Isle of Wight MCC Mercury Cup Trial

The second round of the IOWMCC's 2020 Winter Series Trials Championship, The Mercury Cup, took place on Sunday 26th January at Haslett Sand Pit in Shorwell. The sand pit is a fantastic trials venue that is rideable even in the wettest of conditions, and we are very grateful to the landowner Mr Glen Draper for welcoming us here.

Despite the bad weather, it was another impressive turnout for the club, with 33 riders signing on to enjoy the 8 sections set by Scout Gregory and Tom Richards. The sections made use of the best features that the quarry has to offer, and included; hill climbs, drops, rocks, and even a wall ride! Scout and Tom wanted to set out a fun but challenging trial, and they certainly did that, despite some riders complaining that sections were too difficult on the first lap.

Expert rider Jack Ayres completed the 4 laps of 8 sections with a score of 30, just beating Rob Howard on 34. Rob must be pleased with his performance after a lengthy lay out with injury. Rob's accomplished background in bicycle trials has certainly transferred over to motorcycle trials, as he made some of the technical A route sections look seemingly effortless. He made his Beta dance! Tom Richards was just 2 marks shy of Rob on 36. Tom hasn't been riding in the Expert class for long, but you wouldn't know that as he made light work of the sections; in particular section 4, a near vertical rock face climb before turning immediately right along a narrow ledge – impressive stuff! Experienced rider James Stay was unfortunate to have to retire this time around due to mechanical issues.

Just two riders managed to finish the trial in the Intermediate class, Sonny Gaskin and Scout Gregory. Sonny and Scout regularly enjoy close battles; but it was Sonny who came out on top this time, posting a score of 73 versus Scout's 84. Both riders particularly enjoyed the more aggressive B route sections, with Sonny choosing to take flight where ever possible – rolling back the years to his motocross days!

Simon Newnham had one of the most impressive rides of the day, proving that age is just a number. Simon scored 48, the lowest score of the day on the B route, and took his GasGas to first place in the Over 50's class by some margin. Simon finished 34 marks clear of second placed Stuart Gummer on 82, who had a good ride himself!

A welcome return to trials was made from the Clubman king, Scott Milton. Scott kept fellow Clubman riders Colin Brodie, Phil Chase and Geoff Taylor at bay with a score of 57 on the 50/50 split of both B and C route sections. Colin found some of the sections quite difficult on board his borrowed Beta, but completed the trial never the less, finishing in second place on a respectable score of 75. Phil Chase finished third, just 3 marks behind on 78, and Geoff Taylor placed fourth on 81.

Ryan Munt was the clear winner of the Novice class. Navigating yellow flags on the C route sections, Ryan posted a score of just 24, beating Marcus Rickard and Paul Kent by some distance. Ryan's consistent riding in the ever changing sand was very impressive!

Mike True was the only rider of the day to go clean. Mike successfully completed the whole trial without making a single dab in the Adult Beginner class, which follows the D route to claim the win. Tristan Osborne, the other rider in the class finished second, also having a strong ride, only dropping 10 marks on section 4.

Dan Locke had one of the rides of his life on the B route, not only winning the the Youth Expert class by a huge 61 mark margin, but also beating experienced adult intermediate riders in the process. Dan's score of 72 on this route was only bettered by Over 50's rider Simon Newnham. Incredible performance from the young rider! Josh Morris put in a good ride and finished in second place on 133.

Another impressive performance was from the young and ever improving Alfie Gaskin. Alfie finished on 70 in the Youth Intermediate class, riding a 50/50 split of both B and C route sections. As Alfie's confidence on the bike grows, no doubt so will his ability – he is definitely one to watch out for in the future!
Freddie Death completed the D route in the Yth/Beg class on 26, cleaning section 2 all four times!

In the Sportsman class, Simon Watmough finished on an impressive score of 46, opting to ride a 50/50 split of both B and C route sections. Steve Chase went around for the second lowest score of the day on just 4, riding a 50/50 split of both C and D route sections. John Townsend rode the D route and completed the trial on just 9, a very impressive score for the clubs oldest rider.

A big thanks to all those involved with organising the trial and in particular; Wayne Brodie – This man not only signs everyone on at almost every trial but does so much behind the scenes! The club's photographer, Viki Taylor and to our loyal observers who brave almost all weather conditions; Steve Kent, Rob Richards and Andy Scott-Jackson!

The club's next trial will be on Sunday 9th February at 12pm – all the details are to be confirmed and will be available from the Club website nearer the time.
Meanwhile entries are steadily coming in for the Club's flagship event, The 2020 Wight Two Day Trial. There is a limit of 150 entries for this popular South Coast trial. All the details can be found on the Club website (Forms section). Entries can also be made via the ACU website.