FIM President Vito Ippolito officially opened the thirtieth edition of the FIM Trial des Nations in La Chatre, France last night. In front of a packed audience Mr Ippolito thanked the town, the French federation, the local motor club and all the volunteers for organising this highly regarded team event. He also went on to welcome the competitors from the various teams who will represent their respective nations over the next two days. A total of twenty three countries will take part this weekend, with eleven of those having both men’s and women’s teams.
Today is the turn of the women with Ireland will having the honour of getting the action underway this morning and they will be followed by New Zealand, Japan, Australia and Norway as they head out on the opening lap. Italy, the USA, Germany and the host nation France will be next out on what will be a sticky course today due to the persistent overnight rain. At the back of the field Great Britain and defending champions Spain look favourites to once again fight it out for the main prize. Spain will have their work cut out, with their newly crowned FIM Women’s Trial World Champion Laia Sanz – Montesa missing from their ranks, with her being on Enduro duty today.
Tomorrow will see twenty-two men’s teams competing to win the thirtieth edition of the FIM Trial des Nations.