As the FIM X-Trial World Championship reaches its halfway point, Toni Bou completely dominated in Strasbourg, clinching a fourth indoor season win and extending his advantage further at the head of the overall standings.
Another technical master-class from Toni Bou, this time in Strasbourg, France where the rider took control of a brand new, yet difficult, competition. Despite a nagging pain in his arms that has dogged the champion since the season began in Montpellier three weeks ago, the Repsol Honda Team rider achieved his goal of overcoming the various phases to end up disputing – and winning – the fourth final of the year.
Bou was the best in the first qualifying round, and at semifinal too, making it through to the final by a single point of difference, although his closest rival in the general standings failed to make the cut for the final. Miquel Gelabert, who turned out to be the revelation of the event in Strasbourg, was unable to seriously contend with Bou in what was a more technically challenging course than on previous occasions.
With this victory Toni Bou increases his difference in the general standings to twenty-six points. The next trial will take place in Barcelona. The blue-riband event of indoor trial will be held on Sunday, February 4 at 17:00.
Toni Bou
I'm really very happy. Physically it was a very demanding trial, and with the problem in my arms I didn’t train all week so as to not to put pressure on them. It was very difficult, because when you have problems, everything is much more complicated. Technically it was very tough, especially the semi-final. Adam didn’t make any mistakes and that’s why I qualified by a single point. In the final section I tried to get through in time, but I missed out by just a second. I pushed hard and it worked out right. I want to congratulate Miquel Gelabert for his first final and his podium place. I rode the part at the beginning well which made a difference. I am satisfied with how I achieved the victory today and also because I am doing very well in the championship.
Results X-Trial Strasbourg 2018
| Pos. | Rider | Num | Nation | L1 | L2 | L3 | T3 | Champ | Team | Constructor | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bou Toni | 1 | SPA | 13 | 20 | Repsol Honda Team | Montesa | 13 | |||
| 2 | Gelabert Miquel | SPA | 30 | 15 | Sherco Factory Team | Sherco | 30 | ||||
| 3 | Raga Adam | SPA | 8 | 12 | TRRS Factory Team | TRRS | 8 | ||||
| 4 | Bincaz Benoit | FRA | 21 | 9 | Scorpa Factory | Scorpa | 21 | ||||
| 5 | Fajardo Jeroni | SPA | 21 | 6 | Gas Gas Factory Team | Gas Gas | 21 | ||||
| 6 | Busto Jaime | SPA | 22 | 4 | Gas Gas Factory Team | Gas Gas | 22 | ||||
| 7 | Dabill James | GBR | 23 | 3 | Beta Factory Racing | Beta | 23 | ||||
| 8 | Kadlec Franz | GER | 28 | 2 | Gas Gas Factory Team | Gas Gas | 28 | ||||
| 9 | Price Jack | GBR | 30 | 1 | Gas Gas Factory Team | Gas Gas | 30 |
