Hot classic action
I was dreaming: it was April in Andorra, I was in the small town of St Julia de Loria at the southern edge of the principality. The final round of the 2019 FIM X-Trial was concluding just up the road at La Vella. I parked up and had a small walk around and into the main square where many of the outdoor world championship rounds had started. On the weekend of the 29th & 30th June, this same square would once again welcome with open arms the second running of the ‘Classic Two-Day Trial’. After the huge success of the 2018 trial, which attracted just under 170 riders, the word soon spread amongst the trials community what a superb event it was, and the entry would swell in 2019 to 250. Once again, the event gave the many riders what they wanted; the pleasure of being amongst so many like-minded trials riders, the fun, the adventure and the camaraderie. Yes, the weather was very hot and so was the classic action.
As is typical with these events the doors opened at 17.00 and closed at 21.00 to the signing in on Friday the 28th June, just as the cooler evening air was welcomed. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged a few ‘Drinks’ for everyone, and the only concern was the weather which was exceptionally hot throughout Europe.
An early start
Andorra is a well-known venue for the motorcycle trial enthusiast, located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain with a population of around 85,000. Its tax-haven status is enjoyed by many, including the ‘King’ of motorcycle trials Toni Bou.
Found in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Sant Julia de Loriam sitting at some 900 metres, leaves an impression on everyone who visits the area.
Due to the expected heatwave of temperatures pushing to the 40s, the experienced organisers sensibly moved the start time to 08.00. The total lap would be 22 kilometres, taking in 20 hazards on each of their two days. Three routes were on offer to suit riders of all abilities, which had been laid out over the winter ski station reaching heights of over 2,400 metres.
The town generously gave up its town square for the ‘Parc Ferme’ start area and, the adjacent office, for relevant paperwork. Even the local police joined in the atmosphere of the trial by directing the traffic on the mornings of the trial.
With riders from the British Isles, France, Spain, Catalunia, Belgium and Italy, it was the British expat, Steven Farrall, much to his disdain, to be the first man away.
Challenging
The opening ‘Interzone’ tracks and trails were challenging to reach the first section and then onto the goat tracks winding up the mountains. The impressive views that followed was very much appreciated by the riders, as was the ‘breather’.
Free-flowing sections in the streams erased the heat and came as a welcome change to many. The sections were well thought out, classic in both nature and theme.
Jean Pere Santure, the organiser, had many of his Scottish Six Days Trial adventures on his mind as he laid out the hazards to try and tempt the riders into parting with dabs; nothing too serious but easy to lose marks if you were not concentrating.
Oscar Mills, riding with his father, was looking impressive on his Bultaco riding in a classic flowing style with a modern twist. He easily took the Expats class and was a joy to watch, floating over the hazards and making it look all too easy. Some of the comments overheard were that it should be harder, but when you see the plethora of older machines being ridden, the level was pretty much where it wants to be.
Classic riders and machines
There was a fantastic array of Spanish marques from all years and a few Pre-65 machines, with Great Britain’s Martin Gilbert riding both days and parting with no marks taking that class’s win.
Many stars of the past were riding, including Bernie Schreiber riding a Bultaco. He was very happy to mingle and speak to riders and spectators alike as was ‘Vesty, Charles Coutard, Mick Andrews and Jaime Subira, to name but a few, all riding very competitively. Mick was riding a borrowed Ossa; not only did he have issues with an injury but he was having to ‘fettle’ the machine with his minder Frank Delubac supplying spanners as he rode around. The author of this article, Hamish Eadie, got a wry smile when he asked if he would like to ride his Yamaha instead!
Enjoy
The challenging terrain between the hazards adds to the weekend. It is a real rider’s trial and not for the faint-hearted, but the local club has many marshals on hand to help in the most challenging areas. It has lifted the bar in terms of two-day classic trials events in Europe, and it is up there with the best in this growing area of the trials market.
While the club wants to limit the amount of riders, the secret is out; next year the only problem will be the number of entries they can accept. If you do want to do it, make sure you’re fit, and your machine is well prepared. It is definitely one to do, but get in early and hope it’s not as hot.
The opportunity to compete in a trials event in this part of the world is a massive privilege, and we have to thank the organisers, all the staff, the marshals and everybody else involved for being so kind and professional.
Class Winners: Yellow Route
PRE-65: Martin Gilbert 0. PRE-75: Sergi Gonzalez 2. CLASSIC: Daniel Pages 1.
Class Winners: Green Route
PRE-65 EXPERT: Michel Ranc 2. PRE-80: Diego Bidaburu 0. TRIALER: Mariano Gomez 0.
Class Winners: Blue Route
EXPERT: Oscar Miralles 2. For full results, visit the website: www.trialclubclassic.com.
So you want to ride the Andorra Two Day 2020?
We have no date as yet for the 2020 event but as soon as we do, we’ll print all the relevant contact details and also put them on our website. You can also look at the club’s superb website: www.fma. ad/contacta/. Below is some information if you are thinking of riding or even spectating.
Where is the trial?
Sant Julia de Loria, which is a principality/district of Andorra, is where the trial starts. Nearest Airports: Spain, Barcelona: 220km; France, Toulouse: 230km
Tourist information for hotels: visit the website: www. visitandorra.com. There are many hotels and restaurants in walking distance from the start at Sant Julia de Loria to enjoy.