Tough by name, tough by nature, the Tough One once again lived up to its reputation as being one of the most demanding extreme off-road events in the world. With an entry list comprising of World, American and European champions along with extreme event specialists the opposition would be every bit as fierce as the course itself for Ulsterman Phillip McLaughlin making his Tough One début aboard the Electraction TMUK En300TM.
As ever the WOR Events organisers laid on a spectacular course around the Nantmawr Quarry that offered everything from near vertical descents and climbs to boulder, log and tyre crossings to test the riders much to the delight of the legions of spectators. The start in itself would be a challenge, as riders would have to race on foot 200m up hill before reaching their machine.
Phillip’s objective for the race would be a simple one, ride smooth and stay out of trouble. After a mid pack start, he struggled to find his rhythm around the hectic course and with nowhere to rest he began to struggle to hold on with arm pump. His grip worsened, eventually causing him to crash on a downhill, lodging the bike into a tree and breaking his front break lever in the process. With no outside assistance allowed in the pits and hands that couldn’t grip properly, it took sometime before Phil was able to rejoin the race and carry on to finish 20th in the Pro class.
The next event for the Electraction TMUK rider will be the opening round of the British Enduro Championship on February 23rd, where he will be hoping to put the disappointment and frustration of the Tough One behind him.
Electraction TMUK is supported by: Moonraker Masonary, Gannomat Uk and CCM Racing, with product support from Smith Optics, Fox Racing, Renthal, Elf Lubricants, Metzeler and MotoShox suspension and Adrian Lappin Motorcycles.
Report by Robert Lynn