21/06/18 – The small principality of Andorra promised to deliver high drama…
The small principality of Andorra promised to deliver high drama and its exactly what it did with an electric atmosphere in the city streets for qualification followed by the Trial itself that was only decided in the final section of the day.
Without a win at the previous round in Japan, defending champion Toni Bou – Repsol Honda arrived back in his now adopted home event with the pressure sitting heavy on his shoulders. If he was to suffer another defeat, it would mean that he could also lead his slender championship lead, something he has not experienced for several years.
Despite still feeling the effects of his long-term back injury Bou was in fighting form and showed just how much it meant to him to win in his own backyard as he threw caution to the wind in a last ditch attempt to prevent Jaime Busto – Gas Gas from taking his third pole position of the season. Toni’s reaction as he crossed the line a fraction of a second faster than his young rival was packed with raw emotion.
Heading into Sunday’s main Trial with the advantage of riding right at the back of the field Bou looked the favourite to take the win, but it was not the first time this season he had to fight off the close attentions of his compatriots Albert Cabestany – Beta and previous round winner Jeroni Fajardo – Gas Gas.
Cabestany lost his chance of taking the win as he failed in section twelve, whilst Fajardo sealed his own fate as he fived the final section of the day.
Holding his nerve Bou cleaned the last hazard in style, followed by another rare outpouring of emotion, which confirmed just how important this victory was to him.
Trial2 and Trial125 enjoyed equally close and tense battles, with both classes again decided only in the final section of the Trial.
As ever Andorra provided a stunning backdrop to the action, all of which has been packed into the latest highlights programme.
Click here to watch TrialGP Andorra.
