Spanish rider Berta Abellán, runner-up in the trial world championship in 2024, is at a key moment in her career. Having already achieved the title of runner-up in the world championship and with several victories in her record, it is time to fight for the world title, with the added event of the retirement of Emma Bristow, who until now had won ten titles in a row.
On the occasion of her visit to Madrid to collect the runner-up trophy in the COE, the Scorpa rider visited us at Trialworld and we talked about her concerns, challenges, worries and dreams for this new season that has already begun.
A well-deserved recognition
Berta Abellán began the interview with a smile, celebrating her recent recognition in the Spanish Olympic Committee. “It has been a very special day, surrounded by champions and with an incredible atmosphere,” she said excitedly. This event is not only a source of pride, but also reaffirmed its position as a benchmark for women’s trial.
The challenge of being a professional pilot
Trial is a discipline that requires maximum physical and mental preparation. Abellán spoke about the importance of discipline and commitment to his sponsors. “It’s not just getting on the bike and competing. There is daily work, a physical and mental training routine and a very close relationship with the sponsors. Without them, none of this would be possible,” he said.
The invisibility of women’s trial
One of the most sensitive issues was the lack of visibility of women’s trial in the media. “It’s frustrating to see that only football is being talked about. There are many interesting sports, but it seems that they do not exist for the press,” he lamented. Despite his efforts on social networks and interviews, he feels that the recognition of trial is still scarce. This is something that both drivers and brands are more than aware of, but in some way it is aggravated when we talk about women and their opportunities, so it is an additional point of struggle to get visibility, recognition and support from brands outside the sector in sponsorship format.
The difficult road to make a living from trial
Perhaps one of the most shocking revelations of the interview was when Berta detailed the economic reality of women’s trial. “In the Trial World Championship, only a girl can live exclusively from this. I, with all my expenses, earn about 500 euros net a month,” he confessed. Compared to their male riders, understanding the equivalence of results (runner-up in the world) and extrapolating the situation beyond trial, the salary differences are abysmal.
As an example, outside the field of trial, he mentioned a case in ski jumping where a man received 3,200 euros for winning a competition, while the women’s champion was only given a toiletry bag.
Adaptation and improvements to your bike
On the technical side, Abellán revealed that the key to his performance is in the clutch of his Scorpa. While in the rest of the aspects she works with a completely standard motorcycle base, adapting it, of course, to her taste and style, she defines when the bike goes “well or badly” to how the clutch behaves.
Depending on whether the competition is indoor or outdoor, it adjusts the reactivity of the system to better adapt to the demands of the terrain.
We also asked her about her adjustments at the injection level, which today is one of the topics of conversation on the market: carburetor or injection. And that debate, extended to the complexity (or not) of electronic injection systems. Berta also got wet with this.
Goals for 2024: the dream of the World Cup
This year, Berta Abellán is the big favorite for the world title, especially after the withdrawal of her main rival, Emma Bristow. However, she is not confident: “There are many young girls who are coming strong. It’s not going to be easy and I want to continue preparing to the maximum.”
A lesson in persistence and passion
The interview concluded with an inspiring message from Berta: “We ourselves have to give visibility to our sport. We can’t expect others to do it for us. It’s a team effort.”
With an unwavering mentality, impeccable preparation and a fighting spirit, Berta Abellán not only seeks to win the Trial World Championship, but also to change the reality of women’s sport. Undoubtedly, her story is that of a champion on and off the court.
