Someone correct me if I'm wrong but Bou cannot possibly win the indoor WTC as he is only a Wild Card rider and as such will only be riding selected rounds. Good news for Raga but bad news for the trials spectating public. Bou would have had an excellent chance for taking the crown.
The 'trinity' will certainly be challenged by Cabestany (second year on the Sherco), Bou and Fajardo. This should hopefully lead to a more open outdoor championship. Indoors wise I think it will be out of Bou and Raga.
I totally agree with Ishy regarding the Spanish having finished their own indoor series. Its about time we had a British Indoor Championship, if not then the chances of catching up the Spainards is zero.
Fujigas is still only a year older than Raga so he can hardly be considered past it. Dougie was very unlucky last year with his drowning the bike in Spain and the big off in France. Doug is motivated and I honestly believe he has one more outdoor WTC left in him. Raga will find it very difficult to keep hold of his title as Fujigas found out. There's 4 or 5 riders who can win a round and I think Doug can take advantage of this and go on to victory No 8.
Its only the first round and there's a long way to go (and I don't just mean South America.) Both Raga and Bou were sensational and Fajardo's line on the Q8 bottles was unbelievable, however I reckon there will be a few twists to this championship. But I reckon Raga must be a bit nervous about hanging onto the crown and cape.
The fact that the Spaniards had just finished there own indoor championship really showed, the other riders were now where near.
There appears to be some changes to the dates of the 2006 Indoor WTC for example Belfast.
Does anyone know where there is a up to date indoor Calendar.
As there are only a few top English speaking riders so I can certainly rule out the nationality angle. I think in Raga's case he has a reputation for being El Big Head and I think the Christmas message thing proves this. Non the less he is a rider of outstanding ability. 2005 being a great year for him only slightly tainted by the fact that his 2 greatest rivals were riding totally new machines.
Holding onto his outdoor crown will certainly be more of a challenge to him.
As put by Dabster the true test of this monarch creditals is whether or not he will go on to a further six outdoor titles.
Great rider yes. King of trials, I don't quite think so.
Raga is undoubtedly the world champion and deservedly so. But that doesn't give in the excuse to look a right prat. Or do you think he looks quite fetching in his cape.
Instead of thinking isn't Raga's Christmas message nice I am left thinking he looks a right tool dressed up as a King. I think the double winning of the indoor and outdoor WTC has gone to his head.
Any ideas for what he will be dressed as on next years card? The widow tw**ky or Dick Whittington perhaps. Rumour has it he is appearing with the Krankies in Christmas Panto. :santawink:
I was of the understanding Bou is staying with Beta, as is Dabill. I cannot see who is available (and it would need to be a Spaniard) to come into the Montesa HRC camp, so I reckon it could just be Lampkin, Fuji and Laia.
I will put my neck out and say that Dougie will be staying with Montesa HRC. I sincerely believe Doug is still well capable of winning another World Outdoor Title and Montesa HRC know this. They are also one rider down with Friexa's departue and quite simply there is no rider who is capable of stepping into Doug's Alpine Stars.
I wonder if Montesa HRC will replace Freixa and with whom?
