Bou Crowned
in Zelhem
R
epsol Honda's Toni Bou is
now a 40-time World Champi-
on after clinching the 2026 FIM
TrialGP title in Zelhem, the Neth-
erlands, September 5-6, with one
round still on the schedule.
Bou won both races on the
first day (Saturday) of the two-
day competition, setting the
stage for the Spaniard to clinch
the title early on Sunday. Anoth-
er solid ride on day two sealed
the deal for Bou, who now has
20 outdoor and 20 X-Trial titles
to his name.
Since joining Repsol Honda
HRC in 2007, Bou has won every
X-Trial and TrialGP World Cham-
pionship he has competed for.
At 39, he is the most decorated
rider in the history of motorcy-
cling, with his career continuing
to grow almost 20 years after he
began dominating the world of
trials riding.
In Zelham, Bou was perfect
on Saturday, winning both races
with room to spare, the first race
over Beta's Jaime Busto and the
second over Beta's Matteo Grat-
tarola.
The chance for a weekend
sweep was looking good for
Bou, who won the first race over
Busto by six points. However, in
the final race of the weekend,
the Montesa Cota 4RT rider
Bou made a costly mistake in
Zone Three that resulted in five
points that ultimately proved
decisive in the fight for the race
win. Despite remaining competi-
tive throughout the rest of the
contest, Bou was unable to close
the gap to Busto, who ultimately
took the victory by just two
points.
"I'm so happy," Bou said.
"Winning my 40th World title is
incredible, and it's still hard to
believe we did it. This season
has been amazing; we've been
very consistent and made good
decisions at crucial moments.
I want to especially thank the
team for all their hard work, be-
cause without them none of this
would be possible. To be able to
clinch the title here, before the
final race, is very special."
CN
Saturday Race 1 (Top 3)
1. Toni Bou (Mon) 9
2. Jaime Busto (Bet) 17
3. Miquel Gelabert (Hon) 18
Saturday Race 2 (Top 3)
1. Toni Bou (Mon) 9
2. Matteo Grattarola (Bet) 16
3. Jaime Busto (Bet) 17
Sunday Race 1 (Top 3)
1. Toni Bou (Mon) 5
2. Jaime Busto (Bet) 11
3. Gabriel Marcelli (Mon) 21
Sunday Race 2 (Top 3)
1. Jaime Busto (Bet) 3
2. Toni Bou (Mon) 5
3. Matteo Grattarola (Bet) 17
WIND
IN THE
P52
Toni Bou celebrates clinching the
2026 FIM TrialGP Championship, the
40th World title of his career.
