Star-Studded EX'Factor
By John Dickinson on 14th Dec 06
THIS Sunday sees the Sunbeam Club, in association with Blackmore Vale, running the 65th Southern Experts Trial and the good news is that entries have absolutely boomed since last year's poor showing and as T+MX went to press on Tuesday, stood at a healthy 85 all told with 40 Experts, 40 Clubman Experts and five Youth Experts taking up the challenge.
And there is quality as well as quantity in the entry which should make for a fascinating day's sport. Last year's winner and subsequent World Youth Trials Champion Alexz Wigg returns to defend his crown on the zippy 125 JST Gas Gas. But even Alexz will have to be on top of his form to stay ahead of this year's opposition.
Sam Connor, runner-up in last week's Knut Trophy Trial, will be looking to lift the Premier for himself – but he won't be alone. Scorpa's supported rider Joe Baker challenged all year for the Experts British Trials title and the popular Devon rider should go well close to his own neck of the woods. Sam Haslam finished just ahead of Joe in that Experts title race and the Midland youngster's career is rising fast so there's another to watch out for.
Stir in James Fry, Wayne Holdsworth, Tim Connor, Jack Lee, Ross Danby, Jonny Starmer, Ben Morphett, Ben Wibberley and you have a contest. Then to really throw in a secret ingredient, how about Ladies British Trials Champion and third ranked in the World Becky Cook. Isle of Wight girl Becky's presence will be warmly welcomed and good luck to her on the day.
The Clubmans Experts class will also be eagerly fought-over with Dave Clinkard, Southern Experts winner 20 years ago, sure to be one of the favourites.
The trial will take place at Alfred's Tower, Stourton, Mere, Wilts (near Shaftesbury) and starting time will be 10am. Clerk of the course, Geoff Guy, is responsible for the 15 sections which will be lapped three times on National Trust land.
It should be a cracker.