Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme : FIM Women's Trial World Championship

Lights, cameras - action - Trial 2012 is go

Wed, 02 May 2012 09:24:00 +0200

The official riders of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship gathered in the town square of La Bresse, France ahead of the opening two-day Grand Prix for the now traditional season opening photo call. Reigning and already five time FIM Trial World Champion Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa was flanked by his fellow World Pro riders who numbered fifteen in total for round one, the youngest and newest of these being Sweden's seventeen year-old sensation Eddie Karlsson - Gas Gas. (Unfortunately after a great result on day one Karlsson was forced to retire early on day two due to an injured shoulder which he sustained during a crash at the second section on Sunday morning)

In the Junior class, pre-season favourite Alexandre Ferrer - Sherco was joined by no less than twenty-four other title contenders from eight different nations. This category could be the mostly closely fought with the likes of Pol Tarres - JotaGas and recently promoted 2011 FIM Youth Trial World Cup winner Jack Sheppard - Beta lining up against the more established challengers in this division.

Equally the Youth class appears to be wide open with the promise of new names at the top of the results sheets and potentially filling the podium over the coming rounds. A total of twenty twenty-one young hopefuls were present in France, as they look to make their mark in the series before progressing up through the classes over the new few years.

Bou back on top on day two in France

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:34:00 +0200

Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa returned to his more familiar position as he won the second and final day of the opening round of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship held in La Bresse, France.

Bou held his nerve on another low scoring day to see off lap one leader Jeroni Fajardo – Beta who would eventually finish as today's runner up. A mistake early on the second lap meant Fajardo had to endure a drawn out tie-break decider with Albert Cabestany – Sherco to finally earn his second place after the Spanish pairing finished the event on fourteen marks apiece and could only being separated on overall time.

For the second day running it was an all Spanish podium, but this time day one winner, Adam Raga – Gas Gas was absent from the rostrum celebrations when he lost out on his own most cleans tie decider with Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa to be demoted to a damaging fifth spot. As a consequence of Raga's poor showing today, Bou has now opened up a six point lead at the head of the general standings, whilst the next three riders in the series – all from Spain- are all only separated by a single point.

The organisers faced a difficult call this morning, whether to modify the sections or not in order to increase the severity. However, in the end only small changes were actually made as the predicted rain threatened to do its own damage, but with the anticipated storm never arriving, the riders faced another relatively low scoring day. Having been defeated yesterday, these were hardly the conditions Bou was hoping for as it was always going to be hard for him to create an advantage over his rivals, especially when he knew that one mistake could spell disaster as it did yesterday. The reigning champion responded well and absorbed the pressure to take his first victory of the season.

Alexandre Ferrer – Sherco continued his winning ways as he made it two wins from two starts in the Junior class to open up a healthy ten point lead in the general standings after just one round. Cedric Tempier – Sherco and Benoit Dagnicourt – Beta made it an all-French podium, as they finished second and third respectively on day two. Tempier now holds second spot in the series rankings following his fourth and second positions. Belgium Maxime Warenghien – Gas Gas was fourth today, whilst Pol Tarres – JotaGas from Spain was placed fifth. Tarres is now fourth in the championship points table, just one point behind his compatriot Francesc Moret –Montesa who could only manage sixth spot today.

Norway's Sverre Lundevold – Beta was the surprise and runaway winner of the Youth class today. Ninth yesterday on his World debut, Lundevold produced an outstanding ride today to win by fifteen marks from his team mate Bradley Cox – Beta. French rider Steven Coquelin –Gas Gas leads the Youth standings after the opening two days of his home GP.

Although Coquelin could not repeat his first day win and only managed to take third place on day two, he holds a one point lead over Britain's Cox who opened his 2012 campaign with two consistent runners up spots and in doing so declared himself a title challenger. Cox recorded the best lap of the Trial today, his two-mark loss on the second lap being a massive improvement on the thirty marks he dropped on his initial tour.

The next round of the 2012 series will see the FIM Trial World Championship visit Australia for the first time in its long history. This two-day event will take place at the end of May, giving the riders and teams a short break before they head south.

Karlsson makes strong debut

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:22:00 +0200

Seventeen year-old Eddie Karlsson - Gas Gas made his debut in the World Pro class at the opening round of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship held in La Bresse, France earlier today. His arrival amongst the more established elite riders was a strong one too as he took a well-deserved twelfth place on his first outing at this level. Karlsson was eligible to remain in the Youth category this year where he made his mark last season by winning a day of the Italian GP.

However, rather than fighting against his younger rivals or moving up to the Junior division, the Swedish teenager made the brave decision to move to the premier class and to do battle with likes of Toni Bou and co. Eddie explained more. "I decided I needed to make progress and fast, as we don't have the money to follow the normal route through the classes over several years. I knew it would be a difficult move, but it is a challenge I am looking forward to and even more after today. When I looked at the sections I thought I was going to have all fives, but in the end I had some cleans and some nice rides and I am delighted with my result."

Raga takes first blood on opening day of French GP

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:45:00 +0200

Adam Raga – Gas Gas confirmed his intention to take the fight to reigning champion Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa when he recorded an important win on the opening day of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship at the French Grand Prix. Raga carved out a slim and single mark advantage over Bou on the first lap and extended that to two marks come the finish to gain the initial lead in the series standings following a totally uncharacteristic five from Bou in section two on the second lap.

Albert Cabestany – Sherco produced two consistent lap scores, although a little off the pace of the two front-runners, to claim third place and to make it an all-Spanish podium. Cabestany's rostrum result came as he beat his compatriot Jeroni Fajardo - Beta on a most cleans tie break, Cabestany having had recorded three more than Fajardo over the two laps.

Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa completed the top five on a hot and sunny day, but the Japanese former champion was far from happy with his riding as he struggled to find a bike setting to give him the confidence that he needed in the technical hazards. British riders filled the next two positions with James Dabill – Beta winning his battle with Jack Challoner – Beta, as this duo occupied sixth and seventh places respectively.

Matteo Grattarola - Gas Gas was the highest placed Italian rider on forty-nine marks, this being the same score as Michael Brown - Gas Gas, however the British protagonist was to lose out on the tie break and have to settle for ninth spot to open his 2012 account. Daniel Oliveras – Ossa was the last rider to make into the top ten, as France's great hope of home success.

Loris Gubian - Gas Gas endured a terrible day to end up down in eleventh position after an error filled first lap. One of the best performances of the day was by seventeen yearold Eddie Karlsson – Gas Gas who placed an incredible twelfth on his very first outing in the World Pro class after moving up to the elite category direct from the Youth division.

Alexandre Ferrer – Sherco did his bit to offset Gubian's poor showing, and gave the home fans plenty to cheer about as he romped to a comfortable victory in the Junior class. Ferrer led from start to finish and delivered a faultless second lap to make himself the instant favourite to lift this title later in the season. The battle behind Ferrer was fierce, as Spanish compatriots Pol Tarres – JotaGas and Francesc Moret – Montesa fought it out for the runners up spot. Moret was the eventual victor in this duel as he beat Tarres by a single clean after the pair had tied on sixteen marks apiece. Cedric Tempier – Sherco and Jack Sheppard – Beta took fourth and fifth places respectively.

France also had home success in the Youth class with Steven Coquelin – Gas Gas finishing four marks clear of Britain's Bradley Cox – Beta, who in turn defeated Oriol Noguera – Sherco from Spain by the same margin. Francesco Cabrini – Beta from Italy and Quentin Carles De Caudemberg – Beta from France rounded out the top five in this category respectively, as the Italian rider missed out on a podium place as he was another victim and loser of a most cleans tie-decider.

The second day of the French Trial GP will take place at the same venue in La Bresse tomorrow, with potential rain forecast, which could drastically change conditions out on the course.

La Bresse awaits

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 09:43:00 +0200

The French riverside town of La Bresse awaits this morning for the start of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship. Sat in the east of the country, close to the German and Swiss border this alpine dwelling is more used to winter sports and mountain biking, however today will have the honour of opening the 2012 Trial campaign. The sixty-four riders will soon leave the paddock that lines the main street and head up the hill behind the town to the purpose developed Trial Park where fourteen out of the fifteen testing hazards lay in wait.

The scenery from the compact venue at the top of the hill offers stunning views over La Bresse where the final section is situated in the town square. The majority of the hazards feature rocky outcrops on relatively steep bankings that will become increasingly difficult in the case of rain. This facility last hosted a Trial GP back in 1997 and was the home of the FIM Trial des Nations in 2001. Much may have changed in the last decade or so, but everything looks set for La Bresse to deliver yet another World class event, which this time will kick off the 2012 season.

FIM Trial WC: TV coverage in 5 continents in 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:04:00 +0200

The FIM Trial World Championship will enjoy TV coverage in all five continents in 2012. Global audiences can watch all of the main action as the season unfolds in a series of fifty-two minute highlight programmes that will be aired immediately following each of the seven rounds.

FIM Communications & Marketing Director Olivier Godallier welcomes the extensive coverage: "We are delighted to announce that in 2012 the FIM Trial World Championship will be broadcast in over one hundred countries worldwide. This reinforces the global outreach of the series itself with the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship set to visit three continents, which will take in the established rounds in Europe and Japan, and will visit Australia for the first time in its long history. The continued and growing success of the FIM Trial World Championship has seen increased interest in this unique discipline and allowed us to take the sport to a wider audience than ever before. In this way the organisers, sponsors, teams, riders and fans can now all begin to benefit from this increased coverage."

Full list of broadcasters for the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship, CLICK HERE

Trial: Vive la France

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:38:00 +0200

Tomorrow will see the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship kick off in La Bresse, France. The host nation is well represented in all the main classes and with a real chance of some home success for the French fans to cheer about.

Twenty-three year old Loris Gubian - Gas Gas leads the home assault and is a rider who looks to have made real progress over the winter months with several strong showings during the recent FIM X-Trial campaign. Ranked seventh outdoors last season Gubian has the opportunity to feature in the top five in 2012, and will want to open his account by making his mark amongst his peers this weekend.

In the Junior class, Alexandre Ferrer - Sherco is the man to watch having already beaten Gubian at the first round of the French domestic series and after having been the best placed wild card rider in the 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship. Ferrer will be hoping to make the most of his home advantage in La Bresse so he can show himself as a real title contender in this division.

Nineteen-year old Cedric Tempier - Sherco who is the favourite to take the Youth crown this year after having finished 2011 as vice World Champion in this category, will round off the French attack.

So as they say - Vive la France!

Trial: Bou launches his title defence in France

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:53:00 +0200

Reigning FIM Trial World Champion, Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa will be looking to defend his title for the sixth year in a row, and to maintain his winning run, as the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship gets underway in La Bresse, France this weekend. The season opening event will see sixty-four riders from thirteen nations compete across four classes - World Pro, Junior and Youth, plus the newly introduced Open International category.

Bou is the clear favourite to win the World Pro category, having won the series for the last five years. The Spanish rider will arrive in La Bresse fresh from his domination of the recent 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship in which he recorded an amazing seven wins in seven rounds. Bou will be hoping to achieve similar success outdoor and will also have the chance to make history this season by winning the FIM Trial World Championship's first-ever Australian round.

There will be seventeen riders battling it out alongside Bou out in the World Pro, with Bou's biggest threat coming from fellow Spanish riders Albert Cabestany - Sherco and Adam Raga - Gas Gas who will be eager to break Bou's winning streak. Raga was the only rider other than Bou to win a round in 2011. Indeed Raga occupied the top spot four times last year in Breal-sous-Montfort, France (day two), Great Britain, Japan (day two) and Isola, France (day one).Although Cabestany finished fourth in the final outdoor ranking last year, he was Bou's closest rival in this year's FIM X-Trial World Championship.

Bou can expect further pressure to come his teammate Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa. Fujinami, who ended up third in the 2011 general standings. The Japanese rider has experience on his side as one of the longest standing competitors in the World Pro category. After a torrid campaign last season World number five Jeroni Fajardo - Beta is now back with within familiar surroundings, Both he and the Beta factory team will be aiming for better result in 2012.

Other riders competing in this year's World Pro category include the likes of Great Britain's Michael Brown - Gas Gas, James Dabill - Beta and Alexz Wigg - Gas Gas, and Loris Gubian - Gas Gas from France. All of which are capable of causing an upset amongst the more established names on their day.

Among the frontrunners in the Junior class will be Spain's Pol Tarres - JTG and Francesc Moret - Montesa, who are sure to be pushed hard by Benoit Dagnicourt - Beta and Alexandre Ferrer - Sherco from France will, all of whom finished in the top-five last year. Joining them will be eighteen-year-old Jack Sheppard - Beta from Great Britain who will be making his debut in this class after winning the 2011 FIM Youth Trial Cup 125cc.

With Sheppard promoted to the Junior division, Steven Coquelin - Gas Gas from France and Ignacio Martin - Gas Gas from Spain are among his most obvious successors in the Youth category.

Two days of hectic action lies ahead of all the riders in France, as the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship gets under way to mark the thirty-seventh edition of this unique series.

2012 series opens its intercontinental tour in France

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:54:00 +0200

Next weekend – 28 / 29 April - will see the opening round of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship take place in the small mountain town of La Bresse in north-east France. Situated in the idyllic Vosges National Park, La Bresse has a population of a little over five thousand people, but will very soon swell in numbers as this year's riders and teams descend on the town for the first in a series of events being held right across the globe this season.

The 2012 FIM Trial World Championship will take place over three months and will be enacted over seven rounds, including six two-day events. In addition to touring Europe, 2012 sees the Trial calendar go intercontinental, making its now usual stop in Japan as well as visiting Australia for the very first time. The addition of this new destination is one that has been welcomed by the riders and teams, as they look to play their part in developing this emerging market. All of this year's Trial stars will also be hoping to make history by winning this first ever Australian round.

Commenting on the addition of Australia to this year's schedule, FIM President, Vito Ippolito, said: "As with all its main World Championships, the FIM is doing its utmost to be present on the largest possible number of continents. We are also working on expanding the television coverage so that this competition can reach a potentially huge global audience across five continents, thereby providing a great platform for all the groups involved - the FIM, the organisers, the sponsors, the teams and the riders - for the promotion of this exciting sport."

Following this weekend's opening round in La Bresse, France, there will then be a five-week pause in proceedings to allow officials, supporters, teams and riders sufficient time to make the long journey 'down under' to Mount Tarrengower in Australia which will host round two of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship. The series will then head straight to Motegi, Japan for the third stop of the 2012 tour a week later, before returning home to Europe where the remaining four rounds will be held. Spain and Andorra close out the busy month of June before the title will be finally decided in July as the series concludes in Italy and Great Britain.

This year the riders will be fighting it out in four classes - World Pro, Junior and Youth, plus the newly introduced Open International category. As in previous years, the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship, FIM Junior Trial World Cup and FIM Youth Trial Cup 125cc will run alongside each other, taking in the same locations on the same dates, as will the newly introduced FIM Open International Trial Cup. The winners of the respective classes will be crowned at the end of the final round of the series, which will be held in Penrith, Cumbria in the heart of Britain's picturesque Lake District on 28 / 29 July.

Lampkin steps down from the FIM Trial World Championship

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:59:00 +0200

Dougie Lampkin - Gas Gas has officially announced his retirement from the FIM Trial World Championship earlier today, after an incredible nineteen years of competing at the top level of the sport. Since making his debut in the series on Sunday 18th April at Warken, Luxembourg way back in 1993 Lampkin has contested a record two hundred and fifty-seven Grand Prix events. Confirming his status as the most victorious and successful rider ever to be a part of the championship, Dougie has recorded an unbeaten ninety-nine GP wins, an unequalled one hundred and seventy rostrum finishes and amassed an unmatched three thousand nine hundred and forty-four World points in total.

Born on the twenty-third of March 1976, Douglas Martin Lampkin was always destined for the top, when on that day thirty-six years ago he became the latest member of perhaps one of the World's most famous motorcycling families. His father Harold Martin Lampkin, or Martin as he is more commonly known was the first ever FIM Trial World Champion when the series was elevated from European status back in 1975. Some twenty-two years later Dougie was following in his father's tyre marks as he became Britain's second and only other FIM World Trial champion. Dougie is the eldest son of Martin and Isobel, who have one other sibling, Harry who is two years younger than his title-grabbing brother.

From the mid-nineties through to the early part of the next decade Lampkin totally dominated the championship to set yet another record by winning seven consecutive outdoor titles, with no other rider having previously won more than three championships in a row. Dougie secured his first FIM World Trial title at the age of twenty-one at Nepomuk in the Czech Republic on Sunday 31st August 1997. Lampkin's final outdoor championship was won on Sunday 13th September 2003 at La Cabrera, Spain and in doing so Dougie matched Jordi Tarres' tally of seven outdoor titles.The broad shouldered Yorkshireman recorded his last GP win in La Chatre, France on Saturday 25th June 2006.

Over a similar period as his outdoor reign Dougie also won five successive FIM Indoor Trial World championships, a feat that has only recently been over taken by current champion Toni Bou just last month. Lampkin clinched his first indoor title at Monte Carlo, Monaco on Saturday 21st March 1997, the same year he won his first outdoor crown. This was a theme that was to repeat itself over the next four seasons as Dougie became unstoppable both indoors as well as outdoors. Lampkin's indoor reign was brought to a close in 2003, when he was finally deposed by his now Gas Gas team mate Adam Raga.

Whilst the FIM Trial World Championship will no longer feature in Dougie's competition schedule, he will still be very much a part of the series in his new management and development role within the factory Gas Gas team. As well as assisting Adam Raga and the other Gas Gas riders in their championship assaults, Dougie still plans to contest a number of events such as the Scottish Six Days Trial, the Scott and other international competitions. In addition to this Lampkin still plans to compete in the FIM Super (Indoor) Enduro Championship and selected extreme enduro events.

Speaking about stepping down from the World championship Dougie said. "Whilst it feels quite strange to know that I will not be doing battle at the World championship this year, the ongoing problem with my ankle last season has made it an easier decision for me. Although part of me feels a little sad to be stopping, I can't really complain as I have had an incredible run at the top level with so few injuries when you think that I have been riding the World championship for almost twenty years."

"The good news is that I still love riding my bike just as much as I did when I first started riding. As for winning, well I love that as much as ever, it just does not happen as much as it use to now! I still have a massive motivation and desire to win, that's why I am still looking forward to riding the Scottish, the Scott and perhaps some other multi day trials in Europe along with the enduro events. Beating the younger riders still feels good, so they still need to watch out for the old man as he is not finished just yet." Lampkin added with a large smile.

"I am also very motivated to help Gas Gas win too, I think we have done some good work so far and have moved in the right direction, but this year I think we can be even stronger. So although I will not be riding, I am sure I will still get a huge sense of satisfaction in playing a part in helping Adam (Raga) and the other Gas Gas riders win this season." Ended Dougie.

Dougie next competitive outing will be at the Scottish Six Days Trial in Fort William from 7th to 12th May 2012.

UNIVEGA provides support for 2012

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:19:00 +0200

German bicycle company UNIVEGA has confirmed its continuing and expanding relationship with the FIM by announcing the three FIM awards that it will support in 2012. UNIVEGA will be donating three of its state-of-the-art mountain bicycles, which will be presented at the end of the season to celebrate the special achievements of three respective riders.

UNIVEGA has enjoyed a long and rich association with the trial community, having backed the likes of Iris Kramer, Laia Sanz, Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo through its athlete sponsorship programme. Although supporting a number of established male and female riders, the company believes that celebrating the success of those who are new to top level Trial and in particular, new to the FIM Women's Trial World Championship and the FIM Youth Trial Cup 125cc, is vital to the future of the sport.

In 2010, UNIVEGA in conjunction with the FIM created a new award, titled the FIM Women's Trial Rookie of the Year. 2012 will mark UNIVEGA'S third year as the sponsor of this award. This year the company will also provide a prize for the second placed rider in this category as well as rewarding the best newcomer in the FIM Youth Trial Cup 125cc. This newly introduced award will be known as the FIM Youth Trial Cup 125cc Rookie of the Year award.

The Rookie awards are open to all newcomers in both of the respective championships. The winners will be the best placed eligible riders in the final standings.

Mr Uwe Reinkemeier-Lay, Director of UNIVEGA, commented: "I am very happy to be continuing our work with the FIM Women´s Trial World Championship and to also extend our support to the FIM Youth Trial Cup 125cc, in 2012. Many professional World Pro riders, including Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo are doing their fitness training on UNIVEGA bicycles. So with these FIM awards, which we are offering in conjunction with Yosemite Sport GmbH (Bikemax Weiterstadt - Iris Kramer), we look forward to supporting young riders from both men and women categories."

Olivier Godallier, FIM Marketing and Communications Director, said "On behalf of the FIM I would like to thank UNIVEGA for its increased support this year. We are looking forward to seeing what new talent this season has to offer and I am sure all young newcomers will be greatly encouraged by these awards and the fantastic prizes kindly being supplied by UNIVEGA."

Norway make their mark

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:04:00 +0200

The inaugural FIM X-Trial des Nations held in Nice, France last night was always going to be a special occasion, and especially for the Norwegian team who were making their debut at this type of event. Norway earned their place amongst the World's elite Trial nations two years ago when they won the International Group trophy at the 2010 FIM Trial des Nations held in Poland. This meant that they were promoted to the World Championship Group at last year's outdoor team event in Italy, when they made the headlines once again by beating Japan for the final top five placing.

With hardly any experience of riding artificial hazards, and certainly no prior outings at this kind of level indoors, the pairing of Hakon Pedersen - Sherco - who recently turned twenty-one years old and Ib Andersen - Gas Gas - who is just twenty years old were certainly in at the deep end. However despite being the absolute rookies and up against the likes of Spain, Great Britain, France and Japan, the Scandinavian duo acquitted themselves well in front of the appreciative French audience. Despite finishing fifth at their first attempt, it is something that the young pairing can be proud of and will serve them well for the future.

Spain show their supremacy

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:20:00 +0200

There was to be no surprises at the first ever FIM X-Trial des Nations held in Nice, France with the Spanish duo of Toni Bou – Repsol Montesa and Albert Cabestany – Sherco romping to a convincing victory in front of a packed stadium. Whilst the host nation threatened to cause an upset during the early part of the evening the French team consisting of Alexandre Ferrer – Sherco and Loris Gubian – Gas Gas eventually had to settle for the final podium place. In the end second spot went to the popular Japanese pairing of Tomoyuki Ogawa – Beta and Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa. Great Britain finished a disappointing fourth leaving the rookie's of the competition, Norway in fifth. A new and unique format was utilised for the FIM X-Trial des Nations. The event was basically split into two laps, with one of the two riders from each team completing one lap each. The lap consisted of six observed sections that had to be ridden within the seven-minute time limit, with riders being penalised an additional one mark for each time they rested on their sump-guard. Following this a speed section, where the riders had to complete a specially devised route against the clock and where observation marks were not a factor, replaced the normal dual lane race. The fastest rider was rewarded with zero marks, the second fastest with one mark and so on. Cabestany got the action under way and rode with the added pressure of being the first rider out on a course that was relatively easy, but would also show that it would punish any slight mistake. Albert was typically composed and set the tone for the Trial losing only a single mark for momentarily touching his sump-guard in the third hazard. Great Britain's chance of challenging for a top spot was over before it began as James Dabill – Beta crashed out on the fifth section doing damage to himself and his machine. He was to take no further part in the event. Ferrer had the hopes of France resting on his young shoulders as he took to the stage and he responded brilliantly each time the capacity crowd roared and he was to be the only rider to go clean on the first lap. Ib Andersen - Gas Gas from Norway put up a brave performance, and did well to remain uninjured as he suffered a string of spectacular crashes. Ogawa produced a solid showing dropping just six marks including a five on the final waterfall section. Cabestany maintained the Spanish momentum as he then went quickest in the speed section, a feat that was matched by Bou when it came to his turn to show his true pace. Fujinami cemented Japan's podium spot with a single dab lap as he got the second half of the Trial underway. However which podium place Japan would take was not clear as Gubian took

Dabill - Back for one night only

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:15:00 +0200

Britain's James Dabill - Beta will be reunited with his peers later tonight, as the FIM X-Trial des Nations becomes the first outing at World level after three months of watching from the sidelines. The factory Beta rider has been a noticeable absentee from this year's FIM X-Trial World Championship after the soon to be twenty-six year old failed to qualify for the 2012 series after a poor showing outdoors last season. Dabill's last appearance at the FIM X-Trial World Championship was back in March 2011, when he produced his best performance of that particular campaign by placing fourth at the final round in Milan, Italy. James unfortunately never maintained the same momentum as the action shifted outdoors and ended the 2011 FIM Trial World Championship eighth in the final standings. Whilst Dabill remained dominant domestically, wrapping up his third successive British title in 2011, he was forced to play second fiddle to his compatriot Michael Brown - Gas Gas in the World rankings. Although normally fierce rivals out on the course World number six Brown and Dabill are actually good friends away from the competitive arena, and will work as one tonight as they represent Great Britain in the five way inter country fight.

Nice - Back in time

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:49:00 +0200

When the inaugural FIM X-Trial des Nations rolls into Nice tomorrow evening, it will be the first time since 2003 that the southern French city has hosted a World status Trial. Back on the 7th March, nine years ago, Nice was the tenth stop on the then FIM Indoor Trial World Championship and delivered an event that was won by Spain's Marc Freixa - Montesa, on that particular evening. Riders who were present on that night and who will also take part in tomorrow evening's competition at the Palais Nikai are limited to just two. Both now in their fourth decade of life Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa aged thirty two and Albert Cabestany - Sherco being just a year younger than his Japanese rival, have ridden many sections since they were in Nice in 2003. Fujinami's memory of that night may now be feint, but should be the fonder of the two returning veterans. Takahisa just missed out on a podium place to Adam Raga - Gas Gas on that occasion, whilst Cabestany failed to qualify for the final and finished in a lowly sixth spot behind the now extreme enduro specialist Graham Jarvis - Sherco. Representing Spain and Japan respectively, Cabestany and Fujinami will both be hoping that it's a happy return to the French holiday city.

Five nations fight for glory

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:41:00 +0200

Following the finale of the 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship in Paris last weekend, ten riders will make the short journey south to Nice this Friday for the first ever FIM X-Trial des Nations. Five nations will fight for glory at the city's Palais Nikai, those being Spain, Great Britain, France, Japan and Norway. Although the famous FIM Trial des Nations has been running since 1984, until now there has not been a similar annual event to the mirror indoor discipline. Conceived to reinforce the longstanding FIM Trial des Nations, the all-new FIM X-Trial des Nations invites teams of just two riders, instead of four. Spain is the bookies' favourite to win the inaugural event with the World's top two FIM X-Trial riders, Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa and Albert Cabestany - Sherco, riding on side. There will be at least one 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship rider on all, but one of the remaining teams. Michael Brown - Gas Gas, who finished the series in seventh place, will be waving the flag for Great Britain alongside his teammate, James Dabill - Beta who was part of last year's championship line-up. Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa, who was third on the podium in Paris but finished fourth in the 2012 FIM X-Trial series, has been teamed up with fellow Japanese rider, Tomoyuki Ogawa - Beta. Sixth-placed Loris Gubian - Gas Gas will ride for France with Alexandre Ferrer - Sherco who impressed crowds last weekend by becoming the first and only wild card rider of the season to make it through to the semi-final stage of the competition. Norway lacks a FIM X-Trial World Championship rider, and considering the international credentials of the other four teams it is fair to say that the Norwegians will be the underdogs of the FIM X-Trial des Nations. Norway is a relative newcomer to World championship class team events. The Norwegian team had its first outing in the World Championship Group of the FIM Trial des Nations last year, after winning the supporting International Trophy Group in 2010. The country has handpicked its most successful two riders, Hakon Pedersen - Sherco and Ib Andersen - Gas Gas, to compete on its behalf this weekend. One rider from each team will each complete a lap consisting of six challenging hazards plus one speed section. The combined score of the two riders in each team will ultimately decide the first ever winners of this unique competition. The FIM X-Trial des Nations will be broadcast live on Motors TV Friday, with the event starting at 21:00hrs local time.

FIM X-Trial des Nations: Spain set to sizzle at inaugural event

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:33:00 +0200

This Friday will see the much anticipated launch of the FIM X-Trial des Nations in Nice, France where five nations - Spain, Great Britain, France, Japan and Norway - will compete for glory at the city's Palais Nikaia.

With five of the fixed riders from the 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship taking part, the bar has been set high, but Spain's sizzling duo Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa and Albert Cabestany - Sherco are the clear favourites to take home the trophy in the event's inception year.

Spain is undisputedly the most successful country to have ever competed in the longstanding FIM Trial des Nations, which it has won for the last eight years in a row and an incredible eighteen times since it began in 1984. The all-new FIM X-Trial des Nations will mirror this event, but the teams will consist of just two riders instead of four.

Six-times FIM Indoor/X-Trial World Champion, Toni Bou and Albert Cabestany, who finished as runner up in this year's series, are Spain's chosen two and with this powerful pair riding on its side, the Spanish team will be hard, if not impossible, to beat this weekend.

Toni Bou: "Trial des Nations is an important competition for me so the introduction of the FIM X-Trial des Nations is a big moment both personally and for the sport. Nice is a great place and Trial has a lot of supporters there. I am looking forward to working with Albert again, he is an incredible rider and a good friend. Our objective is to win and as the best two riders indoors we are feeling very confident, although we expect Japan and Great Britain will also be strong."

Bou's team mate, Albert Cabestany is equally excited and confident: "It is really nice to have a new championship and the chance to win another World title. We will fight as we have been fighting every weekend in the FIM X-Trial World Championship. There are never any guarantees, but Toni and I are top in the sport right now and are the press' favourite to win, so will we work together to maintain this role and achieve the best result for our country."

The FIM X-Trial des Nations will bring to a close the 2012 indoor season, in which Bou, Cabestany and fellow countrymen Adam Raga – Gas Gas who finished third in this year's championship plus not to mention fifth placed overall Jeroni Fajado – Beta occupied four out of the top five rankings. So only a brave person would bet against Spain's domination of the discipline continuing in Nice this Friday.

The FIM X-Trial des Nations will be broadcast live on Motors TV Friday, with the event starting at 21:00hrs local time.

Tag Heuer present Bou with a winning watch

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 23:15:00 +0200

Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa rounded out a perfect 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship when he clinched his seven successive win to maintain his 100% record at the final round in Paris, France last night. In addition to collecting his winner's trophy for his performance on the evening, and his latest FIM gold medal – he now has twelve in total, Bou was also presented with an automatic Aquaracer Chronograh by TAG Heuer to celebrate his incredible achievements. TAG Heuer is the Official Watch and Timing partner of the FIM and has been an integral and important part of the 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship after doing some initial tests last year. For the first time the FIM X-Trial World Championship has benefited from having a professional timing service to bring it in line with the standards used throughout other motorcycle disciplines where speed is the key factor. The sport of Trial is unique in so many different ways to other two-wheel disciplines and thus demanded a new approach in order to deliver a reliable and accurate timing system and service. The Swiss Sport Watch and Chronograph company TAG Heuer is master in this sector and has devised a set of portable equipment that has been present in the many arenas the 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship has visited over the last three months. The riders, teams, local organisers and FIM officials who have all noted the extra and increased level that it has brought to the series have applauded the introduction of this new service by TAG Heuer. Olivier Godallier, FIM Marketing and Communications Director stated. "We are obviously delighted to have a company and brand such as TAG Heuer involved and associated with the sport of motorcycling in general. In the specific area of the FIM X-Trial World Championship TAG Heuer has done great work in creating a professional and trusted solution in what can be some very different and challenging conditions due to the unique nature of the Trial discipline. Not only would we like to thank them for providing this service, but also for the kind presentation they made to Toni Bou last night." Thierry Huron, TAG Heuer Timing and Marketing Services Director explains. "By providing for the first time a high level of timing services to the FIM X-Trial World Championship, TAG Heuer aims to provide this series with a definitive added value and to bring it in line with the timing precision standard of the major FIM World Championships. The leader in prestigious Sport Watches and Chronograph, together with his reputable timing servicing partner".

Bou makes it a straight seven

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:46:00 +0200

Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa cleaned up the 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship with a seventh consecutive win at the final round in Paris, France. Whilst Bou's win was perhaps no surprise, Jeroni Fajardo - Beta taking the runners up spot certainly was a shock as he finished ahead of Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa who was third on the evening. Albert Cabestany - Sherco, placed an off form fourth, but this was enough to secure him second in the series. It was a disappointing finale for Adam Raga - Gas Gas who missed out on a place in the final for the first time this season, and thus had to settle for third spot in the final standings, once again behind his arch rival Cabestany.

A strong and exciting qualification process set the bar for the rest of the evening. As usual it consisted of five sections to be completed in eight minutes. France's Alexandre Ferrer - Sherco broke new ground by becoming the first wild-card rider to make it through to a semifinal this series. However it was not a happy ending for his compatriot, Loris Gubian - Gas Gas. As France's lone permanent rider in the series, who wanted to wave his country's flag high in Paris, suffered a fall from a high point in the second section. This seemingly knocked his confidence from which he never recovered and ultimately cost him his place in the semifinal. Michael Brown - Gas Gas, Jack Challoner - Beta and remaining wild card rider Benoit Dagnicourt - Beta also rode themselves out of the main event. Takahisa Fujinami - Repsol Montesa dropped ten marks in qualification, which was four more than wild-card Ferrer whose tally was just six marks. Adam Raga performed only slightly better than Ferrer, losing five marks. Jeroni Fajardo - Beta proved that he was on top form from the off, dropping just one mark whilst Albert Cabestany - Sherco initially looked capable of putting Bou under pressure as the two ended qualification tied on zero points, with a tie-break putting Bou in the intermediate lead.

The semi-final saw the addition of a new and challenging section, standing high above the ground and constructed to resemble a Paris cityscape, complete with skyscrapers and an Arc de Triumph at the centre. This section proved too difficult for Ferrer, Fujinami, Raga and Cabestany. Fajardo was the first rider to complete it, however picked up two time penalties whilst Bou cruised through in true style.

It was a close semi-final with Ferrer, Raga and Cabestany all tying on sixteen marks. With Fujinami, Fajardo and Bou having scored better and secured their place in the final, this allowed the riders' qualification positions to be used to decide which two would go through and it was Raga who missed out, which meant he was unable to realise his ambitions of taking second in the championship.

Completing his clean sweep victory was the perfect way for Bou to end the 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship. Following the podium presentations, this year's World champion was awarded a watch by Tag Heuer. Bou is now hoping to lead Spain to victory at the 2012 FIM XTrial des Nations, which will be held in Nice, France next Friday.

Full results here

It is déjà vu for Bercy

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 10:35:00 +0200

The 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship makes its final stop at the iconic Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy later this evening. It is the first time in well over ten years that one of France's most famous indoor sports stadium has hosted a World championship status motorcycle sporting event.

The Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, or 'Bercy' as it is more commonly known, is instantly recognised for its striking architecture, which comprises pyramidal shapes and exterior walls covered with sloping green lawns.

Bercy first became famous within the Trial community through the FIM Indoor Trial World Championship rounds it hosted during the mid-1990s, which were also the very first events of this type to be broadcast live on television. Continuing the tradition it began all those years ago, tonight's finale at Bercy will be aired on Motors TV and Sport + (Canal +) channels.

Despite its long absence from the FIM Trial calendar, Bercy has continuously hosted Supercross events. Supercross Paris-Bercy, which is due to return to the stadium in November, is one of the most respected annual supercross events in Europe, and invites America's leading riders to compete against the continent's finest.

Bercy is also known as the 'home' of indoor windsurfing; the stadium is the venue of the Paris Masters ATP Tour tennis tournament and for many other sports including basketball, boxing and gymnastics, to name just a few. The arena has also played host to a number of famous music concerts, with the likes of Sting, Bruce Springsteen and U2 having all headlined there in the past.

So, Bercy will no doubt provide a unique setting befitting tonight's exciting final round of 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship.