With big names such as Flo Jung (11th in 2013), Martin ten Hoeve (15th in 2013) and Ben Proffitt (15th in 2013) now facing the trials at PWA Tenerife we’ve decided to dig a little deeper into how and why this is happening…check out who’s made it into the main event here.
Over 20 riders have applied for a place in the trials, they will be told tonight (24th July) who does and doesn’t have a place, with the full list of riders in the trials being released on the 25th.
There is currently a system in place which means top 10 riders are safe on tour for a whole year. The next six from the current rankings (which is the results from the year, i.e. only Pozo so far in 2014) then join the top 10 in the next event. Then it’s the top 4 from that event the previous year (if it didn’t have happen like Pozo last year, it goes on the rankings.)
“I’m in the trials and that’s that, I’m just going to get on with it. But, I do think we need to take a look at the system as it is now.”
This brings a lot of instability for everyone on the tour except for the top 10. There are arguments both ways about whether or not this is a good thing – does it bring new people into the tour? Or make it harder work for those that have already proved themselves? It also makes even getting into the trials pretty difficult, cutting down the number of rookie riders that are given the chance to take on the trials, as a number will be filled with experienced PWA riders.
From speaking to Proffitt he seems to be taking it in his stride and is ready to sail in the trials, after commentating in Fuerteventura of course, but thinks the system currently in place needs looking at more closely.
Ben Proffitt has posted this on Facebook about the situation:
