16th July 2014 - What a 2 weeks! - China Invitational and Dressler camp!I recently went on one of the best and busiest tours of my life. It was an immense, unforgettable 2 weeks, here's what happened! (Well most of it)
The 2 week tour involved 1 week in China, where I had been invited alongside 10 other European Elite riders to attend a promotional competition and other promotional events. We were invited to showcase ourselves and our sport to the Chinese public and the City of Harbin. The second week I would be in the Czech republic for ‘Dressler Camp’ A week long Trials camp, full of training, competitions and fun, an amazing event run for the past 8 years in Tanvald. The first stop was China, after 24 hours of travelling alongside 4 of the 10 other invited riders (from Czech,Denmark,Sweden,Slovakia) we arrived In Harbin City, In the Northeast of China. As expected It was Hot,Humid and very hectic. After we all walked about in a daze for a while and had a recovery sleep, we built the bikes up and went for a little ride by the hotel on some nice rocks. My handlebars kept slipping every time I did a move (lucky i brought a spare set), laco from slovakia destroyed his freewheel and Jonas from Denmark’s rear brake wouldn't work – It was the perfect start! The first event for us was climbing the Dragon TV tower to set a Chinese and world record. The dragon tower is the tallest building in the North of China and all riders were invited to climb it. The record's would be the most riders climbing a tower at once and the fastest rider to climb the tower. 1 main set back for me was that once I got to the main shaft of stairs, my bike, being a 26” wheeled bike wouldn't actually fit on them! So i was unable to finish the attempt! A huge congratulations goes out to vasha (world No.2) Gemma ( Womens world champion) and Zhao ( Chinese champion) for being the only 3 riders to complete the challenge. The main competition was held on Saturday and split into 3 heats. The evening before the competition we all checked out the sections and were pretty worried and disappointed. Not only were they easy but they were very unsafe, all of the obstacles were moving,damaged and just badly positioned, we all had to demand that things be repaired or we would not ride. The following morning at the competition the organizers had repaired and secured as much as they could, we were happy and agreed to ride. The first heat had 2 laps of 5 sections and were set very very easy. I cleaned everything except for 1 stupid 5 on my first lap,I positioned myself really badly on a ladder climb, I was copying what the 20” riders did and of course I didn't fit the same! Instead of just jumping back down and beginning again I thought I could work my way out of it - I couldn't and ended tipping over backwards and off the side of the section. I was furious as I knew this was my competition over with as the scores were being carried over from each round. I cleaned every other section easily, including a horrible balance section which was the only section giving most people problems. After a break it was onto the semi finals, where the competition was reduced from 25 to 16. This was only 1 lap of 5 sections, again very easy sections. I cleaned every section again, this helped me move up the ranks a bit but as said before I knew my stupid 5 had cost me. I did not make the Final top 4 and ended 10th. Although it was slightly disappointing, a lot of riders were in the same position, dropping silly marks and ending in positions that were not really correct. Morgan Remy, the french rider, only finished on 1 point and ended up 6th, knocked out! Vasek Kolar, World No.2 also finished on 5 tied with me ( well, that's up for discussion, we all know the truth haha :p) and was 9th. But the event was not really about the competition element, it was more important being invovled and promoting the sport. The following day there was a speed duel race. 2 riders up against each other in a dual lane section. This was great great fun, I made it to the quarter finals and narrowly missed out to Joacim, who went on to win the event, I was beating him at half way, so close! A great memory of that day was signing so many autographs and taking so many pictures with people, It was great to see everyone so enthusiastic about what we were doing and also so amazed at what we did. After another 24 hours of travelling I arrived in Tanvald, Czech republic for Dressler camp 2014. Dressler Camp is an amazing, unique event run my Josef Dressler (Former world champion) and Lukas Burianek (Czech superman) Its Motto Is “ Trial,Fun and rock and roll” and thats what It delivers. A week of great riding, competitions and fun with like minded people. This was my 3rd time at Dressler camp and it never disappoints. The week started off with the retro trials competition. This is were we get to ride bikes from the 70’s and 80’s, everyone always gets involved and has great fun. Its not often you get to see 12 year olds, ‘large’ 50 year old men and a world champion all riding together and getting the same results! Over recent years the trend has been to also dress in retro clothing or fancy dress.Of course I was happy to get involved! The next event was the 4x trials race. 4 riders racing down a course all together. My bike and me were not set up for this event so I gave it a miss but it was great to watch- so much carnage!! The next evening the Freestyle competition was held, again me and my bike were probably not the best set up for this but I really like this event so I got involved. We were given 1 minute 30 to do whatever we wanted on course. With dressler camp being such a unique event a great mix of riders got involved. It was primarily “street” riders riding as this is what the event was more catered for but me and Vincent Hermance (World champion) got involved and represented the comp crew well! I mixed up my riding with some comp lines and big moves together with street flowing lines involving wall riders, tire taps and manuals. It was great fun! I made the finals and finished 8th, really happy! The following day was the main day, when the Inspired trials competition was held. A lot or riders traveled over for this event alone so it was the busiest day. There were 2 laps of 6 sections , the sections made fairly easy but some rain that night and also in the middle of the competition made it very tricky at times. I finished the competition in 2nd place on 3 points, which i was very pleased with. That evening The top 8 riders were invited to take part in a special final event. There were 4 sections with the riders all riding each section one at a time. The sections were really hard and spectacular, made for a show. The crowd followed us round each section and gave great support. I finished the finals in 5th place, my best ever dressler camp result so i was really pleased, it was a great day! The following 2 days were spent with Vasek Kolar, TRA and lukas burianek. Lukas letting us stay at his house and taking us to some great riding spots. He took us to amazing forest area with a huge stream running through it. We found some brilliant lines to ride and stayed there all day till a thunderstorm arrived! These 2 weeks were incredible, I cant thank everyone involved enough. The china event was such an amazing thing to be invited to and to be involved with and I am grateful for the organizers inviting me. Dressler camp was brilliant as always, so much fun and a week long of riding bikes in a great place. Thank you to – Jason, Lukas Burianek, Josef dressler, Joacim Nymann, Jonas Kristiansen, Vasek Kolar, Laco, Momo, Ansis, Thomas (TRA) and the many many people I have obviously missed out!! |
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16th May 2014
I've been a bit slow ( well, very actually) updating the site recently, Its been a busy few weeks!
On the 4th of May not only was it my mums birthday but It was the 2nd round of the British trials cup held at Blackpool on the north pier just down the road from the iconic Blackpool tower.
Like the opening round In Hook woods, it was a tough day. The sections were very hard for the Elite route involving some big moves.
After our very athletic, healthy meal at an Indian restaurant which included the worlds largest Naan bread the night before the competition ( due to no other restaurants being open) the day went well for me, as I said it was a hard day so everyone was struggling in places. I was happy with my start to the day and happy with how my first lap went, there was room for improvement but I hoped for a similar lap No.2. My second lap ended up slightly worse, which was not good, however it was only by a few points after some slack dabs in one section in particular.
I ended the day In 3rd place again which I am pleased with and that now puts me into 2nd position in the overall championship
On the 4th of May not only was it my mums birthday but It was the 2nd round of the British trials cup held at Blackpool on the north pier just down the road from the iconic Blackpool tower.
Like the opening round In Hook woods, it was a tough day. The sections were very hard for the Elite route involving some big moves.
After our very athletic, healthy meal at an Indian restaurant which included the worlds largest Naan bread the night before the competition ( due to no other restaurants being open) the day went well for me, as I said it was a hard day so everyone was struggling in places. I was happy with my start to the day and happy with how my first lap went, there was room for improvement but I hoped for a similar lap No.2. My second lap ended up slightly worse, which was not good, however it was only by a few points after some slack dabs in one section in particular.
I ended the day In 3rd place again which I am pleased with and that now puts me into 2nd position in the overall championship
19th April 2014 - Some quick updates
Some little nuggets of news that have been happening over the last couple of weeks -
- I was featured in Trials Magazines "Who's Who" of British biketrials. Its great to be recognised and featured in such a a piece. The whole articel is great, really showing off just how much talent the British scene has right now
- There have been some great reports about the opening round of the British cup at the beginning of the month. Trials King and Tribalzine both have top in depth reports about the event, the Tribalzine article also featuring a really nice gallery too
www.trials-king.com/news/cycle-news/-british-trials-cup-round-1-hook-woods
- I had a little wobble around a few evenings ago down St Marys see front. I wanted to make use of the sunny evening while I could and also wanted to try out my new Gopro and Editing software. The clips are fairly basic, as there is not much to ride in St marys bays and the edit was knocked together In 5 minutes. Like i said, it was just a tester!
6th April 2014
Today was the opening round of the 2014 British trials cup, held at Hook Woods.
It rained overnight and In the morning so conditions were very tough, there was mud everywhere and the rocks were like ice!
The organisers had decided earlier in the year to raise the level of each class and it was very evident.
Like all of the Elite riders i struggled a lot on the first kap, the conditions caught us all out aswell as the length of each section. My riding improved a lot on the second lap and my score was a great deal lower than my first lap, I would still not say it was perfect, there was deffinitely rooom for inprovment, but with the conditions as they were you had to take what you could get as getting a 5 on any section was very easy.
I ended the day in 3rd behind Jack Carthy ( UCI World Elite No.3) and Sam Oliver. This was my goal for the day and I was really happy with the end result
It rained overnight and In the morning so conditions were very tough, there was mud everywhere and the rocks were like ice!
The organisers had decided earlier in the year to raise the level of each class and it was very evident.
Like all of the Elite riders i struggled a lot on the first kap, the conditions caught us all out aswell as the length of each section. My riding improved a lot on the second lap and my score was a great deal lower than my first lap, I would still not say it was perfect, there was deffinitely rooom for inprovment, but with the conditions as they were you had to take what you could get as getting a 5 on any section was very easy.
I ended the day in 3rd behind Jack Carthy ( UCI World Elite No.3) and Sam Oliver. This was my goal for the day and I was really happy with the end result
20th March 2014 - Its been a busy month
March has been a pretty busy month for me, on Sunday the 2nd I went to Hook woods to take part in my first competition of the year, the Crowthorne Pre championship round. It was nice to get my first event done, it was also my first big ride on my new bike, it worked perfectly and I felt good on it all day. The day went well for me, my riding was good and I came away with the win which Is always a nice start! A few pictures of the competition can be found here - /crowthorne-pre-championship-round--march.html
Straight after the event I had to go home, wash my bike and pack my bags as I headed off to Spain the next morning!
Like last year, I was heading to Reinosa near Santander to meet up with Raul Gutierrez ( World biketrial No.5 & 2012 European champion) and Vasek Kolar ( World Biketrial No.2, UCI european No.4 & UCI World no.5) but this time we were training for 2 weeks! The region of Cantabria has so many amazing places to ride, all world level training areas. Over the fortnight we went to 6 different places, yet I know that there are still so many more. On the day I arrived It was....... raining! A massive storm hit the area, luckily however, for the rest of the trip we had bright sunshine!
Riding with these guys Is amazing, as they are both at the top of the sport and both have very different styles so It was great to learn from them as we trained. We all had our own specialty's, strength's and weaknesses so we all gained a lot from riding together.
We rode nearly every day, usually twice, at different locations, but when we did have time off we still filled the days in some interesting ways. On one day we travelled to Alto Campoo, the local ski resort to try Snow scooters! I had never been Skiiing or snowboarding before so it was all new to me however the Snow scooters were so fun to ride, I would recommend having a go!
On 2 other days off we were invited to the local school to take part in some interviews with the english classes. We spoke to different classes, from ages 12-18 and all of the students spoke great English, it was very impressive. We decided not too make a video from this years trip ( we were actually just too busy riding to set up and film!) but we got some great photos from across the two weeks, they can be found in the Gallery here - /spain-trip-march-2014.html
Straight after the event I had to go home, wash my bike and pack my bags as I headed off to Spain the next morning!
Like last year, I was heading to Reinosa near Santander to meet up with Raul Gutierrez ( World biketrial No.5 & 2012 European champion) and Vasek Kolar ( World Biketrial No.2, UCI european No.4 & UCI World no.5) but this time we were training for 2 weeks! The region of Cantabria has so many amazing places to ride, all world level training areas. Over the fortnight we went to 6 different places, yet I know that there are still so many more. On the day I arrived It was....... raining! A massive storm hit the area, luckily however, for the rest of the trip we had bright sunshine!
Riding with these guys Is amazing, as they are both at the top of the sport and both have very different styles so It was great to learn from them as we trained. We all had our own specialty's, strength's and weaknesses so we all gained a lot from riding together.
We rode nearly every day, usually twice, at different locations, but when we did have time off we still filled the days in some interesting ways. On one day we travelled to Alto Campoo, the local ski resort to try Snow scooters! I had never been Skiiing or snowboarding before so it was all new to me however the Snow scooters were so fun to ride, I would recommend having a go!
On 2 other days off we were invited to the local school to take part in some interviews with the english classes. We spoke to different classes, from ages 12-18 and all of the students spoke great English, it was very impressive. We decided not too make a video from this years trip ( we were actually just too busy riding to set up and film!) but we got some great photos from across the two weeks, they can be found in the Gallery here - /spain-trip-march-2014.html
28th February 2014 - Having a Blast!
A couple of weeks ago I picked up my new bike from 54sport.co.uk. I will be riding the new Inpulse Blast, the latest model from the Inpulse Brand. This bike is quite different in terms of geometry compared to my last few bikes, so I have had to spend time getting used to it, adjusting the set up to get it feeling right, I am not 100% gelled wit hit yet, however change is always good and I'm sure the geo tweaks will help me, as will the improved weight ( Frame is just under 1kg lighter than my previous one!) Pictures of the new bike are below!
I am looking forward to getting the season kicked off this weekend at the crowthorne pre championship at Hook woods, following that, I will be flying out to Spain on Monday to meet up with Raul Gutierrez and Vasek Kolar from 2 weeks of amazing training! Really looking forward to this, we made a similar 10 day trip happen last year and it was brilliant, lots of fun and valuable training for the year. Check out Vasha's great video from last year -
I am looking forward to getting the season kicked off this weekend at the crowthorne pre championship at Hook woods, following that, I will be flying out to Spain on Monday to meet up with Raul Gutierrez and Vasek Kolar from 2 weeks of amazing training! Really looking forward to this, we made a similar 10 day trip happen last year and it was brilliant, lots of fun and valuable training for the year. Check out Vasha's great video from last year -
8th February 2014
I've had a few technical difficulties with my computer recently so all of my recent updates have been delayed, but here is the first one - I will be riding for KENNY RACING EQUIPMENT In 2014!
Kenny are makers of high quality MX, Moto trial and MTB Kit. They currently sponsor such riders and Dakar star Cyril Despres, French Downhill legend Cedric Gracia and FMX rider Remi Bizouard, I am very proud to be joining such a great team.
I am currently using clothing and equipment from their 'Performance' and 'UP' MTB ranges as well products from their Motorcycle trial and casual wear ranges.
Please visit www.kenny-racing.com to find out more about them and view their awesome products!
A couple of weeks ago Baselayer sent me some new products for 2014. They sent over the latest version of 2XU'S Baselayer compression tights, I used these throughout 2013 and was very impressed with the quality and the durability of them as well as the obvious performance benefits I found when using them - Personally I found them great when using them during and after a long days riding/competition.They also sent me the 2XU PWX Perform active short sleeve compression Tee. This is something I have been looking for a while and am really looking forward to using it, especially during long summer rides and during hard gym sessions.
"The use of the 2XU® trademark graduated compression fabrication with the unique "Circular Knit" weave ensures the even compression is achieved from the torso through the biceps to maximise venous return. Ideal for extreme gym workouts with high arm usage.Removal of Lactic Acid build up and a reduction is DOMS syndrome (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) from athletic endurance, is as always, a key feature of the 2XU® Performance Compression"
Big thank you to Phil@baselayer for sorting these out for me!
Baselayer have a huge range of products for all sports and the staff are all very knowledgable and helpfull, give them a try at www.baselayer.co.uk
Kenny are makers of high quality MX, Moto trial and MTB Kit. They currently sponsor such riders and Dakar star Cyril Despres, French Downhill legend Cedric Gracia and FMX rider Remi Bizouard, I am very proud to be joining such a great team.
I am currently using clothing and equipment from their 'Performance' and 'UP' MTB ranges as well products from their Motorcycle trial and casual wear ranges.
Please visit www.kenny-racing.com to find out more about them and view their awesome products!
A couple of weeks ago Baselayer sent me some new products for 2014. They sent over the latest version of 2XU'S Baselayer compression tights, I used these throughout 2013 and was very impressed with the quality and the durability of them as well as the obvious performance benefits I found when using them - Personally I found them great when using them during and after a long days riding/competition.They also sent me the 2XU PWX Perform active short sleeve compression Tee. This is something I have been looking for a while and am really looking forward to using it, especially during long summer rides and during hard gym sessions.
"The use of the 2XU® trademark graduated compression fabrication with the unique "Circular Knit" weave ensures the even compression is achieved from the torso through the biceps to maximise venous return. Ideal for extreme gym workouts with high arm usage.Removal of Lactic Acid build up and a reduction is DOMS syndrome (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) from athletic endurance, is as always, a key feature of the 2XU® Performance Compression"
Big thank you to Phil@baselayer for sorting these out for me!
Baselayer have a huge range of products for all sports and the staff are all very knowledgable and helpfull, give them a try at www.baselayer.co.uk
7th January 2014
Yesterday I traveled Into central London to Visit the Google/YouTube UK headquarters. I was there to take part in a video shoot and interview for one of my sponsors Bio Synergy, who are launching their new Youtube channel soon.
It was great to visit and film in the Youtube studios, its a really interesting place. Whilst there I had a really nice interview, talking about my career In trials and we also filmed some trials moves on a super slow mo camera,very cool!
Keep an eye out on the Bio synergy website for news of the video and other great things Bio have going on in 2014!
It was great to visit and film in the Youtube studios, its a really interesting place. Whilst there I had a really nice interview, talking about my career In trials and we also filmed some trials moves on a super slow mo camera,very cool!
Keep an eye out on the Bio synergy website for news of the video and other great things Bio have going on in 2014!
2nd January 2014 -Hello 2014!
Happy new year everyone! I hope Christmas and new year went well and it didn't interrupt peoples training too much ( I only put on about 2 stone!)
As its the new year I just wanted to do my thanks you's for 2013. As usual so many people have helped me out through the year and It has been a great year, with some memorable events and trips.
First of all, I would like to thank all of my awesome loyal sponsors who are all amazing! I am grateful for all of the support they give me and the help they pass along to me.
Buff
Plain Lazy
Bio Synergy
Natural Hero
TSG
TNN
Factory Pink
Baselayer
Green Oil
KentSport
Marsh Academy Leisure Centre
Next I would like to say all the people who have helped me with travelling to events, training trips, invited me on rides, helped at competitions, without you guys I would be nowhere! Robin,Adam and Gill Morewood, The roll's family, Andrei Burton, Raul Gutierrez, Vasha Kolar, Simon Whitby, Nick manning, Joe Maher and anyone else ( I have a very poor memory) Thank you! Ofcourse last but not least, Mr Vaughan Wilson and Mrs Beverly Wilson aka mum and dad :)
2014 is already Looking good and I have some big announcements coming soon :)
As its the new year I just wanted to do my thanks you's for 2013. As usual so many people have helped me out through the year and It has been a great year, with some memorable events and trips.
First of all, I would like to thank all of my awesome loyal sponsors who are all amazing! I am grateful for all of the support they give me and the help they pass along to me.
Buff
Plain Lazy
Bio Synergy
Natural Hero
TSG
TNN
Factory Pink
Baselayer
Green Oil
KentSport
Marsh Academy Leisure Centre
Next I would like to say all the people who have helped me with travelling to events, training trips, invited me on rides, helped at competitions, without you guys I would be nowhere! Robin,Adam and Gill Morewood, The roll's family, Andrei Burton, Raul Gutierrez, Vasha Kolar, Simon Whitby, Nick manning, Joe Maher and anyone else ( I have a very poor memory) Thank you! Ofcourse last but not least, Mr Vaughan Wilson and Mrs Beverly Wilson aka mum and dad :)
2014 is already Looking good and I have some big announcements coming soon :)
12th November 2013
It was my final event of the season at the weekend, the end of year Crowthorne club Fun trial.
hThis was a one off, end of year 'party' - a nice trial with a BBQ and the 2013 championship awards to be handed out.
The competition itself was good, it was a very cold, rainy morning meaning the sections were slippery and tricky all day. However they were laid out very well and really fun to ride, everyone had a top days riding!
At the end of the competition I was able to collect my 2013 Club champion's trophy. Very proud of this and would like to say a massive thank you the Crowthorne Cycle trials club for all of their hard work in 2013
www.crowthorne-ct.co.uk
hThis was a one off, end of year 'party' - a nice trial with a BBQ and the 2013 championship awards to be handed out.
The competition itself was good, it was a very cold, rainy morning meaning the sections were slippery and tricky all day. However they were laid out very well and really fun to ride, everyone had a top days riding!
At the end of the competition I was able to collect my 2013 Club champion's trophy. Very proud of this and would like to say a massive thank you the Crowthorne Cycle trials club for all of their hard work in 2013
www.crowthorne-ct.co.uk
27th October 2013 -
Last night I made a quick little video, It’s been about 2 years since I made a video an I want to start making more again next year, so just wanted to get my editing program set up, see if I could remember how to use it and just make sure I could get video onto my computer, into the editing software and onto the web without too many problems......... There were a few hitches and things aren't perfect but they are working.
I had 1 or 2 clips from my camera and the rest were taken by my dad when he was testing the camera out on his new Windows Tablet, No real decent lines or big moves, just general easy moves, warm up/end of day stuff. All filmed at Wellington rocks, Tunbridge wells.
Made in 25 min, between Tv and Simpsons tapped out :)
I had 1 or 2 clips from my camera and the rest were taken by my dad when he was testing the camera out on his new Windows Tablet, No real decent lines or big moves, just general easy moves, warm up/end of day stuff. All filmed at Wellington rocks, Tunbridge wells.
Made in 25 min, between Tv and Simpsons tapped out :)
I had a great delivery from my new sponsors TNN this week - A nice big batch of TNN Green and Black pads! I've already been using the LGM/Green's this year and love them, I'm really looking forward to testing out the Black pads in 2014 - Thank you TNN! -www.tnnbikes.com
10th October 2013 - NEW SPONSOR! TNN BIKES!
I am very pleased to announce that I am now sponsored by TNN bikes!
TNN are makers of great trials accessories and parts and are most well known for making the best brake pads around!
I have been using the TNN LGM/Green pads for the last 2 years and absolutely love them! They are the best brake pads I have ever used, they are able to handle all conditions and work at 100% on both harsh and worn grinds. In addition to the LGM/Green pads, I am also being sent over the new ADM/ Black pads, heard some really nice reviews of these, cant wait to test them out!
I am really looking forward to working with TNN in the future and seeing what other great ideas they come up with in 2014
Thank you TNN!
Check out the entire TNN range at www.tnnbikes.com
TNN are makers of great trials accessories and parts and are most well known for making the best brake pads around!
I have been using the TNN LGM/Green pads for the last 2 years and absolutely love them! They are the best brake pads I have ever used, they are able to handle all conditions and work at 100% on both harsh and worn grinds. In addition to the LGM/Green pads, I am also being sent over the new ADM/ Black pads, heard some really nice reviews of these, cant wait to test them out!
I am really looking forward to working with TNN in the future and seeing what other great ideas they come up with in 2014
Thank you TNN!
Check out the entire TNN range at www.tnnbikes.com
