Keighley kid, Myles Hutchinson, 10 was crowned British Trials Champion this weekend. He collected his trophy at the National Motorcycle Museum from World Champion Emma Bristow, in front of a room of his peers. Following lunch for 300 guests, Myles returned to the venue with his family for the black-tie evening ceremony.
Undefeated all season, the youngster took maximum points, after finishing on the top spot of the podium at every round. The eight-round, ACU championship took in the four corners of the UK and included events in Devon, Scotland, Isle-of Man, Yorkshire and the Midlands.
Riding an electric trials bike, the OSET 24.0 is lighter than its petrol counterparts. Frazer Hutchinson, Myles’ dad, said: “We are exceptionally proud of Myles’ achievement. He’s been riding an OSET since he was four years old, and to become British Champion, is an accomplishment he will carry with him through his life.”
For those of you not old enough to remember Kick Start, trials riding is the art of riding a motorbike over obstacles without putting your feet down (you get a mark for every time you do). It’s designed to test balance, control and skill. A British National youth round typically involves around a 1 mile course with 12 sections ridden in three laps, with a time limit of around five hours.
Frazer added: “It’s a long day that’s physically and mentally tough. Walking each section to plan a route, know where you’re going to position the bike and how to ride different terrain and obstacles is demanding. Not only that invariably, you’re doing it in front of your nearest competitors, parents and other riders , all while being observed by an independent adjudicator. To perform under that scrutiny and pressure at every round is remarkable!”
His local trials club is Bradford DMC, home of legendary trials rider Dougie Lampkin. Looking to the season ahead, Myles, said: ”I’ll be moving up to harder level this year. Bigger obstacles, more technical moves and bigger kids! Last year was brilliant and I love riding the OSET, but there’s a lot to learn this year!”
Supported by Colin Appleyard, Myles plans to take part in the British Championship again in 2017. Kevin Feeney from the motorcycle dealership in Keighley, said: “We’re all delighted for Myles. We’ve supported him for a few years now and his riding goes from strength to strength. He is extremally focused and very competitive, which has resulted in him achieving the highest award possible in the UK!”
Frazer finished: “We started riding local OSET Cup events aimed at absolute beginners and just six years later, having followed a sport he loves, he is now British champion! If anyone is interested in getting involved in the sport, you can start riding as young as four on an electric bike. The OSETs are great as you can practice in your back garden without annoying the neighbours. Not only that they are very safe too – no hot parts and you can turn the speed, and power up and down to suit ability. We’re lucky in Yorkshire as we have events virtually every weekend where we can compete or practice.”
