Between Albert Cabestany and Raga they have achieved something that seemed impossible: that Toni Bou has gone two consecutive World Championship races without getting the victory. His great triumph in Oviedo 2015 was reminiscent of that very fine rider who was proclaimed world indoor champion in 2002.
Fourteen years later, Cabestany jumps into Sant Jordi, convinced that he can surprise and finally achieve his most desired triumph.
What a “high” the one in Oviedo…
“It was a great extra motivation and I was able to show that Toni Bou is not unbeatable in extreme situations. That’s what trial is like: a simple mistake leaves you out. It happened to Toni, as it has happened to me so many times.”
And Raga has won in Sheffield. Is anything changing?
“Ugh, I wouldn’t say that much… Toni is incombustible, the favorite and the undisputed number 1. But when you’ve been bordering on excellence for so long, it’s getting harder and harder to keep a “crack” from opening up. What’s really remarkable is that, when that happens, the rivals are there and we take advantage of it.”
Does a four-race World Championship benefit you?
“It doesn’t benefit or harm anyone in particular, but mistakes are very expensive. If Toni were to fail again in Barcelona, the championship would open up a lot and anything could happen.”
How does the Cabestany-Sherco duo approach the season?
“With a lot of motivation. The pre-season has been very positive and, despite my two mistakes in Sheffield, I see that I can fight for everything. In addition, the bike has improved a lot in weight distribution and chassis rigidity.”
A year of changes in the Barcelona Indoor Trial, starting with the new areas designed by Bernard Estripeau…
“Barcelona has always been a very difficult test for me because of the type of riding it demanded. The zones were always very marked: they were 0 or 5, with no middle ground. Estripeau’s unpredictable designs are going to change that dynamic and that’s why I see myself with a clear chance of victory. I’m really looking forward to this race. It can be epic.”
And it will be a 100% trial show…
“This is the best way to prepare for next year’s edition, the 40th anniversary. The enthusiasm of the organisers in renewing the race is generating great expectation and that motivates me even more to give 200% and finally win at the Palau Sant Jordi”.
Would you sign to win in Barcelona… in exchange for not winning more this year?
“I sign… although, if I win in Barcelona, I’ll go for the World Cup!” (laughs)
Interview by @TrialEnduroBCN
Tickets on sale from 15 euros
All tickets are on sale through the www.rpmticket.com portal, with prices ranging from 15 to 20 euros. Children under 4 years old have free admission and fans between 4 and 12 years of age benefit from a discount of 3 euros.
The portal also sells the Gold Pass ticket, with reserved seating in an area close to the track, parking, catering service during the event, guided tour of the Barcelona Indoor Trial paddock located at the foot of the track and a commemorative T-shirt of the event.
