16/08/17 – TrialGP Czech.R – Continuing with our Czech back series ahead of the upcoming eighth…

Continuing with our Czech back series ahead of the upcoming eighth round of the TrialGP series in the Czech Republic, we look back at the closing event of the 2010 series where Adam Raga sealed the FIM Vice World Champion status after a close battle with Takahisa Fujianmi.

RAGA WINS FINAL GP AND IS FIM VICE WORLD CHAMPION

Adam Raga – Gas Gas recorded a surprise win at the final round of the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship in the Czech Republic and in doing so clinched the runners up spot in the final standings. The much anticipated duel between Raga and Takahisa Fujinami – Repsol Montesa to become vice World champion failed to materialise as the Japanese rider could only finish fifth on the day. Jeroni Fajardo – Beta took second spot in the GP, as the recently crowned champion Toni Bou – Repsol Montesa came home in third position after a disasterous closing lap.

It very much appeared to be business as usual on the opening lap of the Czech Republic Grand Prix, with a very relaxed Bou giving his rivals a true display of his class as he parted with only a single dab on his way through the initial fifteen sections. Heavy and persistent rain had left the terrain under the trees which surrounded the ex motocross GP circuit both damp and greasy, although this seemed of little relevance to Toni as he opened up a five mark lead over Raga. Albert Cabestany – Sherco was in third spot at this point with a slender two mark advantage over Fajardo, with whom he was fighting for fourth place in the series.

A five as early as section three and a massive crash in section twelve, leaving his bike needing extensive repairs had already put Fujinami out of the main running as the first lap came to a close. Uncharacteristically Bou relaxed a little too much as he made his way around the course for a second time, with fives in sections two and eleven presenting Raga with a real opportunity. The 2005 / 2006 FIM Trial World champion did not need a second invitation and produced a great second lap to take the win and to secure second place in the series. In the other battle Fajardo would defeat Cabestany in the race for fourth place i the general standings, as the Beta rider claimed his second runners up spot of the year.

Four British riders packed positions six through to ninth as James Dabill – Gas Gas secured sixth in the championship as he once again defeated his season long rival Dougie Lampkin – Beta. Michael Brown – Sherco recorded one of his best results to take eighth on the day, whilst Alexz Wigg – Beta waited to the finale to claim his highest placed finish of the season. Matteo Grattarola – Sherco and Daniel Oliveras – Sherco completed the top ten respectively.

With both the World Pro and Youth titles having already been decided at the previous GP, all eyes were on the Junior category to see who would be crowned champion in the Czech Republic. Again the expected battle between the two main protagonists failed to happen as early in the Trial Alfredo Gomez – Montesa suffered a problem with his back that would severely hamper his performance for the rest of the day. This left Jack Challoner – Beta and Alexandre Ferrer – Sherco to fight it out, with the young British rider taking the win by just two marks. With this victory Challoner also clinched the title to add to the FIM World Youth crown he won back in 2008.

Having already taken the Youth championship, Pol Tarres – Gas Gas used the opportunity to move up into the Junior class where he finished a respected sixth on his debut. This left Jack Sheppard – Beta with the responsibility of bringing the series to a close in winning style, as he looked to consolodate his runners up position in the final standings. Despite a nervous opening lap, Sheppard eventually ran out a clear winner beating Carles Traviesa – Gas Gas by twelve marks to become vice World champion during his first full season at this level.

Whilst all the individual titles have now been decided, the season is not yet over, as the riders now look to focus their attention on next weekend’s FIM Trial des Nations team event. Here riders who are normally rivals, will put aside their personal pursuits for this special ocassion, and look to form a formidable squad that might just bring them success at this unique and year end competition.