Toni Bou Makes History in Zelhem with 40th World Championship Title

Toni Bou has once again made motorsport history, securing an extraordinary 40th FIM Trial World Championship title after dominating the opening race at Zelhem in the Netherlands.

The Repsol Honda HRC rider entered the penultimate round of the 2026 TrialGP World Championship with a commanding 111-point advantage in the standings after winning both races on Saturday. With the championship within reach, Bou needed only to maintain his incredible form to seal the title before the season finale.

He did exactly that.

Bou was virtually faultless in Sunday’s opening race aboard his Montesa Cota 4RT. His only real difficulty came in Zone 2, where he picked up five penalty points, but he responded immediately and completed every remaining section without another penalty.

The result was another race victory — and, more importantly, confirmation of his 40th world championship crown.

The achievement adds another remarkable chapter to Bou’s already unparalleled career, taking his tally to 40 World Championship titles.

Bou’s pace was equally impressive in the Super Pole, where he posted the fastest time of 27.29 seconds.

With the championship already secured, Bou lined up for the final race of the weekend looking to complete a perfect Dutch round with another victory. He again made a strong start and initially remained penalty-free, but a mistake in Zone 3 cost him five points.

That error ultimately proved decisive.

Bou continued to fight at the front but was unable to close the gap to Jaime Busto, who went on to claim victory in Race 2. Bou therefore finished second, still ending the weekend as the newly crowned 2026 TrialGP World Champion.

Marcelli back on the podium

Gabriel Marcelli also showed improved form on Sunday, returning to the podium in the opening race.

The Repsol Honda HRC rider endured a difficult start, making several mistakes through the first three sections. However, he gradually found his rhythm and began producing a series of clean sections to fight his way back into contention.

Marcelli eventually finished third with 21 penalty points, an important result in his battle for second place in the championship. He also posted the fourth-fastest time in Super Pole at 29.01 seconds.

Race 2 proved more difficult. A number of early mistakes again left Marcelli outside the leading group, although he recovered strongly as the race progressed. He was beginning to make progress through the field when another mistake in Zone 10 halted his charge.

He eventually finished fourth, ending the weekend with a third and fourth-place finish.

Championship battle goes down to the wire

Bou leaves Zelhem with the 2026 championship firmly secured and 437 points to his name.

Behind him, the battle for second place remains wide open. Marcelli currently sits third on 317 points, just seven points behind Jaime Busto, who occupies second.

The final round of the 2026 TrialGP World Championship will take place at Pobladura de las Regueras from September 18-20, with two races remaining and Marcelli determined to fight his way back into the runner-up position.

Toni Bou: “Winning my 40th world title is incredible”

Reflecting on the achievement, Bou said the significance of reaching 40 world titles was difficult to put into words.

“I’m so happy. Winning my 40th world title is incredible, and it’s still hard to believe we did it.”

Bou praised the consistency of his season and highlighted the importance of the decisions made by the team at crucial moments.

“This season has been amazing; we’ve been very consistent and made good decisions at crucial moments.”

He also paid tribute to the Repsol Honda HRC team for their contribution to another championship success.

“I want to especially thank the team for all their hard work, because without them none of this would be possible.”

Bou admitted that securing the championship before the final race made the achievement even more special.

“To be able to clinch the title here, before the final race, is very special. Now it’s time to enjoy this moment and keep working to finish the season in the best possible way.”

Marcelli focused on championship fight

Marcelli was understandably disappointed with his overall results but remained determined to recover second place in the championship.

“I’m not happy with today’s result. Something similar to what happened yesterday was repeated. I made a few mistakes, but I felt comfortable on the bike and the feeling was good.”

Despite the difficult weekend, Marcelli acknowledged the team’s efforts and knows exactly what is required at the final round.

“We salvaged something with this third place, but in Pobladura we’ll have to give it our all to take the runner-up spot.”

Marcelli also took the opportunity to congratulate his teammate on another extraordinary achievement.

“I just want to congratulate Toni, because he has been spectacular. He gets stronger every year and will be doing this for many years to come. He deserves it.”

A historic milestone

For Bou and Repsol Honda HRC, Zelhem will be remembered as another landmark moment in an already extraordinary career.

With 40 World Championship titles now secured, Bou’s dominance of TrialGP continues to set a benchmark that will be exceptionally difficult to match.

The championship may be decided, but there is still plenty to fight for when the 2026 season concludes in Spain later this month.