The Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona has hosted the second round of the X-Trial World Championship, in which Toni Bou has not disappointed. The reigning champion showed off his excellent form and, exhibiting a great drive, has achieved his seventh victory in Barcelona, equalling Jordi Tarrés’ record from 20 years ago. With this result, He is 19 points ahead of second-placed Albert Cabestany. Your companion, Takahisa Fujinami was third after a tight duel with Adam Raga, who was second.
Those attending the second round of the X-Trial World Championship witnessed Toni Bou’s second victory of the season. The multi-champion dominated both qualifying, the semi-final and the final, where he was the only one to complete the third zone without scoring.
After today’s ten zones, the player from Piera has scored only 7 points, 14 ahead of Adam Raga, second in the standings. With this win, He has another 20 points in the general standings, where he continues to lead with a 40-point advantage, 19 more than Cabestany and Fajardo, tied for second place with 21 points.
His teammate, Takahisa Fujinami, took his first podium of the season. It’s been third after a tight final in which Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo also qualified. With 7 points in the first round, the Japanese rider entered fourth in the final, but managed to finish with 23 points in his locker, beating Fajardo and achieving a well-deserved podium that places him fifth in the World Championship.
The next event on the X-Trial World Championship calendar will be on March 10, in Malaga.
DECLARATIONS
Toni Bou: “I’m very happy, it was a fantastic day in front of my people. It was my seventh win in Barcelona and I never thought I’d get so many wins. I’ve had another amazing night in this setting, which is fantastic. This year’s sections may not have been as tricky as in previous years, but that meant that the race was not decided until the end.
That makes it more exciting for the crowd, but for the drivers in front it’s worse, as we get more nervous. It forces you not to fail and you have to be very careful, because the areas were quite slippery due to the dust left by the enduro. Now I’ll rest a bit and continue training for the Malaga race, the next round of the X-Trial World Championship.”
Takahisa Fujinami: “I really wanted to get a good result at the Barcelona Indoor, because it’s like my second home; although it is also for the rest of the riders and they all race very motivated. I’m very happy to have achieved third position, because the start of the year was very difficult for me, with sixth position in Sheffield.
In qualifying I was fifth and I didn’t think I would finish on the podium, because I didn’t have much confidence and I got quite nervous. There were very difficult areas, with many steps and very high areas. But in the semi-final I was able to get through a section where almost everyone made a fiasco, I gained confidence and I was able to get back on the podium, which is very positive”.
Adam Raga: “I was pushing until the last two sections, but there I already failed, and it was a shame because I had Toni very close, and surely if I had followed him behind I would have made it. After the bad start I had in the first round of the world championship in Sheffield, this good result gives me strength to continue fighting until the end of the championship.”
INDOOR TRIAL CLASSIFICATION BARCELONA
1. Toni Bou |
Repsol Montesa Honda |
7 pts. |
2. Adam Raga |
Gas Gas |
21 pts. |
3. T. Fujinami |
Repsol Montesa Honda |
23 pts. |
4. Jeroni Fajardo |
Beta |
28 pts. |
5. A. Cabestany |
Sherco |
11 pts. |
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
1. Toni Bou |
Repsol Montesa Honda |
40 pts. |
2. A. Cabestany |
Sherco |
21 pts. |
3. Jeroni Fajardo |
Beta |
21 pts. |
4. Adam Raga |
Gas Gas |
19 pts. |
5. T. Fujinami |
Repsol Montesa Honda |
17 pts |