Marking the halfway point in the series, the Scarborough round this Sunday is likely to be a crucial point in the series for all four classes.
Whilst the ACU Trial 125 and Trial Expert classes are being dominated by Harry Hemingway (Beta) and Tom Affleck (Sherco), the Trial 2 and Trial GB classes are at a pivotal point.
In the highly competitive Trial 2 class which has increased in numbers – and quality- during the Covid lockdown spell, Andy Chilton (Scorpa) goes into his local round just two points in front of reigning Champion, Ross Danby (TRRS) and neither rider will want the other to gain and further advantage. Consistency has kept 2020 Trial 125 winner, Jack Dance (GasGas) in third place, but over twenty points adrift.
Although small in numbers the top Trial GB class is brimming with talent and Jack Peace (Sherco) will be looking to take another win following his success two weeks ago in the Lake District to stop the winner of the first three rounds on the bounce, Toby Martyn (TRRS) from gaining any advantage. Dan Peace has confirmed his entry following having to miss the last round in Cumbria to assist an arm injury.
The fantastic Harwood Dale venue has not hosted a round of the series for several years and Clerk of the Course, Pat Galway has some hitherto unused areas up his sleeve. Sunday’s event will run in a clockwise direction from the Clubhouse start area and head to Aubrey’s Gulley as the opener for the seventy plus riders. Sections two and three will be on the dry rocks high up on the approach banks, before the sections get more serious and slippery at Foundations and Middle Gulley. Sections seven, eight, nine and ten are in the tributary of the River Derwent and it’s steep banks, followed by a steep climb at Moor End for number eleven, before riders head back closer to the start area for the final section on newly introduced section of rockery.
Spectators will be welcomed at Low North Park where there is ample parking space. Adult admission is £5 and the first rider starts at 9.30am on Sunday.