X-Trial series is off to Malaga

The series so far has comprised the opening round in Sheffield, back in January followed four weeks later by the big Barcelona double-header, which took place as usual in the awesome St Jordi Olympic Stadium alongside the World SuperEnduro and in front of 10,000 fans.

 

One month later and it is back to Spain but well away from the motorcycle mad Catalonian capital.

 

It has to be said though that there is only one favourite wherever the event is being held and the man in the hot seat is reigning champ - indoors and outdoors - Toni Bou.

 

Bou overcame a surprise, strong and determined bid from Sherco's former indoor champ Albert Cabestany in Sheffield. The Repsol Montesa ace only pulled away right at the death in an event that wasn't quite as difficult as it has been in the past. 

 

Bou's rivals are ever on the lookout for easier events as the harder they are the bigger his winning margin. Toni just doesn't crack under pressure though and this makes it doubly hard for his rivals.

 

The ride of the night in Sheffield arguably came from Britain's James Dabill making most of his wild card ride and only just missing the podium.

 

Disappointment of the night in Sheffield was Gas Gas number one Adam Raga who just never looked on it and the former Indoor king was devastated not to make the final as he  is looking to get back to challenging Bou, especially when it gets round to the outdoor events.

 

In fact Raga was on much better form in Barcelona taking the runner-up spot which leads him into the Malaga event in a much more positive  frame of mind.

 

Britain's sole contender in the 2013 series is Beta's Jack Challoner and the 22 year old from Halifax is looking forward to the endounter.

 

Jack had a bit of a ‘mare at his home round in Sheffield but bounced back well in Barcelona, progressing to the semi finals.

 

Said Jack, "Barcelona was definitely a boost for me after failing to get my act together in Sheffield. X-Trial is tough and you have to make the best of every ride. 

 

"You have to beat the Spanish guys which is why I have based myself in Spain for the last six weeks - and plan to stay for a couple more weeks to make the most of my time. 

 

"It has been great to practise with the likes of Toni and Albert as you can certainly learn a lot from these guys and I certainly believe that my standard of riding has improved over this winter period.

 

"My aim is to at least make the semi finals in the next rounds and if I really click I feel that I can make it to a final as well.

 

Full report, results and pics in next week's TMX as ever.