On March 11th, the Arena Nova in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, will host the second race of the X-Trial World Championship, returning after several seasons off the calendar. After an incredible start to the season for the Repsol Honda Trial riders in Barcelona, Toni Bou arrives as series leader of, followed by teammate Gabriel Marcelli.
After more than a month of inactivity, the second round of the season takes place in Austria, where Bou has enjoyed several wins over the years -the last one in 2017. After a great performance in the opening round, the Repsol Honda Team rider will seek to make it two wins from two at the Arena Nova.
Gabriel Marcelli, competes in Austria for the first time. At the Palau Sant Jordi he earned second position, and wants to continue the X-Trial campaign in the podium positions.
Ready to fight in 2023
Bou and Marcelli, together with the entire crew, presented the colours that the Repsol Honda Trial Team will run in the 2023 season. Under the motto “We are ready” and in a boxing ring, both riders showed that they are prepared to give their all this year in X-Trial and Trial GP competition.
32-time world champion Bou will be looking to maintain his dominance and teammate Marcelli is aiming to finish at the top of the standings. After the first race of the X-Trial season was held in Barcelona on February 5th, the Repsol Honda Trial Team are prepared to face new challenges.
Toni Bou #1
“It is always good to start the season with a win and we are working to continue in the same way. I have very good memories from my last race in Austria and we can't wait to get back there. Our goal in the second round of the season is to fight for the victory again."
Gabriel Marcelli #38
“We face the race in Austria with great desire and motivation after a break of several weeks. I have never been able to compete in Austria, but I think it could suit me and we will try to repeat or improve the result from Barcelona. Getting on the podium in the first race of the season gives you extra motivation and the objective in Austria is to continue adding points in the standings and maintain that second place overall."
Takahisa Fujinami
“We have extra motivation for this race after the great result in Barcelona. After spending more than a month out of competition, we are happy with the work that the team and the riders have done. The goal, like always, it will be to try to place as high as possible. It will be difficult because the other riders are at a very high level, but we will seek to repeat the result from Barcelona."