Toni Bou interview: Achieving another World title is the goal
By Press Release on 23rd May 19
This coming weekend the battle for the 2019 FIM TrialGP World Championship gets underway as Pietramurata di Dro, Italy, plays host to Toni Bou, who sets off on the path to conquer a thirteenth consecutive outdoor trial world title.
This weekend, May 25/26, just a couple of weeks after the culmination of the X-Trial World Championship, the 2019 edition of the TrialGP World Championship kicks off as Pietramurata di Dro, Italy, plays host for round one.
For Toni Bou, after 12 outdoor and 13 indoor titles, the goal will be to maintain the exceptionally high level that he has shown for over a decade, which has seen the Spaniard remain the disciplines undisputed number one.
With eight trials this season, the Repsol Honda star believes it will be very important to maintain a solid consistency to achieve this aim. In Pietramurata, Bou has managed to clinch top step of the TrialGP podium on the two most recent occasions.
Toni Bou talks about the battle to add another indoor-outdoor double as the action gets underway this weekend.
This week a new TrialGP World Championship begins, what condition is Toni Bou in for the first calendar event?
Toni Bou: It was a very intense pre-season, where I wasnt able to train as much as I had wanted after the fractured ribs in Japan which meant I was practically out for two months.
In Barcelona I had another fall and took a turn for the worst, but little by little I have been getting it together physically and, after a great indoor season, I think we are ready to start a new TrialGP World Championship. Hopefully the physique will hold up well.
13 world X-Trials, is the next goal to get the double with a 13th TrialGP World Championship?
TB: The positive part is that you win and you are successful. The negative part is that you are obliged to win in everything that you participate in. Everyone is expecting it from you! I am already used to this pressure and that is why I try to enjoy everything that I achieve. Now, we are well-prepared for the outdoor season and we will try to fight for this objective."
People would imagine that the objective is the title but what obstacles could be in the way for you this season?
TB: "It will be a difficult year because there are only eight events and that means you cant fail and miss out on the podium as that could complicate your goal. It will be very important to maintain good consistency and win the maximum number of trials possible.
"The rivals are always very motivated because beating the number one is a great victory. In addition, some have changed teams and can also be a good motivation for them."
It was an intense and very closely-fought indoor championship
TB: Yes, it was a very tight year, things were getting tricky and qualifying for the final it was hard work! The slightest mistake and you are out! It is gruelling and its easy to make mistakes.
We have to work a lot mentally, we have to be very focused, but I think we achieved that this year.
"I am happy for the character that we showed. It was a season complicated by injuries; riding without being at 100 per cent, then battling in all the trials and getting the final win in Andorra, which I think was the best way to end the championship."
13 titles, 62 wins and 75 podiums those stats are hard to replicate.
TB: "The numbers are incredible. It is a dream. As a child I wanted to be a world champion and having achieved all this is an outrage [incredible], something I could not even imagine. Not just one title -now there are 13 and these figures which are just unthinkable. Now, we just have to enjoy it, take advantage of everything and savour the positive moment."
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