Preview: World Trials Championship - Italy
By Team TMX on 28th May 14
This Sunday will see the 2014 FIM Trial World Championship reach its halfway point as Alagna Valsesia, Italy hosts round four of this years series.
As it stands Adam Raga holds a slim but important lead over reigning champion Toni Bou who has now been without a win since the opening Grand Prix in Australia. In fact Bou, who has been so dominant so far, has only recorded one victory in the six counting days so far this season. In contrast Raga's latest top spot in Corsica last weekend was his third on the bounce.
Last year Raga was in a similar position during the early part of the season, however then lost ground to Bou during the critical mid-term period, before then putting pressure on the eventual champion Bou during the latter part of 2013.
If Adam is to mount a serious title challenge this time around he will be fully aware just how important it will be for him toextend his winning form this Sunday in the Italian hills in order to further stretch his advantage in the series standings before the championship breaks for over a month.
Although Bou will arrive in Alagna Valsesia with his confidence slightly dented, he will be aware that he has not been beaten at the Italian GP in the last four years.
Behind this duo there are other riders who will be ready to pounce in an attempt to make up for lost ground.
Despite having one 3-4-6 during his last outings, Takahisa remains third in the general standings much thanks to his opening day win at the first GP in Australia.
The veteran campaigner struggled with the steep steps in Corsica and will need to produce an improved performance in Italy to prevent himself falling down the order.
Albert Cabestany sits just two points behind his Japanese rival and will look to make it three podium finishes this Sunday after being on the box both on the second day in Japan and in Corsica.
Jeroni Fajardo lost ground to the top four riders as he sustained a nasty wrist injury during a training accident on the French island and could only finish ninth on the day. It was an equally disappointing occasion for Fajardo's teammate James Dabill, who came home in seventh and he was one of a few of the more established stars who was out shone by the Gas Gas pairing of Jorge Casales and Matteo Grattarola
