FIM 2008 SPEA Trial World Championship - Bangor Preview
 BOU
LEADS AS THE CHAMPIONSHIP MOVES SWIFTLY ON TO BANGOR
A dramatic first round in Luxembourg last weekend confirmed
that the 2008 FIM SPEA Trial World Championship is most truly
open with the main contenders having already made their first
steps towards a title that will be decided in Spain in late
September. Without a moment to pause and reflect, the series
moves swiftly on with many of the teams and riders having
started to head towards the seaside town of Bangor, Ireland
for this forthcoming weekend’s next encounter.
Like in Luxembourg, the championship has been absent from
the Irish shores for a few years, but makes a much-welcomed
return to Bangor, which was the scene of two great events
back in 2003 and 2004. The town centre paddock and unique
coastline course means that both the riders and the many thousand
expected spectators can enjoy a competition that is not repeated
any where else in the remainder of the calendar.
Toni Bou – Repsol Montesa HRC will arrive on the Emerald
Isle as the initial championship leader after having narrowly
stole the first victory of the series from Adam Raga –
Gas Gas. Whilst Bou will be happy to be in this position of
command, perhaps his confidence may have been dented slightly
following such a close early call. The conditions in Bangor,
may not perfectly suit the reigning champion who is sure to
come under attack from more than just Raga.
Takahisa Fujinami – Repsol Montesa HRC is one rider
who may excel in the slippery conditions, as is Britain’s
Dougie Lampkin – Beta who almost caused a surprise in
Luxembourg and would so desperately love to claim his 100th
Grand Prix victory on home soil. Albert Cabestany –
Sherco will need to raise his game if he is to prove a threat
to his younger Spanish counterparts, after only an average
first showing.
In the Junior class Alexz Wigg – Montesa will once
again be the rider to beat following such a strong opening
performance in Ettelbruck. The terrain should favour Wigg,
who will be hoping to stretch his advantage over Alfredo Gomez
– Montesa and Matteo Grattarola – Sherco who joined
him on the podium at the first round.
The shock result in Luxembourg was in the Youth category
where Francesc Moret – Gas Gas took the win ahead of
Jack Challoner – Beta and the much favoured Patrick
Smage – Sherco. Just three marks separated these three
youngsters during the first battle, so the rematch in Ireland
promises to be equally as thrilling.
Prior to Sunday’s World event, Bangor will first play
host on Saturday to the opening round of the 2008 UEM Trial
European Championship over a similar but modified course.
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