Alice Minta
We noticed that the FIM TrialGP Women’s World Championship had a surprise new name in its 2021 entry list, 17-year-old Alice Minta (Scorpa-GBR). This energetic young lady had dipped her toes into Trial2 and wanted to test her abilities, and so she moved into the premier class of women’s world trials as soon as possible. Despite the cloud of the pandemic still over us, the season has already yielded her first Women’s European Championship win in Italy, where she also scored her first TrialGP points. So we decided it was time to catch up with this fast-emerging and exciting ladies’ talent.
Well done with your European round win!
Thank you, it’s not been as easy as it may look! The European win came out of the blue as the idea to contest the championship was to gain experience ready for the world rounds. I rode well in the Euro round, but nothing really special, and I was as surprised as my father
Will with the win. Always an inspiration, world champion Emma Bristow has encouraged me to move into the TrialGP class. Fifth on day one in Italy was a real bonus, but the eight came with some pain on day two.
NO PAIN, NO GAIN, THOUGH?
No pain, no gain, you bet. I hit a rock so hard I thought I had knocked my left foot off. It was
one of those protruding rocks that you always try and miss, but I hit it on this occasion. The line in the section was really tight, and I tried all I knew to avoid it but hit it full-on. The result was a broken big toe on my left foot. We had come all this way for a result, and no way was I going to retire! The eight points could prove vital at the end of the year, and that was my mindset for the rest of the trial.
How good is the 250cc Scorpa?
It’s not good – it’s brilliant, the ideal machine for me to ride. Riding in the UK for Nigel and June Birkett not only brings a superb sponsorship package but years of experience of being involved in the sport. Nigel’s mechanical understanding of the Scorpa is second to none, and he is very good at knowing what individual riders need from a machine. In my case, he can set up the Scorpa to suit my needs which is strong, aggressive power. If I am riding in a wet, muddy venue, he can adjust the machine to make it smoother if I need it. At the world rounds, ‘Team Scorpa’ are there to support me if I need any extra help.
Where are you at in life?
I left school last year and now attend Shrewsbury College, where I am studying a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Outdoor Education. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do, but the thought of studying and participating in a wide range of land- and water-based activities such as mountain biking and kayaking seemed to have caught my eye. They also offer a female rugby team, which I really enjoy playing in my spare time as a way to mix up my training.
As it stands at the moment, the dream job would be to become a professional trials rider. Still, until then, I will be working at our familyrun garden centre twice a week, alongside college and evening training with my oldest brother Tom. Without the garden centre, none of this would be possible, and I am grateful for the time and effort that my parents put into it. I would also like to thank South Shropshire Motorcycle Club for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way, as, without this club and YMSA trials, I wouldn’t have got to where I am today. Lastly, a big thank you to all the volunteers that take the time to mark out and observe at trials within the UK; without them, our sport wouldn’t be possible!