On The Pegs P 126
On The Pegs P 126
PHOTO COURTESY FIM
CABO , NO GO
The 2018 FIM X-Trial series started amid controversy at the series opener in Vendee , France , when heavy hitter Albert Cabestany was left out of the draw due to the new promoter ’ s regulations . When the FIM signed with 2Play to organize the 2018 series , 2Play issued a statement saying in part that “ This new working relationship with the FIM and 2Play will enable us to launch a new concept for X-Trial . The rules will be a total innovation in our discipline . This new system will enable us to change the concept of the zones and open up the sport to a larger number of riders . We also hope to attract young riders into the discipline . Altogether , the new concept should make the sport more spectacular and dynamic .”
In an attempt to open up the sport for young competitors , riders like Cabestany were left out . Cabestany had this to say on his Facebook page : “ The X-Trial world championship begins today . Well , I don ’ t know if you can call the world championship one in which the best pilots in the world are not involved . In which if you are a certain age , even if the level , they discriminate against you . A World Championship in which they pick the pilots to finger . A World Championship in which to face the best riders in the world is not a priority . Ladies and gentlemen , here you are , the world championship of X-Trial 2018 . Congratulations to the FIM and Promoter 2 Play for this milestone . Here you are , the X-Trial 2017 ranking , and the fixed drivers for this world and the event riders . I ’ m sorry , but for me today it ’ s a sad day . I ’ ve been the last 15 years on the podium of trial indoor , last year on the podium in half the dates and I didn ’ t end up third for a sigh , and this is the respect that you treat from the organization Of this “ world ”. thank you . I just have to wish a lot of luck to all the partners that if they are today on the opening date , and as they always do , have a great show .”