Following two years of disruption due to the pandemic, the ACU’s prestige series kicks off this weekend at the traditional Hookwood venue, deep in the Surrey countryside. As witnessed at the later start to the 2021 series, a lot of development work has taken place recently and once again, the seventy plus competitors will see many changes.
The format for this year is the same proven three laps of twelve sections, with an overall time limit, plus a one minute allowance to ride each section. The short lap this year will be in an anti clockwise direction, going around the outside perimeter first, before looping back inside into “the Arena” for the final group of technical, strength sapping sections.
Section four at Sand Mountain is always a favourite for spectators and once again this features a variation to previous years. This bowl like area offers plenty of good vantage points and the gathering of fans here always show their appreciation for good performances.
From here it is across to the other woods for three sections, with number seven being Rosy’s Rocks where a huge vertical, two metre step was introduced (built) for the 2021 event. Obviously, this is only used for the top riders, but the large entry of forty five Experts and Trial 125 riders have a different, but technical ending.
By now time will be getting tight for the main contenders as they head into really technical sections at eight, nine and ten before the steep climb of Jimmy’s Hill which is within a stones throw of the finish.
For 2022 Assistants (Minders) are permitted for the Trial 2 Class in addition to the GB group which offers each Clerk of the Course the chance to enhance some of the sections, which will be evident on Sunday.
The single championship point for the best lap of the Trial in each class remains and this can be vital in the final tally in October when the Championships will be decided.
It is also interesting to note that although a ballot for starting order takes place for this opening round, for the Trial GB class, the previous round winner will be the first in the starting order for the remaining seven events.
Whilst Wulfsport remain as Title sponsor for the series, Point S have stepped up their input for 2022 whilst Talon have re-instated their partnership along with GasGas.
The big names to watch out for are current champion, Toby Martyn, fresh from his sixth place finish in the opening X Trial round in Nice last weekend, the Peace Brothers, Dan and Jack, Billy Green and local fast rising star Jack Dance.
Full event details can be found on the
www.acutrialgb.co.uk website.