SSDT Day Three: Lampkin Takes Control
Dougie Lampkin - Beta signalled his intent to take a record breaking sixth win as he took over the lead of the 2011 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) as the centenary event reached the halfway stage. Thirty-five year old Dougie from Silsden, West Yorkshire dropped one mark in today's thirty sections to move to the head of the standings, as Tuesday's leader Michael Brown - Gas Gas endured his worst day thus far and fell back to fifth place overall. A soft five at the last section at Annatt cost Brown dearly as he dropped six marks on day three.
Things could not be tighter at the top, with Lampkin only having a slim advantage over James Dabill - Beta who rode himself back into contention with a single dab performance on the third of six days. The 2007 winner lost his only mark at Loch Shiel B post the lunch stop. Lampkin and Dabill are now closely followed by Graham Jarvis - Montesa who sits on seven marks in total after he parted with just a single mark in the difficult opening section at Inversanda. Last year's victor Alexz Wigg - Sherco went unpenalised today and now holds fourth spot on the same marks as Brown and Gary MacDonald - Gas Gas.
MacDonald kept his dream alive of becoming only the second ever Scottish rider to win this epic six day adventure, as he went clean on day three. Bob McGregor is Scotland's lone winner of the SSDT to date, his two successes being recorded way back in the 1930's, so a home win is long overdue. Gary currently sits in sixth position, but only four marks off the lead. A mere three marks then separates the next four riders, one mark between each, who complete the overall top ten. Ben Hemingway - Beta, Dan Thorpe - Gas Gas who also went clean today, Ian Austermuhle - Beta and James Lampkin - Beta are certainly a quartet locked in battle.
Two hundred and fifty two of the original two hundred and seventy six riders who started remain classified at the mid point in the competition with the warm weather and dry going being kind to both the entrants and their bikes. The three women riders who began the week are all still going, with Emma Bristow - Ossa continuing to extend her lead in the female category and sits well inside the top one hundred overall. Spain's Alfredo Gomez - Montesa remains as the best newcomer, just five marks ahead of Jack Sheppard - Beta. In the over 40 class John Shirt - Gas Gas currently leads ex SSDT winner Amos Bilbao - Montesa by three marks.
At one hundred and twenty miles, tomorrow's route is the longest of the week, and if history is anything to go by, then Thursday is often a defining day in deciding the eventual winner of the SSDT. The next three days are beautifully poised to create a dramatic and close finale to the one hundredth edition of this World famous event.
Keep up to date with the latest news at www.ssdt.org
Photo: Texas Nat’l Trials Sunday Images
Here are some of Shan Moore's images from Sunday's round of the National Trials in Texas.
Shan’s Texas Trials Notes…
Shan’s Texas Notes:
Andrew Oldar on one of the "massive slabs" of Texana Ranch.
The National Trials opener in Blackwell, Texas, is in the books and it was a good one. It was hot and windy on Saturday, and cold and windy on Sunday, but that didn’t take away from the excellent event that took place at Texana Ranch. The Central Texas Trials Association (CTTA) did an great job of organization, and we had aan encouraging turnout: almost 130 riders.
If Texas is any indication it’s going to be a competitive year in the Pro division. Cody Webb and Patrick Smage were pretty close in ability, and the only difference in the two was a few dabs here and there. Pat struggled with a nasty step on Saturday, which he fived on the second and third laps, but other than that the two were pretty much dead even.
Patrick got it all together on Sunday and both riders finally made the incredible massive wall in section nine. The two went 5-5-1 on the wall and the trial ended up being decided in one of the easier sections when Webb took an unfortunate dab in an easy part of section 8.
Both riders came out of Texas with some momentum. Cody was happy to prove that last year’s title was not a fluke and that he can win on the new Beta. In fact, Cody has been on three different bikes in the last three years and his win marked the first win for Beta since Geoff Aaron rode for Cosmo back in the 90’s.
Meanwhile, Smage got some redemption for what he considered a disappointing season last year, getting a win over the 2010 champ.
It was cool seeing Webb and Smage talking each day after the event. These guys seem to be good friends and there is no animosity between them.
It will be interesting to see what happens when the series moves to the next two venues, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, where it will be slippery. Cody maintains he’s better in the slippery stuff than in the dry. And Patrick is from Wisconsin… enough said. In Texas, only a couple of sections – two on Saturday and one on Sunday – challenged these two guys and I really believe the entire series will be decided by just a handful of sections over the course of the year.
Of course, Keith Wineland was a solid third on both days, and is very capable of getting a win in the right conditions. The Colorado rider is working a full time job now and I don’t think he has the resources to be as fully committed as Pat and Cody are.
Behind Wineland we have a bevy of up-and-coming young guns. Bryan Roper was the most consistent (and impressive), with two solid fourths. He just barely edged Karl Davis Jr. for the spot on Sunday, but Karl ended up with the most cleans.
Roper failed to make some of the bigger stuff, but looks really solid in the sections and in my opinion has the best technique of the bunch in the medium-sized stuff.
First year Pros Eric Storz and Andrew Oldar were impressive in their debuts in the “big” class. I saw Eric get over a giant rock slab that was on an incline and the only other guys to make it on the first lap were Smage, Webb and Wineland.
Logan Bolopue is looking like the “next big thing” to come out of the Expert class. The Pennsylvania rider had nearly half the points of the second place finisher each day. Although the entire class – Nathan Hassler, Ian Delaney, Max Nelson, and Chase Harker – all looked talented. Rounds three and four will be in Logan’s neck of the woods, so look out you guys.
We’re starting to see the real payoff in the Pro and Expert classes of Mr. Bill’s efforts. I don’t think this guy gets enough credit for what he does. If you don’t know of him, Mr. Bill (a.k.a. Bill Markham) has been running his Youth Trials/Youth Nationals/Youth Trials Schools for more than 10 years now and he’s doing a great job of teaching our young riders correct technique and good attitude. Thanks, Mr. Bill. YOU ARE AWESOME!
The Clubman class was a good decision. The NATC voted to start the class last year as an entry-level class and in Texas there were 26 entries! I saw a lot of guys having a good time in that class and for sure it is allowing a few folks to participate who might have been intimidated to ride one of the other support lines.
Be sure to check out the June issue of Trials & Enduro News for more details about the Texas Trials, including plenty of trick bike stuff and a more detailed look at the sections and how they affected the outcome.
Brown Leads After Two Days At SSDT
Twenty-four year old Michael Brown - Gas Gas from Scarborough edged clear of the chasing pack on the second day of the 2011 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) with a two mark ride to follow on from his clean performance yesterday. Brown's lead is a slender one, with him holding a single mark advantage over his team mate Dougie Lampkin - Gas Gas who dropped three marks today. Lampkin failed to find the right line in the final section at Creag Lundie and knows he will have to work extra hard if he is to record a record breaking sixth win come the end of the week.
Last year's winner Alexz Wigg - Sherco was best on the day with a score of only one mark, which sees him move up to sixth in the overall standings. In more bright sunshine Ian Austermuhle - Beta maintained his assault with a four mark ride, most of which he lost during the early part of the day when conditions were both slippery and loose. The popular rider from the North East now has a total of five marks overall, which puts him level with 2007 winner James Dabill - Beta who faired better on day two, dropping only two marks.
After a sensational return to the SSDT yesterday Graham Jarvis - Montesa blotted what had almost been a perfect opening two days for the ex multi winner and veteran campaigner when he fived the second section at Forest Gate. This single mistake was enough to push Jarvis down to fifth in the overall results and just two marks ahead of local hero Gary MacDonald - Gas Gas, who put in another strong showing amongst the professional riders by losing four marks on a day when the riders covered a hefty ninety-nine miles. MacDonald now holds seventh position. In unusually hot conditions Ross Danby - Gas Gas, Ben Hemingway - Beta and Dan Thorpe - Gas Gas successfully scrapped it out to remain in the top ten.
In the battle to become the best newcomer there is an interesting fight emerging between two young World riders, with Alfredo Gomez - Montesa from Spain holding a five mark advanatage over Britain's Jack Sheppard - Beta at this stage of the competition. Four years in age separates Gomez and Sheppard, with the twenty-one year old currently enjoying the upper hand over the teenager from Suffolk. Showing no signs of wanting to let her lead slip, Emma Bristow - Ossa maintained her charge to take the Women's trophy as she moved further ahead of her nearest rival Rebekah Cook - Sherco on day two.
Tomorrow will see the centenary edition of the SSDT reach its mid-point with a fierce battle developing at the head of the field to claim this most prestigious prize come Saturday afternoon.
Keep up to date with the latest news at www.ssdt.org
Check Out Cycle News Coverage of Texas Trials
Check out the coverage Cycle News has on the Texas Trials Nat'l Here. Also on page 9 is a two-page spread of Pat Smage.
Lampkin, Brown Share SSDT Lead After Day One
Dougie Lampkin shares the lead at SSDT after day one.
Gas Gas team mates Dougie Lampkin and Michael Brown share the lead at the end of day one of the 2011 Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) after a glorious opening to the centenary edition of this World famous event. Both Lampkin and Brown completed the first of six days without any loss of marks having ridden the initial thirty observed sections that took them on a fifty-eight mile tour of the Scottish Highlands in an overall time limit of just over seven hours. Whilst conditions out on the moors were as dry as they have ever been, the lack of water over the winter months had left the boulders green and greasy.
Uninterrupted sunshine shone throughout the day as the two hundred and seventy six competitors took their first step towards a week of riding . The initial group of four sections at Leanachen proved to be a tough opening test with the second hazard being particularly difficult and taking many early marks from most of the field. Previous SSDT winner Graham Jarvis - Montesa and last year's victor Alexz Wigg - Sherco were to record two exceptional cleans here despite running close to the front of the entry when conditions were at their worst and most slippery.
This was to signal the start of a strong day for Jarvis, who last won this event back in 2006 and who has been absent from the SSDT in more recent years, his loss of a single mark putting him in fourth spot after the first day. In contrast Wigg did not make the best start to his title defence losing seven marks on observation including one five, leaving him outside the top ten. Ian Austermuhle - Beta once again confirmed his liking for this unique event by slotting into third spot on one mark. 2007 winner James Dabill - Beta got his campaign underway with three single dabs to complete the current top five.
Typically local rider Gary MacDonald - Gas Gas made a good start to the week losing just four marks to take sixth position at this early stage, his performance was matched by John Crinson - Beta who was perhaps the only surprise at the sharp end of the leader board. SSDT regular Ben Hemingway - Beta, who was third in 2010, sits on five marks with Ross Danby - Gas Gas to hold eighth and ninth place respectively, leaving Jack Challoner - Beta to round out the top ten on six marks.
Emma Bristow - Ossa currently heads the Women's battle on thirty one marks, which puts her just outside the top sixty in the overall results. Whilst in the newcomers category it is Josh Brain - Gas Gas from the Isle of Man who has taken the first blood, his score of thirteen marks lost earned him a place within the top twenty five of the general classification.
Courtesy www.ssdt.org
Smage Evens The Score At Texas Nat’l Trials
Patrick Smage took the win on day two.
Patrick Smage evened up the score by taking the win at the second round of the AMA/NATC National MotoTrials Series in Blackwell, Texas, edging out yesterday’s winner, Cody Webb, by a single point. The outcome left the two riders deadlocked in the series point standings with five rounds to go.
Smage and Webb turned in identical six-point scorecards after the opening lap of the 14-mile, 12-section course, each rider taking a single dab early in the lap, plus a five in the difficult ninth section, which featured a “Monster” rock ledge that was only conquered twice all day. The section certainly got the attention of the entire Pro division, however it would be a much easier section that would ultimately decide the outcome of the event.
On the second lap, Smage cleaned the entire lap, with the exception of section nine, which he once again fived. Webb also fived nine again, but in section eight he took what he called “an uncalled for point” when he landed from what should have been a simple maneuver. That point would come back to haunt the Beta rider as the final lap was again a wash between the top two contenders with each dropping a single point: all cleans and a one on section nine.
In the end, Smage put his Sherco on top of the box with a total of 12 points, with Webb taking the runner-up position with 13. Gas Gas USA’s Keith Wineland was third after dropping 39 points, followed by Sherco-mounted Bryan Roper in fourth with 60.
Sherco riders Karl Davis Jr. (60) and Andrew Oldar were fifth and sixth, respectively, while Eric Storz (83) and Shad Petersen (120) rounded out the top eighth.
Photo Gallery: Texas Nat’l Trials Round 1
Shan Moore's images from the opening round of the AMA/NATC National MotoTrials Series in Blackwell, Texas.
Webb Wins Nat’l Trials Opener in Texas
Cody Webb wins round one in Texas.
Cody Webb got a big win at the opening round of the AMA/NATC National MotoTrial Series on a hot and dusty day in Blackwell, Texas. The newly signed Beta rider topped Sherco USA’s Pat Smage by 11 points at the end of three laps of 12 sections to take the first lead in the series standings, however it was Smage who held the advantage at the end of one lap.
Smage and Webb had little trouble with most of the sections in the dry-slick event, but at the end of the first lap, Webb took a five when he displaced a marker and section 12, perhaps the toughest section of the trial. Smage managed a two on the section and finished the lap with a total of three compared to six for Webb.
On lap two, Smage failed to make a big wall in section four, a section that Webb would clean. Both riders cleaned the tricky 12th section, and at the end of the second lap Webb had a total of six points, having cleaned the entire loop, while Smage had a total of nine.
With only three points separating the two heading into the final lap, it appeared that the winner would be the ride who made the least mistakes. Webb cruised through the final go-round dropping a one on the wall at section four and a one on sections 12. Meanwhile, Smage suffered fives in each of those sections, giving Webb the win, eight points to 19.
Gas Gas USA’s Keith Wineland struggled on the opening lap, dropping 25 points in all, 20 of which were the result of fives. However, the Colorado rider settled down on his second and third laps, posting loop scores of six and five for a total of 36 and third place.
Sherco USA’s Bryan Roper was a solid fourth with a total of 91 points and 12 cleans, while Gas Gas USA’s Eric Storz was fifth in his Pro debut with a score of 93.
Friday Gallery: Texas Nat’l Trials Pits
A trip thru the pits on Friday at the Texas National Trials.
Cody Webb Warms Up At Texas Trials Nat’l
T&E News is in Blackwell, Texas, at the opening round of the AMA National Trials Series. On Thursday we caught up with Cody Webb practicing on some of the dry-slippery rock ledges.
Webb Wins El Trial de Espana
Photo by Don WIlliams
In his first major trials appearance of the year, Cody Webb took an impressive win at the 41st running of El Trial de Espana in Cahulila Creek, California, topping a strong field of national competitors, including last year’s ETdE winner Keith Wineland.
The current US National Champion had no problems at all winning Saturday’s prologue, turning in a one-point card at the end of the day.
In Sunday’s exhibition, the American Beta rider stumbled just once, losing the front end on a tricky downhill, but he recovered nicely with eight clean rides and a one to easily take the win with a two-day total of five marks. With the win, Webb took home the coveted ETdE traveling trophy, his fourth time to do so.
Second went to Wineland on his Gas Gas USA-backed TXT Pro, finishing the event with a total of 10. Meanwhile, Eric Storz, son of famed tuner Steve Storz came home in third with 31.
Up-and-comer Bryan Roper was fourth with 34 points on his Sherco, while Andrew Oldar rounded out the top five on a Sherco with 41 points.
Riders from Colorado, Oregon, Arizona, Wyoming attended this year’s event, which is considered one of the most prestigious events in the country. Cahuilla Creek proved to be the perfect site for the event with plenty of huge rock outcroppings close to the pits which provided easy access for the spectators. At 4000' in elevation, the event saw rain and snow leading up to the event and had water flowing in the creeks and everyone sporting their cold weather gear – the perfect weather for trials.
ETdE History
Fred Belair's dream of creating an event that would send American riders to compete in Europe lives on.
In 1970 the first ETdE was held at Saddleback Park, and with support from across the Motorcycle Industry, El Trial was an immediate success. Industry giants like Joe Parkhurst, Gavin Trippe and countless others all got behind the El Trial effort. Montesa, Ossa and Bultaco provided with factory support in the form of bikes donated for the fund raiser raffle.
It was an era when American trials riders wanted to take on the mighty Euros, just like their MX counterparts. The early results by Americans in Europe were less than stellar, but the experience gained would lead to Americans being able to take on the Euros and to the ultimate goal of an American World Trials Champion in 1979, Bernie Schreiber. In later years, the El Trial would become the key financial support for the US Trial des Nations Team.
El Trial was also the genesis of the current AMA/NATC National Series. The first AMA/NATC meeting, held at Yamaha’s So Cal HQ, took advantage of the gathering of representatives from clubs from around the country.
Belair’s vision for ETdE also included being the first trials in America that would feature riders competing from all over the US. Riders invited from the US and Canada were able to see, for the first time, where they ranked nationally.
For forty-one years the Southern California Trials Association has kept the dream alive. Through boom times and lean years the members of the SCTA have kept the flame burning. Countless volunteer hours from the So Cal trials faithful are the fuel that has kept the engine turning.
Tech Talk: Hydraulic Clutch Adjustment
Here's an informative video by Gas Gas tech guru Jim Snell on adjusting hydraulic clutches. Of course, the theory applies to brands other than Gas Gas.
Lampkin Signs With Gas Gas
Twelve times FIM Trial World Champion Dougie Lampkin has today confirmed that he will join Gas Gas in 2011, with the thirty-four year old having recently signed a three-year multi facet contract with the Spanish based manufacturer. Lampkin will continue to compete in the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship next season as well as contesting the FIM Indoor Enduro World Championship, selected extreme enduro competitions, plus other selected International trial and enduro events.
As well as continuing to compete at the highest level in both disciplines, Lampkin will also play an important role in helping Gas Gas develop both their trial and enduro products for racing activities and for end users. Whilst Dougie will maintain his quest for his one hundredth Trial Grand Prix win, he will also look to assist his younger team mate Adam Raga, as the 2010 vice FIM Trial World champion looks to return to the top of the rankings. Additionally Lampkin will take on the overall responsibility for all Trial activities, with him adopting the position as Trial Team Manager, but with a very hands on approach.
The three-year agreement between Lampkin and Gas Gas represents the start of a new era for the former FIM Trial World champion, with Dougie having never previously ridden for the Girona based company. Now under the control of Commercial Director Ramon Puente, the Spanish factory has a clear and strong strategy for the future both in terms of competition success and increasing their market share. Dougie is one of two high profile riders who will spearhead the new Gas Gas assault starting in 2011 and who may give rise to limited edition replica models in due course.
Lampkin will make his Gas Gas debut on Saturday 8th January 2011 at Sheffield arena, as Dougie continues his long-standing association with this indoor trial event, which remains one of his favourite occasions each season. Sheffield will also see Dougie begin his association with the major trial brand – Jitsie, with the Yorkshireman having agreed terms to wear both their riding apparel and helmet, and also to develop his own range of Jitsie casual clothing.
Speaking about his pending move, Lampkin commented. “Firstly I would like to thank Lapo Bianchi, my cousin John and everyone else at Beta for making my second stay both enjoyable and successful. It has not been an easy decision to leave the family, but the new challenge is just the motivation I need at this stage in my career.”
“This is an exciting opportunity for me and one I am delighted to embrace as Gas Gas have shown a real desire and passion for me to become a part of their team. I firmly believe I still have something to offer by riding the Trial World Championship, and as well as looking to win at least one more GP, I really think by still riding at the highest level it will help with the development process we have planned.” Dougie continued.
“The two stroke Gas Gas enduro models are amongst the best in their class, and I think this will really help me at the indoor and extreme events. Although I have had some good results to date in these type of competitions, I feel that I can improve my performances given the benefits offered by the weight and power of the Gas Gas enduro machine.”
Lampkin ended by saying. “I will be going all out to win my one hundredth Trial GP, the centenary edition of the Scottish Six Days Trial, the indoor enduro World championship, plus some extreme enduro events and as many other competitions as possible, whilst still attending to my other duties, so it is going to be a busy year all round.”
For all the latest news and results please visit www.dougielampkin.co.uk where you can subscribe to Dougie’s official press service free of charge.
Cody Webb Signs With Beta
Beta Motorcycles announced the newest member of its factory race team, National Trials Champion Cody Webb! The Watsonville, California resident recently inked a two-year contract with the U.S. distributor of Beta Motorcycles to ride the Italian-made RR and EVO models in both the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series and the AMA-NATC National MotoTrial Championship Series in 2011 and 2012.
"My original trials career started on a Beta," the 22-year-old said. "I'm really excited to get back to where I began for next year and start working on my second championship. I know the bike and the team is great and I'm looking forward to another successful year."
Webb came on strong in the AMA EnduroCross Series last year, and in his rookie year of racing, the trials whiz kid was a consistent top qualifier in the Pro ranks. Webb has been scratching at the podium all season long, and the Beta-backed rider is looking forward to a breakthrough year in the 2011 GEICO AMA EnduroCross Series. Webb will be riding the Beta 400 RR and will undoubtedly be a podium contender and a threat to the championship.
As the newly-crowned champion, Webb is also looking forward to another dominant season in the National Trials Championship, this time with the target on his back. He will mount his 2011 title defense in the AMA-NATC National MotoTrial Championship Series aboard a Beta 290 EVO (just look for the number one plate)! As a factory-backed Beta rider, Webb will also be contending in select international events.
"We are really looking forward to the next few years with Cody on our team," Marketing Manager Tim Pilg commented. "To have a rider with his talent is very special. The opportunities for both Cody and Beta here in the USA are endless, not only race results but also in helping our company grow our market."
Fast Facts on Cody Webb...
At 14 years old, Cody Webb was crowned the AMA High School National Trials Champion in 2002 -- before he was even in high school!
Webb earned the 2003 AMA Expert National Trials Championship, his rookie year in the class.
Cody is the son of Kipp "Animal" Webb, a top trials rider in the 80s and 90s.
His other AMA titles include the '07 and '08 Indoor National Trials Championships.
Cody Webb has represented the United States at the Trials des Nations seven times throughout his career.
His 2010 season best finish at an AMA EnduroCross was 4th place in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
He has qualified for the main event at every EnduroCross he's raced in 2010.
Sherco Test on Dirt Rider.com
Check out the test that Dirt Rider editor Chris Denison posted on Dirt Rider.com right here.
Colton Haaker Insane Training Video
Check out this insane Endurocross/Trials training video featuring Colton Haaker.
Webb Claims National Trials Title at Donner
Norden, CA, July 30-August 1 – Cody Webb wrapped up his first AMA/NATC National Trials title with one round remaining on the schedule with a dominating ride at round nine of the series at Donner Ski Ranch. With plenty of hometown fans cheering him on, the northern California completed a sweep of the weekend with another impressive performance on Sunday to complete the series schedule.
After finishing runner-up in the series standings for four straight years, Webb picked up his game in 2010, winning eight of the 10 rounds to easily capture the championship. At Donner, Webb handled the huge granite walls and drops with precision, topping three-time and defending Champ Patrick Smage by 26 points on Saturday and 38 on Sunday. Smage ended the year in second position after taking two wins and eight seconds on his Sherco, while Webb’s GasGas USA teammate Keith Wineland was third both days in California and third overall in the series.
EnduroTrial Info
Here is information on the EnduroTrial which will be held at the Trials Training Center on October 16-17, 2010. This is an event that you don't want to miss!
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