|
enduro
news |
|
|
News |
|
 
The title will be decided in Palma As the 2010 SPEA FIM Indoor Trial World Championship prepares to take its final bow this weekend the stage has been set for a tense and epic showdown between its key protagonists. Each of whom will have his own agenda beneath the bright lights of Mallorca’s Veledromo Palma Arena. The title is within Toni Bou’s - Repsol Montesa grasp courtesy of his thirteen-point cushion at the top of the overall standings. However, one mistake could see him relinquish his tight, but as yet not impenetrable grip on the silverware. The man who would profit should Bou slip is Albert Cabestany - Sherco. He is sitting pretty in second place, twenty-two points above his nearest competitor, and will stay there to claim the runner-up spot, but for an unlikely and uncharacteristic mishap from Bou. While the title is Toni Bou’s to lose rather than win, the battle for the final podium position is likely to be equally, if not even more intense. Three riders are gunning for glory with just ten points separating the determined trio. Perhaps the favourite to finish third overall is Adam Raga - Gas Gas. Considering his normal form the Spaniard has only been average to date, and will no doubt see third place as a consolation prize for a forgettable indoor campaign. Four-time indoor champion Raga may well be the favourite thanks to his previous experience and track record, but he will not have things all his own way. His training partner, James Dabill - Gas Gas, has been a sensation so far this season, only surrendering his third place in the overall standings to Raga at the penultimate round. If the plucky young Brit can hold his nerve against twenty-seven-year-old Raga the crowd will be treated to a dramatic battle of attrition. Jeroni Fajardo - Beta may be ten points down and seemingly out of the running, but if this season has taught us anything it is to expect the unexpected. The new format has caught out a few riders, and if Raga and Dabill show any sign of weakness Fajardo is likely to pounce. There will be no wildcard riders present in Mallorca so all eyes will be on the top five competitors as they battle it out to protect their championship positions. One rider not on that aforementioned list is Takahisa Fujinami - Respol Montesa, who has slipped down the rankings this year to become an also-ran at many events. Hence, the Japanese stalwart will be hoping that the final indoor round marks a change in fortune for him prior to start of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship on the 18th of April. Before the focus is shifted to outdoor competition though, trials fans are in for an exciting and memorable evening in Palma. The fun starts at 18.00hrs local time and if previous finales are anything to go by, the action will be tight and tense. Can Bou make it four wins in four consecutive years? Tune in to find out… Current FIM championship standings: 1: Bou 75 2: Cabestany 62 3: Raga 40 4: Dabill 35 5: Fajardo 30 6: Fujinami 23 7: Gubian 12 8: Wigg 10 9: Lampkin 5 10: Gomez 4 11: Brown 3 12: Ferrer 1 |