Monday June 15, 2009 at 5:02pm
The Italian Grand Prix at Barzio this coming weekend marks the start of the final four rounds of the 2009 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, and the virtual mid point in the series.
With just four counting days remaining, three riders have firmly established themselves as the potential champions in waiting of their respective classes, but will be aware they still have work to do if they wish to finally take their individual titles.
Toni Bou – Repsol Montesa HRC is no stranger to being in this situation having also dominated the World Pro class both in 2007 and 2008. Bou holds a nineteen point advantage over Adam Raga – Gas Gas going to Italy, but acknowledged that the title race is far from over.
He said: “After the first day in Ireland I have managed to win every day, the two victories in Japan were very important as they were good for the 
championship. I now have a nice lead, but I know I must continue to work and fight very hard in the rounds we have left if I am to be champion again. It is too early to talk about the title. My next attention is Italy where I will be looking to win again.”
Many predicted that the battle in Junior category would be a close one, however having won six out of the seven days to date Alexz Wigg – Beta has opened up a twenty-five point lead over Alfredo Gomez – Montesa.
He commented: “My plan was to be leading by this point in the season, but if I am honest I never expected to have won as many days as I have done so far. Only half the job has been done though and I want to finish it off properly with two good results in Italy and Andorra, so I can hopefully try my luck in the World Pro class for the final two rounds.”
It has been a similar story in the Youth championship, with Jonathan Richardson - Sherco having won all but two of the days to date. Richardson heads Tanguy Mottin – Gas Gas by thirty-five points prior to the Italian GP.
He said: “I worked hard last winter and that appears to be paying off so far. Everything has gone pretty much to plan, apart from the two slightly disappointing results at my home round in Great Britain. Thankfully I managed to put those behind me, and I was very happy with my two wins in Japan, it really made the long trip worthwhile. The trial in Italy is meant to be slippery so it should suit me. I just want to get the title won as soon as possible, which would hopefully allow me to ride in the Junior class in Spain and France.”