TRIALS

It’s all about balance in this incredibly unique test of stability and control

Riders hop, hook and wheel jump their way up, down and over purposebuilt obstacles designed to test the extremes of bicycle-based agility and technical skill.

The name of the game is flawless execution. Riders must follow the arrows, stay within the line and keep their feet on the pedals!

Riders have 2 minutes per section to be as precise as possible as they overcome set obstacles. The concept is simple: cross the gates ‘clean’ without setting any feet or part of the bike on the ground, except the rubber of the tyres. Every mistake – like falling, feet touching the ground, or reestablishing balance with the use of hands or arms – incurs penalties. Riders try to collect 10 points at every gate crossed ‘clean’. 60 points is the best possible score per section, 300 per lap is superb! The rider with the highest score is the winner.

RIDER TO WATCH Vera Baron (SPA)

At 17, this young Spanish rider took a glorious gold at the 2021 UCI Trials World Championships leaving favourite Nina Reichenbach with a silver. The German regained first place in 2022, with Baron second on the podium. But can she take back the world title in 2023? It’ll be nail-biting stuff… Instagram @veratrial

WHERE Glasgow Green, Glasgow G1 5DB

WHEN 8–10 August

Did you know?

Impress your pals with your cycling knowledge

Back In The Day

Trials started in the 1970s, and grew as an off-shoot of the motorised version of the sport.

Wheel Spin

There are two main wheel types: 20-inch wheels give more control while 26-inchers have more speed.

The Bike

For maximum control, trial bikes have powerful brakes, wide handlebars, low tyre pressure and no saddles.