Lampkin second in Scott Trial (From Wharfedale Observer)

Lampkin second in Scott Trial

10:51pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Other Sport

Saturday’s Scott Trial was not quite what founder Alfred Scott had in mind way back in 1914 when the Saltaire motorcycle manufacturer sent his employees on a day out riding his famed Scott motorcycles.

Only 71 out of the original 198 starters were classed as official finishers within the time allowance although others like Chloe Richardson failed to beat the clock but did complete the course.

The wet soggy moors around Reeth were treacherous and the list of injuries and mechanical failures grew steadily.

Out went Robyn Alderson after eight sections with suspected fractures of both wrists.

Out went Marske farmer Jason Eyre with a broken right ankle.

Out went Carlton’s Matthew Maynard with a serious leg fracture, after only three of the 76 sections had been ridden. He had to be taken to hospital in the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Barnoldswick engineer Ant- hony Ayrton broke a big toe but did manage to complete the course.

The mechanical gremlins floored the challenges of James Dabill, Dan Hemingway, Sam Connor, Emma Bristow, John Crinson and Nathan Wriggles= worth, the latter with a drowned engine.

Alexz Wigg was half a mile from the finish when his engine failed. French world star Loris Gubian lasted just 25 sections! Michael Brown won the trial and set the fastest time but it was triple winner Dougie Lampkin who posted the best observed ride, despite having a shattered rear brake.

“No way could I keep up the pressure without that rear brake,” said Lampkin. His time penalties robbed him of his fourth Scott Trial win.

Ian Austermuhle posted yet another third place ahead of 2011 winner Jonathan Richardson who was riding for the first time this year after ankle surgery.

Bewdley’s Ross Danby pipped West Witton Richard Sadler on the leaderboard. “I repaired four punctures,” added Sadler.

In terms of awards and certificates James Lampkin finished 17th and won yet another coveted Scott Silver Spoon. Certificates were awarded to Danny Cockshott (35th), Anthony Ayrton (36th), Graham Tales (37th), Sam Beecroft –Penny (46th), Phil Scott (59th) and Phillip Armstrong (63rd).

Barnoldswick’s Tom Beebe won the clubman class from Skipton’s John Spensley at Bradford Motor Club’s club championship trial at Manor House Farm, Glusburn on Sunday, leaving Huncoat contender Ross Hall to snatch third place.

In the 50/50 class where competitors ride hard and easy sections Rawdon’s Ben Raynor rode alone after Horsforth rival Simon Armstrong retired on his fourth lap.

Trawden’s Thomas Rushton won the hard course class from Beta’s Sam Boocock and Ilkley’s Andrew Tales.