Boxing Day Hangover Trial - 30 January 2005
Full Results... (Excel spreadsheet) Words Ben Falconer Photos By Colin Jones
THE BATTLE for the Western Centre Trials Championship went more rounds than a heavyweight boxing contest and a worthy new winner has at last been crowned.
Simon Welch had to wait an extra month to seal the 2004 title for the first time because Sunday's West Glos and Dean Forest MCC Hangover Trial was held over from Boxing Day, due to bad weather.
In control of his own destiny going in to the 20th round of the series of events held in Gloucestershire and south Herefordshire and Worcestershire, he knew he had to finish within five places of reigning champion and former British clubman trials champion Steve Workman at Bixslade Quarry, near Coleford.
The 22-year-old from Bailey Lane End near Ross-on-Wye did enough by finishing fourth, and lost nine marks. Workman's seven marks lost gave him third overall on the day but that result meant he could not eat away all of Welch's championship lead.
Unsurprisingly, former world title contender and multi-British champion Steve Saunders took the overall win on two marks lost and his protégé Alexz Wigg won the Schoolboy A class on four marks.
Andy Blackman journeyed from the south coast to take second overall on six marks down.
The field of 70 riders enjoyed three runs at 14 sections set out by Julian Bishop and just one clean ride was recorded – D Cottle kept his feet nailed to the footpegs and took best Intermediate on the alternative route.
Thanks to the Forestry Commission and observers for making the event possible.