THE British Trial Bike Championships revved into action in West Cumbria for the first two rounds of competition.

Six-times British solo champion James Dabill was the star of the show at Fell Green, Bootle, taking double victory in the championship class.

He was one of a number of high-class riders from across the country who tackled a tough course – though competitors were blessed with blue skies and sunshine after previous outings at Bootle were nearly washed out by heavy rain.

Spectators packed themselves in along the route as riders tackled a number of tough slopes and obstacles on a testing course set by local trial bike experts Nigel Birkett, the Gowan lads – Gary, Jake, Joel – and George Armstrong.

Dabill took on the likes of current ladies world number one Emma Bristow and Haverigg’s Will Brockbank in a talented field, with the course proving a little too difficult at times on day one.

Slight adjustments were made between runs and made for some excellent riding on Sunday, with Dabill beating Ross Danby and Alexz Wigg to the top of the rankings on day one and Jack Sheppard and Jack Price on day two.

In the youth class, Jack Peace was triumphant on both days – by huge margins of 73 and 49 points respectively – with Dan Thorpe a double victor in the expert class.

It is hoped the event will return to Bootle again next year.

RESULTS

ROUND ONE

Championship Class: 1. James Dabill; 2. Ross Danby; 3. Alexz Wigg.

Youth Class: 1. Jack Peace; 2. Kieran Child; 3. Joe Dawson.

Expert Class: 1. Dan Thorpe; 2. Thomas Minta; 3. Chris Pearson.

ROUND TWO

Championship Class: 1. James Dabill; 2. Jack Sheppard; 3. Jack Price.

Youth Class: 1. Jack Pearce; 2. Joe Dawson; 3. Kieran Child.

Expert Class: 1. Dan Thorpe; 2. Thomas Minta; 3. Joel Edwards.