Berta Abellán, Laia Sanz's successor who inherited her mental strength

Seventh time was the charm for Berta Abellán Marsiñach. The 25-year-old rider from Terrassa finally won the trials title after six attempts that came close to the goal. It's now safe to say that she's the heir to Laia Sanz, the worthy successor to the 14-time world champion. It's the fruit of what the rider from Corbera de Llobregat sowed.

“After six runner-up finishes (between 2018 and 2024), victory has finally arrived,” says the new world champion from Terrassa, between happy and relieved. Since entering the elite, she has had to contend with two trials monsters: Emma Bristow, with 10 titles, and Laia Sanz, with 14.

Between two monsters Berta Abellán has been able to reveal herself after retiring Bristow (10 titles) and moving away to Dakar Sanz (14)

With the 34-year-old Englishwoman retiring last year, and the 39-year-old Catalan now immersed in the Dakar, Berta has found herself leading the new generation of riders. And she has proven to be the most gifted student of the two divas. “Thanks to the fact that they have both been great rivals, I have been able to fight and push forward to be at the top. I won the title without Emma, ​​but if it hadn’t been for the last few years of fighting against her, I wouldn’t have the mentality I have now; I am very grateful to have had these two rivals,” acknowledges Abellán, who does not hesitate to point to Laia as her role model. “I have always had her in mind; she paved the way and I am the one who continues it.”

Despite being from different generations, separated by 14 years, Abellán and Sanz have had a good relationship. “She's always been close to me and advised me. The year she returned to the World Championships (2021) she was very focused on competing, but from 2022 until now we've met to train. Every time we go, she pushes me to the limit because she's mentally very strong and always pushes me. I'm doing very well. What I've learned most from her is her strong mentality, knowing that you can do something, even if you can't see it. She always tells me: 'You have to believe it.' What I've absorbed most from her is self-confidence,” explains Abellán, who met Laia at the age of 8 at a course she was teaching with Carla Calderer, the two best trial riders of the moment, in Santa Margarida de Montbui.

"Laia Sanz paved the way, and I'm continuing it. She always pushes me to the limit. I learn a lot from her."

“There were a lot of girls… only I remained in the World Cup. Everyone dropped out due to lack of support. There was also Alba Villegas, my backpacker these past four years. Behind me are Laia Pi (19) and Daniela Hernando (16). I've remained the only role model. I hope many more come after me and ask me for advice, and I'll help them with whatever they need,” she offers.

And the path to reaching the top is far from easy, due to the double complication of a minority discipline—albeit one with a long tradition in Catalonia—and the fact that she is a woman.

Read also Catalan Berta Abellán, world trial champion The Vanguard

“I've always tried to combine trials with my studies. I've been lucky to have found enough sponsors to support me,” explains Abellán, who after a decade in the World Championship can “survive” as a professional. “For now, I'm covering my expenses. If I win races, I can get by with the bonuses Scorpa (her motorcycle brand) pays me. Not as much as a male teammate.” Although Berta has to supplement her salary by working as a coach and teaching trials classes.

"I'd love to focus solely on trials and be 100% fit, but I like to have a backup plan in case I lose my team, get injured, or can't cover the costs. My alternative is to apply to become a firefighter," for which she has studied a degree in emergency medical care "to gain more merit."

"My plan B, if I lose my team or get injured, is to be a firefighter; and I'd love to go to the Dakar."

Berta reflects, and Laia reappears on the horizon, once again a role model to follow in her future footsteps.

–If I had the resources, I'd switch to enduro. And the Dakar, if I ever find the resources, I'd be happy to do it. Seeing Laia and Sandra Gómez [her teammates at the 2021 Trial des Nations], I'd love to race it.