BRITISH Trials Championship contender Jack Spencer reckons the ‘best is yet to come’ after finishing just outside the top 10 in the opening weekend of competition.

Spencer, from Bacup, claimed 13th and 12th places at the double header held at two venues in Hampshire and Surrey.

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The varied nature of the two sites, at Hookwood Trials Centre and the famous Butser Limeworks, the venue for the 1998 World Trials Championship, caused problems for Spencer, who rides a Beta.

“The first round was OK, as the terrain of mud, rocks and gullies were more to my liking. Heavy rain had made the going very slippery, but that was to be expected,” he said.

“But I really struggled, along with everyone else, at the Limeworks.

“The place is unique because it’s a chalk surface unlike anywhere else. Sections that look relatively easy are really hard, and even the winner, James Dabill, picked up nearly 50 marks.

“I cleaned the first two sections, then picked up five penalties on each of the next six sections, which was disheartening to say the least.

“In the circumstances, I had to be content with 12th, but the first round was much better and suited my riding.

“I’ve tried to be positive about the whole weekend, and perhaps the two worst rounds are out of the way.

“I felt I rode well at Hookwood and beat some more experienced riders than me. I’m 11th in the overall standings but the next two rounds, which are in the West Country next month, will suit me much better.

“I will be spending the next few weeks fully focussed on improving my technique with the aim of breaking through into the top 10.”

Reigning British champion James Dabill dominated the weekend taking back-to-back wins on his all-new Vertigo Combat.

Rounds three and four take place in Devon on April 18-19.