Trip is no holiday for Emma

And it was that attitude which helped the enduro ace ride to eighth place in round one of the Spanish Trials Championship.

With Emma, from Alford, currently staying in Spain, it was the perfect chance to put her winter training into action and test her competition levels.

Relentless sunshine and extremely dusty conditions greeted the riders and many spectators for a brilliant opening event.

Competing in the TR2 class, Emma was up against a strong field of male competitors.

With a score of 18 points for her first lap, Emma then posted a strong final lap of 11 to move up the standings and finish a fine eighth place in this hotly contested 
class.

“After viewing the course on Saturday I knew that it was going to be a challenging event,” Emma said. “Which is what I’d hoped for.

“I am happy with my riding today, especially the second lap where I felt at home on the newly-designed 2016 Sherco 300.

“Riding a high-level competition like this has given me a big confidence boost for the new season.

“I feel I am working well with the new bike and am excited about the year ahead.”

Emma will stay in Spain for four more weeks of intense trials training before returning to the UK for national events.

Once home, Emma then also has two weeks to switch back to SuperEnduro practice and prepare for the defence of her World title in Prague on March 11, followed a week later with the final round in Madrid.