US Trials des Nations team announced
By Team TMX on 7th Jun 17
The American Motorcyclist Association has announced the members of the 2017 US Trial des Nations teams who will travel to Baiona, Spain, where they will compete against the best trials riders in the world September 23-24.
The 2017 US men's team includes Daniel Blanc-Gonnet (Montesa), Bryan Roper (Gas Gas) and Pat Smage (Sherco). The men's team reserve is Sam Fastle (Sherco).
The 2017 US women's team is Rachel Hassler (Ga -Gas), Madeleine Hoover (Gas Gas) and Kylee Sweeten (Sherco). The women'sreserve is Madison Leigh (Scorpa).
The event is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, and the US teams are organized by the AMA and the North American Trials Council.
"Trials competition is a growing sport in the United States, and we welcome this opportunity to showcase our best riders on the world stage," said AMA Director of Racing Kevin Crowther. "We're very proud of these AMA members who will challenge the world's best."
The US team will be managed by Todd Roper.
"I could not be more satisfied with our teams this year," Todd Roper said. "All of these men and women have proven themselves over many years of competition, and we are anticipating a strong showing. We are very much looking forward to rejoining our friends and competitors from the international community in Spain."
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, each consisting of three riders.
"Overall, we are attempting 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," Todd Roper said. "Sometimes, the trip details and logistics can get in the way of the fun and we intend to help as much as possible by creating a once in a lifetime event every year."
