CHICKEN DINNER #17

Winner, winner, chicken dinner — that is just how I feel with my 17th consecutive FIM TrialGP World Championship title! Once again, they have all tried to challenge me, but in the end, I have produced the same result; winning is never easy, but I approach every season with the same goal, and for the past 17 seasons, the result has been the same.

An injury-free season is always a bonus, and 2023 has once again been a pleasure. I enjoy competing on the Repsol Honda in a sport I love so much. The team once again has worked so well. I am working with them all the time and, with my fellow team rider Gabriel Marcelli, to help improve the machine’s performance and also, with him, as a rider.

Gabriel will become more consistent; that is my strong point. Eleven victories and three podiums from 14 starts; my competitors need to find that consistency! The level is so high, and you can never leave anything to chance. Preparation is the key element for success, both from the team and myself.

It was good to see Toby Martyn come back so strong from injury; he is young and recovered well. He looked more relaxed and comfortable in the final two rounds in Italy.

In this issue you will find a superb feature from your editor, John Hulme, on my early years. I look at this type of article with so many happy memories from the beginning of the dream to be the world champion. Believe it or not, I don’t have so many pictures from the beginning, but I am sure John has access to them. I still remember the elation at my first ever FIM Trial World Championship points, a major stepping stone. Now I have just one more goal for 2023: my 17th consecutive FIM X-Trial World Championship title!

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