Britain's got t'Alan
By TMX Archives on 4th Jun 08
THERE is Novogar (Clubman) British Championship trials action this Sunday courtesy of the Cumberland County MCC and their traditional National Alan Trophy Trial which represents round five of the 2008 series, although with the postponed Yeadon and Guiesely event in March, it is only the fourth to be staged.
The Alan has received a very handy entry of over 80 riders and there is quality as well as quantity with virtually all of the Novogar championship chasers turning out. Heading the list is reigning Novogar champ and runaway 2008 series leader, Sherco-mounted James Fry who has won three of the four rounds staged to date.
In fact, the first three riders in the series to date are on Shercos with Chris Pearson and Matthew Jones being James's nearest challengers. Welsh champ Gary Jenkins, former Alan winner John Crinson, representing the north east and east Yorkie Liam Walker will all challenge for Novogar points while Dan Thorpe will be gunning for the Alan Trophy.
And, accompanying Dan will be girlfriend Katy Sunter, who is sure to be challenging for Novogar points and should go well in the Cumbrian becks.
Locals out to defend the Northern centre honour are headed by former British Experts champ Darren Brice, while Richard Gaskell and Broughton-in-Furness brothers Steve and Chris Dixon won't be far from the sharp-end of the field.
The trial is based in the village of Croglin which can be found on the B6413 Brampton to Lazonby road, near Carlisle, Cumbria.
The National Alan Trial has re-established itself as a first class trial since re-homing from the Hartside area near Alson several years ago and main-man Gary Bingley has sussed out a 23 section loop that will be lapped twice.
There will be eight groups in total and Gary says that he has tried to include some early-number sections so that all the hazards are not in slippery becks which favour late numbers.
The trial will kick-off at 10am and promises a really good day out in superb countryside.