Storm Angus made its mark on the Cotswolds and gave the capacity 100-strong entry plenty to think about at the annual Hurran Trophy Trial. The Gloucester and Cotswold MC event is a favourite with riders for its big third and fourth gear climbs at the spectacular National Trust Ebworth venue formerly owned by the late John Workman, and heavy overnight rain before the 10.30am start made for very trying conditions, but despite some big scores and 23 retirements, most riders were happy at being given a stern but enjoyable challenge over two laps of 22 sections set in a large steep-sided deciduous valley.
The battle for first place lost a main contender the day before the event, with Western Centre champion Simon Welch suffering an eye injury while course plotting. Fortunately there appears to be no lasting damage but he watched on with one good eye as Devon’s Toby Martin went in as a favourite to etch his name on the trophy alongside some of the greats of the sport including Steve Saunders and Sammy Miller. After cleaning the three logs and super-slick climbs of section three, his bike seized, leaving a four-way battle for the top spot. Ben Skinner and Tom Culliford both carded only seven five-mark maximums and the difference between them came down to just a handful of dabs. Ben Sprigg and Luke Walker were not far out of contention, with Walker the only finisher to clean section three in fine, flowing style.
In the clubman/expert class the clear winner was John Cowley, who racked up 20 cleans – one more than Ian Wakeford and two more than Chris Koch who was the only rider to clean the less severe but still challenging clubman version of section three. Dean Basford led home the large clubman entry, ahead of long distance trials specialists Dave Cottle and Mike Husband. Cottle managed to lose just one five all day, a very creditable performance.
The club would like to thank all the observers and the National Trust for making the event possible.
Report: Ben Falconer
Provisional results
Expert Route
Hurran Trophy: Ben Skinner (300 Gas Gas) 61 marks lost
Ramstedt Trophy: Tom Culliford (300 BVM Beta) 64
Harper Trophy: Ben Sprigg (300 MRS Sherco) 66
First Class: Luke Walker (300 MRS Sherco) 67, Lee Hassall (300 BVM Gas Gas) 80, Steve Harris (260 Montesa) 86
Best G&C member: Matthew Welch (260 Montesa) 111
Best Intermediate: Jason Bendall (260 Montesa) 156
Clubman/Expert route
Best over 40: John Cowley (280 TRS) 46
Best over 50: Ian Wakeford (300 Gas Gas) 56
Best Youth B: Adam Juffs (125 Acklam Beta) 118
Clubman route
Best Novice: Dean Basford (300 Beta) 55
Best over 60: Phil Marsh (250 Gas Gas) 119
Best Youth A: N Basford (125 Gas Gas) 163