Martin bounces back for third Scarborough Gold Cup

Guy Martin bounced back from a major spill during Saturday’s racing to claim a third successive Steve Henshaw International Gold Cup at Oliver’s Mount, Scarborough, this weekend.

Having made the event his own in the last two years, Guy ran out the winner in what was a hard fought nine-lap race, also ensuring he ended the year with a clean sweep of the three major trophies on offer at the Yorkshire venue. It could have all been so different though, with a high speed crash in Saturday’s opening Superbike race leaving the Kirmington youngster battered, bruised and somewhat dazed.

In his own words, it was his worst crash ever, and meant not only that was he out of the day’s race action, but also a major doubt for Sunday. Fortunately, he felt able to race and, having successfully passed the necessary medical, he lined up for all of his three races. Second in the 600cc race was promptly followed by a win in the Superbike race, and he wrapped things up with victory in the feature race. Even that wasn’t without drama though, as hasty repairs had to be made to a malfunctioning front brake, the 23-year old only making the start with seconds to spare.

It was a stiff and sore Guy that commented after the race: “When I was lying on the road on Saturday afternoon, I never thought it would be possible to ride today, so to come away with the Gold Cup is absolutely brilliant. The boys worked flat out to get the bike ready, and I just rested as much as I could. It was a very hard race, and Ian Hutchinson and Ian Lougher pushed me all the way in both Superbike races, but I was able to edge away in the latter stages and take the victories.”

“We were quite fortunate the race start was delayed, as the front brake had completely failed and, even though we got it patched up, we didn’t think it would go the distance. I thought I’d give it my best shot, and as the race progressed the brake got better - so thanks to Johnny and my Dad for their swift work. As for the crash on Saturday, it was probably my worst one ever and I was very lucky not to break anything. I was quite dazed and am feeling the pain now, so I plan to do as little as possible over the next few days!”

The next stop for Guy is the Classic Race of the Year at Snetterton, which takes place on 1st-2nd October, and he will once more line up on John Sims’ Triumph Trident.