By Isle of Wight Observer
The first round of the 2025 Isle of Wight Motorcycle Club Winter Championship has taken place at Sweetwater Brook.
Tom Richards was the lone Expert competitor, dropping just two marks as he starts his defence of his championship crown.
Fresh from taking part in his first rally at Brands Hatch the previous day, Freddie Death took first place in the Intermediate class, with a loss of 28. Rob Baker was second on 47, with Riley True taking third on 63.
In the Clubman class, Alan Gosden gave a solid performance to take the win with 32 marks. Sam Jurich was hot on his heels in second, just two points behind on 34. Tristan Osborne on 43 took third place.
Steve Jacobs took a strong win from Damien Rajasingam in the Novices, losing 83 to Damien’s 151.
Three riders took on the Open C, with Nick Symes dropping 20 to take top spot, with Mike True second on 42. Geoff Taylor retired after four sections with a minor back injury.
Geoff’s younger brother, Mike, made a welcome return to trials and won in the non-championship Sportsman class, losing 39, with Kev Smith second on 63.
Rob Payne pipped Dave Elford to first place in the Adult Easy class, losing 34 to Dave’s 41.
Four Youth riders competed. Leo Death had a very consistent ride to take the win in the Youth Novice with a score of 56, whilst Riley Baker wasn’t far behind on 62, to take second from Blake Buggy on 75.
Blake’s younger brother, Jago, made a valiant start to the trial as the sole competitor in Youth E but had to retire.
Round Two takes place on February 2, at Knighton sand pit.