TALK TRIALS: TONI BOU
October most certainly was ‘Showtime’ with the launch of the new 2020 model Montesa Cota 301RR and our end-ofseason Montesa party at the running of the 19th Montesada day in Spain. The new model’s launch was well attended and enjoyed by many who wanted to see what the factory has been up to. The end result is very much a machine that can be ridden and enjoyed at all levels of ability, based around the FIM Trial2 machines ridden to so much success in the world championship series.
Yes, I am biased about the performance from the Cota 4RT four-stroke engine as it has taken me to so much success, which brings me nicely around to the Montesada day. It’s basically an end-of-season gathering to celebrate not just the world championship success but the brand of Montesa.
Many of the enthusiasts both old and new join together to talk and enjoy Montesa; it’s really good to meet and talk to them, they are genuine enthusiasts and some I have known all my life. With my fellow team riders Takahisa Fujinami, the new FIM Trial2 World Champion, Gabriel Marcelli, Matteo Grattarola and Francesc Moret in attendance, putting on a riding display it soon becomes very competitive amongst us! I have one particular hazard we can put a superb riding display on that requires jumping up and landing on a strong tree branch before riding off it. When I first discovered it, if I am honest, I crashed a few times as did that crazy Japanese ‘Kid’ Fujigas. Now we have young ‘Gabby’ Marcelli who is riding on the crest of a wave having won his first world title. After some serious leg-pulling that he could not do it, he listened to me and ‘Fuji’ before he eventually conquered it, as did Matteo and Francesc. Gabby is most certainly a rider on the move and improving all the time. He is younger than me and future talent in TrialGP, let me tell you.
As we close 2019, I want to once again convey my thanks to everyone who supports me in the world championship. The success continues as a team effort; it’s not just me who rides the Repsol Honda but everyone else, including the sponsors, plays a major part in what we achieve together. As for the British fans you will no doubt be coming along to the Sheffield Indoor event, so until then have a good Christmas!
Until next time – Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou.