This coming Sunday marks the first event of the 2011 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship, which will take place in the town of Gefrees, East Germany close to the Czech Republic border. After being absent from the series calendar since 2005, Germany has the privilege of hosting the opening round of the thirty sixth edition of the championship.
Experienced campaigner Takahisa Fujinami is one rider eager to start the new outdoor season, after having endured a disappointing showing in the 2011 FIM X-Trial World Championship earlier this year. The affectionately named ‘Fujigas’ placed third in the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship and again has a top three result in his sights this season.
“For me obviously winning is still the best result, but with Toni (Bou) being so dominant the past few years it is very hard to be the best. I think he will win again in 2011 and if I can give Montesa second position in the championship I will be very happy – this is my target,” commented the 2004 FIM Trial World champion.
Takahisa still stands as only the second ever Japanese rider to take an off road FIM World title, the other being secured by Akira Watanabe, who won the 125cc motocross title for Suzuki back in 1978. Although the thirty-one year old is approaching the tail end of his international career his flamboyant riding style and stand out performances ensures he still remains one of the crowd’s favourite riders.
“My love and passion for Trials has never faded. The indoor series is hard for me and I am not very happy with my result this year – the Spanish riders have much more opportunity to ride indoor sections over the winter break so I think this is why they are so good. Now I must look forward to the outdoor series which I prefer,” continued Fujigas.
2011 sees a small number of regulation changes regarding the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship including the time allowed in a section and the minimum machine weight. Riders will now have ninety seconds to pass through and complete each section meaning that they will have more time to tackle the hazards that they will undoubtedly face. The new season will also see the introduction of a minimum weight limit for all bikes.
“Personally I like the old time regulation for the sections, which gave the riders just sixty seconds, but I understand the trial must be entertaining for both riders and spectators. The weight limit is a good idea - we have developed some new parts for 2011, but the weight will not be a problem,” explained the Factory Montesa rider.
Understandably the Japanese round of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship has been postponed from early June until August 20-21st after the country suffered a series of natural disasters during early March this year. Although the country as a whole was heavily affected by the events, it is a testament to the countries commitment and dedication that they are still determined to stage a two-day event.
“For sure Japan is my favourite event of the year – it is my home. What has happened in the past few months is terrible, but my country is hardworking, has a great community spirit and will not give up. I think the trial will be very hot in August and it will be interesting to see how the riders adjust to the heat, but I am looking forward to it. I am also very excited to be competing in Fort William, Scotland again in July. Last year it was one of my best trials as I won the second day and the crowd was amazing – I like Great Britain very much,” concluded Fujinami.
Experienced campaigner Takahisa Fujinami is one rider eager to start the new outdoor season, after having endured a disappointing showing in the 2011 FIM X-Trial World Championship earlier this year. The affectionately named ‘Fujigas’ placed third in the 2010 SPEA FIM Trial World Championship and again has a top three result in his sights this season.
“For me obviously winning is still the best result, but with Toni (Bou) being so dominant the past few years it is very hard to be the best. I think he will win again in 2011 and if I can give Montesa second position in the championship I will be very happy – this is my target,” commented the 2004 FIM Trial World champion.
Takahisa still stands as only the second ever Japanese rider to take an off road FIM World title, the other being secured by Akira Watanabe, who won the 125cc motocross title for Suzuki back in 1978. Although the thirty-one year old is approaching the tail end of his international career his flamboyant riding style and stand out performances ensures he still remains one of the crowd’s favourite riders.
“My love and passion for Trials has never faded. The indoor series is hard for me and I am not very happy with my result this year – the Spanish riders have much more opportunity to ride indoor sections over the winter break so I think this is why they are so good. Now I must look forward to the outdoor series which I prefer,” continued Fujigas.
2011 sees a small number of regulation changes regarding the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship including the time allowed in a section and the minimum machine weight. Riders will now have ninety seconds to pass through and complete each section meaning that they will have more time to tackle the hazards that they will undoubtedly face. The new season will also see the introduction of a minimum weight limit for all bikes.
“Personally I like the old time regulation for the sections, which gave the riders just sixty seconds, but I understand the trial must be entertaining for both riders and spectators. The weight limit is a good idea - we have developed some new parts for 2011, but the weight will not be a problem,” explained the Factory Montesa rider.
Understandably the Japanese round of the SPEA FIM Trial World Championship has been postponed from early June until August 20-21st after the country suffered a series of natural disasters during early March this year. Although the country as a whole was heavily affected by the events, it is a testament to the countries commitment and dedication that they are still determined to stage a two-day event.
“For sure Japan is my favourite event of the year – it is my home. What has happened in the past few months is terrible, but my country is hardworking, has a great community spirit and will not give up. I think the trial will be very hot in August and it will be interesting to see how the riders adjust to the heat, but I am looking forward to it. I am also very excited to be competing in Fort William, Scotland again in July. Last year it was one of my best trials as I won the second day and the crowd was amazing – I like Great Britain very much,” concluded Fujinami.
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