World Championship Trial Results
Sunday, 6th April 2008
The Big Day for Northern Ireland Trials finally arrived! Snow during the night didn't put off very many of the spectators and the crowds were out early to view the competitors on Section 1. The day as always started with the Youth Cup, and a strong field was out in force to steal their part of the glory and perhaps start to make a real name for themselves. Very consistent riding by some of the riders meant that after Lap 1, British Rider Jack Challoner on his Beta and American Patrick Smage for Sherco, were both on 15 marks each and Alexandre Ferrer of France on his Sherco was only one back from the leaders. But a very hard fought second lap for Jack Challoner gave him the top podium postion, and the winner of the Youth Cup. Jack finished on 31 marks, Patrick only one behind him on 32 marks and Francesc Moret was lucky enough to force Pau Botella off the podium, as they both had 36 marks, but Francesc had a better first lap. Full Results for the Youth Cup. Gallery for World Championship. Video for World Championship.
Also out on the course were the riders in the Junior Cup Class. Some of these riders names would be more familiar to the Trials Fraternity, in fact some of them were competing for the European Championships only the day before. Namely Sam Haslam and Alexz Wigg. Wiggy was unfortunate enought to have a very inconsistent sections on the Saturday and narrowly missed out on a podium position to Sam Haslam. Wiggy was definitely out to prove something, and prove it he did with an amazing first Lap of only 11 marks, putting him ahead of second place man Sam Haslam. Clearly he had learnt from his mistakes and at times lapse of concentation to put down a blistering first Lap. His terrific day continued on with the second lap, and although clearly tiring, only dropped only 16 marks this time around and gave him a comfortable lead over Sam Haslam on 45 marks and Alfredo Gomez of Spain on his Gas Gas with 56. And going by the roar of the crowd, everyone was pleased to see Alexz back on the top step of the podium and no more so than his Minder, the Lightweight Clubs very own Harry Crawford who had his trademark Big Grin on his face for the rest of the day. Well done Alexz and Harry! Full Results for the Junior Cup. Gallery for World Championship. Video for World Championship.
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There was no mistaking that today was all about the big boys of Trials. The 15 top riders in the world were there to put a show on at this most challenging of World Round events and the crowd knew it. Before the trial, the favourite was certainly Toni Bou who seems just to take everything you throw at him and make it look effortless. But local favourites like Dougie Lampkin, Adam Raga, Takahisa Fujinami and Albert Cabestany were there to help change the script. The crowds flocked around the sections to get a glimpse of the competitors and the weather and conditions did help in slowing the progress of rider down. Particularly section 2 where the waves were so high, that the riders had to time when they joined the section to take the first jump from the top ledge down onto the edge of the water. This section in particular was a crowd pleaser and the ooohs and the aaahs were reminiscent of a New Years Fireworks display. As the riders progressed it looked like Bou was unstoppable and made some of the most difficult sections look effortless, to the extent it seemed like he didn't need to rev the bike to cruise up almost sheer rock faces. But after the First Lap, Adam Raga had silently and steadily taken the lead having only dropped 10 marks, Raga was on 14 marks with Albert Cabestany on 18. Going into the Second lap it was very much all to play for. And Bou seemed to step up a gear and was destroying the sections, but Raga was still being consistent and not making too many mistakes, clearly a repeat of Second Place in Luxembourg was not what he wanted today. It all came down to the final section with Raga having a 2 mark lead over Bou. This final man made section with its incredibly difficult lift onto a log was going to be the decider. Adam Raga rode a terrific section and even with a few wobbles and waggling the odd leg in the air to maintain balance, he managed to clean the Section and claim the Top Podium Position and become the Bangor World Trial Champion. Toni Bou showed what a World Champion was made of, and even though he couldn't win the Round, he still came in and cleanded the section. Clearly this is warming up to be a hard fought World Trials Championship as the riders go to America on equal Points. Full Results for the World Championship Gallery for World Championship. Video for World Championship.
The riders all sang the praises of Bangor and the Lightweight MCC for setting up and organising such a fantastic event, and with the Official (Unofficial) News from Jean Marc Cromier of the FIM that Bangor and the Lightweight Club will be getting the First Round of the 2009 World Trial Championship, but not only that it will be the Only European Round to be over 2 Days!! Quite an announcement indeed. It seems the Lightweight Club may be spending a bit more time at Bangor after all.
We thank all the Volunteers and Members of the Lightweight Motorcycle Club for making this Spectacular Event happen, which only raises the profile of Trial even more. We also thank North Down Borough Council for all their aid and support, and giving us the excellent venue, and also the many sponsors who helped fund such a wonderful weekend of Trials.
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European Championship Trial Results
Saturday, 5th April 2008
After more than a year of organising, the first Trials Riders since 2003 turned a wheel at Bangor County Down. The hotly contested European & Junior Championships were perfect to get everyone interested in what is to be the start of a terrific weekend of Motorcycle Trials. The field contained very strong British and Irish presence, with local man Gareth Andrews virtually rolling out of bed with the first section on his doorstep. The forecasts as usual were wrong and the day started bright but with a biting wind that had even the Bangor locals saying that it was a little brisk. However, the bright cloudless day brought out the spectators and many were there to get perhaps their first taste of trials in many years at Section 1. As the large field progressed through the sections, it was clear that the wind was adding to the attractiveness of the venue with many spectators claiming it was fantastic to see the Riders jumping between ledges in the sections while the waves sent spray up and over the sump of their bikes.
The sections were spectacular and challenging, not just along the shore, but also into Stricklands Glen, where the stream came into play in all but one of these sections, test the riders ability to deal with everything from the slippery muddy conditions up and down the steep banks to big lifts up waterfalls from foot deep water.
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After Lap 1 the International Championship was being led by Irish Rider Michael Burton on his Gas Gas, ahead of Gareth Andrews and Harry Harvey. And this is how it was to end with Michael giving a very strong performance and finishing on only 53 marks, with Gareth 77 and Harry 106. Full Results for the International Championship. Gallery for European Championship. Videos for European Championship.
The Junior Cup always draws a larger field with many of the young stars trying to make a name for themselves and break into the full European Championship. There was a much more International feel to this field, ironically. There was very little between any of the riders and a single mistake at any section could mean a rider dropping several places in the pack, and such was the difficulty of this course that several of the riders did worse on the second lap compared to the first. In the end it was the only American Rider in the field who took the top step on the podium by only 4 marks after having a 16 mark first lap and a much improved 12 on the In lap. In second was his fellow Sherco rider, the Frenchman Ferrer Alexandre and take the third place was the Spanish Rider Francesc Moret on his Gas Gas with only 34 marks. Full Results for the Junior Championship. Gallery for European Championship. Videos for European Championship.
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The European Championship was the headline act for todays event and rightly so. Michael Brown was a hot favourite after he some compentently accounted for himself at the World Champship Round in Luxembourg, and he looked on form as he took on the tought Lightweight Sections. Fellow Brits Sam Haslam and rising star Alexz Wigg were also hot on his heals. Alexz was being minded by the Lightweights own Harry Crawford, and with Harrys knowledge of the Bangor Coast from helping to layout previous World Championship Trials must have been invaluable. As the day worn on the riders were always very close with Italy's Fabio Lenzo on his Montesa in the mix for a podium place it took to the final man made section 15 for the final results to be conclusive. Michael Brown had simply outclassed all his fellow riders on the first Lap with an amazing 13 marks dropped, compared to his nearest rival on 25 marks. This gave him cushion he need and having only dropped 20 marks on a tremendously consistent second lap, he took the top step of the Podium, having only dropped 33 marks in total compared to the overall second place man Fabio Lenzo. Alexz Wigg was just edged out of third by Sam Haslam on 49 marks. Alexz must feel disappointed after having a few inconsistent sections which resulted in unnecessary 5's. But rest assured Alexz isn't finished, he is riding again tomorrow in the World Championship Junior Class alongside Sam Haslam again, and we are certain he will have something to prove. We look forward to seeing him on the Podium tomorrow, and with it, one of Harry Crawfords World Famous Grins! We wish them both all the best for tomorrow. Full Results for the European Championship.Gallery for European Championship. Videos for European Championship.
Dont forget that tomorrow is the World Championship and all the Stars of International Outdoor Trial will be there; Toni Bou, Adam Raga, the ever popular Takahisa Fujinami, Albert Cabestany, and our adopted local man Dougie Lampkin, who will be aiming for his 100th Championship Win at Bangor. Where ever these guys will be on the course, they will have a large following so start early and get your spot on the section before the the crowd descend. And lets hope the snow doesn't arrive that has been predicted for the last week! Either way, See You There!!!
Friday Practice Day
Friday, 4th April 2008
All of the riders were out in force to get a first glimpse of the sections they would be attempting over the weekend. As usual they were very challenging, with the Lightweight MCC Course Team excelling themselves. We are fortunate enough to get to see some images this practice round. Mr Paul Fryer was kind enough to send us some pics. Please find a few examples below, with more in our Gallery from today.
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Confirmed European Rider list
Tuesday, 1st April 2008
Its official! He now have the full list of all European Riders confirmed to ride on Saturday 5th April in Bangor Northern Ireland. We are also very pleased to see a that Northern Ireland and Ireland are very well represented with 5 Riders competing on Saturday. Among them Sasha Turkington, who will be the Youngest Ever Female Rider to compete in a European Event. Needless to say we will be giving her our full support. Our own local Gareth Andrews is making another appearance at Bangor, and we hope to see him fighting hard for a podium position, at a venue which is only minutes from his home. Sean Doyle is the highest ranked Irish rider on the Competitor list and with his recent form, we are sure he will be setting his sights on some hard fought European Points on Saturday.
For the full list please view this PDF : Confirmed European Trial Riders List
Provisional Rider lists World & European Trial Bangor
Monday, 31st March 2008
We have received an updated Provisional List of the World Championship Riders making the journey to Bangor on 6th April 2008 for the World Championship Trial from TrialOnline.org. We hope to confirm these in the next few days (if no sooner) but it looks like quite a field to competitors. To view the full listing please click this link, and you will be able to view the PDF file.
We have also compiled our own list of provisional European Riders, once we have these confirmed they will also be updated;
Jonathan Riahardson MRS Sherco 125
Jonathan Walker MRS Sherco 125
Michael Brown Beta 270
Jack Challoner Beta 125
Ben Wibberly Stevens Gas Gas 250
Adam Jones Sherco 125
Lee Sampson
Luca Cotone Sherco 125
Sasha Turkington JST Gas Gas 125
Marijan Griebel
Francesc Moret Gas Gas 125
Ivan Peydro Gas Gas 280
Guillaume Pot Sherco 125
Benoit Dagnicourt Betamotor 125
Lee Sampson Sherco
George Morton Beta UK,com 270
Ben Haslam Gas Gas 300
Craig Robinson JST Gas Gas UK 280
James Fry Sherco 290
Ross Danby Gas Gas 250
Gary MacDonald Sherco 320
Alexz Wigg Montesa 300
Sean Doyle Gas Gas 300
Fredrik Johansson Beta 270
Jochen Schafer
Gareth Andrews Beta 270
Pere Borrellas Gas Gas 125
Alexandre Ferrer Sherco 125
Jean Philippe Lerda Scorpa 250
Julien Perret Gas Gas 280
Fabrio Lenzi Montesa 250
Michael Burton Gas Gas 300
INTERNATIONAL CLASS
Harry Harvey Gas Gas 300
Mark Dempsey Sherco 250
Gijsbert Lalkens Gas Gas
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World Trial Bangor Just Around The Corner
Monday, 24th March 2008
With just a few weeks to go, the entries are flying in for the World Trial and European Trial Championships being held on 5th and 6th April 2008 in Bangor County Down. The Lightweight Motor Cycle Club is working flat out to make sure that everything is ready for the big weekend, and that every detail is taken care of, to ensure that the Riders have a tough challenging enjoyable course, and that the spectators get to experience the thrills and occasional spills of Trials Riding at the topmost level.
The fine details of the course will be not be revealed until the riders are actually on their way, but all of the sections will be easily accessible using the paths along the coast and a map can be viewed here. Two sections will be in a planned spectator friendly seated area so that if you dont fancy walking around, you can stay seated and let the action come to you. The podium area will also be adjacent to this area so it will be a much wanted place once the final results start to come in.
Early reports are that record number of spectators are expected, and the local retailers are bracing themselves for a very busy weekend, with very few free rooms left, not just in the area, but extending out toward Belfast also. So if you are planning to go, please come early as parking will be of a premium and the choice vantage points at the more spectacular sections will be taken quickly, so dress according for the variable Northern Irish weather and bring plenty
As more entries are sent in, we will compile an updated provisional list and will post it on the site. But with the current listing of confirmed riders, it is shaping up to be one very special weekend of sport in Bangor.
World Trial Press Conference
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
Its all official now, the FIM SPEA World Trial 2008 Bangor is to be held on 6th April 2008 with a European Round to be held on 5th April. A large number of people turned out for the official press launch, Lightweight Committee and Club members, North Down Officials, representatives from the FIM, representatives from the main sponsors, even an Northern Ireland MLAs.
Everyone was exceptionally pleased to see the World of Trials return to Bangor, and they all thanked North Down Borough Council, the Lightweight Motor Cycle Club, and the main sponsor Bloomfield Shopping Centre, as well as the other sponsors U105, USPCA, Dirtbike and TMX for making this possible. It was also commented on how good a venue that the Bangor Coast is for World and European Trials, and how memorable previous events have been thanks to the hard work of all those involved. And how far they have gone to raise the profile of Motorcycle Trials, not just in Northern Ireland but in the UK and Ireland as a whole. When ex World Champion Dougie Lampkin says that he feels that Bangor is like a home round to him, it shows the pedigree of the people involved in organising this event.
Much thanks was also given to the Northern Ireland Government for supporting, both financially and organisationally, the effort to bring the World Championship and European Championship Trials back to Northern Ireland and Mr Edwin Poots MLA Minister for Sports ensures us that they will continue to support as many sporting events as possible to continue to put Northern Ireland on the map as a place for International Sports.
Dougie Lampkin in particular was pleased to see the World Trial return to Northern Ireland as he won here the last tim the event was held. and he has been stuck on 99 wins for a while and had hoped to make the Northern Irish Event his 100th Win. And I am certain that the vast majority of the spectators will be cheering him on to this epic win.
In short, all of the speakers where enthusiastic and excited about the Weekend of exceptional trials that lay ahead, all were aware of the hard work which had already gone in and was still to come, but were certain was more than worth it, and would only help to build the profile of the sport and country itself for years to come.
The full of speakers were;
Cllr. Dr. Stephen Farry MLA - Mayor of North Down
Edwin Poots MLA - Minister of Department of Culture, Arts and Sports
Billy Rodgers - MCUI
David Rodgers - Chairman Lightweight MCC
Jake Miller - FIM SPEA Press Manager
Dougie Lampkin - 12 Times World Trials Champion
Neil Lockrey - President MCUI
Dermot James - Journalist
Drew Armstrong - President Lightweight MCC
Images from the Press Launch are available here, or click the banner below;
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Press Release by Lightweight MCC
World Trial Press Conference
Monday, 11 February 2008
The first official press launch for the 2008 FIM SPEA World Trial to be held in Bangor County Down is being held in the Marine Court Hotel on Tuesday 12th February, where it will be announced the full run down of the event details as well as special guest visitor Dougie Lampkin who will be there to give a demonstration of his World Champion Trials skills. As the details are released at the Press Conference we will be bringing them straight to the site, including any photoshoots and hopefully a few of Dougie showing us what makes him such a Legend with this sport..
Press Release by Lightweight MCC
World Outdoor set for Bangor again!!
Monday, 03 December 2007
The Lightweight Motor Cycle Club are pleased to annouce that in association
with North Down District Council, we have been awarded another Round
of the World Outdoor Trials Championship.
The Round which is scheduled to be held on 6th of April 2008 is the fruitition of much work on behalf of the Lightweight Motor Cycle Club Committee and members as well as North Down District council. As many are aware, difficulties existed with finding an appropriate venue for the trial ,within the area and also with other countries attempting to get included in the Outdoor Trials Championship.
The hard work has paid off and we are all looking forward to the excellent day of Trials scheduled for next year. More information will be posted as we get it, but with the official announcement only coming on Monday 9th of April, there is a lot more to come. With the first round of the 2007 Outdoor Trials Championship just completed, we will be watching with interest to see who will be leading when they come to Bangor in April.
Press Release by Lightweight MCC
Bangor, Northern Ireland has been awarded the only UK leg of the 2008 FIM SPEA World Trial
Monday, 03 December 2007
Bangor, Northern Ireland is proud to be hosting the 2008 FIM SPEA Trial World Championship on Sunday 6th April 2008 incorporating the FIM SPEA Trial European Championship on Saturday 5th April.
Returning after a 3-year absence, when over 25,000 spectators enjoyed the thrills, the World Championship leg will once again take place along the rugged coastline of North Down in what will be the only UK leg of the 2008 FIM SPEA Trial World Championship in what promises to be a unique spectacle.
The previous events held back in Bangor in 2003 and 2004 were regarded as "the best GP of the season" on both occasions, with the mix of hospitality, town centre venue and spectacular coastline course being applauded by the huge crowds and riders alike.
Participating at the 2008 event will be World Champion Toni Bou along with the Worlds top riders from all corners of the globe.
Bangor and its surrounding area has a universal appeal, with much to offer not only the motorcycle enthusiast, but the whole family with many tourist attractions providing much to do making it the ideal destination for a short break.
Press Release by North Down Borough Council.