Spain make it three in a row
By G2F on 2nd Oct 06
In contrast to yesterday's trial, today saw bright sunshine and blue skies dominate for most of the event with just one light rain shower towards the end of the first lap. As predicted Spain made it three wins in a rows, with a convincing victory over Great Britain. In a much closer battle Japan finally took the last podium position after they just beat Italy to third place. Although there was little rain today, conditions out on the course were muddy following yesterday's storm. However both Spain and Great Britain made easy work of most of the hazards with both teams arriving at the final few sections with single figure scores. But the closing three hazards would prove the difference and gave Spain a clear lead at the end of the opening lap, a position they strengthened on their second tour.
Adding the World team title to his other two World crowns this season, Adam Raga was obviously happy with his day's work. "It is true to say that we felt pressure from Great Britain this morning. Each year we think that their team is not so strong, but each time they produce a really strong performance. The good thing was when he had the opportunity to increase our advantage, we took it well and then after that we could relax and enjoy the rest of the trial.”
For the second year running Great Britain finished as runner up, but Dougie Lampkin was not happy with this result. "We started well, but when the sections became more difficult at the end of the lap, we began to struggle. The conditions should have suited us, but the truth is no one rode well on the second lap, myself included. We put Spain under pressure early on, but in the end we made it easy for them. They were always the clear favourites, but we could have done much better.”
Never in the hunt for the victory, Takahisa Fujinami was pleased to have taken third place at the finish. "It was never going to be possible for us to challenge Spain or Great Britain, so third position was the best we could have ever hoped for. With only three riders in our team it has been a tough day and a testing competition for us. Next year I hope we can arrive with four riders and that we can be stronger so that we can fight for the top two places at least.”
Trial Des Nations Results 2007
World Championship
1st - Spain 18
2nd - Great Britain 62
3rd – Japan 121
4th – Italy 129
5th – France 137
6th – Sweden 257
7th –Czech Republic 265
8th – Germany 273
9th – USA 280
International Trophee
1st - Ireland 50
2nd - Australia 80
3rd – Belgium 93
4th – Netherlands 110
5th – Norway 110
6th – Switzerland 138
7th – Andorra 182
8th – Poland 289
9th – Portugal 292
10th – Venezuela 330