Jeroni Fajardo Just Misses Podium In Belgium

The 2016 FIM Trial World Championship marked its sixth stop of the year when it visited Comblain au Pont, Belgium for the only single day event in this season's calendar. The Trial was played out in unusually hot weather that made for tough going, however both Vertigo factory riders dug deep to record fourth and seventh places respectively with Jeroni Fajardo getting the better of his team-mate James Dabill on this occasion. 

This is only the second time that the FIM Trial World Championship has been hosted in the small Belgium town, the previous occasion being back in 2014. The course followed a similar format to two years ago with the twelve sections spread far and wide around the neighbouring countryside. Most of the hazards once again featured jumbles of angled boulders separated by slippery ground in places. The first and last two sections were located close to the paddock in the town square and attracted some of the larger crowds during the three laps of competition that became drier as the warm day wore on. 

Still recovering from the neck injury sustained at the last GP in France, initially Fajardo showed no signs of having lost recent time on the bike as he rode his fuel injected Combat into an interim second spot behind early leader, Albert Cabestany come the close of lap one. Just seven marks adrift of Jeroni, Dabill found himself down in seventh place so close was the competition. Despite a consistent showing across all three laps Dabill was unable to climb the order and had to be content with the same final finishing position. 

Under the scorching sun, Fajardo was to eventually suffer slightly from his recent layoff as the Trial wore on, but he showed great resilience to keep in contact with the front runners and ended the day just five marks shy of a podium spot in fourth place. Jeroni and James remain sixth and seventh in the general standings, whilst Vertigo still hold second in the manufacturers championship.  

Relatively satisfied with his result Fajardo commented. "Despite missing the last round of the Spanish championship and having not been able to follow my normal training routine I had a good feeling on the bike this morning. It is true to say that it became more difficult for me as the day went on, and I think not having my best level of fitness due to the injury cost me some places by the end of the Trial. Overall I am happy with the result, especially as I was close to second place." 

Dabill was less happy with his showing and said. "I never really manged to find my rhythm today. I wasn't far off the pace, but far enough not to be happy. The loose rocks made some of the sections quite hit and miss, but that is not an excuse. I don't want think too much about today, as my focus now is to make sure I am back at my best for my home round next weekend." 

The 2016 FIM Trial World Championship continues with round seven in Great Britain next Saturday and Sunday.