Italian Domestic Trials San Marino - Dabill
 Reigning
European champion James Dabill was narrowly defeated at the
second round of the Italian domestic series held in San Marino.
Dabill lost out to his team mate Lenzi by just a single mark,
in what proved to be not the best of days for the young Yorkshireman.
However despite finishing as runner up on the day, James
keeps his Future TRW Montesa Cota 4RT at the head of the overall
standings. His nearest rival Maurino, who was second at the
opening round came home in a lowly sixth position this time
out, thus allowing Lenzi to now move behind Dabill in the
championship table.
Using a similar course to that which was ridden when the
World championship visited the small principality back in
1997, the trial proved to be of suitable severity for its
status. The majority of the ten sections were on dry bankings,
the remainder of the lap included two sections in a limestone
stream and three man made hazards, all of which were tackled
three times.
After a slow first lap that saw Dabill trail his tea mate
by five marks, James begun his fight back on the second lap
and arrived at the final hazard in single figures to be within
touching distance of the lead. However all his hard work earlier
in the lap was lost when his hand slipped off the handlebar,
which resulted in a very unwanted maximum.
Down, but not out Dabill posted the best score of any rider
on his final lap as he completed his last tour for a mere
five marks. This appeared to be enough to give James the win,
but two time penalties would prove otherwise and decisive,
as he lost out by just one mark as the final results were
posted.
Dabill stated. “I did not start the day well, and although
I managed to close the gap over the next two laps, it was
just not enough. I was not happy with my riding this morning,
but thankfully I improved as the day wore on. It’s not
been a great day, but second is not a disaster in terms of
the championship, as at least I am still leading overall.”
James will make the long trip to Guatemala on Tuesday of
this week, ready for the next round of the World outdoor championship,
in which he recorded a fantastic sixth place at the opening
GP in Spain two weeks ago.
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