2021 Trial GB Matlock

Jitsie streamed the final round of the British Solo Motorcycle Trials Championship live from Dudwood Farm in Derbyshire on Sunday 24 October.

Our front man Rob Warner was close to the action all day, bringing his trademark presenting style as the series reaches its climax. While the ACU Trial GB title was claimed by Trial2 World Champion, Toby Martyn (TRRS) at the previous round in Wales last month, in the other classes there was still plenty to ride for with the manufacturers’ title yet to be decided and the last chance for the ‘nearly men’ to take that elusive 2021 victory.

PREVIEW

ACU Trial GB

With Toby Martyn (TRRS) already crowned champion, Jack Peace (Sherco) a safe second and Billy Green (Scorpa) an unassailable third, the title fight is well and truly over. But there is still plenty of pride at stake. Peace — who also recently finished as runner-up to Martyn in the FIM Trial2 World Championship — will want to get one over on his great rival as the season comes to a close. There will also be pressure from his team manager, trials legend Malcolm Rathmell, to score maximum points as Sherco narrowly leads the manufacturer’s points standings by just four points ahead of Scorpa and eight ahead of third-placed TRRS. Expect plenty of showboating from a relaxed Martyn, some inspired riding and line choices from Green and a determined end-of-season display from Peace.

ACU Trial 2

Andrew Chilton (Scorpa) leads Ross Danby (TRRS) by just two points heading into the championship decider. While almost perfectly matched on results, Chilton’s slender lead comes as the reward for having scored more best lap bonus points than his nearest rival. Danby will be hoping to continue his double-winning form from the previous two rounds in Wales. While all eyes will be on this duo, several other riders will be looking to improve on their season’s best results including Trial 125 world champion, Jack Dance (Gas Gas). A four-times visitor to the podium but yet to win, third-placed Dance will be determined to take the top step this time out. In this fiercely-contested class, other potential winners include Tom Minta (Scorpa), Oli Smith (TRRS), Sam Haslam (Montesa) and Alexz Wigg (Vertigo).

ACU Trial 125

With six wins from eight starts and bested only by his namesake, Harry Turner (Scorpa), Harry Hemingway (Beta) simply needs to finish to claim the 2021 ACU Trial 125 title. The podium has been shared by just three riders this season — the two Harrys plus the younger of the Hemingway brothers, George (Beta). Super-consistent George took seven consecutive thirds before finishing runner-up to his brother last time out and will be pushing to go one better in Derbyshire. Other up and coming riders who have been improving round by round include Jamie Galloway (TRRS), Alfie Lampkin (Vertigo) and Harry Bowyer (Gas Gas).

ACU Trial Expert

Tom Affleck (Sherco) wrapped up the ACU Trial Expert class title in Wales, but has been pushed all the way by his team-mate, and multiple FIM Women’s Trial Champion, Emma Bristow who took her debut ACU Trial Expert victory in Cumbria in July before following it up with another win at Brimham Rocks in August. Just seven points separate Bristow from third-placed George Gosden (Beta) with Bradley Bullock within final podium striking distance a further eight points adrift. Having missed the first five rounds due to injury, a resurgent Dan Thorpe (Gas Gas) won the last two outings. Living less than an hour from the venue, the veteran will be looking to stamp his authority on his ‘home’ round and end the season in style. Other riders to watch include Lloyd Price (Gas Gas), Tyler Rendall (Vertigo) and Chris Alford (Scorpa).