2021 FIM Trial des Nations begins Friday in Gouveia, Portugal

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Sept. 17, 2021) — The 2021 FIM Trial des Nations heats up this weekend with a three-day event in Gouveia, Portugal, from Sept. 17-19.

The event is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, and U.S. representatives are organized by the American Motorcyclist Association and the North American Trials Council.

In the 2019 FIM Trial des Nations, the U.S. team claimed third in the International Trophy category, and riders Daniel Blanc-Gonnet, Josh Roper and Alex Myers — who served as the alternate — return to the team in 2021. The U.S. women’s team is also composed of familiar faces as Maddie Hoover and Kylee Sweeten return to the international stage.

“The men and women’s U.S. Trial des Nations teams are ready to tackle the slick creek type sections of Gouveia, Portugal!” said U.S. International Trophy team rider Blanc-Gonnet, who is also serving as the interim team manager. “With solid performances from each of our team members in the U.S. Championship, we are confident they will perform well in their respective classes. A big thank you to everyone who donated to the team, without your generosity this would not have been possible!”

The U.S. women’s team will be competing with only two riders, as an AMA Endurocross conflict kept Louis Forsley from rounding out the team. Although a disadvantage, the event’s rules allow a team to be classified if two of its riders finish. Only the best two results per team are counted.

The FIM Trial des Nations got its start in Europe in 1983, and the event aims to bring the best trial riders from around the world into an international competition.

Although Spain has dominated the World Championship class, the U.S. has made some noise with their recent International Trophy finishes. Prior to placing third in 2019, the U.S. men’s team claimed second in both 2017 and 2018.

The event is promoted by Talentos Objetivos — Clube de Enduro e Recreio.