Sanz eyes a tenth FIM Women's Trials World Title
By G2F on 6th Jul 10
Laia Sanz - Repsol Montesa is to the FIM Women's Trial World Championship what Valentino Rossi is to MotoGP. An incredible force whose reputation alone is enough to strike fear and doubt into the heart of her rivals. Unlike Rossi, though, Sanz is currently fit and healthy, and is preparing to secure a remarkable tenth FIM Women's Trial World title in 2010.
At twenty-four-years-old, Sanz's record belies her age. Since the FIM Women's Trial World Championship first began in 2000, when Laia was just fourteen-years-old, she has won all but one title. Perhaps if it was not for the fact that one round was cancelled during the 2007 season when she relinquished her crown to Iris Kramer - Gas Gas, she would arguably boast an unblemished record.
Sanz's calibre and pedigree is unquestionable, but as the 2010 championship becomes ever nearer, despite being the hot favourite, she will not be drawn into a conversation about a potential tenth title. Although confident, Laia fears that any talk of victory at this stage of the season could tempt fate.
"At the moment I will not let myself think about winning another title as it is bad luck,” said Sanz. "Right now I am only thinking about the first round of the series. Hopefully that will go well. Then I will concentrate on round two. Then round three. At this time of the year I only ever think about the first round.”
Sanz is wise not to get lost in her own hype and is remarkably down to earth. She is also respectful of the other competitors, not to mention wary of their abilities. Laia fears no one, and nor should she, but she knows that one mistake could end her dream. There are plenty of other riders ready to pounce should the Spaniard slip up.
"I know that if the race is difficult I can win,” proclaimed Sanz. "But in the World championship they have to make the sections so that everyone can ride them. This sometimes means that, for me, the sections are easy. When it is like that it is very easy to make a mistake and lose concentration. So it is very important that I do not make any mistakes. I think the two British riders, Rebekah Cook - Sherco and Joanne Coles - Gas Gas, will be my biggest rivals this season. Joanne is better than she was last year. She is still young too, so she will only keep getting better and better.”
As for the venue for round one in France, Sanz is familiar with the terrain, however she has not ridden there for a long time "I have only been there once. It was about seven years ago. I went there for a two-day training camp. It is a great location and I am sure we will have a very good trial there. The French are always well organised and they always put on a good event. I cannot wait to get started.”
2010 SPEA FIM WOMEN'S TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 1
St Michel De Maurienne – France, 10 July - 1 Day Event
Round 2
Kramolin – Czech Republic, 04 September - 1 Day Event
Round 3
Myslenice – Poland, 10 September - 1 Day Event
2010 FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS
Myslenice – Poland
11 September - Women's
12 September - Men's
2009 FIM Riders Championship Final Standings:
Women's
1: Sanz 40
2: Cook 34
3: Kramer 32
4: Coles 28
5: Leotta 24