James Dabill (Beta), the most successful British trials rider of his generation, has announced his retirement from the FIM Trial World Championship after 15 years in the sport’s top-flight class.
The 34-year-old Yorkshireman – a multi-time British champion – made his TrialGP debut in 2005, the same year he won the world Junior title. The following season he won the European championship and broke into the world top-10 and he’s stayed there ever since, achieving his highest ranking of #6 on six occasions – most recently in 2019.
‘Fans, friends and family,’ he announced on social media. ‘The time has come for me to inform you guys that I will retire from riding the Trial World Championship and at the professional level. This was a decision that didn’t come easy to make but I made it with a smile on my face as I know it’s the correct time to walk away.
‘From such a young age I have been able to live my dream of becoming a professional trials rider and that was all thanks to my amazing parents for sacrificing everything to help me on this crazy journey.
‘When I look back it fills me with pride to have achieved what I have and to have met and worked with some of the most amazing people in our sport. I am sure I will see everyone in the paddock again soon but for now it’s a fond farewell.’
