The lockdown talks we’re running at Trialworld continue to make big headlines. We had the opportunity to speak with Jorge Casales, the first KTM rider in the history of Trial in the top category.
The Galician rider signed with KTM, current owner of Gas Gas, to be the only official rider of the brand. A privilege that allows us to know first-hand what plans the Austrian brand tempted Jorge with and the expectations that we all have set on seeing what contributions KTM will have towards the Trial.
HOMECOMING
For Jorge, returning to Gas Gas was a big step. “It was a pretty tough decision. We finished the season with good results. I had the offer from Gas Gas and it was months of madness. He also had an offer from Vertigo to continue teaming up with Jaime, with conditions relatively similar to those of that year. I put a balance in my head: stability or take a risk. I decided to go home. And the Gas Gas has always been my bike.”
However, for Jorge, everything changed. While at the beginning the offer was from Gas Gas, with an ERE, the factory closed… “Later I got a call from Austria and I spoke to Peirer. We understood each other very quickly. The project is very forceful and ambitious. So I jumped into the pool.”
This makes us think that, perhaps looking ahead to 2022, we could see a completely revamped Gas Gas under the KTM umbrella (min 36:00 interview). A very solvent brand to develop any type of technology. Advances in enduro could lead us to think that we could find electronic injection and new technical solutions. Undoubtedly, an exciting future for all fans.
A PLAN TO CATCH UP WITH HONDA
On the possibility that KTM can provide new solutions to promote high-level trial competition, especially taking into account the history of the Austrian brand in other specialties, such as hard enduro. For Jorge: “The arrival of KTM is very positive, I am up to date with what is being said and very strong sponsors will come in, also the media. This will give more life to the trial, as a rival capable of being at the same level as Honda in terms of structure will come into play.”
