Taynuilt teenager Euan Sim took to the slopes of Andorra, and the podium, for his FIM Trial GP World Championship debut on June 8 and 9.
Competing in rounds one and two of the Trial 3 class, the 15-year-old Oban High School student performed well on a course based 900 metres above sea level, at Sant Julià de Lòria.
With some sections rising a further 500 metres up the imposing Pyrenees slopes, Euan took third place on Saturday’s opening round, behind fellow Brit George Hemingway and French rider Romeo Piquet.
The following day Euan went one better, finishing second in the 21-strong field. Hemingway again finished top, with Piquet third.
Euan’s impressive debut means he sits second in the World Championships standings, with rounds three and four to be held in Valsassina, in the Italian Alps, this weekend before he heads back to the UK.
Further rounds in the Trial 3 championship will be held in Germany, Belgium and France during the summer.
Euan’s ascent to the World Championship comes three months after he signed for the Sherco team, riding its ST Factory 125 model under the experienced eyes of nine-time ladies world champion Emma Bristow and her
husband James Fry.
While his European exploits are putting him on an international stage, Euan continues to succeed in the British Youth Trials Championships.
Prior to departing for Andorra, he finished first in rounds three and four, held in Scarborough in mid-May, and again in round five at Hookwoods Trials Centre in Surrey on June 1.
These successes led to Euan qualifying for the ‘invited youth’ class of the Adult ACU Trial GB Championship on June 2.
Riding the expert route, Euan won his class with a score that would have placed him second overall in the adult competition, only a single point off the winner.
Speaking after his impressive Andorran debut, Euan said: “I came into this weekend with no expectations.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to get third on Saturday and second on the Sunday.
“All this wouldn’t be possible without James and Emma. I’d like to also thank my family, Sherco UK and Off Road Moto for this amazing opportunity.”
Euan also thanked his sponsors, without whom he could not travel to events: ABC4D Ltd, Argyll Building Contractor, Sinclair Plant, Highland Temporary Works, Colin Sloss Deer Control, Flit Oban, Coastal Campers
Oban, Scott Robertson Accident Repairs, 7even Construction Ltd, Pea Farm Off Road Centre, Bob MacGregor Trials Academy, Robin’s Nest Tearoom in Taynuilt, Lochaber & District Motorcycle Club and Loch Lomond Motorcycle Club.
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