Bangor all set to host round two of the 2008 FIM SPEA Trial
World Championship
With just over two weeks to go, the final preparations are
now well underway for the Grand Prix of Ireland, which will
form the second round of the 2008 FIM SPEA Trial World Championship.
The event that will take place over the weekend of the 5th
and 6th of April, will also have the honour of hosting the
opening round of the European series on Saturday, prior to
Sunday’s World competition. The seaside town of Bangor
last welcomed the World championship back in 2003 and 2004,
when it was widely recognised as one of the best rounds of
the series on both occasions.
The waterside location is totally unique and offers spectators
unrivalled access to all elements of the event, which will
ensure they enjoy what promises to be two days of top trials
action. The beautiful Bangor marina, found at the lower end
of the town’s main shopping street will once again house
the rider’s paddock area and all of the events main
facilities. Grandstand seating in the Clock Tower arena will
provide visitors with a clear view of the manmade first and
last sections, plus the start and finish stage.
From here spectators can keep up with the action as it unfolds
by following the tarmac coastal path that extends the full
length of the course. Sections two and three are only a short
walk from the paddock, the next pair of hazards are only another
brief stroll from this point before the trial turns away from
the sea into Stricklands Glen. This will be one of the main
spectator groups, with the steep sided wooded ravine hosting
no less than six hazards on this occasion. The riders will
then head further along the coast for the final two outward-bound
sections before turning for home and the crowds who will no
doubt be packing the grandstands.
Britain’s very own Dougie Lampkin will be looking to
repeat the successes he achieved in Bangor in both 2003 and
2004. The now thirty two year old remains in search of his
100th Grand Prix victory, and would so dearly love to achieve
it at an event he will consider as home ground in the absence
of a World trial on the UK mainland this year. Having endured
a difficult campaign during the recent Indoor World series,
Lampkin will be looking to restore both himself and the factory
two stroke Beta amongst the front runners as the title fight
shifts outdoors. Bangor will mark Dougie’s first competitive
UK appearance since rejoining the Italian team over the winter
period.
Bangor sits within easy travel distance of Belfast, which
has great links to the UK mainland both by air and sea. The
two Belfast airports, International and the closer City facility,
enjoy regular flights provided by several low cost operators.
In addition to this, discounted ferry rates have been negotiated
specifically for this event through a local travel agent.
Add to this the fact that Bangor and its surrounding Borough
has so much to see and offer all the family, and you will
understand why this is a must not miss event.
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