Cabestany looks to get season back on track
By G2F on 5th Jul 10
While his form indoors this year was unquestionable, Albert Cabestany - Sherco has been less consistent during the first half of the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship. Admittedly, the usually dependable Spaniard has experienced some success. However his scorecard has been blighted by a handful of below par performances. With just four rounds to go, Cabestany must up his game if he is to finish the season in the top three.
At thirty, Albert is one of the championship's oldest campaigners. A seasoned professional, he finished second only to Toni Bou - Respol Montesa indoors this year. Outdoors though, he has struggled to find the same rhythm after switching from four to two-stroke power for the 2010 season.
"For me, making a switch to the two-stroke has been important,” explained Cabestany. "It is not because the bike is any better, it does some things better than a four-stroke, but it also does some things worse. It is important because it has given me fresh motivation. I really enjoy riding the two-stroke, and at this stage of my career that is very important.”
The Catalan currently sits in fourth place overall, so a top three finish this year remains a real possibility. However if he is to defend his position from a determined Jeroni Fajardo - Beta he must be more consistent. Likewise, he will have to work hard to threaten third-placed Takahisa Fujinami - Respol Montesa and Adam Raga - Gas Gas in second.
"I know it will be difficult,” said Cabestany. "I need both Raga and Fujinami to have some bad races. I will try to focus on my own race. At each round I must do well. If I have some good races and they do not, we will see where we are at the end of the season. Right now, I am taking things race by race. This year I have already scored more podiums than the last two years put together, and I want more. We are now halfway through the series, and I want a win before the season ends.”
A win will not be easy, though especially with Toni Bou in typically bullish form as he looks to secure a fourth consecutive Outdoor crown. However with the European summer now in full swing, the next four rounds should be dry, which may suit a two-stroke powered Cabestany.
"People thought that I would not like the conditions at the British round, but they were wrong,” proclaimed Cabestany. "I proved that on Sunday, where I was leading until section fourteen. With regards to the next few rounds, I cannot tell you whether the terrain, the weather or the sections will suit me. Until I get there I do not know what I will find. I will do my best, though, and I will use all my experience. Sometimes the younger riders are more fearless than me, but I have experience and I aim to take advantage of it.”
2010 SPEA FIM TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 1
Baiona – Spain, 18 April - 1 Day Event
Round 2
Pacos De Ferreira – Portugal, 24-25 April - 2 Day Event
Round 3
Motegi –Japan, 05-06 June - 2 Day Event
Round 4
Fort William – Great Britain, 26-27 June - 2 Day Event
> Round 5
St Michel De Maurienne – France, 11 July - 1 Day Event
Round 6
Baldasserrona – San Marino, 18 July - 1 Day Event
Round 7
Foppolo – Italy, 25 July - 1 Day Event
Round 8
Kramolin - Czech Republic, 05 September – 1 Day Event
2010 FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS
Myslenice – Poland
11 September - Women's
12 September - Men's
2010 FIM Riders Championship Current Standings:
World
1: Bou 125
2: Raga 108
3: Fujinami 107
4: Cabestany 92
5: Fajardo 85