THE Auto Cycle Union has selected 13 young British trials riders for the national training programme and they will all receive a level of tuition and support comparable with that accorded by the Spanish Federation to their young riders.

Five girls, headed by Maria Conway and Donna Fox will line up with eight youths which includes 16 year-old James Dabill, from Cookridge, and 18 year-old Edward McIntosh from Guiseley.

Dabill has blazed a trail through all youth classes and is tipped for the top this year when he goes into adult age group events. Edward started in the sport nine years ago, like all others, on a Yamaha TY80, the unmatched machine for all beginners, even years after it ceased flowing off the production line.

McIntosh, the guitar playing, BMX and Monty bike exponent burst onto the northern trials scene two years ago from virtually nowhere and closed down 2002 with fifth place in the Experts series, a win in the West of England qualifier, and third at the Red Rose Trial.

The best result for him was that coveted Silver Spoon in the Scott Trial in October. A Scott Spoon is one of the prized awards in the British Isles, only a win in the Scott or a Gold Spoon tops a silver version.

An indication that both riders have 'arrived' is when top national and international northerners start watching the two teenagers, and asking what their scores are in any Yorkshire contest.

That alone is the pointer to the formbook, and, the surveillance has been going on all last year and re-started at the Ilkley New Year trial.

McIntosh dominated the first Yeadon-Guiseley MC closed trial at rain swept Addingham Moorside on Sunday beating some high class northern riders over a 12 section Mel Harrison devised trials course.

Top Lancashire rider Shaun Morris was the main victim after failing the tough ninth section on the first lap. This was a section that Edward had inspected closely before the event started and where only novice winner James Dabill, Boyd Webster, Scott Inman and Sheffield's Lee Sampson cleared without penalty.

Fifteen year old Joe Dabill really hit top form winning the clubman class with a cracking ride that almost shaded his older brother James. Joe, nicknamed 'Bomber' was a very clear overall winner of the 60 strong class which included adults and youths.

Burley youth Edward Haley took the small wheel class on his Beta machine riding a shorter and separate course to the adults.

Lampkin loses control

Dougie Lampkin cartwheeled his Radson Montesa out of the grand final on Saturday night in the Marseille Arena when he lost control of his factory machine in the final speed decider that produced the winner of round four of the F.I.M. World Indoor Arena trials contest.

Dougie was just ahead of challenger, and eventual winner Adam Raga when the Montesa front wheel just tucked under and hurled Lampkin onto the arena floor.

It was a mild qualifier with low scores. Six easy sections cost Lampkin two marks and two time penalties beaten by Albert Cabestany who lost marks on the fifth section where winner Raga lost a single mark. Raga was sharp in the two man final until the Lampkin crash.

His form has put Lampkin under pressure and now only a single championship points splits the pair with the Silsden rider just heading the series. Graham Jarvis again missed the final but is still in sixth place in the overall ranks.

The next event in the series is a tough prospect, Barcelona, where the Spaniards will be backed to the hilt by the bike crazy supporters who will have their air horns and firecrackers fully charged for February 2.

Gaunt wins

Stone merchant Neil Gaunt won the Inter class in the Horsforth trial at Home Farm, Tong, but the top performer and novice winner was James Lovell from Robin Harker and Howard Gulley.

Ben Robinson took the youth class while the top over 40 winner was Mick Kettlewell.

Harewood Hillclimb dates

Pat Kenyon, Press and Entries Secretary for the British Automobile Racing Club, has released the hillclimb dates for Harewood Speed events this year at Stockton Farm.

The venue will open for a practice day on March 30 followed by a season opener, the traditional Spring National meeting, on April 13. The M.S.A British championship runs on July 5 and 6. Nine meetings are on line, including the Thomson Trophy, Montague Burton, Greenwood Cup and Mike Wilson Memorial which wraps Harewood action on September 14.