Only a month has passed since Thomas Minta – Sherco celebrated his sixteenth birthday and already the young British rider is making his mark on the 2014 FIM Trial World Championship. During his debut last weekend in Belgium he grabbed the runners up spot in the FIM 125 Trial Cup class first time out, and yesterday he followed up this incredible result with yet another second place this time at his home GP.
Tom as he is known, now wants to go one better today and is determined to hear the British national anthem come end of play. Originating from near to Hawkstone Park, Shropshire master Minta had this to say about his quick rise to fame. “I turned up in Belgium with no real expectations, the plan was to get out there, to ride and enjoy it and to gain some experience so you can imagine finishing second was a dream come true.”
“This week has been manic, practicing, washing the bike and getting ready to be here. Last week there was no pressure, but this week there has been loads. I was so nervous on my first lap on Saturday it was ridiculous, but I managed to settle in and to ride normally. Having Gary Macdonald as my minder really helped as he calmed me down and made sure I did the right things.”
“I want the number one spot on Sunday so I am going to go out there and be positive and try to get the job done. On Saturday the last section was my bogey section and cost me a lot of marks, but I finally got it on the third lap, so I hope that will help go one place better today.”
Whilst Tom’s father was not a Trial rider, his ten-year-old sister is also involved in the sport and was competing in the youth event at the British GP. Tom’s thirteen-year-old younger brother is a keen footballer, a sport that Tom has never been attracted to, however he will be looking to win his own World cup today.