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Sheppard second in Devon

Beta rider Jack Sheppard made up for missing the opening round of the 2011 ACU British Trials Championship this weekend as he took a hard fought runners up spot at the second round of the series held in Lustleigh, Devon. Having previously only ridden his World Championship factory Beta machine once before, seventeen year old Sheppard started cautiously, dropping sixteen marks on his first lap.

“As I missed the opening round of the championship this was always going to be an important event for me and overall I’m satisfied with my performance, but not with my result. I’d only had limited time on the bike before, but had every confidence it would perform well and it did just that. My first lap was okay, but I made a few silly mistakes causing me to drop more marks than I’d have liked,” said Sheppard.

The ever-changing Devonshire weather proved to make things interesting for the riders and at the start of Jack’s second lap the heavens opened. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jack pushed hard through the tough conditions and increasingly slippery sections to produce an impressive second tour – dropping only seven marks in the process. Having now settled into his stride Sheppard tried his best to stay feet up wherever possible in order to stay within touching distance of eventual winner James Fry.

“My second lap was much better than my first – my nerves had settled and I started enjoying the event more as the day went on. The weather obviously played a huge part of the day and had it have stayed dry the results may have been different, but that’s life I guess. Even though the ground got pretty slippery in places the sections were still rideable – the club did a fantastic job of making a technical yet enjoyable trial,” continued the Beta teamster.

Entering his third and final lap on twenty-three marks Jack knew he would have to produce something special if he was going to take the lead from Fry who held the lead by one mark. Once again it was a combination of a few small mistakes and changing weather conditions which saw him drop an unlucky thirteen marks, which left him in second place overall.

“This was the first real domestic test of the year and I’m happy enough with the outcome. The scores at the end were close – James (Fry) took the win by only four marks and I’m confident I can be better that at the next round. My new bike feels awesome and was brilliant in the wet conditions. I feel fit and I’m eager to prove my ability – I know I have what it takes to win.” concluded Jack

Sheppard now sits sixth in the general standings despite missing the opening round. Jack has a real chance of making up the eighteen point deficit on joint series leaders Fry and Wiggins if he can dominate the six remaining and counting events.

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