The History of Cycle Trials

The late Jim Sandiford built the Spanish brand Montesa into a thriving business in the UK as the importer of the motorcycles in the mid-seventies. By the early eighties with his support Montesa

had a very healthy market share in the trials sector, but he was never one to miss a business opportunity. Looking to the future he encouraged the Spanish to look at the world of cycle trials

as an investment in the future of the sport; yes it was Montesita time!

When he realised

the potential of the new Montesita project, having witnessed the early days of its development with Spain’s Andreu Codina, he decided to present the new cycle trials bike to the world at an early eighties Dirt Bike Show. A rider who would go on to eventually win the British Cycle Trials Championship from 1982–1984, Paul Edmondson takes up the story.

“I am not exactly sure of the year, I am thinking it must have been around 1980/1981, but I was at the Dirt Bike Show with my parents, having a look around and collecting stickers. My father Peter and Jim knew one another, and when I saw the Montesita I asked Jim if I could have a ride on it. It was brilliant as at the time I was just playing around on a normal cycle. I started to do a few wheelies and jumps and a few tricks, and the crowd just gathered round, which put a huge smile on Jim’s face. He was so impressed he gave me one of the very early Montesitas which certainly took the smile off my parents face, as they had been going to get me one for Christmas!

“My first Cycle Trial was at Heaton Park near Manchester, and soon Jim had organised a British Championship, which I won from 1982–1984”.