event he comments; "I'm really happy with the way I have ridden this week, but at the same time I am completely gutted that I didn't get through the Nevis Forest, as that would have given me the win.
"The Scottish is one of the best event's in the world, and to be on the podium again is a great feeling, and I'm sure that the win is just around the corner. This event really is an event for the team, although it is an individual competition, no rider could win without the support of the team, and Gas Gas UK did an amazing job yet again. A massive thanks goes out to Shirty [John Shirt - Gas Gas UK] and Jack Lee who I rode with all week, they've been a great help"
Michael now packs his bag for the second round of the 2012 FIM World Trials Championship in Australia next weekend.