Toni Bou rode to a worthy victory in the Italian GP, and in doing so, the Repsol Honda Team rider picks up his second win of the season, retaking command at the top of the leader-board. As expected, the demands of the high-level Alagna Valsesia course in the Italian Alps, bought the best performance out of the Spaniard. It had been a tricky start for Bou, who grew as the event progressed, imposing his particular style and technique on the race. Bou, who was leading by the end of the first lap (19 points) had the race practically in the bag by the end of the second with an excellent score (7 points), which he even managed to beat on the final round (6 points).
This win, together with the one picked up on the second day in Australia, sees the Montesa Cota 4RT rider break the spell of three consecutive second place finishes, and places him back at the top of the championship leader’s table, one point ahead of Adam Raga.
Takahisa Fujinami, likewise, should be satisfied with his sixth place finish, after having made different errors in the sections. Repsol Honda Team’s Japanese rider thus arrives at the halfway stage of the championship with aspirations of a podium place as the second part gets underway.
The Trial World Championship now has a one month break ahead of its next date at the Belgian Grand Prix, to be held in Comblain-au-Port on June 13
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It was a very high-level trial. I got off to a bad start, having picked up three faults in the first six sections, some of which were just unlucky. But the sections after allowed me to come back. I still find the new rules uncomfortable and hard to get used to, but I rode a good second lap and finished it off in the third. I felt good physically, and felt stronger and more comfortable than in previous races. We achieved the goal, which was to get back the leadership, although I doubt the upcoming races will be easy |
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In the end, after thinking that a more ‘natural’ race would suit me, it turned out like the one last week. I couldn’t find the self-confidence and began to make mistakes. I think that I’ll have to change something. I wasn’t motivated and I made some silly mistakes. Luckily, we have a month to try and rectify things, and improve. |