The Spanish rider of the Repsol Honda Team, who was proclaimed Trial World Champion for the eighth time this weekend, believes that the rivalry this season has been high, but that this makes him think about raising the level even more.
[Crónica y fotos GP de España de Trial donde Bou se ha proclamado Campeón del Mundo]
QUESTION: Congratulations, Toni, on your eighth title. You’ve made history in the world of motorsport. Did you think you could make it? What feelings did you have?
TONI BOU: No matter how much you think, you can never get an idea of what sensations you will feel when you finish. And today I felt total happiness: today was a perfect day: winning the race, and the title; I can’t ask for more.
PR: The victory on Saturday was very important, especially because it made it possible for you to compete more relaxed on Sunday, and with it, get a new victory, the seventh of the season…
TB: Yes, as you say, winning on Saturday was key. The areas were quite complicated and that allowed us to show practically 100% the level we have. It was very important to win in this penultimate race – with Adam third on the podium – it was a fantastic day. Also the consistency this season has been very good for me. I’ve won seven races, but in the rest of the races I haven’t dropped off the podium, finishing in second place. Consistency is very important in a championship like the World Cup.
PR: You looked very comfortable on the bike. Is it also a question of trust?
TB: No doubt. Between me and the Montesa Cota 4RT there is always a perfect understanding. When it seems that I don’t make it, there’s always the bike to convince me that yes, indeed, it’s possible. I’m very happy to wear the Cota. I believe that, without her, all this would not have been possible.
PR: From April you have officially started a new stage as a 100% HRC team. Has it meant more responsibility?
TB: Yes, we’ve started this season with HRC and I don’t think you could ask for more. The team has worked hard, and for me, at the beginning, it made me suffer, because of the possibility of losing the title. It wouldn’t have been the best way to start this excellent relationship! But in the end, everything is back where it needed to be… The team, my team, hasn’t changed, and they’re also part of the successes I’ve achieved.
PR: Of the eight titles, the first one says you remember for a lifetime. The eighth… will you remember it that way too?
TB: Yes, sure. The first World Championship title is the best, that’s indisputable, because when you get it for the first time there’s always the doubt that you won’t be able to celebrate it ever again. But this title is very special, not only because it’s the eighth title and that’s a fact for the future, but also because Adam [Raga] has made it very difficult and we both went into the last round with a chance. Overcoming the pressure I was under has been fantastic
PR: Your main concern was finding a career too easy.
TB: Yes, especially after the race in France, where we had a very easy race and Adam and I ended up tied on two points after 36 sections. We had never come here to Arnedo, and we didn’t know what we would find, but on Saturday we had a good race and on Sunday it got better.
PR: How would you define your riding this past weekend?
TB: Well, I think the race was perfect, but as far as I’m concerned, I think there are things I can still improve. The challenge we set ourselves is to keep adding and improving. There are still things where I fail and I think I can improve. Some of them I’ve been able to correct, and others, you have to keep pushing to do it.
PR: And what is Toni Bou’s next challenge?
TB: Well, this coming weekend we compete in Andorra. It is the test of the Trial of Nations, a competition that I like because of the format and the good vibes that come out among the participants. Once again, the Spanish team is the favourite, and I hope to live up to expectations.
Interview and photos: Repsol Honda Team
