The most exciting X-Trial season

X-Trial is the more spectacular version of motorcycle trials

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X-Trial is the more spectacular version of motorcycle trials. Unlike the outdoor competition, the X-trial events take place indoors and have special importance as they allow for closer contact with the fans and are given more space in the media.

This is a more explosive, more intense competition than outdoor trials. The courses are shorter, and there any mistake can mean a rider losing all hope of making it onto the podium and possibly having to give up any hopes of becoming world champion.

Toni Bou once again won the first of these events in Barcelona on 5th February. This trial has great sentimental value for the Repsol Honda rider as it gives him a very special opportunity to connect with his public. The races in France will combine huge doses of spectacle with some particularly demanding sections, and the French fans always pack the stadiums.

The Repsol Honda Team is also excited about competing in Austria, in a race that will be an emotional challenge and is expected to be decisive for the final result.

The calendar for the competition is tight. The four trials take place in February and March. Staying in top form is a very important part of the preparations when there is such as short time between races. The small number of heats makes it hard to be the final winner. Scoring points is important and it is not enough to be average: it is necessary to get the best result possible every time because there are almost no opportunities to win back any points lost.

During each of the events, the participants may spend a maximum of 20 minutes on their bikes where they have to perform spectacular, complex moves. Being the winner requires superb bike handling and, above all, staying calm and focused.

Also, as these heats are much shorter, it is not necessary to travel with as much equipment and teams personnel. Much less preparation is needed for an X-Trial race, so the team is pared down to only four people, instead of the usual eight for World Outdoor Trials. The bike is also different, with an emphasis on the suspension and the clutch, which differ from those used in outdoor trials.

2017 X-Trial Calendar

The four heats on the calendar and their dates are as follows:

• 5th February Barcelona
• 11th March Wr. Neustadt
• 25th March Marseille
• 31th March Nice

Box Repsol will once again be there with the team. Will we see Toni Bou walk off with his eleventh title?