Trials Torque: Nations pride at stake
By John Dickinson on 5th Apr 17
THE most nailed-on, copper-bottomed, cast iron, guaranteed victory of the season takes place this Friday as Spain go for an 11th win in the X-Trial des Nations which is being staged this year in Pau, in the south west of France.
Spain are undefeated in this team event which was first staged back in 2002 but which wasn't held in 2007, 09, 10, 11 and 2013.
Last year was typical as the four Spanish riders finished in the first four places as they defeated teams from France, Italy, Great Britain and, for the first time, the USA.
In recent years Toni Bou, Adam Raga, Albert Cabestany and Jeroni Fajardo have romped home virtually unopposed.
But with a radical new format this year there is no place in the team for either Raga, Cabes or Fajardo.
The vets have to sit this one out as the format for 2017 is two-man teams – with the catch being that at least one rider must be under 25 years old.
Even this isn't really expected to stop the Spanish dominance as with 21-times World Champ (10 Outdoor – 11 Indoor) Toni Bou being a shoo-in his team mate will be his Repsol Montesa protege Jaime Busto.
Young Busto has benefitted from two wildcards in this year's World X-Trial Champs and while he didn't shine in his home round in Barcelona he took a place in the final in Marseille so he can certainly ride Indoors!
Great Britain stands a great chance of finishing second, though, with regular X-Trial contender, and a finalist in the last round in Nice last weekend, Gas Gas No.1 James Dabill being paired with Gas Gas UK sponsored Jack Price.
And Pricey does have Indoor experience, not least being a good runout at Sheffield in January.The opposition will be France, with Alexandre Ferrer and Benoit Bincaz, Italy with Matteo Grattarola and Luca Petrella and Germany via teenage Franz Kadlec, who has understandably struggled in the 2017 X-Trial as a contracted rider and the even younger Jarmo Robrahn.
To say all bets are off a Spanish win is only to tell the truth BUT pulling off the impossible is what sport is all about.
So here's hoping that the new format encourages a competitive evening – although the live crowd won't be disappointed with another Bou Show!
