If you're following the world trials scene, you've been watching the recent FIM TrialGP results closely. The FIM TrialGP championship is where the best riders / teams display unbelievable bike control. The latest action unfolded in Portugal, delivering intense competition and confirming why Toni Bou remains the man to beat.

Portugal hosted the second round, and it provided fans eager for top-tier trials action with plenty to talk about. These events are more than just races; they're incredible displays of balance and precision governed by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Let's look into the latest FIM TrialGP results and see how the Portugal round affected the trial championship standings.

Portugal Plays Host: Round 2 Heats Up

The scenic, and frequently challenging, terrain of Gouveia, Portugal set the stage for Round 2 of the 2025 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship. Held over the weekend of April 12th and 13th, riders faced demanding sections meant to test their limits. The competition format saw competitors tackle four separate races across the two days, meaning consistency was crucial for a good overall result.

Weather conditions can significantly influence trials, altering the grip on rocks and soil, making sections much harder or slightly easier. Riders needed full concentration for every section attempt across the weekend. Portugal is known for providing tough, technical trials courses that push even the elite.

The preparation involves meticulous course inspection and strategic planning by the riders / teams. Success requires adapting quickly to the changing conditions and the specific challenges each section presents. This round was no exception, demanding peak performance from everyone involved.

Saturday's Story: Bou Battles Busto

Day one kicked off with intense action right from the start. Repsol Honda HRC's Toni Bou immediately showed his intent to dominate. However, GasGas factory rider Jaime Busto wasn't making it easy for the reigning champion, setting up thrilling head-to-head competition.

In the first race on Saturday, Bou managed to secure the win, but GasGas’ Jaime Busto was hot on his heels, finishing second. Beta's Matteo Grattarola put in a strong performance for third place. It was a tight contest that underscored the high level of skill in the premier class.

Race two on Saturday saw Bou battled Gasgas’ Jaime Busto again at the front. Bou secured another win, while Busto again took the runner-up spot, proving his consistency. This time, TRRS rider Aniol Gelabert claimed the third step on the podium, adding another name to the mix.

Bou seemed content with his performance under the constant pressure from Busto. "I’m very happy with how the day went," he mentioned. "We managed to score the maximum number of points... These are very important points for the championship."

This early success set a positive tone for the Repsol Honda HRC's Toni Bou team. It also put pressure on rivals like battled Gasgas’ Jaime Busto to respond on Sunday. The points difference began to build.

Sunday Showdown: Dominance and Determination

Sunday brought fresh challenges and perhaps even more drama to the Hertz FIM Trial event. The third race of the weekend (Sunday's Race 1) proved a real test for Toni Bou initially. He uncharacteristically picked up a couple of maximum 'five' point penalties early on, opening the door slightly for his competitors.

But, champions know how to recover, and Bou is arguably the greatest champion the sport has known. Bou regrouped effectively, putting in a stunning second lap. He tied on points with Busto but won the tie-breaker based on faster completion times, demonstrating incredible mental strength after the early setbacks.

Bou's teammate, the talented Gabriel Marcelli, completed the podium in third, making it a strong result for the Repsol Honda HRC's Toni Bou squad. The fourth and final race saw Bou stamp his authority definitively on the weekend. He delivered a masterful performance, navigating the sections with very few errors.

This final ride gave him a clear victory in Race 4, completing a perfect weekend sweep with maximum points. Behind Bou, Matteo Grattarola had a great ride to finish second, his best result of the weekend for Beta. Jaime Busto finished third, capping off a strong, although ultimately frustrating, weekend for the GasGas rider.

He consistently battled Gasgas’ Jaime Busto's main rival, Bou, but couldn't quite secure a race win against the dominant champion. Bou won all four points-scoring opportunities. Jack Peace, riding for Sherco, also secured a top-five finish in the final race, showing the depth of talent.

Detailed FIM TrialGP Results: Portugal Round 2

Keeping track of the scores is essential to understanding the FIM TrialGP results. The scoring system rewards precision, with lower scores being better. Here's how the top five finished in each of the four races in Portugal, providing a clear picture of the weekend's action:

Saturday Results

The first day set the tone with close scores among the top competitors, highlighting the fierce battle, particularly between Bou and Busto.

Race 1:

Race 2:

Sunday Results

The points totals generally decreased on Sunday. This might show riders adjusting to the sections or perhaps the lines becoming slightly clearer after Saturday's use, despite the inherent difficulty.

Race 1:

Race 2:

These tables summarize the point scores for the leading group in each race. You can find the complete standings and more details, often updated live during events, on the official TrialGP results page. Following the FIM TrialGP Championship requires attention to these point details.

Championship Landscape After Portugal

Toni Bou's perfect weekend in Portugal significantly boosted his FIM TrialGP championship lead. By winning all four races, he maximized his points haul, collecting 80 points from the weekend. Consistency like this is why Toni Bou dominated the sport for so long.

After two rounds (eight races total), Repsol Honda HRC's Toni Bou sits comfortably ahead with 160 points. GasGas’ Jaime Busto remains his closest challenger in second place with 138 points. Bou's teammate, Gabriel Marcelli, holds third with 114 points, demonstrating Repsol Honda HRC's strength across their riders / teams.

Although Bou has built a solid lead, the season is still relatively young, with several rounds remaining including potential stops in places like San Marino or Great Britain. Busto showed he has the pace to challenge, and riders like Marcelli and Grattarola are capable of podium finishes and race wins. The fight for the FIM trophies is far from over, and staying updated via sources like Cycle News is recommended.

Contract negotiations can also play a role mid-season; hearing news about a rider potentially looking to sign contract extension, perhaps even a rumor like Beta sign contract extension, can add another layer of intrigue. These FIM quality riders are always in demand.

The Phenomenon: Who is Toni Bou?

For those new to trials, Toni Bou is a living legend. Riding for the Repsol Honda Trial Team on a Montesa machine produced by Honda HRC, the Spanish rider has redefined the sport. His list of accomplishments in the FIM TrialGP championship is extensive.

Bou has won a remarkable number of indoor (FIM X-Trial World Championship) and outdoor (FIM TrialGP World Championship) titles consecutively. His level of control, balance, and ability to read challenging sections appears almost supernatural. He combines incredible natural talent with relentless practice and dedication, a core part of the Honda HRC philosophy.

Watching Repsol Honda HRC's Toni Bou ride is like watching physics being defied; he makes near-impossible obstacles look manageable. His dominance in the FIM TrialGP results over the past decade and a half speaks volumes about his extraordinary skill and mental fortitude. He truly embodies FIM quality performance.

Meet the Challengers

While Toni Bou is frequently the focus, several other incredibly talented riders are vying for top spots in the FIM Trial.

Jaime Busto (GasGas): The young Spaniard is widely seen as Bou's main rival. He possesses explosive talent and flair, attempting difficult lines others might avoid. Consistency has sometimes been his main challenge, but he frequently pushes Bou, as seen when Bou battled Gasgas' Jaime Busto in Portugal.

Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa): Bou's teammate is a rising star within the Repsol Honda HRC structure. He has steadily climbed the ranks and is now a consistent podium contender in the FIM TrialGP Championship. Riding similar machinery to Bou gives him a great benchmark.

Matteo Grattarola (Beta): The experienced Italian rider is always a threat for the podium. He brings a smooth, calculated style to the sections and has multiple national titles. His podiums in Portugal show he's still competing at the highest level; perhaps Beta sign contract talks are underway to keep him.

Aniol Gelabert (TRRS): Another talented Spanish rider, Gelabert consistently finishes in the top group. Riding for TRRS, he demonstrates the competitiveness of different manufacturers in the series. His presence adds depth to the field.

Jack Peace (Sherco): Representing Great Britain, Jack Peace is another young rider making his mark. Competing for Sherco, he achieved a solid top-five finish in Portugal. He aims to consistently challenge the established front-runners.

Adam Raga (Sherco): Though not highlighted in the Portugal top results here, Adam Raga is another legend of the sport and a long-time rival of Bou's. His experience and skill mean he can never be counted out. The list of capable riders / is long.

Decoding TrialGP: Skill Over Speed

Unlike speed-focused disciplines such as motocross, enduro, or FIM's track racing and circuit racing categories, TrialGP isn't primarily about speed. It's about skill, precision, and navigating difficult obstacle courses without errors. Riders tackle marked 'sections' featuring natural terrain like rocks, streams, and steep hills, or sometimes artificial obstacles.

The goal is to ride through each section without putting a foot down (dabbing), stalling the engine, or going out of the marked boundaries. Observers watch closely and assign penalty points for mistakes. A 'dab' earns 1 point, two dabs earn 2, and three or more dabs earn 3 points.

Stopping with feet up but ceasing forward motion, rolling backward, receiving outside assistance, or failing to clear the section results in 5 points, the maximum penalty for a section. Riding through a section without any penalties is called 'cleaning' it – the desired outcome on every attempt. The rider with the lowest total score at the end of the competition wins.

This scoring system puts immense pressure on riders; every movement matters. Competitors need incredible balance, throttle control, clutch control, and mental focus. You can learn more about the rules, events, and access features like the press area or FIM directory on the official FIM website or the specific TrialGP site, checking their privacy policy and legal mentions if needed.

The Tools of the Trade: TrialGP Machines

The motorcycles used in FIM TrialGP are highly specialized tools built for precision control over obstacles, representing quality products from manufacturers. They look quite different from other off-road bikes. You'll immediately notice they have no seat, as riders stand on the footpegs constantly for maximum control and lower center of gravity.

These bikes are extremely lightweight, often well under 160 pounds (around 70kg). This lightness lets riders maneuver them easily, hopping and balancing with amazing accuracy. They use special soft, grippy tires run at very low pressures (around 4-6 psi) to maximize traction on slippery surfaces like wet rocks or logs.

Engines, predominantly 2-strokes but with competitive 4-strokes like Bou's Montesa, are tuned for smooth, controllable low-end power and torque rather than high speeds. Precise throttle control is essential for maintaining grip and balance without breaking traction. The suspension is also specialized, designed more for absorbing impacts from drops and hops than high-speed bumps found in other off-road racing.

Major manufacturers like Montesa (part of the Honda HRC family), GasGas (part of the Pierer Mobility group), Beta, TRRS, and Sherco all produce competitive trials bikes. Each brand has subtle differences in frame geometry, engine characteristics, and suspension feel, offering riders / choices. All share core characteristics focused on agility, control, and delivering FIM quality products.

Classes within the Championship

While this article focuses on the premier TrialGP class featuring riders like Toni Bou and Jaime Busto, the FIM Trial World Championship includes other important categories. These classes nurture talent and give more riders a platform to compete internationally within the FIM family. The structure helps ensure the sport's future.

Trial2 serves as a stepping stone to the top class. It features talented riders aiming to make their mark and potentially earn a factory ride in TrialGP. The competition here is fierce, offering a glimpse of the next generation of stars preparing for the main event.

Trial3 is for even younger riders, acting as their entry point into international FIM competition, often supported by their national federations. It helps develop foundational skills on the world stage. Development programs supported by continental unions also play a part in nurturing talent globally.

There's also a dedicated TrialGP Women class, highlighting the incredible skill of female competitors in this demanding sport. Emma Bristow from Great Britain, for example, has been a dominant force in women trial for years. Supporting and promoting the TrialGP Women category is important for the growth of the sport.

Furthermore, the FIM organizes the Trial des Nations (often abbreviated as Trial des or FIM Trial des), a prestigious annual team event where countries compete. It’s like the Olympics of trials, fostering national pride. Additionally, events like Trial Vintage cater to older machines and enthusiasts.

Looking Ahead: The Season Unfolds

With Round 2 complete, the FIM TrialGP season marches on towards the next event. Each round brings new challenges, different terrains across various countries, and fresh opportunities for riders to score points. A key question remains: can anyone consistently challenge the dominance Toni Bou dominated with for so long?

Jaime Busto looks capable, but needs to convert his speed into more race wins against Bou. Riders like Gabriel Marcelli, Matteo Grattarola, Aniol Gelabert, and Jack Peace will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes from the leaders and secure their own victories. Keeping an eye on the FIM TrialGP results throughout the season promises plenty of excitement; many fans watch live streams when available.

Upcoming rounds will visit different countries, presenting varied types of sections. Some might favour technical rock specialists, while others might suit riders adept in mud or on steep, loose climbs. This variety, combined with marketing efforts by the FIM and promoters, keeps the FIM TrialGP championship interesting for riders and fans alike.

The role of the FIM, through its various commissions and support from national federations and continental unions, is crucial in maintaining the standard and global reach of the championship. Information for media is often available via the FIM press area.

Why Trials Rocks: The Appeal of TrialGP

What makes watching FIM TrialGP so captivating? It's the sheer skill on display. Riders perform feats of balance and control that seem almost impossible to the average person. Watching them hop bikes sideways onto tiny ledges or scale vertical rock faces without dabbing is breathtaking.

The sport demands intense mental concentration alongside physical prowess. One small mistake—a misplaced wheel or a moment's loss of balance—can mean the difference between cleaning a section (0 points) and taking maximum points (5 points). This constant pressure makes for compelling viewing, whether spectating live or following results online.

Compared to some motorsports, trials sections are frequently quite accessible for spectators. You can get relatively close to the action (safely, of course.) and appreciate the subtle techniques involved, like precise clutch and throttle work. It’s a demanding test of rider and machine coordination, far removed from the high speeds of circuit racing.

The global FIM family involved, from riders and teams to organizers and fans, creates a passionate community around the sport. Seeing FIM trophies awarded recognizes the immense dedication required. Following the FIM TrialGP is following displays of incredible human ability.

Conclusion

The Portugal round delivered compelling action and clear FIM TrialGP results, reinforcing Toni Bou's status as the benchmark in world trials. His clean sweep of all four races extended his championship lead, showing his remarkable consistency and skill under pressure from rivals like GasGas' Jaime Busto. However, the fight isn't over, with Jaime Busto, Gabriel Marcelli, and Matteo Grattarola showing they have the pace to challenge for FIM trophies.

Watching the FIM TrialGP results unfold through the rest of the season will offer more incredible displays of balance, control, and determination from these elite riders. The battle for the podium and the overall FIM TrialGP championship continues to be a must-watch for any trials fan or motorsport enthusiast.

Stay tuned to Cycle News and official FIM channels to follow the journey, see who might sign contract extensions, and discover if anyone can halt the Repsol Honda HRC's Toni Bou dominance as the season progresses towards the final rounds and the prestigious Trial des Nations team competition.