GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jaime Busto has come out swinging at the opening round of the 2024 FIM X-Trial World Championship, placing second overall in Barcelona. Demonstrating outstanding style and expertise on his TXT GP 300, the Spanish rider finished the event just 10 marks behind the winner after the final.
Getting his night off to a strong start with second place in round one, Busto dropped just three marks over the technical five sections. Exuding confidence, as well as speed over the man-made obstacles, Jaime improved in round two to drop just two marks and ensure his place in the final alongside fellow Spaniards, Toni Bou and Gabriel Marcelli.
Taking an early lead on the first of six sections in the final, Busto looked on great form inside the famous Palau Sant Jordi stadium. Unfortunately, with the difficulty increasing as the final progressed, maximum marks on sections two, three, and four ultimately cost the 26-year-old the chance of victory.
With the pressure building, Jaime delivered a strong performance over the final set of obstacles, losing only one mark. This effort clinched his second-place finish and marked an excellent beginning to his 2024 season. Currently second in the championship standings, Busto is set to compete in France for the second round on March 15. He will be accompanied by his teammate, Sondre Haga, who aims to make a strong impression with his wildcard entry into the event.
Jaime Busto: “I’m really happy with how everything went today. I missed out on the win, but I came second, which is my best result in Barcelona for the past few years. The bike was working well today, and I felt good on most of the obstacles, it was just those few mistakes in the final that cost me. I have a few things to work on now with my riding, but it’s good to start the championship strong like this and now I’m looking forward to France.”
Albert Cabestany – GASGAS Factory Racing Trial Team Manager: “We’re really happy with how today has gone, it’s been a really promising start to the indoor season. The final score doesn’t really do Jaime’s performance justice as he was really pushing hard today. The first two rounds went really well, and then in the final, I think he was just unlucky in a couple of the sections and that cost him. We have some time now before the second round to improve and then we’ll go again in France.”
Results – 2024 X-Trial World Championship, Round 1
1. Toni Bou (Montesa) 11 final
2. Jaime Busto (GASGAS) 21 final
3. Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa) 22 final
2024 X-Trial Championship Standings (after round 1)
1. Toni Bou (Montesa) 22
2. Jaime Busto (GASGAS) 15
3. Gabriel Marcelli (Montesa) 12