Racing

Pat Smage Claims 10th US National MotoTrials Title In California

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

September 4, 2018

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