DAY 3: TRS ON TOP

Ever-changing weather conditions did not dampen the spirits of trial leader James Dabill as he opened up a small advantage to continue to head the field of riders. On top form though was the Welsh rider Iwan Roberts, who has been battling an illness that has kept him away from the sport in recent times. The Trial2 World Champion kept his feet firmly on the footrests of the TRS to take the best daily rider reward in a very convincing way, which was good to see. Gary Macdonald, who was on his early-number day, was very impressive on the awkward opening sections at Coire Mohair with an impressive clean passage on the Scorpa when the hazard was at its most difficult. With 30 sections and 77 miles to cover the early morning’s fine weather turned to heavy rain as Dougie Lampkin had some mechanical problems with the Vertigo when he had to push out of the hazard at ‘Big Dars Burn’ for a three. This formidable double rock step was the focus of the day as many riders parted with marks here. With the rain lashing down the water level rose and it took more marks from the entry than last year when it was very dry.