Toni Bou Set To Lift Record Eighth Title

Toni Bou – Repsol Honda took a massive step toward securing his eighth successive FIM Trial World Championship when he won the opening day of the Spanish Grand Prix by a massive twenty eight marks. This marks the last round of this year’s series, but with one day still to go. Bou’s day was made even better as he was followed home by Albert Cabestany – Sherco, which demoted his main title rival Adam Raga – Gas Gas into third spot. Bou now holds a twelve point lead in the general standings going into tomorrow’s closing Trial. Toni can finish as low as eighth even if Raga wins, and will still claim a record breaking eighth outdoor title. Few changes are expected overnight out on the dry and dusty course, with the going proving slippery and difficult due to the loose surface on the steep climbs and sandstone boulders.

Whilst Bou, as often has been the case this season and for the last seven previous to this, was simply in a class of his own today the battle behind him was a tight affair with just four marks splitting the next four riders and positions. Raga found himself down in fifth spot at the end of the first lap on twenty three marks plus two time penalties and was angry with himself as he fived the final man-made hazard in the town’s bull ring. From that moment forward it was a case of damage limitation for the current vice champion, and as Raga has done so many times in the past he brilliantly fought his way back up the order and within touching distance of finishing as runner up on the day.

Second after the initial lap, Cabestany survived a nightmare on his second tour when he dropped twenty seven marks compared to first lap of eleven, to cling on to second spot come the close of play. Whilst Raga may have been disappointed not to have stolen runner-up place away from his bitter rival, he can also count himself slightly lucky as he nearly lost his spot on the rostrum to Jeroni Fajardo – Beta who finished on one mark more than the Gas Gas teamster in fourth position. It was a similar tale for Takahisa Fujinami – Repsol Honda who eventually ended up rounding out the top five, but only four marks away from the runners up berth. Once again it was an all-Spanish podium for the seventh time this season.

Elsewhere in the World Pro class Alexandre Ferrer – Sherco recorded his best ever placing in sixth, as the French rider came home nine marks clear of Jorge Casales – Gas Gas who placed seventh at his home GP. Pol Tarres – Sherco, Matteo Grattarola – Gas Gas and James Dabill – Beta completed the top ten respectively as the British rider endured his equal worst result of the season to date.

Jaime Busto – Beta won his home GP to become the winner of 2014 FIM Trial World Cup with a day to spare. This was Busto’s sixth victory of the year and with the best eleven out of thirteen days deciding the title he cannot now be caught in the general standings.  Germany’s Franz Kadlec – Beta was second on the day and in doing so has also secured second overall in the series. Quentin Carles de Caudemberg – Beta completed the FIM Trial World Cup podium today and looks favourite to take third in the championship come the end of tomorrow.

In the 2014 FIM 125 Trial Cup class Switzerland’s Noe Pretalli – JTG achieved his first win of the year with a ten mark victory over the surprise second placed rider Romain Corna – Beta who’s previous best result prior to today was a top five placing in his native France at the last GP. Timmy Hippel – Beta from Germany also recorded his best ever placing as he came home third in spot. All three classes will do battle for one final time in 2014 tomorrow.

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