Smage Wins In Portugal

Nineteen year old Patrick Smage – Sherco is certainly putting the USA back on the World Trial map and flying the ‘Stars and Stripes’ high on the European scene. While Smage is no stranger to the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, having previously contested the SPEA FIM Youth Trial Cup back in 2007 and 2008, up until now he has not quite lived up to the expectations that surrounded him. Coming from a nation where motocross is King of all off road sports, Smage has had to carry the full weight of responsibility on his young shoulders for a country that has not enjoyed a FIM Trial World Champion since 1979.

Looking to follow in the tire marks of the great Bernie Schreiber who pioneered a new style for the sport with his pivot turns and bunny hops, Smage finally looks ready to accept the challenge. A sixth place at the opening GP in Spain was not ideal, but Patrick Smage bounced back brilliantly to take second place on the first day in Portugal before securing his first ever victory at this level on the Sunday. Smage now heads the SPEA FIM Junior Trial World Cup standings and looks a real contender for this year’s title.

Story courtesy of fim-live.com. Used with permission.

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Owner and Editor of Trials and Enduro News MotoJournalist of the Year Honors from the AMA NATC Trials Hall of Fame inductee