"I'm too humble, and because of that, sometimes my rivals have messed things up for me."

Sant Cugat del VallèsIt's 5 p.m. and children are leaving the secondary schools near the Sant Cugat High Performance Center (CAR). Berta Abellán (Terrassa, 1999) sits on a bench in the street as young athletes aspiring to succeed in their disciplines stroll by. Outside the complex, no one stops to take a photo with the six-time world trials runner-up.

"Everyone should know a Catalan athlete who has 37 titles," says the Terrassa runner. She talks about Toni Bou, one of its role models. Climbing bear-sized rocks doesn't dazzle the general public. Neither does navigating narrow paths with multiple obstacles. Driving and lifting a 75-kilogram beast doesn't attract the highest audience. "I watch the kids' indoor trials on TV and find it fun. When you understand the sport, it's more interesting," he maintains.

Berta started riding at the age of four because her father gave her a motorcycle. However, she had already mastered the bike to a certain extent. As a child, she went to Sant Llorenç Savall every Sunday and practiced on the two-wheeled beast. When she became a professional trial rider, she began to train more consciously. "I joined the CAR when I was sixteen, and when I saw the environment around me, my mentality changed," she recalls.

For her, the trial stopped being a hobby And it became her passion: "To practice it, you have to be sure of yourself. You need an abundance of confidence to overcome obstacles and fear." According to the Vallesana champion, it requires incredible mental strength because you must be 100% focused. Berta defines herself as a constant person and often travels on her motorcycle to various locations around the country to compete.

The trial rider follows a strict routine: "I spend the mornings on the bike and the afternoons at the gym." The gym helps her prevent injuries, although she goes more for fun. She also relies on the help of a sports psychologist who advises her when preparing for races. The only time she breaks away from her routine is when she's riding a motorcycle.

Wage insecurity in the world of trials

"My studies are a backup plan in case I get tired of trials or retire. I'd also like to apply to become a firefighter or start a trials school." Riding motorcycles over rocks is her profession. However, Abellan offers trials classes occasionally to earn more income. She's also studying for a degree in healthcare and has a higher level of fitness.

"If we win, the brands help us. If we lose, they're not interested in sponsoring us. They value finishing first or second." The bonuses for winning aren't enough to cover a long life, just enough to cover a season. According to Berta, since there are no major brands offering to represent female trial riders, they become invisible. "Brands need to improve their work in this regard," she emphasizes.

Fortunately, retired champion Emma Bristow has found a niche in the industry as a salesperson. However, the British woman has spent many years competing to be able to dedicate herself solely to the sport. In contrast, Berta spends most of what she earns on gas or mechanics. "I invest 80% of what I earn in trials."

Despite receiving little income from sponsorships, Berta considers brand representation vital. "Sponsors want activity on social media, and without them, I wouldn't be where I am now. As for social media, we must market ourselves well. Always with personal integrity and humility." Along these lines, Berta is considering finding someone to help her edit posts, as they take time away from her training.

Extreme and nature sports

"Trial is a sport that should motivate you because it requires you to move around everywhere." As the Catalan runner-up states, the outdoor event is usually held in isolated mountain villages, and it's difficult for fans to come and watch it: "This sport should be practiced in accessible places where people can come." On the positive side, Berta believes that trial helps you connect with nature and gain insight: "It makes you stronger physically and mentally."

The Catalan rider has been in dangerous situations on the bike. "Sometimes I can't identify all the obstacles around me and think about the correct way to ride. That way, my fear disappears." She also believes that trials is a risky sport because you can fall due to a vehicle defect. "You learn to fall better each time." In trials, the heights and descents are dangerous, although, since there's no speed involved, it's less dangerous than in other sports.

The Terrassa pilot, successor to Laia Sanz

Following the legacy left by Laia Sanz, with fourteen world championships under her belt, Berta Abellán has world gold just around the corner. This time without the presence of ten-time champion Emma Bristow. "The key to staying on the podium is to train and approach races as if they were your last." From her first runner-up finish to her last, there was a significant change. "Now I feel more likely to win," she says.

"I'm calm about this world championship. Emma has motivated me over the last few years. Even though she's not here, I'll work and compete the same way." The Catalan rider doesn't see herself as a winner, as she'll be up against young rivals who are eager to compete. "I'm too humble, and sometimes because of that, my rivals have messed things up for me," she reflects.

Berta receives messages from children and schools who see her as an icon. "Being a role model for girls who want to practice trials is a dream come true. It motivates you to keep going and not give up. Maybe the day I win first place, I'll be recognized." But she's not optimistic: "Mireia Badia had just won the World Enduro Championship and quit the sport." Therefore, she resigns herself: "If I ever win the World Championship, it won't be valued."