Jack Peace From Kirkbymoorside On Brink Of Trial2 Success - 2024 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship

This weekend, the spotlight will be on the 2024 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship as it resumes in Cahors, France. Set against a backdrop of challenging terrain, the event promises high-stakes competition as legendary rider Toni Bou inches closer to his eighteenth consecutive TrialGP title, and Jack Peace from Yorkshire aims for Trial2 success.

The course, with its blend of rocky sections and steep, loose banks, is poised to test even the most seasoned competitors, making this an unmissable event in the trial biking calendar.

Cahors: The ultimate trial challenge

Returning to Cahors for the first time since 2022, the championship offers a formidable landscape for the riders. The venue's quarry setting is notorious for its massive rocks and treacherous bankings, while the riverbank sections introduce further hazards with steep climbs and boulders.

The challenging course will see riders in the premier TrialGP, TrialGP Women, Trial2, and Trial3 classes pushing their skills to the limit in a bid for victory.

Toni Bou eyes a historic eighteenth title

The main narrative heading into the weekend is Toni Bou's quest to secure his eighteenth consecutive TrialGP title. The 37-year-old Spaniard, riding for Montesa, has dominated the season with eight victories, establishing a commanding 42-point lead over his teammate Gabriel Marcelli. Bou's path to the title is straightforward: as long as he ends the weekend with a 40-point advantage, he will clinch the championship regardless of where he finishes in the race.

However, Marcelli is not ready to concede just yet. Although he hasn't defeated Bou this season, he remains the closest contender. Behind Marcelli, Jaime Busto of GASGAS is also in the title hunt, albeit a distant nine points behind. With so much at stake, the competition is expected to be intense, but Bou’s experience and track record make him the clear favorite.

Contenders for the Podium

Aside from the championship battle, there are several other riders to watch. Adam Raga of Sherco, who finished second behind Bou in 2022 at this very venue, will be aiming for a strong podium finish. Italy's Matteo Grattarola of Beta is another rider likely to feature prominently, as he seeks to challenge the established order.

Emma Bristow leads the charge in TrialGP women

In the TrialGP Women category, defending champion Emma Bristow continues to set the standard. With a 13-point lead over Spanish rival Berta Abellan of Scorpa, Bristow has claimed four victories from five starts in 2024. This weekend, she aims to extend her lead as she chases her tenth title in eleven years—a fitting conclusion to what she has announced as her final season in top-tier competition.

The competition within the women’s field remains fierce, with Italy's Andrea Sofia Rabino of Beta, France’s Naomi Monnier of Montesa, and Britain’s Alice Minta of Scorpa all showing podium potential this season. Each of these riders will be looking to leave their mark on the championship as it nears its conclusion.

Jack Peace on the brink in Trial2

The Trial2 class has been one of the most hotly contested this season, with Britain’s Jack Peace from Kirkbymoorside in Yorkshire, leading the charge. Riding for Sherco, Peace has built a comfortable 19-point lead thanks to a series of consistent performances, including four wins and three other podium finishes. However, Spanish rider Arnau Farré, also of Sherco, who claimed victory at the last round in Belgium, remains within striking distance.

The podium battle in Trial2 is expected to be fierce, with Alex Canales from Spain and former champion Sondre Haga of Norway—who is currently seventh in the standings—both capable of springing surprises. Additionally, defending champion Billy Green of Scorpa has shown consistency with five second-place finishes this year, keeping him in contention for a top spot.

Trial3: A victory lap for George Hemingway?

In the Trial3 category, Britain’s George Hemingway has already secured his second consecutive title, but the competition is far from over. With the season concluding in Cahors, all eyes will be on his compatriot Euan Sim of Sherco. Sim, in his debut season, is aiming to replicate his victory in Belgium and defend his second place in the standings from the home favorite, Romeo Piquet of Beta.

The final showdown

The 2024 TrialGP of France promises to be a thrilling spectacle as riders battle for glory on one of the most challenging courses of the season. The points-scoring action kicks off at 09:30 local time on Sunday, with live coverage available on FIM-MOTO-TV. As the dust settles, the question remains: will Toni Bou make history with his eighteenth title, or will we witness an upset in Cahors?