The magazine for fans of classic and twinshock trials, motocross & enduros

'The unknown' Brian Cottrell

Brian was very well known on the trials scene after his fantastic win in the 1985 Pre-65 SSDT.

A builder by trade, Brian found trials in the mid-70s when he wanted an interest away from his business. His first machine was an old Bultaco before he moved to a Majesty Yamaha. Trials soon became a part of the family as he began to really enjoy the sport.

He soon became involved with the Pre-65 scene and John Hulme – Trial Magazine editor – recalls travelling to Scotland with Brian the year he won the pre-65 trial. It was all last minute with his BSA in a million parts on the run up to the event but he finished the machine in time.

To say it was eventful was an understatement as Brian and maps did not go well together. During the trial – a one day event then – Brian arrived at Pipeline still clean, he fought the BSA up the sections to equal the three marks Sammy Miller had dropped and when the results came out it was declared a joint win between himself and Miller. The tie decider in those days was in favour of the smaller capacity machine and Brian was declared the winner.

Brian Cottrell made a lasting impression on everybody he met and our condolences go to his wife Margaret and family.

John Hulme – Trial Magazine