2008 FIM SPEA Trial World Championship
THE USA SET TO WELCOME THE 2008 TITLE FIGHT
 The
2008 FIM SPEA Trial World Championship moves to the USA this
coming weekend as the small rural town of Sequatchie in Tennessee
prepares to stage round three of the series. The purpose created
Trials Training Centre, will once again host two days of competition,
as it did back in 2006 when the championship first visited
this venue.
America is the first of two back to back overseas events
in the 2008 calendar, with riders and their teams heading
to Japan in late May for yet another two day competition.
Without the comfort of their large factory trucks, the fly
away events always bring an extra dimension for the riders,
as they look to cope with the restrictions of working out
of a package case.
Adam Raga – Gas Gas will have fond memories of his
travels to Sequatchie two years ago, with the current championship
joint leader having won both days of the 2006 round on route
to his second outdoor World title. Reigning champion Toni
Bou – Repsol Montesa HRC will be looking to restore
his advantage over Raga after losing out to his arch rival
in Ireland following his initial victory in Luxembourg.
The supporting cast of Takahisa Fujinami – Repsol Montesa
HRC, Albert Cabestany – Sherco and Dougie Lampkin /
Jeroni Fajardo – Beta will all be hoping that they can
stop the leading duo in conditions that will be wet and slippery
at best. Forty six riders are listed in total to compete in
Sequatchie, with no less than nine of these being from the
home Nation, although the USA will have no representation
in the top class.
British teenager Alexz Wigg – Montesa will look to
extend his 100% record, and to increase his lead at the top
of the World Junior standings. The limestone river and muddy
bankings should give Wigg a clear advantage over his Spanish
challenger Alfredo Gomez – Montesa, who will be more
at home in the drier conditions of Southern Europe. Two consistent
outings have put Sam Haslam – Gas Gas in third place
in the general standings, and with the hope of an even better
performance on the British like going in America.
Through in the Youth category the hopes and expectations
of the vast nation of the USA will be carried on the young
shoulders of Patrick Smage – Sherco who begun the season
as the favourite in this class. A third position at the opening
round, and a runners up spot in Ireland have left Smage without
a win to date, and in third place in the series.
Patrick will have to defeat current championship leader Jack
Challoner – Beta and the shock package of Francesc Moret
– Gas Gas, if he is to get his campaign back on track
and give his home fans something to really cheer about.
|
