There are many subplots to round three of the 2011 SPEA FIM X-Trial World Championship, but one of the most compelling and certainly the most romantic is Ossa’s long-awaited debut on home soil. The firm’s rich history means this is no ordinary event, and while the efforts of Toni Bou - Repsol Montesa and his close competitors will perhaps steal the headlines, those with a deeper affinity with the sport will recognise the significance of the Spanish marque’s poignant return to World Championship motorcycling.
The man leading Ossa’s charge in Barcelona is Jeroni Fajardo, a young Spaniard who was born in 1985, the same year that Ossa finally closed its factory doors after a troubled decade. Debuting one of the most revered brands in Spain to an enthusiastic home audience is no small responsibility, and while Fajardo has his own reasons to want a good result this Sunday, the desire to please legions of passionate and nostalgic fans is sure to motivate the twenty-five-year-old.
But while the expectant crowd could spur a surprise result, it could just as easily prove a burden, as the weight of responsibility lies squarely on Fajardo’s young shoulders. The pressure to perform and please his team, his factory backers and the fans will be great, and while Fajardo is an accomplished pilot his task is not an easy one. Particularly when the likes of Bou, Adam Raga - Gas Gas and Albert Cabestany - Sherco will also be gunning for a good result.
Fajardo has plenty to be positive about as his performance at round two in Marseille was at times encouraging. At one point he threatened to steal the show with a brace of impressive cleans in the opening two sections. Unfortunately, though, he was unable to maintain this form and finished a slightly disappointing fifth on his Ossa debut. This time he will have his eyes fixed firmly on the podium.
A top three finish is certainly within the realms of possibility, and a fourth at round one in Italy hinted at Fajardo’s capabilities. He will however, have to fend off advances from a host of equally hungry rivals and record his best result of the season if he is to secure a rostrum visit in Barcelona. Regardless of Fajardo’s performance though, Ossa’s Spanish debut will provide an interesting distraction from the main event.
Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi stadium is only a short distance from Ossa’s factory in Girona and hence the relationship between the marque and the city is pronounced. Those with a strong kinship to the brand are sure to create a warm atmosphere for Fajardo this weekend and, podium or not, the real winner this weekend will be the sport, who has welcomed back one of its eldest sons.(FIM.com)
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