This weekend’s FIM SPEA World Trial Round at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan on 31st May/1st June, provided an excellent example of the strength of talent this country has in the younger classes.
Whilst the current World Trial Championship standings have three, ACU rider’s in the top 10 of the Championship - Dougie Lampkin 5th, James Dabill 8th and reigning Youth Champion Michael Brown 9th - the Junior Cup has three riders in the top 5, and the Youth Cup is being headed by another British rider.
The World Junior Cup saw three ACU riders fill the rostrum places on Day 2 of the Japanese Grand Prix, Alexz Wigg, Championship Runner Up at his first attempt in 2007, improved on his first days Second place, recording his third victory of the season and is now heading the Championship by 8 points.
Ross Danby, Youth Trial Cup Runner Up in ‘07, equalled his best result of the season, a Runner Up finish taking him up to 5th place in the standings. Sam Haslam’s, (5th place in 2007’s Championship) consistency continued taking the final rostrum place on Day 2, maintaining his 3rd place in the Championship.
The W orld Youth Cup saw another British rider climb the podium on both days. Jack Challoner earned a Runner Up spot on Day 1, but then went one better on the second day, allowing him to extend his lead in the Championship to 12 points.
John Collins, Chairman, ACU Trials and Enduro Committee said, “The World series is the ultimate challenge for all these riders. The dedication, commitment and expense demanded of all riders at this level is significant, so to see young British riders doing so well is very satisfying and demands our recognition and support.”