LOVELY LADIES
This year the Scottish Six Days Trial had nine ladies entered, from three nations. This event pushes the limits of the boundaries of both physical and mental exertion way beyond many other female sports. In this male dominated event only two of them failed to finish, led all the way by the World and British trials champion Emma Bristow.
Great Britain’s Emma Bristow always has her sights set on the six days of riding at the Scottish. A very strong competitor riding the factory supported Sherco, she once again dominated the class leading the ladies home in 42nd position. She was followed home by the new Gas Gas rider and 2016 Super Enduro Champion Sandra Gomez in 96th position. Sandra enjoyed a week-long fight with TRS mounted Becky Cook, who was close behind in 102nd place. These three top female riders will no doubt cross swords once again later in the year as they contest the Ladies’ World Trials Championship.
Next up was Katy Sunter, who despite a good start to the week slipped down to 132nd. Now along with her brother, Jonathan, Chloe Richardson is moving to the Enduro world of motorcycle sport but still gave it her all to finish 149th. Scorpa rider Jess Bown attempted the Scottish for the first time last year but was not included in the results as she ran over the time allowance on one of the days. She returned to finish the job in 2016 in a very creditable 161st position. Last but not least of the lady riders to finish was Victoria Payne on the little 125cc Sherco. Despite the tough start to the week she never once looked like retiring, and her 225th place finish is a credit to her for her perseverance. Of the other lady riders entered, Donna Fox retired after hurting her ribs and Japan’s Yuriko Kobayashi on her Beta was not allowed to continue. If you remember, last year on the Tuesday run she became lost on the final moor crossing of the day. Completely disorientated, the superb event marshals from the Edinburgh and District Motor Club eventually located her and walked her off the moors at eleven o’clock in the evening. Yes you do have to be of a certain standard of riding to be able to compete in this tough event, and this young Japanese lady was not at that, and the club made a very wise decision.