Congratulations on a massive weekend for Gas Gas riders at the NSW Moto-Trials Championship. 7 of the 10 Championship classes had a Gas Gas rider on the top step of the podium! 13 of the 29 available podium positions to Gas Gas riders.
The Red Team really shone against a very big field of riders from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and as far away as Tasmania. it was a beautiful weekend at the premier trials venue in Australia, and the crowds were treated to some fantastic riding in all classes.
In the Elite Open Solo class Australian TDN representative Kyle Middleton just rolled up the opposition and smoked 'em with a very convincing win, and an unbeatable score, showing his incredible talent on both days aboard the Gas Gas RACING 300. He was untouchable on both days, and the Ross Middleton prepared bike sounded just beautiful as he held it to the stops on some of the biggest obstacles in the park. His skill level and proffessionalism has reached new heights, and he is totally WORLD CLASS. That's four in a row for Kyle - awesome work, and just rewards for the massive effort he puts in.
Chris Bayles (GG) from Tasmania also faired well coming in close behind the two Zarcynski brothers, on a new bike, and foreign environment - a job well done. Chris is joining the TDN Team in France this week and we wish him all the best on his first overseas soujorn.
Kyle and Ross Middleton.
And speaking of World Class, the Elite Women's Class was again awash with the Red of Gas Gas. World number nine Kristie McKinnon dominated the class again, winning both days, and never looking like being anything but on the top step. Congratulations also to both Brooke Lonie (Gas Gas) and the newly returned to the sport Michelle Coleman (Sherco) both getting a 2nd and 3rd each. Michelle claiming overall second with a day two 2nd. A good close fought battle, and great riding. Brooke had to dig deep after a badly bruised hand, care of the Arena section, but she completed both days and showed what a strong contigent of female riders we have in Australia. Inspiring to us all.
Also in the Open Women's class was Sydney based Kaitlyn Cummins who was the best of the girls riding the BLUE 'C' Grade line. The Open classes both men's and womens contain riders from multiple grades, and the rider competing on the harder line always wins against the rider on the lower line. Saying that the Blue line on the weekend was a really good challenge and Kaitlyn did a terriffic job looking comfortable on even the hardest sections.
Brooke Lonie, Kaitlyn Cummins, Kristie McKinnon.
The Junior Women's class was a story in itself, with two Gas Gas riders battling it out for the top spot. One, the young local hot shot Rory Hartshorn, and her protagonist Hilary Stephens from Victoria. Both girls capable of a much higher standard of riding than the line required. It was the classic case of "you sneeze - you lose"! Both girls riding clean through every section - until right at the end of day one Hilary just missed the cutoff time for section Ten and received a FIVE - devo'ed to say the least. It really looked like that could have been the one mistake that would cost her dearly, but as they say about the Fat lady, it ain't over until it's over! Right at the end of day two, after a sterling day of all cleans Rory also copped a FIVE to make it a photo finish, and Hilary claimed number one spot and the Junior Women's title on the count back. It was great to see these two getting along so well, both during and after the trial, and I'm sure we all look forward to seeing them compete again on lines that will show their true talents. (Hilary Stephens pictured right). Cracking good ride from both of them, and congratulations to Hilary for her title ride.
Open Junior saw 6 very competent young guys also try their hardest over the two days with the six either Gas Gas (4) or Sherco (2) mounted. The end result was a loss of only 61 points and the win for Bradley Bryant (Gas Gas). His riding was clean and precise, and he is looking at a strong future with his style and poise. Second place was a surprise with Tom Ring (Gas Gas) jumping from fourth on day 1 up to second on day two. Well done Tom.
Junior 7-12 had a great field of 9 young hopefuls, and wow our future is looking bright! I'm sure we have the next Australian Champion in this mob, and it would not surprise me if a World Champion was not in the making. Congratulations to Ben Franco, a Pacific Park local, for just a really outstanding ride. This young guy just has so much talent on a bike and made it look so easy all weekend. He finished the two days for a loss of only two points. I know we will see this fantastic young guy take it all the way. He 'owned' that first place from start to finish, and was so proffessional at presentation. Killer Ben! Also Gasser mounted in the class a fine third place to Mackie Hartshorn jumping up from fourth on day one, Bailey Boniface in 4th, and young Ben Crossland in his very first competion 5th. Way to go Beno!
Bailey Boniface, Tom Ring, Rory Hartshorn, Ben Franco.
But it was not just the young guns that know Gas Gas is the way to go, it was also reflected in the 'Experienced Rider' classes. Veterans 40-49 was all Gas Gas with another tooing and froing between Crawford Pirie (GG) and Anthony Cummins (GG). Eventually Crawford took the title with a 1st on day one, and a 2nd on day two giving him the best cumulative score. It was Gas Gas one to four with excellent performances from Darren Cresswell and southerner Pat Sutton as well.
Veterans 50-59 is a large field, and some would argue just as competitive as Open Solo! Just because they are over 50 does not mean these guys take it easy. Rowan Gibson (GG) looked in fine form on day one, but the likes of competitors like Tom Rafferty nipping at his heels, he knew that they would do anything to get in front. It all changed on day two and jumping from 3rd to first came a hard charging Gary Boniface (GG) and suddenly the positions were reversed. Gary's first position was a great reward for the effort he puts in with his whole family into trials. Gary is a very active member of the NSW Trials committee, the Woolongong Motorcycle Club, and part of the greater Boniface trials clan, with Gary's father Les competing in the non-championship Clubman class, and his two son's Bailey and Jarrad also out there giving it a red hot go.
I would also like to congratulate Stephen Bryant (Gas Gas) for winning the non-championship Clubman class, and taking home the Jack White perpetual Trophy given out every year to the best place Clubman rider.
Gas Gas Motos Australia would like to sincerely thank all the Gasser riders who competed in the NSW Trials Titles - what an amazing bunch of people you are. It makes me so proud to see all the kids doing so well, from first timers like Ben Crossland stepping up, Ben Franco just smoking HOT, the Hartshorns Rory and Mackie going from strength to strength. Hilary Stephens and Bradley Bryant who I don't see that often just looking so so comfortable on their machines, and right through to all the vets and the totally inspiring Les Boniface and Keith Marchant. I'm sure Keith won't mind me saying he is over 80, and check out his style over the pipes. I want to be their at his age.
Also thanks to JJ Chellas and James Boyle for being such great brand ambassadors, thanks guys.
Last but not least, Kyle and Kristie are just not only the best male and female riders in the country, but also just two of the best people you could possibly hope to be involved with. Both so proffessional and committed to their sport, but also putting it all back in. They both deserve every win they get. I LOVE THIS SPORT! Well done Team.
Paul Arnott - Gas Gas Motos Australia
Keith Marchant, Rowan Gibson, Lachy Gibson, Bradley Bryant.