Yes it’s official in just over three months time on the 27th/28th July the very best trials riders in the World will be coming back to Penrith for the third time, to compete in the penultimate round of the FIM World Trials Championship. Nord Vue on the outskirts of Penrith (a few minutes from junction 41 of the M6) is the venue for the event. Famous for its spectacular rock outcrops it offers spectators fantastic viewing areas, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the best riders from around the World, all within easy walking distance from the car parking areas.
The Spanish Superstar and the undisputed King of Trials, multi indoor and outdoor World Champion with 13 World Championships under his belt - Toni Bou will be riding high after annihilating the opposition in the Indoor X-Trial Championship winning the five round championship outright after only four rounds with only Albert Cabestany still mathematically in the indoor championship race after just three rounds! The Bou-star won both rounds at Penrith last year.
Number two seed this year and ex World Champion Adam Raga knows how to win. He pipped Bou to the post at round one last year, however this was to be a feat he was unable to repeat throughout the season. Number three seed Jeroni Fajardo had a steady ride last year finishing with five second places in the championship. He is one of a few younger riders who could overtake Bou when the aging process takes over! Number four seed and yet another Spaniard Albert Cabestany rode consistently all last year until the last round at Penrith round 
where he blew third place with two mediocre rides (for him). Number five seed is one of the supporter’s favourite riders, ex-World Champion Takahisa Fujinami. He’s getting on a bit now but with two second place finishes in the championship last year, he’s obviously still competitive.
Bring on the Brits
Number six seed, the reigning British Champion and the great British hope is James Dabill. Dibs had a really good ride on the last day at Nord Vue last year finishing in the third position, behind Raga and Bou and more of the same would be fantastic. Number seven seed and ex Junior World Champion Jack Challoner is one of the youngsters of the Championship. Jack is a fantastic young rider and shows great promise for the future. Number eight seed is Daniel Oliveras who managed to pip our man Brownie by one mark in last year’s championship. Number nine seed is Brit Michael Brown, Brownie was runner up to James Dabill last year in the British Championship. He’s a great rider but the opposition at World Championship level is tough. Completing the top ten line-up is Italian Matteo Grattarola, winner of the UEM European Championship last year by a country mile. However, the World Championship is a somewhat tougher challenge!
Event organisers Graham Jarvis and John Kerwin are really excited about this year’s event. Graham has been busy changing the sections to suit the new non-stop rules while John has been busy pulling all the infrastructure together for the campsite, the trade areas etc. ‘We’re going to run a youth trial in an arena setting on the Friday night and new for this year we have an electric bike trial on the Saturday night. It will be great entertainment for all the people on the campsite. We have a large trade village with the all the main manufactures represented, complemented by a few of the larger retail outlets. We also have quite a few other surprises up our sleeves so watch this space’ says John.
Discounted ticked are available at www.worldtrialuk.co.uk