Toni Bou and Miquel Gelabert win the twelfth title of the Trial of Nations for Spain in a very intense race
Spain has extended its streak of titles in the Trial of Nations by adding its twelfth crown in front of the 4,500 spectators who have filled the Palais Nikaia in Nice and have witnessed a very intense test that has been decided in the final in which Bou and Gelabert have overcome the Frenchmen Bincaz and Ferrer.
The Spaniards had been the best in the first round, leading the French team by three points after having scored only one penalty point. But in the second round, the French team drove at a high level with only five penalties, while five points from Bou and Gelabert put Spain two points behind their rivals.
In the final, with a very demanding route, the Spanish riders showed themselves at a high level, while the French added four consecutive fives that have sentenced their aspirations of victory.
The third step of the podium was occupied by the British team formed by James Dabill and Jack Price, who were unable to repeat the second place they achieved last season despite driving at a high level that had led them to stay one point behind France on the first lap.
Italy (Grattarola/Petrella) qualified fourth, clearly distancing the German pair formed by the youngsters Kadlec and Faude who took fifth place in the final.
SPAIN (1ST):
Toni Bou:
“It’s gratifying to end the season with a win like this because France didn’t make it easy for us. In the second half of the season we made some mistakes, but in the final we were able to make the difference. I congratulate Miquel because he rode very well and withstood the pressure very well.”
Miquel Gelabert:
“This title rounds off a good season and to achieve it together with Toni Bou, who has been one of my idols, means a lot to me. We had to give everything to beat France and we did it in the final. I hope to maintain and improve this level next season.”
FRANCE (2nd):
Benoit Bincaz:
“I’m very happy even though in the final we couldn’t maintain the level of the second round and we were outplayed by the Spanish team. Both Alex and I rode very well. The final was very demanding and we have to congratulate Bou and Gelabert for their victory.”
Alexandre Ferrer:
“The support of the crowd here in Nice has been very important for us and has even led them to beat us in the second round. The final was more complicated and we couldn’t keep up with the pace of the Spanish team.”
GREAT BRITAIN (3RD):
James Dabill:
“I’m happy with our driving even though we couldn’t reach second place, which was our goal. I congratulate the French team for their performance, especially in the second round.”
Jack Price:
“James rode very well and I did everything I could to try to be on the second place on the final podium which, in the end, we couldn’t achieve. I’m pleased to have finished the X-Trial season on the podium.”
VIDEO X-TRIAL NATIONS 2018
X-TRIAL NATIONS 2018 RESULTS
