French rider sixteen year old Gael Chatagno – Sherco will arrive at his home Grand Prix this coming weekend fresh from having become the winner of the 2014 FIM 125 Trial Cup, a title he clinched just yesterday afternoon on British soil. Chatagno is sure to receive a very warm welcome as the 2014 FIM Trial World championship descends on the ski resort of La Mongie, France for the penultimate stop on this year’s tour. In his first full season Gael has dominated the FIM 125 Trial Cup class with nine wins from ten starts, which has allowed him to collect his crown with two events still remaining.
Accompanied by his ever-present father, the likeable young French rider was pleased to explain his journey from being a child to becoming a champion. “I rode my first bike when I was five years old, like for many people my first bike was a Yamaha PW50. A year later I began to ride competitions but this time on a Gas Gas TXT Boy. Since that point I have made progression, step by step and now I have won my first World title.”
“Although my father rode Trial he only rode when he was older and only at regional level, his passion and work is with horses, which is a route I could have followed too. I rode horses when I was younger and took my examinations in this sport, but Trial was always my real passion so that was my chosen path with the full support of my father. I still ride horses, but now only for fun.”
“I knew that I could be champion this year, as already I knew the level of the other riders and I was confident that I could match and even beat them. From my results you can see that this was true, but although I am happy with the way I have ridden at World level it has been a slightly different story in the French national championship.” Gael continued. “In the French series I have won two rounds and lost two rounds so now I am only sharing the lead, so that is something I need to change in the closing events to make it a perfect year.”
“My only defeat in the FIM 125 Trial Cup was in Italy. There I made a really bad first lap, and then although I made a good recovery on the other laps it was too late to take the victory.”
Talking about his relationship with his father, Chatagno said. “I work well with my father, it is important to have a minder and someone at my side who completely understands me in everyway. I know I can be 100% open with him about all the feelings I have both good and bad, as he is my father and only wants the best for me. He has played an important role for me, especially this season.”
With the title already won Gael already has a new plan and goal in place. “So this weekend at my home GP I will move up to ride in the FIM Trial World Cup class. I think it is important to check my level so that I can be prepared for next season. I hope next year I can be in the top five in this class, but this might be difficult as I do not really know the exact level of the other riders yet. Obviously my absolute goal and dream is to be champion again next year, but also I would be very happy just to be on the podium. I know I must train very hard this winter.”
Looking ahead to this weekend the winner of the 2014 FIM 125 Trial Cup stated. “La Mongie is a great place for Trial, an area I know well and one that I am looking forward to riding in front of the many French fans which I am sure will come.”