Brown Finishes Fifth in Mardid X-Trial
KX-energy Trials Rider Michael Brown (Gas Gas UK) recorded his best result of his career at the forth round of the 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championships held at the almighty Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad Arena in Madrid, Spain. At the top of the leader board, World Champion Toni Bou (SPA - Montesa) recorded his forth consecutive victory, but not without a fierce challenge from Gas Gas mounted Adam Raga who proved he is a major contender for a victory this year. Concluding the podium was Spanish veteran Albert Cabastany (Sherco).
Scarborough rider, Michael Brown has been fighting hard to break into the top five territory this year, but in failed to make the important semi-finals in the three previous rounds of the championship. Having spent most of January and February on a intense training schedule near the Gas Gas factory in Spain, his result in Madrid proved that his time away from the UK was well spent.
In 2009, Michael Brown finished the championships in 6th place, but despite coming seriously close has never managed to break into the top five territory. The Madrid round of the FIM X-Trial World Championships is always a favourite amongst the passionate Spanish crowds, and Saturday night was no exception, and presented the Yorkshire rider an important opportunity to impress the crowds. In attendance, current Moto GP World Champion, Casey Stoner and team-mate Dani Pedrosa who were both incredibly impressed with the skill and balance of the World's best Trials Riders.
Michael started the Trial in tremendous style and proved that he meant business by cleaning the opening section of the event, the only other riders capable of achieving this were Toni Bou and Adam Raga; the two best riders in the world today. Michael was tied with factory Beta rider Jernoni Fajardo (SPA) after the qualification heats and as such secured his place in the semi-finals, beating Frenchman Loris Goubian (Gas Gas). Concluding the proceedings Spanish duo Pol Tarres (Jotagas) and Alfredo Gomez (Montesa) both failed to get through any of the challenging five qualification sections.
The four sections in the semi-finals saw high marks across the board, but Michael made every mark count and beat Fajardo in the duel lane race to secure fifth in the event, his best result of his career.
Talking after the event Michael commented; "It's such a good feeling to break into the top five, I've never done it before, although I've had a number of six place finishes. The Madrid event is always tough and tonight was no exception, I have ridden here a few times, and I know, if you fight for every point you can often come out better than you expected.
"I do feel like all the hard work I have put in ver the winter is starting to pay off, and with three rounds left in the World X-Trial championships I am keen to improve on my current standings in the championships". Michael is currently 7th in the championships, six marks behind Loris Goubian.
The next event in the 2012 X-Trial World Championships will be held in Palma, Majorca next Sunday evening where Michael Brown will be looking to continue his form.