Scottish Six Day Trial - James Dabill
01-06/05/06
Fort William, Scotland
After five testing days at an event that remains one of
the most prestigious in the International trials calendar,
James Dabill saw his chances of a podium finish cruelly slip
away on the sixth and final day.
Dabill went into day six of the Scottish six day trial in
second place having spent the week climbing the leader board
with some mature riding, but a mis-calculation on his own
behalf with his route card saw him incur unnecessary time
penalties that would eventually force him down to a disappointing
sixth place.
A loss of only four marks during the opening day left James
down in eleventh position, but two more days with just a three
mark loss on each saw him rise to sixth place at the halfway
point in this gruelling competition that covers an average
of one hundred miles per day in the Scottish highlands.
Having fought his way through strong winds and driving rain
that caused exceptionally high water levels in many of the
stream sections, Dabill posted his best score with just a
single mark loss on day four, the longest of the trial, to
move into second place and close in on leader and eventual
winner Jarvis.
In contrast day five brought James’ highest observation
score as he recorded his only five of the week in his daily
tally of nine marks.
Despite this Dabill went into day six in second place and
with every chance of finishing on the podium at worst. However
fourteen time penalties to add to his four dabs would prove
to be his undoing, as he learned a sporting lesson in the
cruellest fashion.
“It is my mistake, so there is no way I can blame anyone
else apart from myself. I am utterly devestated, not just
for me, but for the rest of my team as we have worked hard
all week and thought we were at least going to be rewarded
with a good result for everyone’s efforts.”
“It is a lesson that I will not forget in a very long
time.”
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