The Repsol rider wins in Sheffield and achieves his 32nd victory in the X-Trial. Takahisa Fujinami out of the finale for just two points.
The Sheffield Trial opened the Trial season. The round taking place on British soil saw Toni Bou taking the first top place of the podium in the new edition of the X-Trial World Championship, the series where the Repsol rider has won the title in the last six years. This was victory number 32 for Toni Bou, the last 17 of them consecutive, in the 37 X-Trial Championship rounds he has started. His team mate, Takahisa Fujinami, finished in sixth place.
Leader after the five qualifying zones —which he finished with two-points penalty, seven less than his closest rival— the several times champion had to do his best both in the semi-final (0 points) and in the finale, which he won in the last of the five zones (four individual areas and a parallel race) offering an exciting show for the spectators in the Motorpoint Sheffield Arena. Takahisa Fujinami finished in fifth position (12 points) but could not pass the semi-final cut by just two points.
The next round of the five that form the X-Trial World Championship will take place on February 10th, at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona.
Toni Bou
“It is a perfect start for the season. This is a difficult round and the night was tense, as Albert [Cabestany] was very strong and made things very difficult for me. I felt comfortable on the bike and I’m very happy with my performance, both in the semi-final and the finale, where I received five points in a second zone, which was extremely difficult, and one more in the fourth zone, to secure. I couldn’t avoid being nervous, as I know this championship is only made of five rounds and anyone can make a mistake that could be a blow in the fight for the title. But everything went perfect and I will arrive to the next round in Barcelona with maximum motivation.”
Takahisa Fujinami
“Very bad, simply that. I made foolish mistakes both in the qualifying and the semi-final. I had a clear idea about how to face the zones, but I was not able to do it. Technically I have no doubts about me, but I think the time I spent without taking part in an indoor round affected me. I must forget about this result and be positive for the rest. I believe everything will be better in Barcelona.”
