Bou set to defend his top spot in Austria
Three-times winner at the venue, Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team) claimed his fiftieth career victory on our most recent visit in 2017. Bou took his 74th career win five weeks ago at X-Trial Barcelona and thus leads the defence of his sixteenth world crown.
That visit to the Palau Sant Jordi provided some major surprises, with a run of 43 consecutive podiums ended for Adam Raga (TRRS). The veteran was restricted to fourth by young guns Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda Trial Team) and Jaime Busto (Gas Gas), the latter topping the Standings in the night’s opening phase to take a first Championship point from leader Bou.
Hoping to improve from their opening showings in the Catalan capital, Benoit Bincaz (Sherco) and Toby Martyn (Montesa) finished sixth and seventh first time out. Meanwhile, Matteo Grattarola (Vertigo) is now closer to fitness following a knee injury that restricted his performance at the season’s curtain-raiser.
Two riders join the field for X-Trial Wiener Neustadt. Aniol Gelabert (Beta) is set for his second World Championship appearance and his first since X-Trial Granada in 2019. Local Wild Card Marco Mempör will make his debut in the top flight in front of his home crowd.
The course at the Arena Nova will feature five sections in each of the opening two Rounds, with the Final contested over six sections.
X-Trial Wiener Neustadt gets underway at 18:40 local time and can be followed throughout or on demand at www.x-trial.tv
