The Island’s top motorcycle trials rider, Chris Stay, ended his 2018 British championship season with yet another podium finish.
The final rounds were held at the Bob Macgregor trials Academy just south of Glasgow earlier in October where a tough 2 days riding ended with a fine third place for the talented Isle of Wight rider.
At one stage Chris held the lead but suffering from a broken rib, which was sustained in the previous week’s Scott trial in North Yorkshire, he was unable to hold on. Third place against the top expert riders in the country is no mean achievement.
Despite 3 podium finishes and a fine second place in Round 6 in Wales in September, Chris finished in 6th place in this year British championship which is 2 places better than 2017. But this is not a true reflection of his talents, as he was forced to retire from Round 2 in the Lake District while lying in second place after a heavy fall damaged his bike beyond repair. Those valuable points lost would have easily put Chris, who is widely regarded as the most improved rider this season, in third place in the championship.
As mentioned, Chris – alongside his friend George Gosden – competed in the famous Scott trial the previous week. The 85 mile off road event is the hardest one day trial in the world, with over 70 sections to be ridden over the North Yorkshire moors against the clock.
The fastest of the 200 competitors this year completed the course in just over 5 hours, with only 80 finishers this year. Chris came home just over an hour later to complete his third Scott. George, who was riding the Scott for the first time, was stopped along with many other riders after 60 miles as you are not allowed on the moors once the light starts to fade. George was disappointed and relieved at the same time as he latter said:
“That was probably the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, I had nothing left, but i’ll be back next year”.
