Pat Smage Claims 10th US National MotoTrials Title In California

Sweep of Donner MotoTrials gives Sherco USA rider his 10th championship

Pat Smage completed a sweep of the 2018 NATC/AMA US National MotoTrials Series with a pair of wins at the series finale near Donner Pass, California. The Sherco USA rider topped GasGas North America teammates Alex Niederer and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet on each of the two days for the victories, while the two GasGas riders traded second- and third-place finishes. Here’s a look at the event from the lens of Shan Moore’s Nikon.

Pat Smage cleaned all 36 sections in Saturday’s event and then cleaned all of Sunday’s round except for a single dab in the second section of the day. The Wisconsin rider was exceptionally impressive in Saturday’s exhibition sections, which were big and intimidating.Shan Moore
Sherco USA’s Sam Fastle cleans one of the exhibition sections on Saturday. The New Mexico rider has turned in some impressive rides this year en route to fourth overall in the series standings.Shan Moore
Daniel Blanc-Gonnet finished second overall in the series standings after a yearlong battle with his GasGas North America teammate Alex Niederer.Shan Moore
Alex Niederer claimed a second and a third in California despite spending nine weeks off the bike due to an injury.Shan Moore
Beta USA’s Andreas Niederer leaps from one of the VW-sized boulders as minder Ron Lee looks on in approval.Shan Moore
GasGas North America’s Micah Hertrich cleaned the final lap en route to second place in the Expert class on Sunday.Shan Moore
Scorpa USA’s Alex Myers won Saturday’s round of the Expert class and finished second overall in the class championship.Shan Moore
Oregon rider and former pro Dennis Sweeten won the Senior Expert Sportsman class on both days.Shan Moore
Former pro and Beta USA team rider Ray Peters is one of the most technically sound riders on the circuit.Shan Moore
With his win and latest title, Pat Smage tied Geoff Aaron for the most number of US national trials titles at 10. Ryan Young is next with six total titles.Shan Moore

California National MotoTrials Results - Saturday

Position Rider Brand Points
1 Pat Smage Sherco 0
2 Alexander Niederer GasGas 10
3 Daniel Blanc-Gonnet GasGas 18
4 Sam Fastle Sherco 36
5 Andreas Niederer Beta 65

California National MotoTrials Results - Sunday

Position Rider Brand Points
1 Pat Smage Sherco 10
2 Daniel Blanc-Gonnet GasGas 23
3 Alexander Niederer GasGas 28
4 Sam Fastle Sherco 34
5 Andreas Niederer Beta 56