Jaime Busto surprises Toni Bou and wins on Reunion Island

Jaime Busto (GasGas) took his first win of the season this Saturday at the X-Trial World Championship on Réunion Island, France.Toni Bou (Repsol Honda), winner of the previous event and outstanding leader in the general category, had to settle for second place, with teammate Gabriel Marcelli completing the podium.

Bowe, who entered as the big favorite, was 5 points behind the winner, but on the other hand, he led Marcelli by 4 points.. The Catalan athlete continues to lead the World Cup, with an 11-point difference over his biggest rival who was best in Q1, with both having added just two points in the first four sections.

The fifth one was decisive. Bow scores 5 and Busto scores 0, opening the door to victory. In the final round, Bowe risked everything to aim for the same ranking.However, with just five runs left, their chances were completely eliminated and they were relegated to second place for the first time this season.

The provisional standings for the World Championship are: Bou has 52 points, and Busto moves into second place. Marcelli finished third with 44 and 42.

“I was very happy,” Busto said of the win and what it meant. “I wasn’t feeling well at all in Madrid, especially considering I started with a bad crash in Andorra la Vella, but I was finally able to win today. I felt very comfortable because I drove very consistently all night and the atmosphere was special,” he summed up.

Tony Bowe admitted it wasn’t his best day. “I fought hard until the end in Q1, Super Pole and the final, but a mistake in the fifth section forced me to take too big a risk in the final. My first mistake had already ended my chances of winning.”

“The points are good for the championship, but I didn’t feel completely comfortable on the bike. I need to continue working on my fitness,” he added.

The next two rounds of the championship will be Parasport in Ponte di Legno on December 12th and 13th.