Preview: Aussie world trials

The 40th edition of the Trial World Championship will get underway this weekend (April 12-13) at Mount Tarrengower in Victoria.

Over the last four decades 14 different champions have been crowned in the elite division, with the reigning title holder Toni Bou (Montesa) looking to open his defence at Mt Tarrengower venue, which hosted Australia’s inaugural GP back in 2012.

The redoubtable Bou has won the last seven titles in a row, and before him it was compatriot Adam Raga (2005-2006), Takahisa Fujinami (2004) and the now retired British legend Dougie Lampkin (1997-2003).

Raga and Fujinami are still competing, and other top guns at Mt Tarrengower will include Albert Cabestany, Jeroni Fajardo, James Dabill and Loris Gubian.

In 2012 at Mount Tarrengower, Bou was peerless on his Montesa, finishing ahead of Raga and Cabestany on day one, before lifting his work rate even further on Sunday to run out an easy winner from Fajardo and Fujinami.

Australia marks the start of the eight-round world title campaign, followed two weeks later by Japan and then onto Europe for the balance of the championship.

Andorra book-ends proceedings, as Bou looks to become the first ever rider to claim eight world championships in a row, eclipsing Lampkin

Two-day passes tickets to Mount Tarrengower will cost $40 for adults and $20 for children (10-16yrs). Single day passes are also available for $25 and $15 respectively. Tickets are available at the gate.

All the action starts at 9:45am both days, and will conclude by 3:30pm.

Maldon is about 140km from Melbourne, and 38km from Bendigo. To work out your own route to drive/ride there, click HERE.