Thursday August 30, 2012 at 10:34am
Saturday 1st September 2012 will see the sport of motorcycle Trial brought to the masses as Red Bull City Trial comes to Manchester.
Britain's legendary twelve times FIM Trial World Champion Dougie Lampkin will showcase and share his skills against a unique urban backdrop as he headlines this innovative event on the edge of the city's central shopping district.
The action will take place right in the heart of Manchester, and will use Piccadilly Gardens as a radical canvas for an invited entry to display their incredible talents. Not only to their usual fans, but more importantly to the wider general audience that packs this public space each and every Saturday. Piccadilly Gardens are situated at the upper end of Market Street - and adjacent to the busy Arndale retail area, with fast and frequent footfall.
Manchester's shoppers will be able to enjoy a very different experience on the first Saturday of September when Lampkin will be joined by a supporting cast packed with pedigree. His challengers will include current World number two Adam Raga, 2011 Youth FIM Trial World Champion Jack Sheppard, World Pro rider Alexz Wigg, 2012 Vice Youth Trial World champion Bradley Cox and Gas Gas UK rider Sam Haslam. Dougie and his rivals will compete throughout the day over an inspired course set against the city's towering and surrounding landscape.
Utilising the pre-existing elements of this central urban green space, the carefully designed sections will incorporate the large vertical Japanese wall, the ark shaped fountain and the roof of the single story curved building that divides the gardens from tram routes that navigate the perimeter of the square.
The day's high-level action will be interspersed by youth training sessions - as Dougie and co teach the next generation of riders the skills to take their riding to the next level. Red Bull City Trial will also offer the opportunity for fans and Saturday shoppers alike to meet some of the World's best Trial riders and enjoy the incredible spectacle.
Confirming his commitment to this project Dougie Lampkin stated. "Being able to bring a specialised extreme sport to the people is a great opportunity and one that should really lift the profile of Trial to new people. The location in Manchester is just perfect and will create a very special atmosphere. I really think the public will be amazed when they see the riders in action, especially as they will be able to get so close to the sections."
"I know that Adam (Raga) is very excited to be coming over specially from Spain to support this event and at having the chance to help me put the sport's next generation of riders through their paces, in the hope that one day they might also go on to become a World Champion like both Adam and I did."
Red Bull City Trial is a free admission event suitable for all age groups with no prior knowledge of the sport required, to enjoy what is sure to be a highly entertaining experience.
For more details please visit www.redbull.co.uk/citytrial