Alex Snow has raced at a world championship level in both motocross and enduro, and still keeps his hand in (he’s currently heading the British Enduro Championship!). But throughout his career, Snow has offered instruction to riders no matter their experience meaning that your riding will transform impressively – whatever the level you start at.

Alex Snow Off Road has a multitude of options to Get On The Gas, so whether you’re fresh to offroad or are looking for an unforgettable enduro experience in Tuscany, Alex Snow can offer you the perfect package – with plenty of options in between. These include;

• Test and Play Days – with five excellent sites available across the country – including an indoor winter venue – this is the perfect opportunity to test the GASGAS EC fleet of two and four stroke machines. Everyone level is catered for, including those who have never hit the dirt before – no license is needed.
• Guided Trail Rides – Choose between a brilliant one-day tour in beautiful mid-Wales or an epic two day tour in mid-Wales and Snowdonia. You’ll need a road license needed, but Alex Snow can take all levels of riders on a range of the best trails available.
• Fly and Ride – Looking to take your riding to another level abroad? Try a five-day (four day riding) holiday in Italy. This is a hassle-free package for customers to fly in and explore some of the best trail riding in the world in Tuscany.
• Intro Days – For kids and grown-ups, and operational alongside the Test and play days, Alex and his team can cater for those that have yet to have their first taste of offroad riding.
• Corporate and Private Days – Private days can be tailored and booked for selected parties wanting something exclusive to them. Want to make the ultimate corporate impression? A day in the dirt is an experience your clients will never forget.
• Bike Hire – Get on a GASGAS at selected practice and race days or any Alex Snow Racing training days.

So what are you waiting for? Head to alexsnowoffroad.com to see full details and dates of the tours and schools. Now is the time to explore offroad riding like never before.

And in the MX2 class, rookie Jay Hague showed he has incredible speed as he consistently ran in the top three in both races, although crashes in both motos unfortunately saw him drop down the leaderboard.
With MX1 rider Jake Nicholls following last-minute doctor’s orders to stay off the bike following injuries to his hand and shoulder due to a crash in training, it was left to 31-year-old Searle to uphold the team’s honour in the MX1 class.

Looking smooth and confident on the all-new 2021 Honda CRF450R, he set the fastest time in qualifying around the tough, hillside circuit on the banks of the river Thames. Although he didn’t quite snatch the holeshot in the opening moto, Searle came around the first lap in fourth place and set his sights on the men in front. He battled past Shaun Simpson but couldn’t quite reel in Evgeny Bobryshev and Dylan Walsh so took third.

Second time out Searle was quickly in third place, and battled hard with Walsh over runner-up spot. The pair fought long and hard, with Searle eventually making the pass and setting off in pursuit of leader Bobryshev. Searle caught up to the Russian on the final lap and came tantalisingly close to stealing the win but it wasn’t to be and he just missed out. But second place gave him second overall on the day.

Tommy Searle said: “I feel good and happy with the day. It’s a naughty track –  very tricky – but I really enjoyed it. Coming into today I would have been happy with third and second places. I could have done with better starts. But I felt good in both races.

“After finishing third in the first race I was feeling good for race two but when I was in third place I needed to get around Dylan Walsh faster than I did. I had him covered but he’s riding clever and I couldn’t get him. I finally passed him and put in some hot laps after that. I may have been able to put a push on Bobryshev but he was flawless all day. I’m really happy with the bike, and I feel good and I know what we need to do for the next round.”

In the MX2 class, team rookie Jay Hague was struggling with a chest infection that he feared might make him miss the event. But he battled on and in qualifying had a great ride, mixing it with many of the GP regulars to take fourth.

He made a great start in the opening race and was in third place until it was red-flagged to due a crash. The re-start saw the 23-year-old CRF250R rider get caught in the pack but he worked hard, coming through the field until he slipped off. He got back on and battled to finish ninth.

The second race saw Hague get another great start and he held a strong second place. But it was not to be as he crashed heavily down on of the track’s rutted hills and he was lucky to escape serious injury. He tried hard to continue but didn’t score points, leaving him 14th for the day.

Jay Hague said: “I’m feeling a bit sore after my crash but overall I’m happy with my speed both in qualifying and the races. I was sitting third in the first race which was red-flagged. In the restart I got a bad start and came through the field but dropped, and came back to ninth. In race two I was in second but had a tumble down the hill. It was one of those days where luck’s not on your side.

“But I’m definitely pleased with my speed. I wish I could have stayed on two wheels. Working with Dave Thorpe and the Crendon Fastrack Honda team has been a breath of fresh air for me, with riding advice and the amazing bike. And now I know I have the speed to run with the top guys.”

Team manager, triple world 500 champion Dave Thorpe, said: “After a whole year with no British championship, it feels so good to be back racing even though there were no spectators allowed at this first event. It was a great start to the season for Tommy, and I’m really happy with Jay’s pace and also his attitude. It was a difficult day for him as he had a chest infection, but he showed real determination and I know he’s going to have a great season.

“And of course the whole Crendon Fastrack Honda team were outstanding. With great work from the technical team of Ryan, Willy, Rob and Sam, I can’t thank them enough for their effort and professionalism. Roll on the next round at Lyng.”

The official inso says:

Our goal is simple… we want you to join us, get to know us, and try out our awesome range of bikes. The vibe for each event will be super-relaxed, one where you can take any of our motocross, enduro, or trial models for a ride – no stress, no pressure. Plus, we’ll also have our exciting all-new line-up of pedal-assist MTBs to try.

United in Dirt GASGAS Tour hits the road in Europe this summer
Ride our motocross, enduro, trial and pedal-assist MTBs in one day
Good times guaranteed in Summer 2021. We’ll see you there!

Open to riders of all ages and abilities, the United in Dirt GASGAS Tour is for everyone with a passion for two wheels and good times. You don’t even need to own a GASGAS or be a serious competitor to join in with the fun. We’re running these events to bring people together who share the same love for dirt bikes that we do, and to give you the opportunity to experience the GASGAS brand and our bikes.

A number of spaces for these epic days will be available through contests, held on our social media channels. To make sure you secure a spot at one of the events, you need to follow our Instagram and Facebook pages and follow the instructions on GASGAS.com to participate! Its super easy, register, participate in the social media challenge, and give it your all! We will announce the winners on our official social media channels. For those lucky enough to secure a spot, all you need to do is bring your riding gear and everything else will be taken care of by GASGAS.
 
We’ve scoured Europe to find the coolest riding spots for each stop of the tour, selecting venues with tracks and terrain suited to each bike in our line-up. So, whether you’re simply wanting to hit the motocross track for a few laps, or fancy heading into the woods for an hour to see what our enduro bikes are truly capable of, it’s entirely your choice. We’re not limiting you to any particular bike as we really want you to try out all of our awesome models and experience some new disciplines. Sounds fun, right?

Adding just a little more spice to the day, we’re not only bringing our petrol-powered bikes, but we’re also loading up another van stacked to the roof with our all-new range of pedal-assist MTBs! These bikes are created using cutting edge technology with purpose-built models to suit everyone, enabling riders to hit the trails and seek out fun and adventure.

Our team of GASGAS product experts will be on hand throughout the day and available to answer any questions, help out with anything that you might need from us, or simply to just give you product advice. This group of guys and girls really know their stuff when it comes to all things GASGAS, so don’t be afraid to find out what makes us tick and maybe, find out what’s coming next.

Alongside our GASGAS product experts, we’ll have brand ambassadors and GASGAS Riders in each stop of the tour. All riders are exceptionally skilled on two wheels and will be primed to offer advice to help you conquer a climb, get over a rock, or improve your general riding skills and to show you the super-fast way around the track!

And there’s more! Our friends over at WP Suspension will also be in attendance with a number of GASGAS bikes kitted out with their latest suspension components. For many, this may well be the only time to ride on the best suspension that money can buy.

The first year of the United in Dirt GASGAS Tour will see us visit the European countries of Spain, Italy, France, UK, Belgium, Germany, and Austria, with even more being added in 2022.

To confirm your attendance, find out how to participate on the GASGAS website.

“The fit of Race FX and Bihr together just made perfect sense,” said Irwin. “Race FX and Bihr have a number of brands in common – Race FX in the UK and Bihr on the Continent – and this transaction will allow us to get full access to both the off road and road distribution channels in the UK. This is great news for our customers and suppliers, and I am looking forward to a busy year ahead.”

“Welcoming Race FX into the Bihr group is a real opportunity for us to truly accelerate our deployment in the UK,” added Christophe Piron, CEO of Bihr. “Beyond the 34 brands currently distributed by Race FX and MotoDirect in the UK, the Brand and Product team of Bihr worked very hard last year to secure the distribution of 150 additional brands in the UK.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Race FX,” said Terry Birtles, Country Manager of Bihr UK. “The expertise of the Blackburn-based company in off-road rider gear together with parts and accessories distribution is critical for us. In the coming weeks, we will leverage the Blackburn warehouse to progressively introduce the newly distributed products in UK.”

In terms of organisation, Paul Irwin has been appointed Off-Road Business Development Manager UK for Bihr. He will report to Terry Birtles.

Pictured (left to right); Terry Birtles, Samantha Irwin, Paul Irwin, Christophe Piron

10TEN minbikes disributor Dualways has worked with the Irish Minibike Championship to launch the Dualways/IMC Scholarship with its 10TEN 140R Supermoto machine.

The IMC is an organisation responsible for Minibike competitive events across northern and southern Ireland, with a focus on developing the growth of youth racing. Dualways with its 10TEN range of youth-to-adult supermoto, motocross and pit bikes, not only has a machine suitable for most groups in the series, but is perfectly placed to support the growing Junior BamBam – 10TEN 90R controlled – class.

Henry Maplethorpe of Dualways explained; “The IMC is building a championship that is geared towards development of the youth. We are excited by the success of The BamBam Class and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in 2020. We are delighted to make provision for the continuation of youth development through the donation of a 10TEN 140R machine.”

Mark Boyd, the IMC’s chairman added; “Junior members of nine-years and over, will avail use of the machine, free of charge, in preparation for and gauging readiness for the next step in their progression. Those who feel ready to move to the senior section of the youth classes – The Junior Elite – will be invited to apply for the Dualways/IMC Scholarship 2021. The Scholarship will include the use of the 10TEN 140R Machine for the 2021 season together with all entry fees for IMC Events. We would like to thank Dualways for their continuous support.”

The first round of the 2020 Irish Minibike Championship, in partnership with Road Racing Ireland, gets underway on the 18^th of July at Nutts Corner Circuit, Crumlin, Northern Ireland.

For IMC information, visit www.irishminibikechampionship.co.uk

Contact the team at Dualways for further product information;

T: 01623 708 607.

E: drew.m@dualways.com

www.dualways.com

Photo Credit: Bean Mac

Motorbike riders who are bringing misery to their communities have been warned they could face serious repercussions – with plain-clothed officers on the lookout for offenders.

Operation Swift was launched earlier in the year by the Blyth Neighbourhood Team to combat motorcycle disorder in the community.

The issue was causing concerns to both residents and officers as investigations found that a number of motorcycles involved were in fact stolen.

As part of the operation alongside Northumberland Council, officers will be using the ground-breaking DNA spray which has proved successful in South Shields, Gateshead and Newcastle which enables officers to tag offenders.

Cops will carry canisters containing an invisible water-based UV solution which can spray riders’ skin, clothes or bikes with a uniquely-coded dye.

Funded by Improving Croft and Cowpen Quay (ICCQ), the spray can help provide forensic evidence to link individuals or items to a specific crime.

Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Hall, one of the officers overseeing the operation, said it is yet another tactic to be used to tackle the issue and keep communities safe.

Insp Hall said: “We know this type of disorder and criminality can be of huge concern for residents and I want to reassure the public that we do take it seriously.

 “We have spoken to members of the community on this particular issue and are committed to working with partners to ensure anybody who does flout the law and brings misery to our residents is appropriately dealt with.

“There may be some who think these are just bored teenagers who have nowhere to ride their motorcycles, but that is not always the case. Many of the individuals involved in this type of disorder have been involved in serious criminal offences and a lot of the bikes are stolen.

“That’s why we are committed to taking a proactive approach in tackling this with plain-clothed and uniformed officers regularly on patrol in identified hotspot areas. The spray is a fantastic piece of kit which has already proven to be effective elsewhere in the Force to combat the issue.

“We’re extremely grateful to Improving Croft and Cowpen Quay (ICCQ) for funding this spray in Blyth, and would urge anyone who knows those involved in nuisance motorcycle riding to give us a call. They may also be involved in serious and violent crime in your neighbourhood.”

The operation has already seen a number of motorcycles seized and riders identified – but officers are not resting on their laurels and are keen to maintain the momentum.

Insp Hall added: “Operation Swift is about creating a holistic approach to the issue of motorcycle disorder and the DNA spray is just one of our methods.

“We will also be looking at preventive measures including engaging with those involved to educate them on the potential consequences of their actions and how their behaviour can impact others.”

Councillor Kath Nesbit, of Northumberland County Council, said “We are pleased to be able to work with Blyth NPT to provide this new solution to targeting motorbike disorder. This is something that is causing disruption, nuisance and misery for many residents of Blyth.

“Both ICCQ and Northumbria Police are committed to identifying and prosecuting offenders and improving the quality of life for all residents of our town”.

Last year, Northumbria Police launched Operation Benelli, a specialist task-force who review every crime where a motorcycle has been used to commit an offence or where a motorcycle has been stolen.

It has had a number of successes with hundreds of stolen motorcycles seized, dozens of people arrested and a number of convictions at court.

They will be working alongside neighbourhood teams across the Force to tackle this type of crime and target patrols where they find patterns of criminality. 

If you want to send pictures, video or intelligence to the task-force then you can do so by using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website. In an emergency, always ring 999.

The proper planning of such events is currently at risk due to the uncertainty surrounding public gathering restrictions in most countries. The annual success of these indoor shows also sees hundreds of thousands of visitors gathering in enclosed spaces for a period lasting days and even weeks. For these reasons, KTM AG have identified their exclusion as way to contribute towards a safe and strong return to normal activity.

In typical KTM style, the firm will push ahead with current and future projects in order to provide the motorcycling market with exciting and innovative models and look for the best ways to show-off these developments. The KTM AG board of directors wish to communicate that the coming months represent a small squeeze on the brake, but hands are very much poised on the throttle for the rest of 2020. 

Hubert Trunkenpolz, KTM AG CMO: “Trade shows are key business milestones for the entire motorcycle industry but given the situation, public health and the welfare of our staff are higher priorities over the coming months. We have taken this course of action with a great deal of thought and, as a company, KTM AG would be pleased and interested if show promoters, EICMA in particular, would simply consider moving dates to 2021, where we hope and expect the situation to be settled and back to normal.”

KTM and the Dutch company have been working together since 2007 and the combination will supply Red Bull KTM motocross (MXGP & MX2, AMA SX/MX & GoPro/Troy Lee), Enduro, Rally, Offroad teams into the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Moto-Master stock one of the widest range of brake rotors in the world and recently added sprockets and chains to their catalogue. Their expertise in helping stop the vast speed of factory KTMs on tracks, dirt, trails and obstacles has already reaped more major prizes in 2019. Toby Price conquered the last running of the Dakar Rally in South America, Cooper Webb claimed the AMA 450 Supercross championship, Manuel Lettenbichler has emerged as a major force in WESS, Jorge Prado dominated the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship and Sam Sunderland grabbed the FIM Cross Country Rallies world title.

KTM and Moto-Master unite in a way to develop ideas and prototypes in the evolution of motorcycle braking performance. The mix of the best materials, motorcycles, equipment, support and athletes continues to set the benchmark at the highest level of global racing.

Robert Jonas, VP of Offroad: “For us it was a simple matter to agree another two years with Moto-Master. The products and the work lead into results and, again, they speak for themselves as it has been another positive season across the board for KTM. In racing you can never take anything for granted or expect a result but with partners like Moto-Master – and the many great companies we go to the track with – we can raise our chances to the highest level. I’d like to thank them for their effort and we’ll continue to try and lead the way.”

Rolf Verhagen, General Manager Moto-Master: “Operating at the very pinnacle of motorsport, as KTM does, leaves no room for error and the KTM factory teams continuously put our products to the test in front of a global audience. Moto-Master FLAME brake discs are – ready to race – and proven at the highest level. As a result KTM has catapulted Moto-Master to be the winningest brake disc in modern offroad Motorsport. We are happy to expand our partnership and we look forward to take on any challenge that lies ahead.”

KTM’s announcement reads:

SUPERCROSS/MOTOCROSS

Marvin Musquin (USA)
Marvin has worn the Leatt Neck Brace since 2007, over a decade later he has continued his relationship with Leatt and has taken on the 2018 season protected by the Leatt GPX 6.5 Carbon Neck Brace.  “I remember in 2013 I had a big crash in the Toronto Supercross . . . I flew over the handlebars and landed on my head first and it was a big crash. After that, I checked my helmet and my Leatt brace and noticed that my neck brace was broken and I was fine, so it really did its job,” he says.

 F&H Racing Kawasaki (Netherlands)
Leatt is Thrilled to announce its first MXGP team wearing Leatt apparel, gloves and body protection. F&H Racing Kawasaki team are based near the famous city of Gouda in the Netherlands with 3 great young riders all competing in the 2018 World Motocross Championships in the MX2 class.

• Adam Sterry – 21 years old from the UK, Adam is also a Leatt neck brace athlete.
• Jed Beaton – 20 years old from Australia.
• Ruben Fernández – 19 years old from Spain.

Shaun Simpson (UK)
Shaun has been a Leatt neck brace ambassador for many years now and we are delighted to continue the partnership, he is a team rider for the prestigious Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Team, competing in the world championship MXGP class.

Stefan Ekerold (Germany)

We welcome a new partnership with the young German talent that is Stefan Ekerold. Stefan is just 22 years old and will compete in the German ADAC MX Masters and all European MXGP World Championship rounds, riding his KTM SXF 450 in the MXGP class for KTM Sarholz. Stefan will wear Leatt helmet, apparel, gloves, knee braces and body protection.

Jago Geerts (Belgium)
At just 17 years old Jago Geerts is our newest Motocross neck brace athlete, and many critics choice to be the next big star from Belgium. Jago was snapped up by Kemea Yamaha, the official MX2 World Championship team on a multi-year deal beginning in 2018, we are all looking forward to watching the progress of this great young talent. Jago will compete in all rounds of the Motocross World Championships in the MX2 class.

Rene Hofer (Austria)

Talented Austrian rider Rene Hofer, is Leatt’s tip for the EMX 125 title this year. Now an official KTM athlete at just 16 years old, this happy, always smiling friendly kid will be wearing Leatt neck brace, knee brace and body protection, certainly one to watch for the future. As well as the European EMX 125 Championship, Rene will also contest the ADAC Youngsters Cup and selected Austrian Races on the bigger KTM SXF 250.

Cole Martinez (USA)
Cole Martinez, has returned to racing in the USA after spending part of 2017 in Europe where he was crowned the SX1 European Champion. Cole will race the Monster Energy AMA West 250 Supercross Series, and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 250 Championship as a new member of the Leatt Family riding on the AJE Motorsports Husqvarna Team.  Cole will wear Leatt’s apparel, gloves, body protection and X-Frame Knee Braces. “The Leatt gear is really light weight and comfy.  The fit of the material is unreal!” says Martinez.

Lorenzo Locurcio (USA)
Venezuelan rider, Lorenzo Locurcio will take on his second year racing the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series.  For 2018 Locurcio will contend in the East Region 250 Series as part of the Leatt Family riding for the Rockford Fosgate TiLUBE Honda Race Team.  Lorenzo will be dressed in Leatt’s apparel, gloves and body protection.  “I am very impressed with the Leatt gear, it is so comfortable.  I also like the original styles and designs.  I’m excited to join the Leatt Family!” says Locurcio.

Garrett Marchbanks (USA)
Garrett at 16 years old, is a stand out amateur athlete capturing 8 Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championships.  A Leatt Neck Brace and Knee Brace Athlete, Marchbanks enters 2018 looking to dominate the Amateur A class on board his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki.  Gaining his Road 2 Supercross points via the Amsoil Arenacross, we are looking forward to Garrett’s professional debut!

ENDURO/RALLY

Jonny Walker (UK)
Leatt is proud to continue its partnership with Jonny Walker for Leatt helmet, apparel, gloves, body protection and hydration. Jonny will compete in the World Enduro Indoor Championship as well as the newly established World Enduro Super Series (WESS) on his Redbull KTM Factory Racing machine. This new Championship will see Jonny take part in all disciplines of off road riding, Extreme, Traditional Enduro, Cross Country and also Beach racing against the best riders in the world, a true all-round Champion will be crowned after the eight-round series concludes in November!

Ryan Sipes (USA)
Leatt is excited to announce the re-signing of Ryan Sipes to the Leatt Family.   Ryan will continue to wear the Leatt Helmet, apparel, gloves, neck brace, body protection and hydration for 2018.  Sipes will focus on the Sprint Enduro Series for 2018 while competing in a handful of GNCC and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Races.  And will test his abilities in select Flat Track races.  After being crowned the ISDE Individual Overall Winner in 2015, Ryan has his sights set on another victorious year in 2018 at the event in Chile.

Steward Baylor (USA)
Current NEPG National Enduro Champion Steward Baylor Jr. has trusted the Leatt neck brace and chest protector since 2007 and will continue as part of the Leatt Family for 2018.  “Injury is a risk we take as racers, for myself I am one of the guys that will always race with a neck brace and chest protector. It’s not worth ruining the rest of my life over putting on something that easy.”  Steward has been a strong competitor in the GNCC series as well, and is looking to capture a collection #1 plates on board his Tele Energy KTM.

Matthias Walkner (Austria)
After many years using the Leatt neck brace and protection we are pleased to be a partner with Matthias and help celebrate during the season he conquered arguably the toughest race in the world…. The Dakar Rally. After over 43 hours in the saddle over 14 stages in as many days Matthias was the overall winner aboard his Redbull KTM 450 Factory machine.

Christophe Charlier (France/Corsica)
For 2018 Christophe Charlier joins the Leatt family using neck brace, body protection and hydration. The Corsican decided to move from professional Motocross, to contest the 2017 World Enduro Championship, for 2018 as he joins Factory Beta. Christophe will be a real threat to his new team mate Steve Holcombe, with his eyes on his World Championship title!

Josep Garcia (Spain)
Josep Garcia was crowned the 2017 World Enduro E2 champion at just 20 years old. Riding for Factory KTM Josep will contest the World Enduro Super Series (WESS) this year using Leatt neck brace, body protection and hydration. Josep was also a successful Redbull Rookie road racer before turning his hand to Motocross and now Enduro, he just loves riding motorcycles!

Alfredo Gomez (Spain)
Alfredo is a Hard Enduro specialist, who was victorious at one of the toughest events in the calendar during 2017, the Erzberg Rodeo. Alfredo has chosen Leatt neck brace and body protection whilst riding his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory machine, the super tough Spaniard will be fighting for the wins at each round of the WESS.

Adam McGill (USA)
Adam “The Gator” McGill continues to be a Leatt neck brace and helmet ambassador for 2018.  “I have been wearing Leatt products for 10 years and would never ride unprotected again. The speeds we go and the obstacles we encounter would make me second guess with other equipment. In 2016 I added the Leatt Helmet to my list of safety equipment with the Leatt Neck Brace. The fit and finish of their products along with their customer support and product development keep me coming back year after year.”  McGill will compete in the GNCC ATV Series.

Brad Freeman (UK)
Brad Freeman took the 2017 Junior World Enduro Championship at the last round with his never give in attitude aboard his Boano Racing Beta, now 21, Brad moves into the adult class using Leatt neck brace, body protection and hydration.

FMX
Dany Torres (Spain)
2018 is the second consecutive year with Dany for Leatt helmet, apparel, gloves, neck brace and body protection. 2018 didn’t start as planned for Dany as an old injury in his foot reoccurred resulting in surgery. Dany’s aim is to back on the bike in April and up to his old ‘tricks’, backflips and nac nacs!