The Lakes was the final round of last year's Trials Championships and the opening event for 2014. You may have been forgiven for thinking nothing much had changed. The weather was awful, the course was tough and Michael Brown won once again. We did however have a great competition in this R T Keedwell sponsored event.
The Experts riders were first away last Sunday and section 1 was for them the same as the Championship class and the exit a 50 yard uphill muddy climb set the initial tone. It was tough and only Ben Sprigg in this class cleaned it all day on his first visit. Ben was too be in fine form but even so he would not be able to match Guy Kendrew who would take a very well deserved win in the Experts. Only Joel Edwards stayed with him on lap 1 but Guy was clear of his rival on the next two circuits having posted more clean rides than everyone else.
Dan Peace had a good day to be best of the 'Youth' contingent and his losses of 92 marks was pretty impressive for a rider on a 125cc machine.
We have already mentioned that Michael Brown topped the championship entry and with his Gas Gas showing the yellow Number 1 plate he just got home in front of James Dabill with Alexz Wigg third. The top two did however have clear water between them and their nearest rivals and even at this stage it looks like these two will fight it out once again this season. Everyone in the Championship struggled with section 5 however even the top 2 and it was almost impossible on lap1 to get anywhere near the long grip less hazard.
At the end of the first circuit with the rain still falling Dib's was ahead by one mark but Michael managed to get his nose in front after that and held on for a morale boosting win.
Wiggy grabbed third from Ross Danby with Jack Sheppard well on the pace for 5th.
There is now a 2 month gap before round 2 at Richmond in early June.