WIND
IN THE
P44
17 points. The easier section
conditions on Saturday led to a
lower-scoring day, but small mis-
takes were still costly, as each
point could make the difference
between victory and defeat.
Sunday's competition saw
Casales shine, securing the win
with an impressive single-point
performance in the final lap.
"Yesterday was my nightmare,
and today was my dream day,"
explained Casales, who was
also celebrating his birthday.
"Yesterday, I rode very nervous.
There was a lot of pressure,
and I was thinking about the
championship. Today, I tried to
ride my own race and just enjoy
myself. I'm grateful for my team
and my family and everyone who
makes this possible. I'm happy
that I came over [to the U.S. to
compete] and happy with the
welcome from everyone in the
championship and the fans.
"It's hard to be far from home
and speaking a language that,
for me, is hard. I love America!
I feel like a rider here. In Spain,
trials looks like one small sport,
but here, I feel like the people are
talking to me with respect, and
we are factory riders giving them
a show."
In the Women's Pro class, it
was a tight contest between
Trials Superstore GasGas USA's
Maddie Hoover and Beta's Alicia
Robinson. Hoover managed to
claim the win on Saturday by a
narrow two-point margin, but on
Sunday, Robinson was forced to
withdraw from competition due
to an ear infection.
Stephanie Vetterly
SATURDAY (Top 5)
1. Sondre Haga (GG) 2
2. Josh Roper (GG) 11
3. Jorge Casales (Mon) 17
4. Pat Smage (She) 17
5. Ryon Land (She) 20
SUNDAY (Top 5)
1. Jorge Casales (Mon) 1
2. Sondre Haga (GG) 4
3. Jarand Gunvaldsen (TRS) 8
4. Pat Smage (She) 12
5. Ryon Land (She) 25
Maddie Hoover won the Women's Pro division.
