After missing out on the FIM Trial2 World Championship crown last year by the narrowest of possible margins, Britain’s Toby Martyn (Beta) is gearing up to take the title in 2019.
The fresh-faced 18-year-old lost the championship on a tie-break to Italy’s Matteo Grattarola (Honda) in 2018 following an incredibly tense final round but he is determined to go one better this season.
“Last year was disappointing but the way I look at it now is that it’s only made me stronger and I’m aiming to win the title this year,” he says. “I’m incredibly motivated and winning has been my whole goal over the winter. Now I can’t wait to get the championship started. I’m confident – I trust in my riding and really believe I can do it.”
Toby rode a four-stroke Montesa in 2018 but in the off-season he returned to the Beta marque. He had previously spent five years riding the Italian machine and wasted little time in reacquainting himself with the two-stroke power delivery.
“A lot of people said I got on very well with the Honda and I did but I’m going back to my roots with Beta. I got straight on one and it was like coming home. I got everything dialled in with my settings and I’ve been basically grafting away ever since and I’m really happy with how it has all come together.
“At the beginning of last year I had to do a lot of training to get used to a four-stroke but it’s been a lot easier for me to switch back to a two-stroke. I wouldn’t say I’ve had to change my riding style, it’s been more a case of adjusting a few little things.
“The four-stroke has dominated the world championship in the hands of Toni Bou but he’s a different breed of rider and I’d definitely say a two-stroke is the best bike for the majority of people.”
It’s said that the proof of the pudding is in the eating and Toby’s 2019 British Trial Championship campaign got off to a great start last month when he finished a close second behind his vastly more experienced team-mate James Dabill and his last-lap total of 10 was the best of the event.
“The opening round of the British Championship was an awesome start to the season for me. There were some first round nerves but we were the best prepared and I was very happy with my riding. I struggled on the first two laps but on the last I moved up a gear and that’s what put me in second – unfortunately, the boss just beat me!”
Toby will get his Trial2 challenge under way at the opening round of the 2019 FIM Trial World Championship at TrialGP Italy on May 25-26.
Press Release by FIM TrialGP