The men & women’s teams have arrived in La Chatre, France and are all prepared and ready to go for the Trial des Nations this weekend.
All of the team, including team manager Phil Whittle but minus Neil Price flew over to France one week early to compete in the final two rounds of the Trial World Championship. These rounds were also in France, but 800 kilometres away in Isola 2000. This was a great way to settle themselves into Europe, set up their new machines and get a practice run at the controversial 'non stop' rules before the Trial des Nations.
Kyle Middleton has already competed in 7 of the World Championship rounds this year and went to France hoping to regain some positions in the championship as he had missed the previous 4 rounds and was loosing positions quickly in the highly competitive championship. The weekend didn't go completely to plan and he wasn't able to put himself in the top 10 as he had done on a number of occasions already this year, but showed he can still put in an excellent performance, even on days he isn't completely satisfied with. He came in with the least penalty points of all the Australians and finished with two 16th positions.
Tim Coleman made his first international appearance since changing to the Sherco machine and also put in a very solid performance coming in with a 17th position on Saturday and a 19th on Sunday. Looking very at home on the bike and always riding with style, Tim appeared more than ready for the TdN, even at the high altitude of over 2000 meters that would surely be an unfamiliar feeling for all of the Australian team.
Boyd Willcocks made Australian trials history last weekend in Isola 2000, whereby he was the first ever Australian on a Trial World Championship podium, bringing in an incredible 3rd place on Saturday and 2nd place on Sunday in the Open International class. Boyd really showed his wealth of European competition experience in conditions that would normally appear totally unsuited to an Australian trials competitor on the sharp jagged and incredibly slippery rocks.
In the women's class Australia's star, Kristie McKinnon, showed what a tough competitor she is with a 20th position on Saturday and a 15th on the Sunday, both achieved by riding without a minder or any technical support what-so-ever. The world number 9 may not be happy with her ride, but certainly did her country proud. She suffered hugely from time penalties due to having to carry her water, tools & spares bags to the end of each section prior to riding and therefore loosing precious time and riding positions at every zone in the very tight time schedule of the event. We should expect to see her go all out this weekend for the Tdn, this time fully supported by the experienced team minders Chris Bayles and Lachy Andrews.
Brooke Lonie looked happy to be back competing in Europe and now with a few Trial des Nations trips under her belt, is looking very confident and comfortable in the northern hemisphere. Riding better than ever she brought in a 27th on Saturday and a 28th on Sunday.
Our new recruit for the women's team, Adina Reed, competed in her first ever world level competitions over the weekend in Isola. Although looking very nervous on the Saturday, she made it through the competition without any crashes or major mishaps, showing her trademark mental strength. On the Sunday Adina was looking much more confident and was putting in some impressive rides. This was a great lead into the Trial des Nations for Adina to get the nerves out of the way. We are expecting to see great things from our youngest and newest team member on the weekend.
The team have spent two days this week resting and re-preparing their bikes for the TdN. On Friday the Women's team will ride the last round of the Women's Trial World Championship, held on the same sections as the Women's TdN, so it will give the girls a chance to improve their world standings as well as a practice run at the sections for the big day on Saturday.
Team manager, Phil Whittle, will ably lead both teams and will both be looking to do their country proud on the weekend. The men and women's teams are looking very confident and if the hot and sunny conditions hold up they will have a rare chance at the TdN with conditions very suited to their riding styles. The men’s team will be looking to get themselves back on the podium after a few years away from it and the women's team should be looking good for something in the top 5.