— 2013 Australian Moto Trial Champions crowned
The hills of Bendigo, Victoria were alive last weekend as hundreds of competitors and support crew turned out to compete in the 2013 Australian Moto Trial championship.
It was 23 year old, Newcastle lad, Kyle Middleton who went home with Australian gold in the open solo class, with a point score of 45. His nearest competitor was Trial des Nations team mate Tim Coleman with 98 points and Neil Price taking the third and final step on the podium with 114 points on the scorecard.
Middleton said it was a tough trial with plenty of places to make mistakes but the sections were great and the competition tough. “Tim Coleman has been riding well all year and really pushed me this weekend, so I’m really happy to come out of this today as Australian Moto Trials champion.”
In the women’s it was Kristie McKinnon who took home the crown for the third year in a row blitzing nearest rival Michelle Coleman by 66 points. Brooke Lonie, who represents Australia with McKinnon at the Trial des Nations women’s team came in third on 117 points.
The Emu Plains local and five time Australian representative at the Trial des Nations said the sections were technical with not a lot of run ups in most parts making it even tougher. “Tough is good because you really have to focus and plan what you going to do.” said McKinnon.
Motorcycling Australia’s Race Steward, Bob McGlinchy said the event was extremely well run and in line with a national motorcycle championship event. “The Trial club of Victoria has put a lot of work into organising this event and produced championship level sections for our riders and great facilities for our guests – it’s a testament to how well the sport is run in this country.” McGlinchy said.
The 2013 Gas Gas Australian Moto Trials championship was held over two days in the moss covered rocky hills of Sedgwick, Victoria. Each rider completed 15 sections each twice each day covering a total of 60 sections. Other Australian champions include:
Youth Class – J. Gundry (67), Z. Mularczyk (73), Isaac Luft (77)
Open Junior – B. Bryant (33), C. Hogan (33), Ruben Chadwick (39 points)
Junior 7-12 – B. Franco (2), D. MacDonald (8), A. Hartshorn (25)
Junior Women – A. Cummins (11), H. Stephens (18), W. Luft (28)
Sidecar – J. Gough (19), C. Shultz (22), S. Rees (74)
Classic – T. Lewis (1), T. Bax (3), A. Phillipson (10)
Post Classic – B. Smith (7), B. Johnson (16), K. Reed (21)
Masters – R. Jones (14), R. Kent (61), D. Nuttall (87)
Veterans 40-49 – M. O’Connor (3), K. Phillips (4), J. Barwick (9)
Veterans 50-59 – S. Johnson (8), P. Wines (14), R. White
Veterans 60+ – S. Holzhauser (12), J. Rees (25), P. Curtis (44)