PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The 2016 U.S. Trial des Nations teams will travel to France to compete against the best trials riders in the world on Sept. 11. The event is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, and the U.S. teams are organized by the American Motorcyclist Association and the North American Trials Council.
“As the sport of trials continues to grow in the United States, it’s important that our best riders seek out the world stage,” said AMA Director of Racing Bill Cumbow. “We’re proud of these AMA members who will challenge the world’s best.”
The men’s team includes three returning members from last year: Andrew Putt (Sherco), Bryan Roper (Sherco) and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet (Montesa). The alternate for the men’s team is Sam Fastle (Sherco).
The women’s team includes Madison Leigh (Scorpa), Kylee Sweeten (Sherco), and Sadie Webb (Beta). The women’s alternate is Laura Peters (Beta).
“We have an all-new women’s team this year and we are looking forward to see how they do,” Team Manager Todd Roper said.
Fans wishing to support the team can do so by purchasing Trial des Nations apparel available at: www.amagear.com/american_motorcyclists_association_fans__ama_racing__trial_des_nations_team. You can also support the team by sending a check payable to:
NATC – TdN
5119 West Barbara Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85302
“As a team, we attempt to create the opportunity for our riders to be able to participate in the Trial des Nations in such a way that they can focus on what they do best — riding,” Roper said. “Sometimes the trip details and logistics can get in the way of the fun, so we try to help with as much as possible, including fundraising.”
For 2016, the FIM has made changes to the size of the Trial des Nations team. The men’s team will have three competitors, one less than before, and the women’s team will remain the same with three. There will be two minders, one team manager and one FIM delegate.
View updates about the team at www.facebook.com/USATrialDesNations.
Background
The sport of trials involves riders navigating their motorcycles over seemingly impossible terrain. The FIM Trial des Nations began in Europe in 1983 as a way to bring the best trials riders from each country together to compete as teams, and it has evolved into one of the most anticipated motorcycle events of the year. Each competing country fields two teams: a men’s and women’s team consisting of three riders.
The support of sponsors is crucial to the ability of the teams to compete. For 2016, sponsors include: AIReS Relocation Services (Bryan Putt / www.aires.com); Specialty Welding and Machine (Sid Maulden / www.swmtx.com); Integrated Solutions Inc (Ropers / www.isiaz.com); Ryan Young Products (Ryan Young / www.rypusa.com); and the motorcycle manufacturers and importers. Special thanks go to Martin Belair (www.usmontesa.com) for representing the U.S. as the FMN Delegate and Bryan Putt for making sure the team has all the necessary tools at the event.
