2005 Indoor World Trial Championship Round 3

Fuji missed the final again, two rounds in a row!

Round 3 in Toulouse turned to be another disappointing day for Fuji as he missed the final lap for two rounds in a row. He had to leave France with a big frustration, for not being able to finish upon the podium at all.

Fuji's condition wasn't particularly bad. In fact, he learned the way to maintain his performance regardless of his condition through his experiences in Outdoor championship last year. But he might be having some difficulties to perform the same manner in a different championship. He admitted after the event that although he kept his mind calm prior to his ride, he became a bit too eager to make it to the final lap. It might have affected his performances.

Fuji was the 4th rider to start the qualification lap, following Bethune, Bou and Lampkin. Young Bou appeared the championship for the first time as a wild card rider, but he had been known for his indoor riding skills. He rode well; too well maybe, a big surprise for many people. Completing 7 sections, Bou finished with 11 points, and Lampkin followed him with 8 points. Fuji finished with 12 points followed by Freixa with 11 and Cabestany's 10. Fuji didn't have to wait for Raga to realize his chance for the final lap was very slim.

Fuji rode against Bou for the double-lanes. Bou spent less time than Fuji for 7 sections, so Fuji hoped to beat Bou, and Bow would add some penalty points. The double-lanes in Toulouse had a unique set up with some ups and downs, giving competitors the risks for tipping over. Fuji led Bou, but trying to avoid the risk at the end, Fuji eased his gas a bit and Bou passed Fuji; Fuji lost the battle and finished with 13 points.

Freixa rode against Cabestany for the double-lanes, and he was in the same position as Fuji was. Freixa needed to beat Cabastany at the DL. It was the same place that Fuji backed off; Freixa pushed a little bit too hard and ended up with a big crash. As a result, he not only lost a chance for the final lap, but also suffering injuries with his fingers.

It was the second time that Fuji went out with a 'works' motor. Although the 'works' frame hadn't been introduced for a competition, the factory brough some modified frames. The problem for Fuji was that he didn't have much time on that revised bike prior to the event; he rode around with his sneakers on. Fuji clearly stated that it wasn't because of the bike to finish 5th, in fact, he liked very much the way the revised bike performed.

Quote from Fujigas:

I am so disappointed. Even Bou finished ahead of me. I talked to Bou after the event, and he said he enjoyed riding without any pressure. But he was riding very well this time. He did well at some of the sections where Cabestany couldn't ride. I tell you, will be up there next time; at least I want to do better than Lampkin.

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