MARTYN, WHEN IT MATTERS
No one could have predicted how the 2022 ACU British Trials Championship in the Trial GB class would go. Toby Martyn and Jack Peace have fought hard but fair all season at each round in this top-level class. In the final round, it would go all the way to the very last section of the day to decide the championship winner. Both riders were very evenly matched on the opening lap; everyone stopped on each lap on section four with its challenging rock step, and the score went in Martyn’s favour by two marks; he was on 14 and Jack on 16.
The second lap was incredible as they both lost ten marks; it really was that close as each rider looked for the advantage. Riding at the front of the entry, Toby had a good lap until he stopped in the final section; in his mind, the championship was lost. Unbeknown to him, Jack had stopped in section two and could not do enough in the closing stages to pull back the difference. Tony Martyn had retained his title by just three points, two outstanding riders fighting until the end; it was a pleasure to watch.
ROUND 8: LLANFYLLIN, WALES
RESULTS: 1: Toby Martyn (TRRS) 35; 2: Jack Peace (Sherco) 38; 3: Billy Green (Scorpa) 61; 4: Dan Peace (Sherco) 137.
BEST LAP: Toby Martyn (TRRS).