When the 2014 FIM X-Trial World Championship visits Oviedo, Spain tomorrow evening it will be the first time that the series has visited the city since it last stopped off there almost two decades ago. Oviedo last featured in the calendar back in 1996, which marked the end of a four-year run of consecutive events in the Spanish city. Home rider Angel Garcia - Gas Gas, won the initial GP in the city back in 1993, as Marc Colomer – Beta and Tommi Ahvala – Aprilia completed the podium respectively on that historic night.
Trial legend Jordi Tarres – Gas Gas was a worthy winner when the series returned the following year, he over came Colomer and Japan’s Takumi Narita – Beta to take top honours on that night as the other two young riders finished second and third respectively. Tarres and Colomer occupied the top two spots in Oviedo once again in 1995 and this time were joined on the rostrum by their fun loving compatriot Amos Bilbao – Beta.
Colomer was victorious at the last edition of this event on 8th March 1996 as he narrowly defeated Britain’s showman Steve Colley – Gas Gas leaving Bilbao to claim third spot on that occasion. Tomorrow night will be a real trip down memory lane as the current crop of riders look to add their name to Oviedo's historic role of honour.
Photo credit FIM / Good-Shoot