Malcolm Rathmel

Sherco. "The word Alcatraz springs to mind when thinking about the world round at Hawkstone Park. The only difference is that people want to get out of Alcatraz but want to get into Hawkstone!

"Seriously, I hope that the problems of entrance to Hawkstone are sorted out this year or at least the reasons why people are not allowed in on the Friday are well publicised beforehand. After all, we are talking trials here, not MotoGP or Formula One.
"Well down to business. T+MX editor JD, in his wisdom, asked me to write a few words (600 actually) on my feelings regarding the world round at Hawkstone. Well every man to his own. I'm not very good at selling bikes but I'm bloody sure I'm better at selling than writing! Or maybe it's a ploy by JD because for sure the rubbish I write will be worse than the rubbish he writes! Have you ever read Page Three (and I'm not talking about the Sun)? Mind you, we'll both look good compared to Rappers! They should rename his column 'Rappers' Rubbish!'
"Hawkstone, as a rider, it's a place you love or hate. As a motocross rider (scrambler) I loved the place, as a trials rider I hated it. It must be crap as the only trial Pete Cartwright ever won was the British Experts at Hawkstone!
"Before I run out of words (I must be up to 400 by now) I had better answer JD's question. What do I thank of the world round at Hawkstone? For me as an importer it is a must. Firstly, to have a UK round of the world championship and, secondly, to have it on the mainland UK.
"Obviously a world round in the UK is the shop window for our industry where we as manufacturers and importers flaunt our products and riders, hoping for a good result so we can sell thousands of new bikes next year! Dream on - it never works - but hopefully it preaches the gospel to a few more people who don't know about trials.
"For sure it is 100 per cent more beneficial on the mainland than on Guernsey, Ireland or the Isle of Man. Don't get me wrong, the trials in Ireland and the Isle of Man were great events and were certainly more beneficial than not having a world round at all. There were great crowds at both events but mostly locals and we as importers sell very few bikes in these places. So yes, for sure, for me at least it's the mainland every time.
"Hawkstone as a venue is a tremendous place, central for travel, great for spectators, of which there will be many, good parking and good facilities (toilets!). We just need the good weather, a good British result and a win for Sherco (British). If all this happens I will have a great weekend!
"It only remains for me to wish all riders the very best of luck for the weekend. To all the spectators who bring such a brilliant atmosphere to this great event, have a really enjoyable sporting weekend. All we need now is some good Spanish weather!"