TONI BOU
Yes, that is how I felt after getting my first victory in the 2018 FIM Trial World Championship. Despite the fact I was not the fastest rider in the qualifying process, to take my 98th victory after a tough day’s riding high in the mountains around the venue at Camprodon in Spain was such a reward for all the hard work from everyone around me helping me to take this result.
For the second year in succession, I have had to start the season recovering from injury, which is not the best position to be in. The back injury I sustained after my crash at the indoor in France in late February is still not 100%, which I am acutely aware of when I am riding. If I am honest, I was disappointed with my qualifying ride as I was aiming to set the quickest time, but it just goes to show I am human and do make mistakes!
In the trial, I decided before the start to ride my own trial at the front and not become distracted by the other riders behind me. This is very important for my confidence. My minder Marc Frexia kept me focussed and between us the plan worked in our favour, which is reflected in both the lap scores. I managed to open up an advantage before the rain came which, as it happened, gave me the edge on the second lap and I actually really enjoyed the day’s competition.
It will be a long and challenging season because my rivals are always pushing to achieve the same goals that I have, so I cannot relax and will have to fight until the last section at every round, but this will only make me more determined!
This year Montesa celebrates 50 years of the production of the Cota model and with victory number 98 now in the bag the aim is to make it a massive season for Montesa as I focus on victory number 100!
Until Next Time – Ride On! – Toni