DAY 4: DETERMINED DABILL

It was the turn of trial leader James Dabill to head the field on a very long, tough day which would take in 30 hazards and 91 miles. The first testing hazards would be at the top of Glencoe and the aptly named ‘Chairlift’ sections located close to the ski runs. Looking very determined and confident he executed the hazards perfectly, parting with no marks in an exhibition ride on the slippery rocks. Lampkin arrived shortly afterwards and once again gave a display which reflected his commitment to winning the event on the previous 11 occasions. In the raging river at ‘Gorton’, they lost two apiece. For Lampkin this would be his only marks of the day as Dabill had one more mark at the close of the day at ‘Fersit’, allowing Lampkin to close the advantage to two marks at the close of play. Gary Macdonald remained in 3rd position with both Jack Price and Andy Chilton just behind on thirteen marks lost each. Notable good rides came from Dan Thorpe, Chris Pearson and the 2010 winner Alexz Wigg on four each followed by Richard Sadler on five. As the trial entered its final two days, the retirement level continued to rise, due mainly to rider fatigue and injuries, with 249 riders still in the event.