This Saturday, January 5th, the 2013 Indoor X-Trial World Championship kicks off in the magical setting of Sheffield (Great Britain), a place that traditionally kicks off the indoor season, but in the last two editions unofficial competitions have been held. In 2013 Sheffield returned to the calendar as an official event.
The 8 best drivers in the world plus two guests will come to Sheffield and a massive influx of people is expected to welcome them.
The most eagerly awaited is Toni Bou. The reigning World Champion begins a new title defence with his sights set on winning his seventh consecutive indoor gold.
Once again, it looks like Bou’s main rivals this season will be his fellow Spaniards. Albert Cabestany leads the chasing group of having finished as runner-up in Bou during the 2012 campaign, a position he has held since 2009. Adam Raga has been less consistent in recent years, but he is capable of big surprises and is always a rider to be reckoned with.
Jeroni Fajardo, who recently signed for the Italian factory on a one-year deal, could be the man closest to emerging as Bou’s rival after having made good progress during the latter part of the 2012 season. Fajardo was fourth in 2012 and is keen to get into contention with the top three drivers and will get his first chance at Sheffield. Veteran Takahisa Fujinami , who will turn 33 shortly after visiting Great Britain, remains a force to be reckoned with having reached the podium in three of the seven rounds last season.
Great Britain’s Jack Challoner , who will celebrate his 22nd birthday tomorrow, already showed his potential on the man-made zones when he finished sixth overall in 2011 during his rookie X-Trial season. Matteo Grattarola is the only Italian representative in this year’s series. Although Matteo has made wildcard appearances in the past, this is his first real opportunity to make an impact against the more established stars.
Mixing experience with youth, Challoner and Grattarola were selected as the best riders under twenty-five years of age , while the last fixed place went to a rider who has already lifted a title: the winner of the 2012 FIM Youth Trial World Cup, Alexandre Ferrer.
James Dabill and Michael Brown will complete the list of participants in Sheffield.
Information and photo: FIM
