15/07/2008 - Ben Slinger - How my Hobby became my Career

Extract from the Halton Parish Prattle

"Back in 2000 after inspiration from local Mountain Bike Trials Riders I began to try some of the things they were doing. I started with simple things like balancing and controlling my bike on a flat surface, I then progressed onto a specially designed trials bike later in the year.

After nearly a year of practice, I began competing at club level, gaining lots of points at my first competition – although I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped, I gained more confidence and learnt from my mistakes. I went home, thought about what I needed to improve on and practiced as much as possible.

Just 6 months later in 2002 I was still on the competition scene, attending as many events as possible, still enjoying all the competitions and I entered my first ever British Championship round, at 14 years old. I didn’t know what to expect, the competitions were much more difficult than at club level and there were a lot more competitors. I tried to stay confident, and gave it 100% - which was rewarded by 2nd Place in the Minime class (13-14 years).

Following this fantastic achievement I was invited to attend the World Championships, in France and the Czech Republic – just 3 weeks later! With a lot of support from my parents I filled in the entry form and booked our flights.

We arrived in Paris, very nervous as it was my first competition abroad and headed south to Buthiers (near Fontainebleau) where the first competition was to be held. The day of the competition came, and with lots of nerves make a few mistakes – I didn’t do as well as I’d hoped gaining 12th position. One week later we arrived for the 2nd round, in Kutna Hora, Czech Republic I knew exactly what to expect and had overcome a lot of the nerves from the 1st round. The day of the competition came and I had a fantastic ride, achieving 3rd place!

Two years later in 2004, with hours of practice, more strength and a better level of fitness. I attended the BIU World Championships in the Cadet Class (15-16 years). I finished 3rd in the first round at Estartit in Spain, 2nd at the 2nd round in Andorra, 1st at the 3rd round in Le Tour de Scay, France and 1st in Slovakia. Heading into the final round in Itadori in Japan I was level on points with the Spanish rider Eduard Planas so whoever won would be crowned World Champion. The morning of the competition came, the rain was torrential and the sections were on slippery rocks in a river. After the first lap I was on almost the same score as my competitor but on the second lap I managed to finish 10 points clear and take the World Championship title.

In 2005 I entered the UCI World Championships Junior Category (Under 19’s) in Livigno, Italy, competing on both 20” and 26” wheel bikes. I had an amazing day in the final, taking gold medals in both classes – I also made a fantastic achievement for Britain, as I am the only person from Britain ever to take both titles, taking 2 jerseys and 2 gold medals home and on a British bike (Onza).

In 2006 I moved up to the Elite class (over 19’s) which is extremely difficult, competing against professional riders with many years experience. Taking results close to the top 10, I’m still climbing the ranks, even though most of my competitors are still a good few years older than me.

At the start of 2008 I had a serious problem with my right ankle, which needed to go in cast for 6 weeks due to ligament problems. During this time and the 3 months in total which I had to take off my bike during recovery, I planned a comeback and a plan to turn my sport into a career. By April 2008 after lots of fitness training I was back on my bike, and began competing again.

I have now set up my own business, doing Trials Displays at events ranging from Gala’s, Festivals and Night Clubs called Trialsdisplay.co.uk. My company now has a full bespoke display rig, designed by myself, a team of top class riders and a website which I created, designed and developed myself. The site is regularly updated. I am now extremely busy and enjoying travelling all over the UK and Europe, inspiring lots of people to follow my footsteps, especially at schools. To be able to make a living from doing something I love is a dream come true.

The TrialsDisplay team has applied to audition for Britain’s got Talent for 2009, so watch out for us on TV next year!

Please visit my website – www.trialsdisplay.co.uk for more information."

Ben Slinger
Trialsdisplay.co.uk