Second Podium Place For James Dabill

After a month long break the 2016 FIM Trial World Championship came back to life for the third round of the series held in the small German town of Gefrees where Vertigo factory rider James Dabill recorded his and the team's second podium of the season to date. Dabill took third spot on day two of the German Trial GP on board his fuel injected Combat to add to the rostrum placing that he earned at the opening round in Spain. 

Absent from the series for five years, the German Trial GP made a welcome return to the calendar and to a venue that last hosted FIM Trial World Championship events back in 2011 and 2005. As in the past, the twelve sections that had been plotted were spread far and wide around the town, with predicted heavy thunderstorms in the region threatening to play havoc with Saturday's competition. However, in reality day one played out in warm and sunny weather. 

Despite the dry conditions both Vertigo factory riders struggled to find their initial rhythm and having both incurred four failures each, Jeroni Fajardo found himself down in seventh spot, with Dabill a further two places back after the first lap. It was to prove a similar story on the second tour as again Jeroni and James were unable to realise their full potential in the rocky hazards. Thankfully the Vertigo duo left their best until last, as both riders delivered much improved lap performances to climb the order come the close of the first day. The official classifications placed Jeroni in fifth and James in seventh to maintain their overall positions in the general standings. 

The second day of competition again took place without the arrival of any significant rain, however some rain overnight did make conditions out on the course more slippery and forced two sections to be modified. The almost British like going, including a light shower early in the day, certainly suited Dabill well as he placed fourth by the end of lap one and close to a possible podium position. Two more solid lap scores saw Dabill beat both Takahisa Fujinami and Jaime Busto to the final rostrum place as he once again showed the true capabilities of the Combat when up against the fiercest of opposition. 

Fajardo was unable to match the form of his team-mate on day two, but still managed to salvage a valuable sixth place and score some important championship points to put Vertigo third overall in the current manufacturers standings. 

Fresh from enjoying his celebratory champagne Dabill said. "It feels great to be back on the podium again and this result is the perfect reward for the efforts of the whole team. After yesterday I knew I had to start better, and with a good first lap I had something to build on. Thankfully I was able to put together two more good laps and to ride my way on the podium. Two podiums so early in the season is even better than I hoped for, but shows just how good both the bike and team really are." 

Summing his weekend Fajardo stated. "Each weekend I am still learning and making progress and although perhaps the improvement is not directly showing in my results I know from my riding that we are definitely moving in the right direction. With my team behind me I am confident that I will be able to show my real level in the coming events. The performance of the bike is not in doubt, and I would like to congratulate James on his great result today." 

Both Vertigo factory riders will continue their respective campaigns in the 2016 FIM Trial World Championship at the next round in Andorra on 11/12th June.