National Trials Series Opener

Shan Moore | April 11, 2005

Geoff Aaron and Bruce le Riche each claimed wins at rounds one and two of the AMA/NATC U.S. National Trials Series held at Red River Motorcycle Park near Muenster, Texas, April 9-10.

Aaron, riding a Gas Gas, won the opening round on Saturday over le Riche, although the defending and eight-time National champ looked a little shaky during the early going. The Sherco-mounted le Riche, of South Africa, shadowed Aaron throughout the event, finishing five points down at the finish (17 to 22). Colorado’s Keith Wineland (G-G) took his first-ever podium after carding 35 points for the day.

On Sunday, le Riche posted a strong first lap, then maintained a steady pace to hold off Aaron for his first-ever U.S. National win. Aaron rounded the first lap of 12 sections with 12 points lost, while le Riche needed only a single dab to complete the lap. However, Aaron turned it up a notch on the final two laps, cleaning all 24 of the remaining sections, while le Riche took seven more points and the win. Gas Gas-mounted Chris Florin claimd Sunday’s show position.