New Women's classes added to four-round 2025 ACU TrialGB series
By Team TMX on 13th Nov 24
In a landmark moment for Women’s Trial, the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) Trials Commission is thrilled to unveil a new format for the ACU Trial GB series in 2025. For the first time, the Women's British Championship will be hosted alongside the men’s categories, ensuring women’s classes receive the recognition and support they deserve.
This significant development aims to elevate the profile of women’s and youth trials, demonstrating the ACU's commitment to fostering inclusivity in the sport.
The 2025 ACU Trial GB series will include the following categories: Trial GB, Trial GB Women, Trial 2, Trial 2 Women, Trial Expert, Trial Youth A, and Trial Youth B. This structure marks a new chapter in the history of British trials, where women and youth riders gain equal footing and visibility alongside their male counterparts.
Additionally, the ACU Trial GB Youth Series has been thoughtfully designed to nurture the skills of young riders in a dedicated setting. The ACU Trial GB Youth Championship, run on separate weekends, consists of the following national categories:
- Trial GBY – Aspire
- Trial 2Y – Foundation (big wheel)
- Trial 3Y – Foundation (medium wheel)
- Trial 4Y – Debutant (small wheel)
Each category will include distinct classes for girls and boys, such as Aspire Girls and Aspire Boys, creating a supportive and empowering environment for all youth participants. The ACU Trial GB Youth Championship will feature both single-day and two-day events, with each day counting as a point-scoring round for the championship.
ACU President, Tim Lightfoot, said: "For more than a century, motorcycle trials have been at the heart of our off-road sporting activity and the ACU British Trials Championship represents the very pinnacle. During the last year, the ACU has been considering several changes designed to modernise the organisation and future governance of British motorcycle sport.
“From the 1 January 2025, we are delighted to confirm the creation of a new and dedicated national ACU Trial Commission, which will represent the interests of the sport at all levels from grass roots up. This will mark the start of a new chapter for ACU Trial competition and positions will be advertised shortly.
“The second aspect of this relates to the future format and structure of the various ACU British Trials Championships. We have consulted with organisers, competitors and respected members of the trials industry about the future direction of the sport and considered how other successful national trial championships are structured.
As a result, we are excited that for the first time we will be consolidating the various adult and youth British Trial Championships into a single series. We believe this new format will not only help to develop British Trials talent, but will also provide a showcase for the trial community and sponsors to really invest in.”
Sam Connor, ACU Sporting Manager, said: “In the 30 years I have been involved in competing and hosting British championships, I have never been as excited for Trials in the UK. These changes, which have been a collaboration between the Trials Commission, importers, and leading teams, have been carefully and sensitively pulled together. There is a genuine focus and appetite to provide a better platform for our rising stars and to elevate the profile of the amazing women and girls we have across the country. Our aim is to help more home-grown talent to shine on the global stage.”
Pippa Laverty, ACU Ambassador for Women, said: “Historically in the UK, women’s and girls’ trials events have been run separately, often with limited resources and logistical challenges for families balancing multiple commitments. Bringing these events together marks a significant advancement, ensuring equal recognition and support for female riders.
“I am pleased to see this evolution in trials, as it’s essential that women have equal opportunities to develop their skills. While this merger is a pivotal step forward, our commitment to growing women’s participation remains steadfast through grassroots initiatives like women’s training days and club-level women’s competitions. These efforts are designed to foster a nurturing and supportive environment where women and girls can thrive and progress at every level.”
The 2025 ACU Trial GB Series will be run across four weekends, featuring two-day competitions where each day counts as a point-scoring round. This dynamic format promises to enrich the competitive experience for riders and bring together the wider trials community.
Round 1
Hosted by Inch Perfect
14-15 June
Round 2
Hosted by Hookwoods
28-29 June
Round 3
Hosted by RS Trials, Northern Ireland
26-27 July
Round 4
Hosted by Scarborough & District Motorcycle Club
30-31 August
