FRENCH GP - THE FIRST OF THREE IN A ROW

Four rounds down, four rounds to go. The 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship has reached its midpoint and, as the second half of the season gets underway in France this weekend, the action promises to be every bit as spectacular as the first half.

The venue for round five of this year’s Outdoor campaign has not hosted a Grand Prix for fifteen years. However it remains a fantastic location, with sections cut into the steep, rocky hillside high above the alpine town of Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne. A ski resort during the winter, the picturesque setting in south-eastern France lends itself to trials riding, and is sure to bring out the best in the championship’s key protagonists.

Of those contenders, Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa is the one to watch. The cool-headed Spaniard has his eyes firmly set on a fourth consecutive title this year, but he is far from infallible. Having lost out to his teammate, Takahisa Fujimani - Repsol Montesa, on day two in Scotland, Bou will want to shore up his seventeen-point lead over compatriot Adam Raga - Gas Gas.

While Bou seeks to protect his position, Raga has only one thing on his mind. He must take points from his rival in France to keep his championship hopes alive. If he can, it will not only prevent Bou from sleeping easy, but also keep Fujinami who is currently just one-point behind Raga in third place, at arm’s reach.

Behind the top three there is another battle raging between Albert Cabestany - Sherco and Jeroni Fajardo - Beta for fourth place, although both could feasibly sneak onto the podium come the season’s end should any of the leading trio slip up. One other key player to keep an eye on is James Dabill - Gas Gas, who is enjoying a solid season and still harbours ambitions of a top five finish.

The last time a Grand Prix was held at Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne it was Jordi Tarres who reigned supreme. On that day a young Dougie Lampkin - Beta was fifth. Lampkin is the only rider from that race, which was back in 1995, still competing in the World Championship. He currently resides in seventh place overall after missing two scoring days in Japan.

High from a victory on home soil at the previous round Britain’s Jack Challoner - Beta will no doubt fancy his chances in France. A mere three points separate him from Junior class leader Alfredo Gomez - Montesa. At this stage in the season it is impossible to determine who is most likely to finish the year on top.

It is a similar situation in the Youth division as Jack Sheppard - Beta continues to keep Pol Tarres - Gas Gas honest. With a win apiece in Scotland there is little to distinguish the two talented riders, as just ten points divide the duo as they prepare to lock horns in what will be a head-to-head scrap for the title.

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2010 SPEA FIM TRIAL
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Round 1
Baiona – 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 - 1 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 125
2: Raga 108
3: Fujinami 107
4: Cabestany 92
5: Fajardo 85

Click here for full entry list

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