2023 FIM World Trial of Japan Results

Cycle News Staff | May 23, 2023

Repsol Honda’s Toni Bou and GasGas’ Jamie Busto battled back and forth at the FIM World Trial Championship in Japan, May 20-21. Bou, riding the factory Montesa, topped Saturday’s day one, but Busto came back on Sunday to take the overall win. The two Spaniards came into the round tied at the top of the championship leaderboard.

Jaime Busto Japan 2023 — **Jaime Busto bounced back to win day two at the World Trial Championship round in Japan to keep the series locked at the top. Photo: Future7Media**

Busto got out front early on Saturday, but after the course started to dry out after Friday’s rain, Bou surged ahead and sealed the win when Busto incurred four time penalties.

“It is always very important to win here for the championship and the team, so I am super-happy,” said Bou after Saturday’s competition. “On the first lap, I had many mistakes, but I had a very good second lap and it was possible to take the win.”

Adam Raga (TRRS) was third, followed by Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa) and Matteo Grattarola (Vertigo).

Sunday’s win went down to the very last section after Busto, who had led all day, almost threw it away with maximums in the final two hazards. Bou was handed a lifeline, but a single mark in section 12 left the Spaniards tied at the top and the victory went to Busto who completed the course just 30 seconds faster than the defending champion.

“The TrialGP of Japan was just incredible for me,” said Busto. “Yesterday, I was fighting with Toni all day, but in the end, I made some silly mistakes which cost me the race. Today, I started with a clear mind and I led the whole day.”

Raga was again third and Marcelli fourth. Jorge Casales (Scorpa) rounded out the top five.

Bou and Busto are still locked at the top of the championship leaderboard with 111 each, and Raga and Marcelli are tied for third on 84 points. CN