PODIUM PERFECTION FOR OSET BIKES (Move over Rio….) 22 August 2016 – OSET Bikes has done it. British Champions again!
The Scottish double header saw the continued domination of the D-Class Small and Medium Wheels as George Hemingway and Myles Hutchinson secured the title ‘British Champion’ on their OSET 20.0R and OSET 24.0R.
George was joined by Toby Shaw and Jasper Fox who cannot be beaten in second and third respectively.
Dominic Horne has also delivered third place on his prototype OSET 24.0 after making the move up to C Medium Wheels, this year.
Ian Smith, founder of OSET Bikes, said: “The OSET Cup North has proved to be a significant breeding ground for the best riders in the UK over the last few years. If Olympic trainers discuss pathways to success, the OSET Cup in this area has a winning formula and as you look just a little way down the table you can see the Isle of Man and OSET Cup South have seen the blueprint and are following suit.”
Simon Armstrong who organises the OSET Cup North echoed that sentiment: “We have four routes absolute beginner through to elite and we work hard to bring and encourage our youngsters to have a go at more difficult and demanding obstacles. If you can ride through a course finishing on less than 15 dabs you are ready to move up. We also know it gives kids a real sense of achievement when they move up a level.”
Ian added: “A few years ago we were seen as a bit of a side show to the main event – not any more! Arguably the only bike in the small wheels championship worth riding is the OSET 20.0R as we make up over 90% of the field. In fact, 100% of the D class small wheels entry in Scotland were on OSETs.
“The OSET 24.0 is now proven championship winning bike. Myles has won every round to date – a potential maximum on the cards – an outstanding achievement! The production bikes will be available from November and we expect them to sell fast. Our machines help riders progress their technique as they step up to the bigger machine, they still enjoy all the responsiveness and light weight they had before but the bigger frame and wheels will enable them to tackle the next step, without losing confidence or technique.”
Dominic Horne had a storming year in C-Class medium wheels. A class that contains three former or existing British champions in Harry Turner, Harry Hemingway and Henry Stephenson was always going to be competitive. He said: “My aim was to try and get on the podium this year and to know that I’ve now got third is amazing - I am really, really happy.”
It was a stand-out performance by Oliver Smith. The 15 year old from Bexhill-on-Sea riding the OSET PR1 has secured a solid and unbeatable second place in the B-Class and has not been off the podium all year!
Ian, Oliver’s dad, said: “You know, OSET Bikes has grown up with Oliver and I’m delighted that he has helped pave the way for so many more youngsters to get into and ride the sport of trials competitively. I am super proud of him. A tremendous amount has come together this year for Oliver and to secure second place in the B-Class – against a rich vein of highly competitive and extremely able riders is a fantastic achievement!
“From a manufacturers perspective, we have a petrol bike performing at the highest national and international level and we’re delighted. Not only that, as our test rider he has an immediate hot line to me and of course he’s insanely honest which has proved invaluable as we’ve developed all our bikes.”
Huge thanks go to the organisers of the event which was held at the Bob McGregor Trials Academy. Two very tough days of trialling made harder by heavy rain on day one and consistent light showers on day two. A trial few will forget in a hurry, and one that tested many riders to the limits of their ability. After drying out, all those riders should feel very proud of themselves for competing what was arguable the toughest national of the year, in difficult conditions.
Simon said: “Those kids had to have guts to give some of those obstacles a go. But they all did it. And they will all be better riders for it!”
The Championship moves to Bracken Rocks in Derbyshire for the final round in October where former OSET Cup Champions and British Youth Champions, the two Harry’s will go head to head to decide the final winner in the C-Class medium wheels (again)! Nothing like a nail biter!
