06/09/17 – Trial2 Women – Sixteen-year-old Neus Murcia is a young lady with a big target on her…
Sixteen-year-old Neus Murcia is a young lady with a big target on her back as she heads in to this weekend’s event in the Czech Republic, which will mark the second round of the new Trial2 Women series. Murcia, who originates from just south of the city of Barcelona, Spain has already put herself in the history books after she claimed victory on the opening day of this new FIM Women’s Trial World Cup at the inaugural event in the USA.
The angelic looking teenager then followed this up with a seventh place on the following day of the American event to hold the lead in the overall standings by a single point heading into this weekend’s competition in Sokolov. Reinforcing the highly competitive nature of this new class, just two points separates the current top five in the general standings.
Ranked fifth in her native Spanish championship in both 2015 and 2016, prior to TrialGP USA Neus’ previous best result on the World stage was an eleventh spot at her home GP back in 2014 where she made her FIM Women’s Trial World Championship debut.
Over her short career Murcia has ridden a number of different machines starting with a Xispa 25, before then moving on to a Gas Gas 50 / 80 /125 in quick succession ahead of her stepping on to her current mount which is a Beta 125.
Speaking about her recent success and looking ahead to the closing two events in the Czech Republic and Italy over the next two weekends Neus said. “It has been incredible to be able to win the first ever Trial2 Women event, but there are still two rounds that will be the most important and decisive for me.”
Although absent from the World series in 2016 Murcia made a strong return. “I was surprised to win, although I knew I could be amongst the best. And, without a doubt, making the best time in qualification gave me some extra motivation.”
Having established herself as a title contender, the young Spanish rider explained how she has prepared for the deciding events and the threat of her rivals. “During August I trained very hard physically to be ready to face the next challenge, also I feel mentally prepared too.”
“There are six or seven girls who can win the series, especially with the next rounds being in Europe I think there will be some new challengers who will emerge. I expect the results to be quite varied so it will be important to make two strong performances.”
Having become only the second female rider from Spain to win at this level, the other being the great Laia Sanz, Neus has a great role model to follow. “For me, Laia is one of the best, her achievements over such a long period are simply incredible.”
Neus will be looking to emulate Sanz, as she goes in search of her own gold medal and goes into this weekend’s TrialGP Czech Republic as the rider the rest of her female competitors will be looking to beat.
