Toni Bou

Esittely

Since he signed for Repsol Montesa Toni Bou has firmly established himself as the best trials rider in the World. The almost undefeatable Spaniard has won both the SPEA FIM Indoor and Outdoor World Trial Championships for four consecutive seasons, taking his tally of World titles to eight. This season, expect that tally to rise to ten.

Bou is a formidable opponent and has proved time and time again that he is without equal. An unbeatable combination of work ethic, technique and steady nerves have seen him rise to the very top in a sport that demands the highest level of concentration, dexterity and bravery.

It is impossible to fault Bou. During his double title-winning 2010 campaign the insatiable Catalan lost only once indoors, and he was equally dominant outdoors, winning the championship with one round to spare. It was an authoritative performance that enhanced the twenty-four-year-old’s reputation as a fierce competitor and top class athlete.

Bou demonstrated why he is held in such high regard on day one at the Grand Prix of Portugal last year, when he completed a faultless two circuits without dropping a single mark. His concentration, class and composure over the natural obstacles shone through that day, and although it was a low-scoring trial his nearest rival was still a full eight marks adrift.

That was just one of many moments where Bou has risen head and shoulders above his peers since joining Repsol Montesa in late 2006. He has a real affinity with his factory Montesa Cota 4RT, and when he is at his best it is as if man and machine are one. Few riders in any discipline make riding a motorcycle look quite so easy, and you often get the impression that a playful Bou is just having fun.

While that is perhaps the case at times, Bou nevertheless prepares meticulously for each trial and leaves little to chance. He spends more time than any other rider observing each section, studiously playing through each movement and pre-planned route in his head. He does this with real intensity, which gives witnesses a rare window into his intellect and steely determination.

With eight world titles to his name Toni Bou shows no sign of slowing down and, while it will not be a formality, you would be a fool to bet against him claiming two more in 2011.