2022 TrialGP of France Results
Cycle News Staff | August 30, 2022
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda) was once again triumphant at the TrialGP of France. Staged at Cahors on a sweltering day, the opening five sections were plotted in a quarry where competitors went head-to-head on steep, loose bankings studded with daunting rock steps. From there it was down to the banks of a nearby river and a series of massive, man-made sections comprising enormous rock steps and yet more heart-stoppingly steep bankings.
Bou set a furious pace from the start and established an early lead with just a single mark lost on section three where the rest of the TrialGP field all picked up maximums. This feat was repeated on section 11 which featured a monster triple step on the exit that looked impossible on first inspection and claimed first-lap fives from everyone apart from Bou who skipped through for a dab at his first attempt.
The Spaniard, who’s aiming for a record-breaking 16th-straight title this season, was on six marks lost at the halfway stage which handed him an eight-mark advantage over compatriot Jaime Busto (Vertigo) with Miquel Gelabert (GasGas) a further three adrift in third.
On lap two Bou picked up his first maximum of the trial on section three but added just one more mark to his total to end the day on 12.
Following an expensive opening lap, Adam Raga (TRRS) pulled things together on lap two with his score of seven, lifting him up to second on 25, two ahead of Italy’s Matteo Grattarola (Beta), who produced a brilliant nine-mark performance on lap two.
With just eight marks separating the leading riders it was tight at the top with Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa) and Gelabert completing the top five as Busto slipped to sixth after going off the boil on lap two.
“I’m very happy to win today,” said Bou. “It was important for the championship and with Jaime [Busto] finishing sixth I’m in a very good position.”
There are now just two scoring days to go at the TrialGP of Italy in the middle of September, and Bou’s advantage over Busto—who’s the only man still in with a mathematical chance of dethroning him—is now 36 points behind with just 40 left up for grabs. CN
- Toni Bou (Mon) 12 points
- Adam Raga (TRS) 25
- Matteo Grattarola (Bet) 27
- Gabriel Marcelli (Mon) 28
- Miquel Gelabert (GG) 30
- Jaime Busto (Ver) 32
- Benoit Bincaz (GG) 41
- Jeroni Fajardo (She) 44
- Aniol Gelabert (Bet) 49
- Toby Martyn (TRS) 51