The local trials’ flagship event was “arguably the best yet” as 100 riders from across the UK descended on St Peter’s Valley for The Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Club’s Versus Finance 2 Day Trial.
The gruelling weekend tested competitors’ strength, endurance and the reliability of their machine to overcome six hours of energy-sapping sections each day.
The Sherco Factory Team made a special guest appearance this year with some of the UK’s top riders, including ten-time Women’s World Champion Emma Bristow, who won the highest-placed female award at this year’s 2 Day Trial.
“This was my third Jersey 2 Day trial and it was definitely the best edition I’ve ridden,” she said.
“What makes this trial unique are the incredible views and the welcoming atmosphere from the local club, organisers, observers, and spectators.
“It was great to have some challenging sections throughout the weekend and it was obvious how much hard work and planning that had gone into making it such a successful event. Thank you Jersey, we will be back.”
Such was the talent across the field, the overall victory saw an enthralling battle between a pair of the top UK riders.
The 2024 FIM Trial2 World Champion Jack Peace (Sherco Factory Team) would take top spot, dropping just four points across the entire two days.
He would narrowly edge out 2023 Trial2 World Champion Billy Green.
Peace was full of praise stating: “It was a brilliant atmosphere and trail. I’m really looking forward to coming back next year.”
Meanwhile, the returning Green echoed Peace’s sentiments.
“Coming out to Jersey for their 2 Day Trial is always a pleasure as the club is very enthusiastic and puts a lot of effort into it.
“The Island is a beautiful place for a trials event and has great terrain also.
“It’s great to see so many people coming over from the mainland to support the event. Well done to all.”
The best Jersey rider award went to Richard Pallot in the expert class, a class in which all the homegrown riders impressed, with certain tricky sections way above their stations.
Despite the challenge, the Caesareans dug deep all weekend.
Elsewhere, the best Over 40s award was won by local legend Lee Rogan, and best Jersey rider in the Clubman-Expert class went to Thomas Mollet, who was undoubtedly aided by some wise words from his very experienced father Paul.
The Clubman/B Route class was taken by Yeovale’s Toby Fry, who just pipped Jersey’s own trials stalwart Glen Hamel, who in previous years has seemed untouchable in the class.
Hamel would secure the best Over-60s award, with Jersey’s top Beach Trial rider Ryan Gregory just behind, with Steven Willis a further point adrift.
Meanwhile, the Novice plus/C+ route was won by Yeovale’s Richard Fry, but not far behind was Jersey’s very own Sammy Miller, with Paul Le Rougetel clinching third place on the podium.
Terry Gibaut followed, just ahead of Robert Pallot who laid claim to the Best Twinshock award, marking two top awards for the Pallot household in the year, a fact of which his father Tony would be very proud.
The Novice C Route class saw a full Caesarean podium this year.
First, with a combined score across both days of 28, was Gary White, who took the JMC&LCC Novice Award.
Second went to John Philpott on a respectable 42 marks, followed closely by Garry Beardshall.
The JMC&LCC extended their thanks to all of the sponsors, as well as the organisers, observers, committee and spectators for making the event possible.
The famed 2 Day Trial is set to return this time next year, but the club has promised some new surprises are in store for 2025.
The next club trial event is set to be held at Griffith’s Woods on 24 November, with spectators and children welcome.
