Pau Martinez: TrialGP’s youngest champ

It’s safe to say that Spain’s Pau Martinez (Vertigo) bossed the Trial125 class of the 2020 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship from the word go.

Unbeaten after the opening two rounds in France and Spain, the 17-year-old momentarily stumbled with a pair of runner-up finishes at the Andorran TrialGP but he was back on top on day one of the final round in Italy to put the title out of reach.

Hailing from Sabadell – scene of a string of ’70s Motocross Grands Prix – just north of Barcelona, Pau is proof positive of the success of Trial125 as a nurturing ground for future talent. In his first year in the class he was 20th, improving to 10th in 2018 and sixth in 2019 before booking his ticket for Trial2 next season with the 2020 crown.

We caught up with TrialGP’s youngest champion to find out a little bit more about him…

DBR: Congratulations on winning the Trial125 class – how does it feel to be the champion?
Pau Martinez: “I have no words to describe this feeling – it’s incredible! All the hard work done over a long period of time has rewarded us this season.”

DBR: You dominated the opening two rounds in France and Spain but were beaten on both days in Andorra – did that make you nervous heading into day one in Italy? If so, how did you keep calm enough to win and take the title?
Pau Martinez: “In all the trials I am nervous – as is normal – but I had a lot of advantage over second place and that calmed me down a bit more. Also, I like to compete with pressure.”

DBR: You are Vertigo’s first-ever world champion – do you realise what a big deal that is?
Pau Martinez: “I still can’t believe it! I am very happy to be part of this great family and to be able to contribute with things like this!”

DBR: You will move up to Trial2 next season – what are your thoughts on the harder sections and tougher competitors?
Pau Martinez: “Next year will be my first year and I will give my best but as it is my first one I will also take it as a year of learning.”

DBR: How did you get into riding trials?
Pau Martinez: “My father was already riding a motorbike before I was born and he introduced me to trials, buying me a motorbike when I was two years old.”

DBR: Who is your all-time trials hero?
Pau Martinez: “My main references are Toni Bou and Dougie Lampkin, both as people and riders. I am very happy to have Dougie as my team manager and to be able to share moments with him inside the tent.”

DBR: How far do you think you can go in trials – could you be TrialGP champion one day?
Pau Martinez: “My big dream is to be able to get to TrialGP and to be able to dedicate myself to trial. To be world champion was also my dream and this year we have been, so nothing is impossible.”