Palma is ready for the finale

Whilst most of Europe continues to fight its way out of winter, the Spanish island of Majorca is covered in bright and warm sunshine today, acting as a real reminder why it is such a popular tourist destination. The beautiful new Velodrome Palma Arena in the city itself is the perfect setting for the finale of the 2010 SPEA FIM Indoor Trial World Championship, with its clean lines cutting a sharp shape against the bright blue sky overhead. Built just three years ago, the arena remains a hot topic on the island, with it having cost twice as much as was originally predicted and has recently become the subject of a national enquiry.
 
Inside the arena, the smooth wooden cycle-racing oval frames the sections like a well mounted painting, with the experienced French course designer Bernard Estripeau having created a selection of hazards that are very typical of the region. Absent are the big steps normally associated with the Spanish events, and instead these have been replaced by an array of technically demanding obstacles that should produce a close competition. Across town Real Majorca will play the mighty FC Barcelona later today, but whatever the result of that match, there will be only one King of Palm.