Toni Bou and Berta Abellán to defend their top spots in Norway
The Norwegian city of Stavanger will make its debut as a host of the FIM X-Trial World Championship on Saturday, February 8, with the competition set to take place at DBN Arena starting at 6:00 PM (local time). Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team) heads into the second half of the season firmly in the lead, while Berta Abellán (Scorpa) holds the top spot in the FIM X-Trial Women’s Trophy standings.
After his dominant victory in Barcelona, combined with Jaime Busto’s (GasGas) seventh-place finish, Toni Bou arrives at the fifth round of the season with a 23-point lead over his closest title rival. Bou has secured three wins so far and aims to extend his dominance.
Based on recent performances, Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda Trial Team) and Benoit Bincaz (Sherco) emerge as strong contenders for a spot in the final alongside Bou and Busto. They are separated by just three points in the provisional standings, with the advantage going to the Spanish rider following Adam Raga’s retirement from professional competition last Sunday in Barcelona.
However, Bou, Busto, Marcelli, and Bincaz will not have an easy path. Sondre Haga (GasGas) is eager to shine in front of his home crowd, while Matteo Grattarola (Beta) arrives in Stavanger determined to improve upon his two sixth-place finishes so far this season. Additionally, debutants Mats Nilsen (TRRS) and Alex Canales (Montesa) will be looking to make an impact in their first-ever World Championship appearance.
Meanwhile, in the second round of the FIM X-Trial Women’s Trophy, Spain’s Berta Abellán (Scorpa) will defend her provisional leading position following her commanding victory in Barcelona. However, Denisa Pechakova (TRRS) and Andrea Sofia Rabino (Beta) are determined to challenge her and secure a podium finish. Naomi Monnier (Montesa), Alice Minta (Beta), and Norwegian debutant Huldeborg Barkved will also be vying for a spot among the top three.
Excitement and spectacle are guaranteed. You can experience it live, as if you were there, on FIM-MOTO.TV.
