PORTUGUESE FIM TRIAL GRAND PRIX IS GO

What defines motorcycle trials, perhaps more than any other discipline of motorsport, is its willingness to tackle obstacles that, on first impressions, look insurmountable. If proof of this were needed then you should look no further than round two of the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, which will definitely take place in Portugal on 24/25th April despite the unpredictable movements of a plume of volcanic ash that has crippled the European travel industry.

While other sporting events, like MotoGP’s scheduled stop in Japan this weekend have been postponed, the second of eight World Trial rounds will go ahead as planned in Paços de Ferreira. Fortunately, riders who competed in round one last weekend will have a relatively short, one hundred and sixty five kilometre drive from Baiona in Spain to the venue for round two in northern Portugal.

That the first double-header of the season will go ahead without interruption is a welcome relief for the championship’s organisers, fans, and key protagonists. One of only three two-day events in this year’s calendar, a rare bounty of double points is up for grabs for those that keep their composure on the Portuguese rocks. This means we will have a much clearer picture of the series’ main contenders following this weekend’s action.

Because it falls before a five-week break in the schedule, it is vitally important that the riders score well in Portugal if they wish to mount a serious challenge in the respective 2010 championships. One man who will be looking to consolidate his early lead in the series is seven-times FIM World Champion Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa. The Spaniard has been in formidable form of late and will be hoping for a double win. However, it will not be easy for the twenty-four-year-old title favourite.

If he can regain his form of old, the man most likely to ambush Bou’s plans is Adam Raga - Gas Gas. Spurred on by his runner-up finish in Spain the Catalan will be confident. Jeroni Fajardo - Beta, meanwhile, is coming at this year’s championship from a different angle. The fast-improving youngster is keen to establish himself a bona fide top three rider, so expect him to push his compatriots to the limit in an attempt to steal their thunder.

Coming off the back of another successful Indoor campaign Albert Cabestany - Sherco is another man to watch this weekend, as is Takahisa Fujinami - Respol Montesa, who finished fourth in Spain and will be looking to go one better in Portugal.

In the hotly contested Junior class Alexandre Ferrer - Sherco will attempt to defend his championship lead from the likes of Alfredo Gomez - Montesa and Jack Challoner - Beta after all three were separated by just two marks at round one in Spain. While in the Youth division Jack Sheppard - Beta will go head-to-head with Pol Tarres - Gas Gas for bragging rights in this auspicious, seemingly two-way fight for the championship crown.

2010 SPEA FIM TRIAL
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Round 1
Balona – Spain
18 April - 1 Day Event

> Round 2
Pacos De Ferreira – Portugal
24-25 April - 2 Day Event

Round 3
Motegi –Japan
05-06 June - 2 Day Event

Round 4
Fort William – Great Britain
26-27 June - 2 Day Event

Round 5
St Michel De Maurienne – France
11 July - 1 Day Event

Round 6
Baldasserrona – San Marino
18 July - 1 Day Event

Round 7
Foppolo – Italy
25 July - 1 Day Event

Round 8
Kramolin - Czech Republic
05 September – 1 Day Event

2010 SPEA FIM WOMEN'S TRIAL
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Round 1
St Michel De Maurienne – France
10 July - 1 Day Event

Round 2
Kramolin – Czech Republic
04 September - 1 Day Event

Round 3
Myslenice – Poland
10 September - Day Event

2010 FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS

Myslenice – Poland
11 September - Women's
12 September - Men's

2010 FIM Riders Championship
Current Standings:
World
1: Bou 20
2: Raga 17
3: Fajardo15
4: Fujinami 13
5: Cabestany 11

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