Toni Bou's superb victory in St. Petersburg
By TMX Archives on 21st Jan 07
Toni Bou clinched another superb victory in the second round of the FIM Indoor Trial World Championship 2007 held this afternoon in St. Petersburg. Repsol Montesa-HRC rider completed an awesome riding that brings him a clear win ahead of Albert Cabestany and Adam Raga, who were separated by just two points.
The current title defender saw how the exhaust pipe broke on section 3, a hitch that affected him in his mind and concentration for the rest of the competition and prevent him to show all his skills. Cabesany obtained his first podium of the season after the bitter debut in Granada, when also a mechanical problem force him to retire. Sherco rider committed some mistakes on final lap that make things easier to the consistant Indoor Series` leader.
This second venue of the season became very balanced and exciting. The circuit offered a medium technical level although two of the sections presented a severe challenge for the riders. Adam Raga led the qualification lap instead of being the first of fixed riders to attempt the hazards. The Gas Gas rider clinched the first place at the end of the lap due to his fantastic performance at double lane race versus Albert Cabestany, second. The current leader of the Indoor Series Toni Bou signed an excellent penalty card, adding six cleaned sections, but a dangerous five on section 4 forced to Repsol Montesa-HRC star to ride under extreme pressure the final hazards.
Dougie Lampkin was out of the chase for the final when he committed a huge mistake on high jump, adding five points that closed to him the door to the final and put him in a poor fifth position. Briton's team-mate Takahisa Fujinami caressed the chance to get the second lap, but the Japanese had to resign himself with fourth place by just two points.
Whilst his countrymen achieved the final, Jeroni Fajardo, who was the first to face the sections, lost the hopes when he failed two sections with five. The Spaniard couldn't repeat the successs he enjoyed at the opening round. With a better shape than in the first trial in the calendar, Polish Tadeusz Blazusiak did a nice riding in first stages but finally finished the last in standings.
Toni Bou: `I'm really satisfied with my performando, I cannot ask for more alter two wins in two rounds. I took a little advantage from Raga's mechanical problem. I hope to go on like this in coming events´
Albert Cabestany: `I did a very good first lap, in which I rode consistantly on the sections. On the other hand, I committed important mistakes in the final that impede me to fight for the win. Anyway, I'm convinced that I can ride at the highest level and chase with Bou for victories´.
Adam Raga: `When my exhaust broke I lost the concentration and the situation affected me also in a psychological way. I was very worried the engine was not affected. We could fixed a little the mechanical problem but, anyway, I was not able to do my best today´
St. Petersburg Indoor Trial – Round 2/9
Qualification Lap
Adam Raga 2 penalty points
Albert Cabestany 3
Toni Bou 6
Takahisa Fujinami 8
Dougie Lampkin 12
Jeroni Fajardo 13
Tadeusz Blazusiak 19
Final Lap
Toni Bou 6 penalty points
Albert Cabestany 17
Adam Raga 19
FIM Indoor Trial World Championship 2007
Provisional Standings
1. Toni Bou 20 points
2. Adam Raga 14
3. Albert Cabestany 11
4. Jeroni Fajardo 9
5. Takahisa Fujinami 9
6. Dougie Lampkin 9
7. Tadeusz Blazusiak 4