BRING IT ON

I have tasted defeat before and am well-educated in dealing with it. However, one thing that never changes with me is my will to win! After any defeat, I will always approach the next event even more focused than before; as they say, in any fight for a world championship title, bring it on!

It is always good to visit any new trials venue, and the area at Arteixo in northwest Spain was just what I expected: large grippy, dry rocks. The Spanish national trials championship riders had already visited here and so had a slight advantage.

After the section inspection the day before, I knew it would be a tight fight for the victory and a low-scoring event. Unfortunately, Jaime took advantage on the first lap, and, despite the lowest second-lap score, my chance for victory had gone. It was still very close on day two, but my consistent lap scores were rewarded with the win.

In Portugal, the wet weather before the event at Gouveia had left the sections more difficult. Nevertheless, I had a clear win and knew that Busto would be strong on day two after his low second-lap score. As it happened, on day two, he took a very close victory to lead the world championship; this motivates me. I am riding well, and the team is performing well together. I have to accept that younger riders want to challenge me, but, as you have seen in the past, this motivates me to train harder! As it happens, I still love riding any off-road motorcycle and look forward to it every day.

Before I close, I want to wish my good friend Toby Martyn a strong and successful recovery from his accident in Spain; you will be back, fitter and stronger.

Until next time, stay safe and well – Toni ‘Dynamite’ Bou.