Jan
10
Challoner kickstarts 2012 Campaign in Sheffield
Jack Challoner, 2011 European Trials Champion embarked on his 2012 campaign in front of a passionate Yorkshire crowd at the first major event of the year, the Sheffield International Arena Trial, but narrowly missed out in a place in the final after a tough battle with fellow Yorkshire rider, Michael Brown (Gas Gas). Now in its 17th year, the Sheffield Indoor Trial is firmly cemented as one of the World's best Indoor Trials and a highlight in the calendar for all riders and fans.
With the world class sections designed by ex-World Champion, Martin Lampkin, fans at the almost full Sheffield Arena were subject to a truly dominating performance by Spanish ace, Toni Bou (Montesa) who headed up with all Spanish podium ahead of Adam Raga (Gas Gas) and Jeroni Fajardo (Beta).
Challoner who celebrated his 21st birthday just over a week ago, was confident going into the event, but admitted that his riding strategy could have being improved, "The Sheffield Arena Trial is without doubt THE trial I look forward to every year, whether I am in the crowd or as a rider, and after last year's performance, I really thought that I could get into the final again"
"The sections this year, in comparison to last year, were a little easier, and the one minuet time limit really caused me some problems. I was riding really well and only lost three marks on observation, but I was taking too long in the sections and got hit hard by the time penalties".
All eight of the world class riders were assigned a section on the heat lap, taking it in turns to try a new section first. Challoner, who was selected to ride the Piddock Motorcycles hazard started the trial well, cleaning the large box section just two seconds over the 60 second time limit.
The event has, over it's history, become an iconic celebration of the best Trials Riders in the world, and this year attracted a strong line up of other two wheel legends, including Ian Hutchinson, Isle of Man TT legend, Neil Hodgson (Ex World Superbike Champion) and even Trials push-bike legend Martin Ashton and downhill World Champion Steve Peat.
Looking back after the event, a deflated Jack commented; "I am disappointed with how I rode tonight, although I rode well, I took my time too much and looking back I know where I could have made this up. It's been a fantastic night tonight, and a really great way to celebrate Dougie Lampkin's career. I always enjoy riding at Sheffield, it's great having a local support, friends and family in the crowd and I will come back next year and hit the sections even harder!"
Jack now plans on going to Spain for three weeks of intense training before his next Indoor appearance at the 2012 Geneva X-Trial on the 21st January.
With the world class sections designed by ex-World Champion, Martin Lampkin, fans at the almost full Sheffield Arena were subject to a truly dominating performance by Spanish ace, Toni Bou (Montesa) who headed up with all Spanish podium ahead of Adam Raga (Gas Gas) and Jeroni Fajardo (Beta).
Challoner who celebrated his 21st birthday just over a week ago, was confident going into the event, but admitted that his riding strategy could have being improved, "The Sheffield Arena Trial is without doubt THE trial I look forward to every year, whether I am in the crowd or as a rider, and after last year's performance, I really thought that I could get into the final again"
"The sections this year, in comparison to last year, were a little easier, and the one minuet time limit really caused me some problems. I was riding really well and only lost three marks on observation, but I was taking too long in the sections and got hit hard by the time penalties".
All eight of the world class riders were assigned a section on the heat lap, taking it in turns to try a new section first. Challoner, who was selected to ride the Piddock Motorcycles hazard started the trial well, cleaning the large box section just two seconds over the 60 second time limit.
The event has, over it's history, become an iconic celebration of the best Trials Riders in the world, and this year attracted a strong line up of other two wheel legends, including Ian Hutchinson, Isle of Man TT legend, Neil Hodgson (Ex World Superbike Champion) and even Trials push-bike legend Martin Ashton and downhill World Champion Steve Peat.
Looking back after the event, a deflated Jack commented; "I am disappointed with how I rode tonight, although I rode well, I took my time too much and looking back I know where I could have made this up. It's been a fantastic night tonight, and a really great way to celebrate Dougie Lampkin's career. I always enjoy riding at Sheffield, it's great having a local support, friends and family in the crowd and I will come back next year and hit the sections even harder!"
Jack now plans on going to Spain for three weeks of intense training before his next Indoor appearance at the 2012 Geneva X-Trial on the 21st January.
