Trials Torque: Dabill takes Spanish victory
By John Dickinson on 30th Mar 16
JAMES Dabill has been absent from the British National scene so far this year.But the reigning ACU British Champion has been practising hard in Spain ready to defend his British title and contest the FIM World Championship for the Vertigo factory.
And over Easter James gave the Vertigo factory an important ‘home' victory in the Santigosa Three Day Trial.
Staged around St Joan de les Abadesses, the biggest multi-day event in Catalunya carries a huge amount of kudos in the trials-mad region.
The Vertigo factory made their biggest presence yet in an event with 25 machines entered and a further 10 provided for trial officials in a deliberate show of strength.
This classic event is in its 45th year and attracted over 200 riders including a contingent of Brits including several British travellers.
Day 1 leader was former factory Montesa star Marc Freixa, who dropped just a single mark through the 30 sections compared to the two of Sherco-mounted young prospect Miquel Gelabert and three from Dabill.
Dabill moved into the joint lead with Gelabert on the second day, with the pair tied on four marks apiece.
Freixa slipped to joint third along with Dibs' Spanish team-mate Francesc Moret and Frenchman Benoit Dagnicourt one mark further adrift. Scores rose considerably on the final day when Dibs had a big crash, hurting his ribs.
But his score of nine for the day and 13 in total proved enough to give Vertigo an important victory from young gun Gelabert.
Pol Tarres took the TRS to third followed by Dabill's team mate Francesc Moret, Dagnicourt and Freixa.
Tom Affleck finished on 79 and Scot Andrew Anderson dropped 98.
Gelabert easily won the Junior class from Marc Riba but Gas Gas UK rider Jack Price got on the podium.
Young Joe Dawson also enjoyed a promising ride to finish seventh in class. Ben Dignan had a trial to remember though winning his class, battling through to drop 180 marks after the 90 sections.
The Ladies class saw the Dakar Rally ace and former feet-up queen Laia Sanz make a rare trials outing on a Beta and Laia won with ease showing all the old skills.
The event was livened up for spectators by the appearance of Adam Raga, Takahisa Fujinami and Jaime Busto.
RESULTS
Experts: James Dabill (Vertigo 13, Pol Tarres (TRS) 22, Francesc Moret (Vertigo) 24, Benoit Dagnicourt (Vertigo) 26, Marc Freixa) 28. 9th Tom Affleck (Sherco) 79, Andrew Anderson (Scorpa) 98.
Juniors: Miquel Gelabert (Sherco) 14, Marc Riba (Gas Gas) 44, Jack Price (Gas Gas) 45, Tom Minta (Montesa) 55. Joe Dawson (Beta) 115, Callum Murphy 149, Stuart Mack 155, Tyler Murphy 247.
Youth: 1 Joe Dignan (Beta) 180.
Ladies: 1 Laia Sanz (Beta) 76.
