CHG John Draper Trial, 7 December 2008

Here are the results. Congratulations to Sam Haslam, who got a useful bit of Cotswolds practice in ahead of next week's Southern Experts Trial. Rob Faulkner took the 50/50 route by a mark from Steve Cook, and Martyn Wilmore headed Nigel Tomkins on the alternative route.

Many thanks to all observers who braved the cold today - a sterling effort. The club hopes you enjoy the mince pies!

Report: Steve Venn

The Cheltenham Home Guard ran the John Draper trial on Sunday at Langley Hill in Winchcombe Nr Cheltenham. A bright winter's morning with frost on the ground greeted the 60+ riders for a traditional winter's day trial.

The 14 sections were covered 3 times and deteriorated as the day went on, with exposed routes and mud causing even the best riders to lose marks. Sam Haslam made an absolute mockery of the conditions with a brilliant display of modern trials riding. Simon Welch the Western Centre Champion had bike problems and was unable to mount a challenge and unfortunately past winner, local ace and mud master, Steve Saunders was away on charity duties.

On the 50/50 route there was a close battle for the win with Oxford rider, Rob Faulkner coming out on top, using his experience in the difficult conditions to his best advantage.

The alternative route was set out on the easy side but again as the conditions deteriorated the sections became more severe, Martyn Wilmore judged conditions perfectly by racing round and completing his 3 laps for low scores early on.

Our thanks as usual goes to the hardy bunch of regular Home Guard Observers who were not kept waiting too long in the cold.

Pictures - click here.

Video clips: For best results "watch in high quality" on YouTube...

Matthew Welch, Sam Haslam, Dan Bishop, Matthew Welch again (He was the only Welch who finished, so I didn't have much choice!)