Having competed around the State, Country and Globe, it was fantastic to ride a World Trial Championship Round in our own backyard. There is no better opportunity to ride with the Worlds best and learn a bit of technique, bike setup and really step up our own professional approach to the sport.
Arriving at the main paddock was very inviting and professional. Large white tents were ready to go for the various teams and flooring was supplied in case of bad weather. I enjoyed setting up my gear with Alex Wigg and Michael Brown in the same tent already putting on a few personal preference parts to their new 300cc Gas Gas Racing bikes. Lights, compressor, tables, tools and some general bike maintenance oils greeted the riders, as well as designated change room areas with a few trucks carrying parts and merchandise. It really was the most professional set-up I have ever experienced, I congratulate the organisers and Paul Arnott from Gas Gas Australia for the mammoth effort put in to the event, before the riders even arrived.
Practice on Thursday and Friday was a dream. Getting a bit of a practice in myself before the World Pro riders arrived was a good start and I was feeling happy with my Gas Gas and the terrain was a little familiar from the 2012 Australian Round. Watching the pro’s roll in took the scene to a whole new level as they immediately used the World Cup riders practice sections as a simple warm up before stepping up the level and getting semi-serious. Riders and spectators alike where wowed by the accuracy and intensity of the training that they had travelled from near and far to watch. Taking the opportunity, I was happy to try some of the obstacles the World Pro riders were practicing on and I had a good time trying to improve my own level at the same time. All was good until a fall whilst following Adam Raga and a bent front disc finished my practice with no regrets.
Having a good support crew was essential. Watching the pro riders working with their teams showing that they are true professionals was inspiring. A quick look up the hill in practice and there was a Montesa team member every 10 feet waiting to catch for their riders, just an ideal set-up. In the lead up to the event I was able to have a few dry runs with my minder/catcher/brother, Kevin Zarczynski, where we practiced with the microphones, carrying parts and food. It would have been an incredibly hard event to complete on my own and I am grateful for Kevin’s help and support. Back at the paddock the support was equally as good with Paul Arnott assembling a great team to assist the riders and their teams. When I returned to the Gas Gas tent each lap I was greeted by either Paul or one of his team members who helped with any bike issues, re-fueling or anything the riders may have needed. This added to a great experience and I wish I could be that spoilt all the time.
The section Loop was inspected on the Friday and although it was lengthy compared to most Australian events it was little problem for the riders and spectators alike over the weekend. Riders were allowed to see the sections from outside the tapes on Friday and then they were allowed to enter on the competition days. This was a little difficult for the riders to really see what they were attacking in the event but it was still beneficial to see the layout and intensity of each section so they could plan where they wished to spend more time. A small concern was fuel levels to complete the sections and the loop ride but it appeared no one had any problems with this over the weekend. It was a bit unfamiliar to ride flat out on the fire trails in top gear and then slow down to ride a section. It was a 10min ride from section 13 to 14 and the riders were allocated 20min at the end of section 13 to ride to and complete section 14 before incurring time penalties. A quick card change, fuel stop and food in the belly before the 10min ride back to section 1. Repeat this 2 more times and some where getting tired by the end of the day.
Thankfully the sections were set at a good level. Overall a little easy on the size of the obstacles but it was so easy to get a quick 5, even on the easiest sections. Having competed in similar events I thought a catcher would be required a lot for this event but interestingly they were only required on section 7 and some as a precaution on the bike rock slab of section 10. The section difficulty was increased on day 2 to mix up the course and avoid the riders contesting the same section 6 times. This was a good move and the riders were informed prior to the start of the second day which sections had been changed. Section 13 was a surprise, although it did not look that difficult, the constantly moving loose rocks proved very difficult and took frustrating points from every rider.
Although the riders had a good challenge for the weekend, the toughest job was being an official and observing on the sections. There were a lot of tough decisions made over the weekend and there was very little time to decide if the rider did in fact stop or not, under the current FIM Non-Stop rules. Each rider eventually made costly mistakes which left a lot of score cards with either a 0 or 5 punched on them. A slight mistake in a section could easily end up in a momentary stop or put the rider off line and in trouble of hitting the markers. It was apparent, from riding and watching after the event, that there was a difference in the leniency of the stop rule between the World Pro class and World Cup/125cc Class. Although there was a difference I believe the observers were still trying their best to maintain consistency within the marking of each class.
Overall an experience to remember. An inspiring few days to drive interest in our sport and showcase Trials to Australia. When the Championship returns to Australia I urge everyone to make the trip and attend either as a Rider, Spectator or Official.
A big Thankyou to Gas Gas Australia, Forma boots, Dunlop Tyres and to my family for all their support.
by Colin Zarczynski