Repsol Honda’s Toni Bou continued his steady march toward another world title by claiming wins on both days at the British GP in Tong, UK, July 16-17.
Bou’s win on Saturday was his ninth of the series, but it was historical by virtue of the fact that it also marked the Montesa’s 200th win in FIM Trial World Championship competition and netted the brand its 19th overall and 11th consecutive manufacturer’s title. Montesa already owns the record for the most World titles, 24.
“I am really, and I mean, really happy,” Bou said. “Today everything went really well. We did the first lap really well and that gave a big advantage. I went very comfortably throughout the day. The third lap was fantastic. I’m really happy about the way that team has worked. The result opens up a lot of possibilities for us in the championship, and I would also like to congratulate Montesa for the win in the manufacturer’s championship.”
Rain just before the event made the terrain slick and slimy, but Bou was unfazed as he set a dominant tone on Saturday’s opening loop, carding just a single mark. He would pick up three more on the second loop before turning in a flawless rider on the third loop, cleaning every section along the way for his ninth win in 12 trials. Even more important to the end game, Bou extended his championship points lead to 28 over fellow Spaniard Adam Raga, who finished third behind Great Britain’s James Dabill. Raga was the last man to win the FIM Trial World Championship before Bou’s reign of terror began in 2007.
Bou got off to a shakier start on Sunday, carding 10 points after making two mistakes on the opening loop, but he rebounded quickly and posted the best scores on the next two loops to claim an easy win over his rivals on a course that featured a mix of dry and mud-filled sections. His injured shoulder apparently did not bother him as he clinched another win in an effort to land his own record-breaking 10th consecutive FIM Trial World Championship. Raga had a better day, finishing second, while Albert Cabestany finished third to make it a Spanish sweep of the podium.
“In the first part I made a few mistakes,” Bou said. “I got two five-point penalties, but after [that] I pulled it together on the second and third lap. I come away feeling very pleased with the GP, which has been an important one for the championship. We have made a giant step, without a doubt, towards our goal that we set out at the start of the year, which was the title. But we have to keep on fighting until the end, as we have said before. Now it’s time for some well-deserved holiday, and we will be back stronger than ever for Italy.”
Indeed, the FIM Trial World Championship takes a long summer break before resuming with the series finale in Valchiampo, Italy, September 3-4.
2016 FIM Trial World Championship
British GP
Tong, Great Britain
Results: July 16-17, 2016
Day 1
1. Toni Bou (ESP)-Mon/4
2. James Dabill (GBR)-Ver/35
3. Adam Raga (ESP)-TRS/42
4. Albert Cabestany (ESP)-She/59
5. Takahisa Fujinami (JPN)-Mon/61
6. Jeroni Fajardo (ESP)-Ver/63
7. Jaime Busto (ESP)-Mon/81
8. Franz Kadlec (DEU)-Gas/82
9. Eddie Karlson (SWE)-Mon/88
10. Oriol Noguera (ESP)-Mon/92
Day 2
1. Toni Bou (ESP)-Mon/20
2. Adam Raga (ESP)-TRS/40
3. Albert Cabestany (ESP)-She/54
4. Jeroni Fajardo (ESP)-Ver/55
5. Takahisa Fujinami (JPN)-Mon/64
6. Jaime Busto (ESP)-Mon/70
7. James Dabill (GBR)-Ver/81
8. Eddie Karlson (SWE)-Mon/88
9. Miquel Gelabert (ESP)-She/100
10. Franz Kadlec (DEU)-Gas/105
2016 FIM Trial World Championship Series Points Standings
1. Toni Bou-249
2. Adam Raga-218
3. Takahisa Fujinami-169
4. Albert Cabestany-155
5. Jaime Busto-148
6. Jeroni Fajardo-143
7. James Dabill-133
8. Jorge Casales-77
9. Matteo Grattarola-67
10. Franz Kadlec-66
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