Winter in Spain no holiday for Alford trials rider Emma Bristow

Bristow is currently wintering in Spain so round one of the Spanish Trials Championships seemed the perfect chance to put her winter training into action and test her level in competition.

Relentless sunshine and extremely dusty conditions greeted the riders and many spectators at the La Nucia circuit.

Competing in the TR2 class, the Alford rider was up against a strong field of male competition.

With a score of 18 points for her first lap, Emma then posted a strong final lap of 11 to move up the standings and finish in a fine eighth place in this hotly-contested class.

She said: “After viewing the course on Saturday I knew it was going to be a challenging event which is what I’d hoped for.

“I’m happy with my riding today, especially the second lap where I felt at home on the newly-designed 2016 Sherco 300.

“Riding a high level competition like this has given me a big confidence boost for the new season.

“I feel I’m working well with the new bike and am excited about the year ahead.

“A big thank-you to Sherco Spain for their support at the event.”

Bristow will stay in Spain for another four weeks of intense trials training before returning to the UK for national events.

Once home, she then also has two weeks to switch back to SuperEnduro practice and prepare for the defence of her world title in Prague, on March 11.