IN
THE
WIND
P36
Bou Wins Granada X-Trial
R
epsol Honda rider Toni Bou
returned to the top step
of the podium, once again, in
round four of the FIM X-Trial
World Championship in Grana-
da, Spain, February 23. It was
his 60th career X-Trial victory.
Bou, aboard the Montesa
Cota 4RT, made short work of
the first phase to comfortably
qualify for the second round, af-
ter taking the best score on the
first run through sections, col-
lecting just two penalty marks.
The second phase turned out to
be a tighter, more closely fought
group, as Bou faced Adam
Raga and Miquel Gelabert.
However, the current champ
prevailed, guaranteeing a place
on the podium before compet-
ing in the Super-final, where
Bou performed brilliantly in a
thrilling showdown over Jamie
Busto (Gas Gas), riding to a third
victory of the season. The result
means that the Repsol Honda
Team ace retains the world
championship leadership with
a 13-point advantage over Raga
(TRRS Factory Team). Busto is
third, 17 points behind Raga.
"I'm super happy," Bou said.
"Today was a very hard-fought
victory. It was very important to
go all out and finally I was able
to get the victory after a very
difficult semi-final where there
was no margin for mistakes.
Technically I was very good and
I performed well in the final. I will
go back home having recovered
the good feelings and I want to
continue fighting for this cham-
pionship. We will try to give
everything in the two events that
we have left."
For Busto, second was his
and Gas Gas' best finish of the
year. "I am happy because I
rode well in the first two rounds
and made the final for the first
time this season," said Busto.
"In the final I did not ride as I
wanted and also had to change
my bike so I did not feel com-
fortable. I hope this good result
marks a turning point for the rest
of the season." CN
Toni Bou won the
X-Trial round in
Granada. Photo:
Honda HRC
