Page 5- Interview with Francesc Tarres + meet Pol and Jordi's father at home.
I spoke with Pol about the move from Jotagas to Sherco and why this happened. Pol stated that the circumstances were out of his control. It was the perfect environment with Jotagas, it couldn’t have been better, but good things must always come to an end. Pol is very happy with his Sherco. They are making small changes to it to get it just right for him. Pol stated that he was also very happy with the whole Jotagas set up. He stated that he benefitted enormously from the experience and attention he got daily from his uncle, Jordi Tarres, who lives literally across the road. Jordi and Pol would ride off into the hills to their favourite practise grounds most days. Jordi would act as minder and catcher, giving Pol the chance to really push himself and benefit from the seven times World Champion’s advice. Who better is there to teach you? Pol suffered through out a lot of 2012 with a wrist injury resulting in him needing an operation around March leaving him in plaster for several weeks. Nowadays he doesn't practice with Jordi much. Pol is however very good Pals with Toni Bou. Toni lives half an hour away and he and Pol practice together twice or three times a week in Rellinars.
Toni has told Pol that if he is ever beaten, he hopes it will be by Pol. They are very fond of each other.
Toni has told Pol that if he is ever beaten, he hopes it will be by Pol. They are very fond of each other.
Pol stops, balances, then pulls the bike up vertically 4 feet landing on a stack on tyres. He doesn’t stop, just keeps practising and keeps practising. I'm not exaggerating at all when I say it looked exhausting. Being so fit and also just 19, Pol was able to cope, but God knows how. Pol went to the local school in Rellinars and later
just up the valley in the slightly larger town. He told me that next year (2014) he plans on riding the adult route in
the World Trials Championship where at present he rides the Junior class on
slightly easier sections than those ridden by the very best riders in the world. The
opening round of the Spanish outdoor trials championship was on the 6th of April just 2 days prior to my
visit. In the Spanish championship Pol rides in the top class and secured a
superb 6th place in front of Danni Oliveras. The top riders above him were of
course the usual faces. They are an almost impossible gang to disrupt. Perhaps
only their retirement will let new riders through.
Toni gave Pol a set of his Repsol riding gear after winning a World Championship. Pol has it hanging up in his bedroom. Pol told me that Toni is helping Pol better his rear wheel hopping.
Pol is a professional rider and his full time occupation is Trials
Pol is a professional rider and his full time occupation is Trials