Trials Action

WTC 2006 // Belgium, Spa - James Dabill Race Report

Tuesday the 26th of September 2006 by jitsie

Having already achieved one of his 2006 goals by clinching the European championship earlier in the season, James Dabill completed his second target for the year by finishing in the World’s top ten. A solid eighth place at today’s final round held at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium gave James ninth position in the overall standings, in this his first full campaign at this level.

Just three points separated Dabill from taking eighth in the championship, as despite finishing ahead of him today, James finally lost his season long battle with Polish rider Tadeusz Blazusiak by the smallest of margins. Two consistent laps saw James beat the Scorpa rider by a clear twelve marks today.

As was the case here twelve months earlier, the course comprised of mainly man made sections set around the outside of the tarmac circuit. Rain in the days prior to the trial had left the ground damp and caused mud to drag on to the large boulders. Although the overcast skies threatened rain at times, the weather kept dry, but did not prevent the hazards becoming very slippery as the day played out.

Four fives on the first lap, and then five further maximums on the second visit to the fifteen sections confirmed the severity of the event, as James fought hard to pull his way up the leader board after a mixed start to the day. A strong finish to his debut World championship campaign has put Dabill in good form ahead of next week’s Trial Des Nations event in France, where he will represent Great Britain as part of a four rider team.

Reflecting on today and the rest of the season, James was positive about his performance overall: “It is a nice way to finish off with a reasonably good result, and although I would obviously liked to have taking eighth place, ninth is still an excellent achievement in this my first real attempt. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Top Trial Team for all their efforts, my family for their kind support and also my girlfriend Emma for doing her bit too.”

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