words by STEPH VETTERLY photos by VONDA ROPER
Each year , nations choose teams to represent their country in one of the mototrials sport ’ s biggest and most prestigious events of the year – the Trial des Nations ( TdN ). This year , the FIM chose to host the event in northern Italy in the infield of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza – the Monza Circuit racetrack used in Formula 1 racing . More than 20 countries were represented at this year ’ s competition in three different classes – the International Trophy class , World Championship class , and Women ’ s World Championship class . Riders compete in a total of two loops , with 15 scored sections each loop . Because of the nature of the venue , all sections were manmade , with the FIM utilizing some of the embankments and banked racetrack alongside the logs and rocks brought in specially for the occasion .
Aside from learning a new culture , the biggest challenge for riders is switching over to the no-stop format . In the USA , riders are permitted to stop forward motion , balance , and set-up for obstacles ; unfortunately , the TdN format is very similar to trials of the past , where cessation of motion gains you maximum penalty .
VOL . 7 ISSUE 11 - NOVEMBER 2022 // PAGE 55