Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

TRIAL DE LES NACIONS in the water with their pants and sleeves rolled up, searching for Colley's lost card. It was not to be found, however, and Colley proceeded without a card. "The section checker radioed and asked if I could ride on without it," said Colley. "Codina said it was okay. I was worried for a bit." As a back-up system, each section checker kept track of each rider's scores. Italy sat only a few marks back wit h 58, and had high hopes of topping th e English team. "We must ride well to make second," said Bosis. "No mistakes on lap two." The American squad finished the first loop with 208. Loop two saw the Spaniards tighten their grip on the victory, as each of the four riders remained incredibly consistent. Tarres turned in a eight-point loop, while Pons improved h is score and turned in a seven. Colomer remained consistent with another 12. Garcia chalked up 12- and 17-point loop scores, but the fact that his scores were thrown out didn't faze the 2D-yearold. "This is the first time that I have won any title," he said. "I was very honored and happy to be selected for the team this year. My first loop was good, but I began to get a little tired - both physically and mentally - on the second lap." "It was important for Spain to win this year," said Tarres. "This event is close to our home, and many of our friends are here. After my five on the first loop, I began to ride better. Pons rode well, and he deserves the win. After the last section, I was congratulated for winning the trial, but I lost il on time." , Pons was thrilled 10 be th e overall winner, but more importantly - happy for h is learn. "I am very happy about the title, but more happy for the team championship. This is my third title with the team, but my first big overa ll win. I will try to keep my momentum and win the remaining three Spanish Nationals." Team manager Bilbao was conspicuously absent from the trophy ceremony, as he spent a good part of the day in the local police station. Towards the end of the first Team Manager Martin Belair Minneapolis, Minnesota Age: 39 Career highlights: 9th in 1974' National Cha mpionsh ip Series, 13th at Pennsylvania World Round, 2nd at 1976 Galifa Spanish National, winner of SpecialIst Class Award at 1974 Scottish Six Days Trial. "I was impressed by the world -class organization of the event. My boys rode great. They showed a lot of spirit an d they fought hard in each section. They worked as a team, and they put their individual pride aside. It was a complete honor being picked as team manager." 14 Rider Lonny Hallsted Port land, Oregon Age: 19 Career highl igh ts: 6th in 1994 National Championship Series, 3rd at 1993 Washington National, 1993 Oregon Stale Champion. Sponsors: Tryals Shop Montesa, Starman Productions, Powerbar, Axo Sport America, Renthal, Calfer, Sudco, Pirelli, Silkolene, Arrow, Shoei. "The event was pretty easy, bul there were four or five sections that were beyond our skill levels . This was my first year on the American team, and it was an honor to represen t my country. I was prou d to rep resent the U.S. The trials was bitchin'." • Jess Kempkes ~ '" Andy'Saum . Bilbao attempted to ride backwards loop, on the public accessloop - a definite no no. He was slopped by an Andorran police officer, and after being denied passage, made a smart comment that was overheard by the officer. When asked for his identification, Bilbao reportedly clutched his crotch and replied, "Here's my ID." He was detained for several hours, and forced 10 apologize to the officer before being released later that evening. Great Britain remained consistent in their scores, bu t needed a truly spectacula r second loop to chall enge the Rider AndySaum Mesa, Arizona Age: 28 . Career highlights: Member of 1988 USA Tria ls des Nat ions Team, 3rd and 4th at 1993 Texas National, Six-lime Arizona State Champion,10th in 1994 National Championship Series, winner of 1986 Ute Cup Trial. Sponsors: Hard Rock Trials Supply, Shoei. "It was a thrill getting to come to Spain and ride for the U.S., and to ride and interact with the other learns. I enjoyed the event, as man y of the sections were very ridable. The variety of terrain made it one of the best trials that I ha ve ever ridden." Rider Ma tt Moore Sap ulpa, Oklahoma Age: 15 Career high lights: 1993 High School National Champion, 81h in 1994 National Championship Series Sponso rs: Gas Gas USA, Moore's Body Shop, MotoMex, Rising Sun Imports, · Arrow, Shoei, M&J Sales. "I was pretty nervous before the event, but once I got going, I started to loosen up. The whole event was a big learning experience. I rode pretty well, but made a couple of dumb mistakes. It was great to be picked for the team ." Rider Jess Kempkes Lincoln, Nebraska Age: 17 Career highlights: 1992 High School National Champion, 4th in 1993 National Championship Series, 4th in 1994 National Championship. Sponsors: Rising Sun Imports, Gas Gas USA, Gaerne, Arro w, Shoei. "This was my second year on the TdN team. I learned this year that I can ride w ith the best Americans, instead of . aga inst th em. I saw a lot of di ffer ent riding styles, and learned quite a bit. I had a lot of fun, and gol to know the guys better."

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