SHEPPARD WINS LAST GP OF SEASON

Round 8 - 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship
Kramolin - Czech Republic - 05/09/10

Jack Sheppard - Beta rounded out his 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship with a win at the final Grand Prix of the season held at Kramolin in the Czech Republic. This result secured second place in the series for Sheppard, with the seventeen year old becoming vice World champion during his first full year on the international stage. Dropping just nine marks over the two laps of fifteen sections, Jack was a clear winner on this ocassion, with his arch rival Pol Tarres having opted to ride up a class at the closing event with him having already claimed the title.

Heavy and sustained rain in the weeks before the trial meant the ground up the tress that encircled the ex Grand Prix motocross circuit was damp and often slippery as the mud dragged onto the boulders. After the initial inspection of the sections by the riders on Friday, the course was deemed too difficult and therefore the organisers along with the FIM agreed a series of changes that delivered a much easier trial come Sunday.

With Tarres out of the picture, the pressure was very much on Jack to conclude his runners up spot in the final standings with a win, and this fact looked to weigh heavy on his young shoulders as he began the day riding nervously. Despite not performing at his best Sheppard still did enough to take control of the trial finishing his first lap on seven marks, which was three clear of Carles Traviesa - Gas Gas.

Under clear blue skies and bright sunshine, Jack made the most of the drying conditions on this second and final lap, dropping a mere two marks over the fifteen tricky hazards. Sheppard's level of riding during the afternoon session left his rivals with no chance, his winning margin being some twelve marks despite the relativey easy competition.

The youngster from Suffolk has enjoyed an incredible full debut season at both European and World level, finishing as runner up in both championships at his first attempt. Sheppard has the opportunity to remain in the Youth class next year, with the Beta teamster still being restricted to a 125cc in 2011 due to his tender age. A decision regarding which class Jack will ride next season will be taken over the coming months after discussions with his team.

Speaking about his latest win Jack said. "It is definitely nice to finish off the year by winning the final round. Right up to yesterday afternoon it was not clear which class Tarres was going to ride, but in the end he chose to ride the Junior route. That part was a bit of a shame as I was looking forward to one final battle with him this year."

"Overall I am happy with how this year has gone. Obviously it would have been nice if I had actually managed to win either the European or World championship, but in the end it just didn't work out. I have learnt a lot from this season, and hopefully next year I will be stronger in some areas and can challenge for both titles once again." Sheppard concluded.

Jack will travel to Poland during the week with the Team Great Britain, and will assist at next weekend's Trial des Nations team event. Whilst not a memeber of the four rider squad this year, Sheppard will look to gain valuable experience from being with the team, for his hopeful inclusion in future years.

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