Aniol Gelabert
Attending all the FIM world championship rounds brings the magazine to the cutting edge of the sport; shall we say, ‘where it’s all happening’. In and around the paddock you can catch up with the latest gossip and see the latest machines and any changes that are made that catch the eye. You also get to notice any of the new talent that ‘shines’ in the practice areas and follow this up by making a mental note to look out for them on race day or in the factory support vehicles and under the awnings of the trucks to maybe have a quick chat. We already have one such rider under the ‘radar’, and that is Miquel Gelabert. He is always very happy to talk, and the talent is waiting to take the maiden win in TrialGP which we witnessed when he came so close in Great Britain in 2018. If you look a little further, you will find him ‘In the Shadow’ of his elder brother Aniol. Always one to share the joke and enjoy life, this 18-year-old is another talent that just needs the rough edges of the diamond polishing out and the family will then be able to boast of two brothers chasing the ultimate goal of a trials world champion.
Why trials?
When I was young, I remember my brother always asking for a motorcycle, and finally one day it arrived. I wanted a ride, and so together we became interested in motorcycles and then the sport of trials. It is how we now spend our lives; 100% motorcycle trials.
How much younger are you than Miquel?
I am two years and six months younger than my brother Miquel. He is a good rider in his own right and one for me to look up to. I can learn from him all the time, but two years ago he let me find my own level and left me alone to practice and encouraged me not always to follow him. It was good for my own confidence. Once I had done this alone and found my style he then began to help me, and now we can learn so much from one another.
Are you still in education or are you a full-time trials rider?
School is good but not really for me [he laughs]. I always did just enough to get through each course, as my parents will tell you. If I am honest, I enjoyed football and my free time more with my friends from school. The last three years I have studied with the computer and not really in school but at home, where I feel much more relaxed.
Are you still riding under the federation or for the Scorpa team in 2019?
The last two years I have been riding in the Spanish federation team RFME. It has been a very special time for me, and it’s taught me so much about not just trials but about friendships and discipline. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who has guided and helped me; I owe
them so much, thank you. 2019 will be my first year as an official factory supported rider with the Scorpa team.
How good is the Scorpa you ride?
The best; it’s as simple as that, I really enjoy riding the Scorpa. It’s man and machine working well together, and I feel very good about the team and, of course, the support. I have had a few small changes made to the machine such as TECH racing front suspension, and at the back, I use a Reiger five-way adjustable shock absorber. It’s very well put together and, shall we say, ‘performs’ to my expectations and beyond.
Tell us about 2018 in Trial2
I was not happy with the results in 2018, I expected to be higher up in the championship, but it was not to be. In Trial2 the opposition is so strong, and you are punished so heavily even for the smallest mistake as a few marks can make the difference between the final positions. As you might remember, I did not score any points in Great Britain as I had suffered a very heavy impact on my knee at the Cahors Urban Trial in France the week before. The highlight of the year was the podium in Portugal, but in 2019 I intend to be much, much closer to the podium at every event!
Are you confident about 2019?
Yes, I am, in a quiet way. My debut in round four of the FIM X-Trial left me very happy. Yes, I was eight out of nine riders, but it showed that I could compete at the very top of the sport and most importantly that I could control the pressure. I was nervous, but it was an excellent experience, and I want to thank everyone at ‘2Play Events’ the promoters for giving me the opportunity in Granada at round four of the 2019 championship.
What are your thoughts on Miquel in TrialGP?
Miquel can win at the very top of the sport; he proved that he has the potential in Great Britain in 2018. He led all the way before a mistake took the victory away from him at the very end of a tough day. He was upset and disappointed not just for himself but for the whole team. On reflection, after the event, he knew how close he had been to the victory, and this will make him even stronger. He always gives 100% in both training and the competitions, and his logic is that if he works hard, he will be rewarded. His biggest problem will be when I arrive in the same class in TrialGP – Aniol says this with a huge grin...
Do you train together?
Usually yes, all the time, I am sure he uses me as a test pilot on some of the hazards to see where I will crash! We can both learn together, and go forward together and improve our riding and techniques. He wants me to come to England to do the Scott Trial in October as he has said it would do me good; we will see!
Are you a very close family?
The family is the most important part of my life; it’s everything. At such a young age I need all the support I can get as I move into the professional world of motorcycle trials. As a family, we win together and lose together. When Miquel missed his first world round win in Great Britain it was very tough for him, but we all looked at what had been achieved and the positives he could take from the experience. I would also like to highlight how grateful I am to the RFME and all my sponsors, with whom I am proud to be associated.
How long can Toni Bou keep winning?
Toni is such a role model for all athletes not just in motorcycle trials. His commitment, presentation, performance and of course the results. The level of riding is so high. The fight inside his heart for victories is so inspiring. He is also very encouraging in the fact that he likes to watch the younger riders and see how they are improving and performing. The other riders train really hard but such is the high level set by Toni that in my opinion he is still the ‘King’ and it’s down to the other riders to raise the bar.
Can you win the 2019 FIM Trial2 World Championship?
That’s a hard question to answer because in Trial2 you can straight away think of maybe eight or ten riders who can win. The secret is to start strong and remain consistent, and this will be the aim in 2019. One thing is 100% sure and that is that I will be trying and fighting harder than ever to fulfil my dream of an FIM Trial World Championship title.