With a superb final lap of three, Dan Thorpe (GasGas) took the Trial Expert win and confirmed his place at the top of the class in the final round at Geddington on Sunday. In extremely difficult conditions on lap one after a light shower just after the 9.30am start. Thorpe suffered six maximums in a row mid way round the first lap which put him level with George Gosden (Beta) after the first tour, with title challenger Brad Bullock (Beta) and Emma Bristow MBE (Sherco) just two marks adrift.
As the steep hillside dried out scores were significantly reduced on the second lap and it was Gosden, returning to the series after missing some mid season rounds due to his display riding, who found himself in the top spot with one lap remaining.
Knowing that a top five position would secure the title, Thorpe amazed spectators and his rivals, parting with just three dabs on the third lap to take a comfortable win. In the post event interviews, Gosden admitted to having leg and arm cramp on his final tour, being one of the few top ten finishers to increase on his second lap posting.
Having held the leaders red plate after four rounds earlier in the year, Bullock had to concede defeat and was the first to congratulate his rival with a third place finish, just ahead of our ladies World Champion who missed out on a podium position with three time penalties.
Charlie Smith (Vertigo) came out best on a tie break with Thomas Swindlehurst (Scorpa) for fifth place despite losing a minute at the end of the first lap.
Newly crowned Trial Electric Champion, Chris Pearson (EM) silently finished in seventh, whilst Sam Beecroft Penny (TRRS), Corey Dubik (Vertigo) and Oliver Sharp (GasGas) rounded out the top ten.
Our picture shows Thorpe on the drier conditions of section seven.