Seventeen year-old Eddie Karlsson - Gas Gas made his debut in the World Pro class at the opening round of the 2012 FIM Trial World Championship held in La Bresse, France earlier today. His arrival amongst the more established elite riders was a strong one too as he took a well-deserved twelfth place on his first outing at this level. Karlsson was eligible to remain in the Youth category this year where he made his mark last season by winning a day of the Italian GP.
However, rather than fighting against his younger rivals or moving up to the Junior division, the Swedish teenager made the brave decision to move to the premier class and to do battle with likes of Toni Bou and co. Eddie explained more. "I decided I needed to make progress and fast, as we don't have the money to follow the normal route through the classes over several years. I knew it would be a difficult move, but it is a challenge I am looking forward to and even more after today. When I looked at the sections I thought I was going to have all fives, but in the end I had some cleans and some nice rides and I am delighted with my result."