Toni Bou on top in X-Trial Barcelona
By Team TMX on 9th Feb 26
If there was any doubt about who rules the Palau Sant Jordi, Toni Bou put it firmly to bed once more. The Repsol Honda Trial Team talisman delivered a near-flawless performance at the X-Trial of Barcelona to claim a scarcely believable 19th victory at the iconic venue, leaving his rivals fighting over the remaining podium places.
Bou had already laid down a marker by topping Q1 and blasting his way to Superpole honours, and once the Final got underway there was little anyone could do to derail him. A clean opening section immediately put the pressure on, while Jaime Busto (GasGas), Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda) and Harry Hemingway (Beta) – the fastest rider in Q2 – all opened their accounts with fives.
The defining moment came in section four. While Busto, Marcelli and Hemingway all faltered again, Bou breezed through with a solitary penalty, instantly stretching his advantage to nine points. From there, the World Champion managed the trial with the calm assurance of a rider who knows exactly when the job is done.
Behind him, the fight for second was intense and went right down to the final section. Busto eventually edged Marcelli by a single point, securing second place with Marcelli forced to settle for third. Hemingway impressed throughout on his way to fourth overall, underlining his growing stature at the very top level of indoor trials.
Arnau Farré (Sherco) and Matteo Grattarola (Beta) followed, with Miquel Gelabert completing the classification aboard the electric Honda RTL-E. Hugo Dufrese’s night ended early after a heavy crash in Q1 left the Frenchman unable to continue.
Bou’s latest Barcelona masterclass extends his championship advantage to 42 points over Marcelli and 46 over Busto, with just 60 points left to play for.
