Trial World Championship
The Trial World Championship (FIM Trial World Championship) is the premier international trials motorcycle competition. Trials riding focuses on bike control and balance over extreme obstacles, requiring virtually no acceleration or braking in competition zones.
Event Format
Trial competitions are unique - riders navigate a series of sections (hazards) containing rocks, boulders, logs, and steep inclines. The goal is to traverse each section without putting a foot down (dabbing), touching a rope or marker, or failing to complete the section.
Scoring System
| Result | Points | |--------|--------| | Clean (0) | 0 points | | 1 dab | 1 point | | 2 dabs | 2 points | | 3 dabs | 3 points | | Failed (5) | 5 points |
The rider with the lowest total points wins.
Classes
TrialGP (formerly Trial 1)
The premier world championship class featuring full-size 300cc two-stroke motorcycles producing approximately 40 hp. Weight is limited to 65 kg.
Trial2 (formerly Trial 125)
Entry-level world championship class for smaller displacement motorcycles, primarily 125cc two-strokes or 300cc four-strokes.
Trial3 (FIM Women's World Championship)
Women's world championship using 250cc motorcycles.
Trial Vintage
Classic motorcycle class for pre-1995 machines.
Bike Specifications
TrialGP Technical Regulations
| Specification | Value | |--------------|-------| | Engine | 250-300cc 2-stroke or 300-350cc 4-stroke | | Weight | 65 kg maximum | | Bore | 80mm maximum (FIM rule) | | Tires | 2.5" rear, trials-specific tread | | Brakes | Optional rear brake control |
Key Features
- Ultra-lightweight - Trials bikes weigh less than half of comparable road motorcycles
- Massive ground clearance - For clearing rocks and obstacles
- Minimal suspension - Hardtail or limited travel designs
- No seat - Riders stand on pegs for maximum mobility
- Twist-grip throttle only - No foot controls for rear brake in modern bikes
Championships
2023 Champions
| Class | Rider | Manufacturer | |-------|-------|--------------| | TrialGP | Adam Raga | TRS (Vertigo) | | Trial2 | Benoît) (2023) | Beta | | Women's | Emma Bristow | Sherco |
All-Time Greats
Toni Bou (1986-present)
Toni Bou is the most successful trials rider in history. The Spanish rider has won an incredible 32 World Championships (28 TrialGP + 4 Trial2) between 2007 and 2023. He rides for Montesa (a Honda subsidiary) and is virtually unbeatable on any terrain.
Adam Raga (1982-present)
Spanish rider and Bou's primary rival, winning 10 TrialGP championships between 2005 and 2021. Rides for TRS (Vertigo Cycles ownership).
Jeroni Fajardo
Spanish rider who won 8 TrialGP championships, dominating from 1999-2004.
Dougie Lampkin
British rider who won 7 TrialGP championships, known for his exceptional indoor performances.
Notable Manufacturers
Montesa (Honda)
Spanish brand owned by Honda. Toni Bou has ridden Montesa motorcycles exclusively since 2007, winning all his championships. The Montesa Cota 4RT and later Cota 300 have been dominant.
Sherco
French manufacturer with strong factory support. Emma Bristow has won multiple women's championships on Sherco machinery.
Beta
Italian manufacturer with a long trials heritage. Competing actively in all classes.
Vertigo (TRS)
Spanish brand owned by former rider, known for Adam Raga championships. Lightweight and precise handling.
Gas Gas
Spanish brand (Pierer group) with growing trials presence, winning championships in Trial2 and Women's classes.
Event Types
Outdoor Trial
Traditional multi-day events across countryside terrain. Typically 3 days with 15 zones per day for a total of 45 sections.
Indoor Trial
Arena-based events in winter months featuring artificial sections built from rock, wood, and concrete. More spectator-friendly with loud crowds and music.
Extreme Trial
Ultra-technical format with near-impossible obstacles. Growing in popularity as a separate discipline.
FIM History
The Trial World Championship was established in 1964 as the European Championship, becoming the World Championship in 1969. Notable rule changes include:
- 1975: Alcohol fuel ban
- 1990s: Introduction of 4-stroke engines allowed
- 2020: Class renaming (Trial 1 → TrialGP, etc.)