Fajardo lines up in Bilbao

The Sherco veteran joins Jorge Casales and Toby Martyn among the three event riders at the Bizkaia Arena

A sixth position finish for Jeroni Fajardo at X-Trial Barcelona proved enough for the Spaniard to earn a call-up for the forthcoming X-Trial Bilbao in less than two weeks’ time (15th February). By beating fellow event rider Miquel Gelabert in the Palau Sant Jordi and moving three points above him overall – despite competing in one less Round in 2020 – Fajardo has earned the blessing of the selectors to take his place in the Bizkaia Arena.

Fajardo had a tough night at his home Round last weekend, recording his lowest score of the season and missing out on the top event rider slot to Jorge Casales (Gas Gas). But he is still engaged in the battle for bronze thanks to this nomination to complete the field in Bilbao. Casales is also very much among the contenders for a world number three ranking after a career’s best performance to take the top event rider slot from X-Trial Barcelona.

Alongside the Spanish duo, Great Britain’s Toby Martyn returns to the series for what will be his second appearance of the 2020 campaign, following his debut in Rennes. This will be the Brit’s first appearance since his recent signing with TRRS.

Fajardo, Casales and Martyn join the Championship’s five permanent riders – Toni Bou, Adam Raga, Jaime Busto, Benoit Bincaz and Gabriell Marcelli – with only the Frenchman still waiting for his first podium of the campaign after losing out in a tie-break for third in Barcelona. The 2020 season so far, particularly in the battle for bronze, is proving of the most competitive and close-fought in the Championship’s 24-year history.