Rolf Tibblin

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B R. Nicholls

ROLF TIBBLIN

Now IN HIS twenty-sixth year, Rolf Tibblin, the Swedish moto-cross ace, is a big man in every sense of the word for he stands over six feet tall and has an excellent physique attained by strict training at all times of the year. He started motorcycling at the age of seventeen and like most champions made haste slowly. But by 1957 he had behind him plenty of experience and ability which stamped him as a rider of International standard.

During that year he rode a 500cc BSA and Husqvarna noticed him. offering him the chance of a tilt at the 250cc European title in 1958. He took it and finished as runner-up to the Czechoslovak rider Cizek, gaining the title the following year in a manner befitting a champion by taking maximum points from six meetings in succession.

For 1960 he had the bigger 500 Husqvarna for the World title and was back amongst the men, for Rolf has always favoured the bigger capacity class, but after a premising start with two quick wins he faded and when 1961 started with a broken leg it looked as if the writing was on the wall. Not to Tibblin, though, who used the opportunity to learn all he could from watching his fellow countrymen Nilsson and Lundin.

So to 1962 where he used his ability to the full and riding with all the skill and strength of old he took the World title, becoming the only man to have held both 250 and 500 crowns. But moto cross is not his only motorcycle sport for he enjoys the tough Swedish night time trials and is the only man to have won the difficult Novemberkasan trial outright by three wins in a row.

Husqvarna knew what they were doing when they made him their only works supported rider for 1962 and they can do no better for 1963. •