Day 1 of the Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) delivered a dramatic opening to one of trials riding’s most iconic events, with Adam Raga emerging as the suspected early leader after a perfect ride across the Highlands.
With just 10 marks separating the top 20 riders and unpredictable Scottish conditions in play, the opening day has already set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested week.
Raga Sets the Benchmark
Veteran Spanish rider Adam Raga laid down a statement performance on Day 1, completing the demanding route with a clean ride on zero marks, a remarkable achievement given the technical nature of the sections.
Navigating classic Scottish terrain including Stublich, Upper Mamore, Cnoc an Linne, and the ever-challenging Appin/Big Dar’s Burn, Raga combined precision and experience to edge ahead of the field.
His early lead immediately places pressure on the chasing pack, particularly given how difficult it can be to make up ground once the SSDT rhythm settles.
Chasing Pack Locked Together
Behind Raga, the leaderboard is incredibly tight, with multiple riders tied on just a single mark lost.
Jack Price, Michael Brown, Billy Green, George Hemingway, and James Dabill all sit within striking distance after Day 1, highlighting just how competitive this year’s edition is shaping up to be.
With such small margins separating the front runners, even the slightest mistake in the coming days could dramatically reshuffle the standings.
Young Talent Making Early Impact
The next generation of British trials riders also made their presence felt, with George Hemingway, Harry Hemingway, and Jack Dance all placing inside the top ten.
Their performances underline a growing trend within the SSDT, the emergence of younger riders capable of challenging established names on one of the sport’s toughest stages.
SSDT 2026 – Day 1 Top 20 Results
| Position | Rider | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Raga | 0 |
| 2 | Jack Price | 1 |
| 3 | Michael Brown | 1 |
| 4 | Billy Green | 1 |
| 5 | George Hemingway | 1 |
| 6 | James Dabill | 1 |
| 7 | Harry Hemingway | 2 |
| 8 | Jack Dance | 2 |
| 9 | Ben Dignan | 4 |
| 10 | Jack Peace | 5 |
| 11 | Dan Clark | 5 |
| 12 | Dan Peace | 6 |
| 13 | Dougie Lampkin | 6 |
| 14 | Richard Sadler | 6 |
| 15 | Sam Haslam | 6 |
| 16 | Josh Hanlon | 8 |
| 17 | Jonathan Richardson | 8 |
| 18 | Thomas Minta | 9 |
| 19 | Harry Turner | 10 |
| 20 | Alfie Lampkin | 10 |
Classic Sections Shape the Challenge
Day 1’s route featured a mix of traditional Highland sections, where flowing rivers, rocky climbs, and unpredictable grip levels tested riders from the outset.
Locations such as Clachaig, Meall nan Tarbh, and Glen Stockdale demanded precision and consistency, while longer groups like Eas a Bhodaich and Lagnaha pushed riders’ endurance early in the week.
With conditions expected to evolve throughout the event, these sections may prove decisive as the trial progresses.
Experience vs Momentum
Day 1 highlighted an intriguing contrast: experienced veterans like Raga and Dabill showing control and consistency, while younger riders bring aggression and momentum.
The question now is whether the experienced riders can maintain their composure across six demanding days or if the relentless pace from the younger generation will begin to take its toll.
What Happens Next?
With five days still to come, the margins remain razor-thin. A single mistake could cost multiple positions, while a clean ride could propel riders straight into contention.
If Day 1 proved anything, it’s that the 2026 Scottish Six Days Trial is wide open and the battle has only just begun.