A potent new relationship between man and machine led to Brighton rider Blake Fox claiming his second top-10 placing in the world trial championships recently.
Negotiating obstacles through a slippery course in Belgium's Comblain au Pont, Fox finished eighth, riding his recently-purchased Sherco trials bike.
The result backed up a seventh place at the Australian round earlier this year and left him with nothing but love for the 2014 factory-replica motorbike.
''The suspension is very good on this bike, as is the power. [It is the] most powerful 125cc I have ridden,'' Fox said.
Rain had pelted the course the week before the event, leaving the rivers high and some of the competitive sections muddy. Fox (19) said he rode fast over the tricky terrain, which included mossy rocks, early in the day, to make sure he finished within the allowed time and to optimise the weather window before it began to rain.
''My first lap went well with some good rides and nearly getting through some hard sections. The second lap I got caught in many queues with the world cup riders that were pushy at times.''
Refusing to be daunted by the line-ups of fellow competitors, he progressed steadily through the course before afternoon rain rendered the last section unrideable. Despite the tough conditions, Fox and his two-wheeled friend emerged almost completely unscathed.
''The bike was great all day, never a issue, and only one new small scratch on the wheel,'' he said. He competes again this weekend in Penrith, England, where two world championship rounds will be held over two days.
