In the 48th edition of the Barcelona X-Trial, Repsol Honda HRC riders delivered an outstanding performance. Toni Bou secured another victory, extending his dominance to 18 wins out of 20 participations. His teammate Gabriel Marcelli achieved third place for the second time this season. The event highlighted the team's strength and consistency, with Bou leading from the start and Marcelli showing significant improvement despite facing challenges in the final.

Bou Dominates the Barcelona X-Trial

Toni Bou showcased exceptional skill and control at the Palau Sant Jordi, maintaining a steady lead throughout the competition. Despite a minor setback in Zone 3, he quickly recovered and secured his sixth consecutive victory at this venue. Bou's performance underlined his prowess in the sport and further solidified his position in the championship standings.

The race began with Bou taking an early lead after accruing just one penalty point in Zone 3. This strong start propelled him into the final round alongside his teammates and Benoit Bincaz. Throughout the final, Bou maintained his composure and consistency, especially from Zone 2 onwards. He managed to recover from any initial errors and demonstrated remarkable form. Bou's victory not only marked a personal milestone but also extended his lead in the overall championship standings. With 75 points, he has widened the gap between himself and his closest competitors, setting a high bar for future races.

Marcelli's Steady Progress and Team Success

Gabriel Marcelli also had a commendable performance, finishing third in his fifth year competing at the Palau Sant Jordi. Although he faced some difficulties in the final, Marcelli's consistent performance in the first lap, where he also incurred only one penalty point, was a highlight of the day. His result underscores the team's collective effort and determination.

Marcelli started the race strongly, mirroring Bou's success in the initial stages. However, during the final, he encountered a puncture which affected his performance in the decisive zones. Despite these challenges, he pushed hard until the end, securing third place. Marcelli acknowledged that while the outcome was positive, there was room for improvement. In the context of the championship, today's race was crucial as it allowed him to gain valuable points. With 36 points, Marcelli is now fourth in the standings. The team's manager, Takahisa Fujinami, praised both riders' performances and emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in the upcoming races. The next challenge for Repsol Honda HRC will be in Stavanger, Norway, on February 8th, where they aim to build on this momentum.