Alicia Robinson
Achievements in any sport are measured by success, and with Emma
Bristow paving the way to FIM Ladies’ World Titles in TrialGP, it has opened the door for the younger talent in Great Britain to follow in her footsteps.
The FIM also helped to open the door when they introduced the Trial2 class for the ladies in 2017. Coming from a motorcycle trials riding family, Alicia Robinson excelled when she won her first world round, on a very memorable day in Spain 2019, as it was the first for a rider from Great Britain. In 2020 she will be going for gold once again on the world stage, with her eyes focused on the FIM Ladies’ Trial2 World Championship.
Why motorcycle trials?
My father Stuart has always ridden in motorcycle trials, and it seemed like a natural progression for me to follow in his footsteps. From a little bit of family fun, riding an automatic ‘twist and go’ at a very young age, I progressed through the ACU youth championships to where I am today. Ladies in motorcycle trials is very much a part of the twowheeled sport in the modern world, and I very much want to be a part of it.
Tell us about your early trials riding days
I can remember my first ever trial being a Surrey schoolboys’ event at Trumps Mill, riding my X-ispa 50cc ‘twist and go’ with my sister, Leah, riding her Yamaha TY80. My trials memories started with annual trips up to Fort William to watch my dad compete in the Scottish Six Days Trial — even in the pouring rain my brother Nate, Leah and I still loved watching! Growing up I’ve spent many years in the world championship paddock, with my dad minding for various world riders including Sam Connor, Mika Vesterinen, Alexz Wigg, Ross Danby, Bradley Cox, Jack Price, Billy Bolt and Dan Peace. Finding my love for the sport, he gave up minding for the men to help me concentrate on myself.
Did you compete in the European Championships first?
I competed in my first ever European Championship in 2013 at 12 years of age, riding in the International Women’s Class in Belgium at the famous Bilstein venue. Finishing in fourth position and missing out on the podium by a small margin of time, it seemed appropriate to return the following year to better my result, where I managed to get myself onto the
European podium. I have some great memories from the many adventures me and my family have been on. We all travelled together in our motorhome, visiting many countries and making great friendships with people all around the world.
The European Championships always have a great atmosphere within the paddock, especially in the evenings when all the different nationalities come together to have a kick about — where Nate takes it quite seriously, and Leah is usually the one to get hit in the face by the football!
When did you decide to compete in the FIM Trial2 World Championship?
I competed in my first FIM Ladies’ Trial World Championship in 2016 in my home country at Tong, where there was only one class. At the age of 15 riding against the world’s best female trials, riders seemed daunting, but it was a huge learning curve.
In 2017, we witnessed the evolution of two female classes: FIM TrialGP Ladies’ and FIM Ladies’ Trial2 to encourage more women in motorcycling. I competed in the FIM Trial2 Class, finishing ninth in my first year. I see the Trial2 as a natural stepping stone to the TrialGP class, which I hope to compete in later down the line. Riding this class has enabled my family and me to travel across the world and visit great venues in Japan, America and Europe to compete in the sport I love.
How did the 2019 season start?
The 2019 season started very well, with the usual winter training in Spain getting me prepared for what was ahead. Making my way out to Portugal, experiencing the worst ferry journey ever, we arrived at the paddock where my dad and I prepared the machine in sweltering temperatures. During practice, I felt very good, ready for qualifying, and riders made their way to the town centre.
“I see the Trial2 as a natural stepping stone to the TrialGP class”
The qualifying section was a natural river that ran through the centre of town; with qualifying not going quite to plan this meant I had an early start on Sunday.
Finishing sixth on Sunday, only 11 marks off the podium, I knew what I had to do for France as the competition was extremely close. At round two, in France, I had to concentrate and relax to better my previous result — but the harder I tried the more things seemed not to go my way, and I finished the competition in ninth. Extremely frustrated with this result due to too many silly mistakes, I knew that my riding was good enough to get myself onto the podium, but it was up to me to concentrate and keep my feet on the pegs to prove this. Heading back home, I trained hard on the Beta and in the gym, with Ben, my personal trainer, who stepped in to help me reach my goals.
The win in Spain, how good was that?
I, along with Leah and dad, had the long drive out to La Nucia, near Benidorm, where we settled in well; I liked the look of the sections. With qualifying being my downfall on all of my performances, the section was tight and technical, and I was disappointed with my eighth position. I set off on race day with a positive mindset, to ride and enjoy the trial. Starting on some steep loose banks, having some confident rides, I moved out onto the technical rockface sections with temperatures reaching the high 30s. I felt positive. I managed to pull off some great rides and gain myself a four-point lead over my good friend Alice Minta.
Starting lap two, unaware I was leading on only seven marks lost, dad kept me focused and flowing in the sections. We worked hard all day to stay away from any five-mark penalties, but a small mistake in the last section saw dad shouting for me to take a dab to avoid a five, allowing me to take the win.
Was it a good day for the family?
The day was amazing. Certainly one I will never forget. Leah had to keep mum and Nate updated, as unfortunately, they could not be there due to work and school commitments. Taking my first World Championship round win is something special in itself, but happening the day before my dad’s birthday made it extra special! I was, and still am, extremely happy about the win; not only for myself but also for my dad, who is with me every step of the way in achieving our dream.
It’s very much a family effort as everyone in our house has contributed to my success. Having my sister at the event with official FIM media accreditation was the icing on the cake, and we also ended up with some excellent pictures from this memorable day.
What’s the aim for 2020?
My aim for 2020 is to get a podium finish at each world round and keep working towards a podium finish for the championship. My heart set on the championship title. Yet I have to be realistic in the fact that it will be a very competitive world championship. I have been out training in Spain in the early part of the year, which has helped. I feel as though I have the ability to challenge for the FIM Trial2 Ladies’ World Championship but I will take each round as it happens. I am also riding in the Ladies’ British and European Championships, and aiming for podium finishes is the goal.
Who, apart from mum and dad, are the main 2020 sponsors?
I want to take this opportunity to thank Top Trial Team in Italy, who have supported me right from the beginning of my world and European trials experience. It is an honour to be a part of such a fantastic trials team. I have to also thank my local sponsors: Absolute Casing, Acklams Beta, Auto Cycle Union, Beta UK, Bicester Tyre and Exhaust, Derek Does
All, The Fleur De Lys, GLL Sports Foundation, MPA Liquid Screed, Sportspecific, Standlake Vehicle Services, Stylmartin Boots, SY Services and Utopia Discos. Without the kindness and generosity from all these people and my amazing family, the dream would not be possible. I thank you all. I would also like to thank the whole family for getting involved and making dreams become a reality.