Ben Swales

I can heartily recommend Trialprod! They're based in France, so postage may take a little longer than Tarty (especially with the pstal strike), but they're a pretty well set up outfit - I say go for it! V V V

It certainly looks like it! He just gets better and better! While I'm here: Chris Akrigg... Fixie video - Chris's latest video, with some impressive fixie skills!

Nice photos - good work!

In order for me to do that, I'm afraid you're going to have to tell me what you think it is...

Chris Walford - Rides the World - Chris Walford's latest street video, featuring some nice lines in one of which he actually does 'ride the world'!

Gerard Aguilar in Calldetenes - The latest video from the 19 year old Spanish Elite B Champion, riding on artificial sections and street. Impressive stuff! Sam Oliver - Street - Sam Oliver's latest video, featuring some typically big moves on street and natural! Back to School with Trialprod (1/2) - A look at the new components that have been recently been added to Trialprod's catalogue. Back to School with Trialprod (2/2) - A look at the new frames that have been recently added to Trialprod's catalogue.

Cheers mate. Bored at work wasn't I, so I had a bit of a blitz on the translations. Pretty much all up to date now

The 2009 World Cup Final - A full write-up of the 2009 UCI World Cup Final in Rotorua this weekend. Congratulations to Ben Slinger, who came fourth in the final and took third place over all!

Cheers mate! No worries! EDIT - while I'm at it: The Rotorua Warm-Up (20") The Rotorua Warm-Up (26") - A collection of photos by Serge Froissart (Fasst) of the eight 20" and eight 26" Elite finalists of the Rotorua World Cup warming up on the Sunday afternoon.

Vincent Hermance in Cahors - Photos of Vincent Hermance's demo at the 12th Urban Trial in Cahors as well as of the moto riders in action on the sections.

Yeah, that new Ozonys is well nice! If only I had some extra cash lying about.... I've seen the Canberra video, and it certainly does look like a 5 - I certainly would have called it if I'd been observing. Still, the observer obviously didn't see it or realise that it was a five, and unfortunately for Kenny, that's what counted on the day. This certainly calls into question the experience of observers - the Canberra observers seem to have been inexperienced and not necessarily 'up to the job', which is surprising given the calibre of the event and the titles etc. at stake - I would have expected the UCI to make sure that all officials were up to the job! I'd still personally not like to see video footage being used as a 'third official' at trials comps, I think it'd become a very time consuming and petty process with certain riders appealing every decision made by the observer.

The Ozonys Cannibal Black Light - The new 2009 Ozonys Cannibal, now available in a 'dark' colour scheme. Bruno Arnold tells us about the full build soon to be available from all Ozonys dealers. New Cranks From Rockman -A brief look at the new forged cranks from Rockman Forged Try-All Cranks - Max from the Coulommiers K-124 House tells us a bit about the forged Try-All Cranks.

If you're brake doesn't work without tar, IS it fine? I'd say not.

The Koxx Hydroxx LT II - A new comp-specific version of the popular Hydroxx II, now available. Rusevelt - I see what you mean, I'd just be worried that people would be constantly questioning observers and referring to the video footage for decisions. The main problem in Canberra I think is that the observers were inexperienced, I've heard that there were questionable decisions across the board, something that I haven't heard about happening at European comps.

As far as I know, there's only actually going to be one 'length' frame, but the adjustable geo means that the wheelbase will vary depending on which setting you choose, giving three different possible lengths. See here for more info. Again, as far as I'm aware, they're new trials specific Highrollers, featuring a thinner side wall but the same grip pattern etc., giving a lighter tyre. See here for more info. EDIT: The 'dark' Cannibal is such a nice bike! I really like the colour scheme and the innovative features, if only I had a bit of spare cash lying about...

The UCI World Cup Final - All you need to know about the 2009 UCI World Cup Final in Rotorua this weekend, already under way! Programme, info and photos of the sections... The BIU Worlds in Photos - A gallery of photos from the BIU World Championship in China, a spectacular event unlike any we've seen before! Supermance... Disappointed yet determined! - Vincent Hermance tells us briefly about his impressions of the Canberra World Cup and his plans for next season

I certainly hope not. I tend to agree with Peter Fish's viewpoint that (as it is in football) the observer's decision is final, irrespective of after-the-fact video footage. The observers are only human and as such will make mistakes from time to time, there were two obserevrs in the section, neither of whom saw the 'five' in question. I think that if anything should come of this, it should be that the UCI only use experienced professional observers for big international events.

Ali C's Yaabaa Stinger - Some of the first photos of Ali's production Stinger and his first impressions of the new bike.

The Canberra Debate - Does Gilles deserve the World title? Some people say not - find out why. Gilles Coustellier on Canberra and beyond - An Interview with Gilles Coustellier a couple of days after his victory in Canberra

The Canberra Elite 26" Final - 30 or so pictures from the Elite 26" final in Canberra. The Canberra Junior 26" Final - Photos from the Junior 26" final in Canberra. Gilles and Kenny in Canberra - A series of photos of the Elite 26" medalists sent to us by Reese, a young rider from Sydney

OK! Dissertation's done and handed in so I'm making a start on the translations again. For the time being I'll just be working on the articles that we think are most important, but I aim to get fully up to date as soon as I can. If there are any articles that people are particularly interested in, drop me a PM and I'll get round to it as soon as I can. Gilles is still the boss! - Full write-ups of the Elite, Junior and Women's finals from the World Championships in Canberra this weekend TMS... new website and bikes! - another look at the new Evo 3 bikes (which should have arrived at the TMS HQ today!) as well as the new website and components. Ozonys bikes at super-low prices! - Spherebike and Ozonys have teamed up to bring us an excellent offer on the 2008 XR 20 and XZ 26 bikes!

I'll probably be there, unless something more important comes up. Is Jace back in Sheffield by then?

Translations on hold til september

I remember seeing Mike at Bracken rocks a few years ago, riding with Aust (whatever happened to him?), when he was just starting out. I'm more or less at the same level I was back then (riding once a week if I'm lucky just isn't enough!), and can't believe the level that Mike's at now! Props. word. EDIT: that fall on the sea defences in Barcelona (?) looked brutal!

My flatmate used Adecco and Hayes this year. Adecco were the more reliable of the two I think, and got him a variety of work although mainly scanning and printing purchase orders, data entry and the like. They pay quite well too I belive.