TRIAL GB CRUNCH TIME

2022-10-01 - Article: Trials Media

It was crunch time for the two heavyweights of the ACU British Trials Championship in the Trial GB class, Toby Martyn and Jack Peace, as they headed to Summerbridge, Harrogate and the Ripon Motor Club’s venue in late July. Jack had worked hard to open up a points advantage with three wins on the bounce, but Martyn had come fighting back with two wins at the Devon double-header to move within two points of the lead. Jack would be carrying the home advantage, as would his elder brother Dan, with Martyn making the long road trip to commence battle.

A huge abundance of rocks and steep climbs in the predominantly wooded area was hit by a heavy downpour before the start, making the already difficult sections even harder. The winner from the previous round in this class, Martyn, would be the first rider, allowing Jack Peace to have the upper hand and watch the line of the defending champion. Martyn looked very confident and happy at the head of the field, remaining feet up until section five on the first lap, as Jack was the first to show any nerves with his feet down in section two.

Section ten stopped both of them as first Dan passed through with a three-mark loss, mirrored by Billy Green. Then, as the lap closed in front of a crowd at section 12 and its huge steps, Toby Martyn (TRRS) held the advantage, with the marks at 13 and 17 in his favour.

With no more rain for the day, the sections were riding really well as they cut through to the drier soil from the recent hot weather, which was reflected in Martyn’s two-lap scores of 11 apiece. Jack gave it his all, but he had no answer, falling further behind on the second lap with a score of 16 and then 22 for the final lap.

Billy Green (Scorpa) had shown his form on the second lap with a score of 17, which guaranteed him the second visit to the podium in 2022.

It is good to see that the final round is quite a neutral one in Wales, with no one having an advantage; will it be a test of nerves or ability? In a winner-takes-all finale, we will have to wait and see.