From left: Manuel Rodriguez (representative of the RFME and President of the Madrid Motorcycling Federation); Ricardo Echeita (Deputy Director General of Sports Studies and Training for the Community of Madrid); Luis Natalio Royo (ONCE Delegate for the Community of Madrid); Gregorio Ramírez (Director General of Sports, Madrid City Council); Jaime Busto (X-Trial Rider); Rodrigo Castro (CEO of Winnity).
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History will be made this coming Saturday (25 October) when X-Trial Madrid – round two of the 2026 FIM X-Trial World Championship – breaks new ground as the first-ever immersive Trial event specifically catering for the needs of blind and visually impaired fans.
Hosted by the Royal Spanish Motorcycling Federation (RFME) and Madrid Motorcycling Federation (FMM), in collaboration with the FIM Trial Commission (CTR) and FIM International Sustainability Commission (CID), this landmark event is one of a series of ongoing initiatives highlighting the social dimension of sustainability in Trial.
‘Trial for All Senses – Inclusive, Thrilling, Real…’ is an experience developed with close collaboration with the Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE), a leading non-profit institution in Spain that supports people with visual disabilities through education, employment, adapted technologies and social services. ONCE is also known for its charitable lottery system – which funds its social programmes – and for its broader inclusion efforts through Fundación ONCE and its business initiative ILUNION.
The nature of Trial allows spectators to get close enough to the competition to actually feel the action – making it a perfect sport for such an innovative initiative – and to ensure the experience is fully immersive, following a late-morning reception participants will be given the opportunity to:
- Meet the riders and ask questions, examine their machines and safety equipment and experience the differences in sound and vibration between combustion and electric-powered motorcycles
- Gain an insight into the sport including the roles of event officials, learn the competition rules and benefit from an explanation of commonly used technical terms and expressions
- Enjoy a guided sensory experience when they tour the sections with FIM officials who will provide a thorough explanation of the course-planning process
- Become familiarised with the sound or assistive listening devices and meet the main event speaker and the speaker responsible for delivering inclusive narration for the participant group
- Enjoy the excitement of the X-Trial event in an immersive way, with tailored descriptions and dedicated support allowing participants to follow the action through every section as they experience the adrenaline, sounds, vibrations and atmosphere of this unique discipline
Kattia Juárez, Director of the FIM International Sustainability Commission, said: “Inclusion is not just a value – it’s a responsibility woven into the fabric of our sustainability strategy. At the FIM we believe that sport must be experienced by everyone, regardless of physical or sensory ability. Today, we are proud to present the first-ever immersive trial event designed specifically for blind and visually impaired individuals.
“This ground-breaking initiative is a celebration of emotion, innovation and equity. The entire Trial ecosystem is honoured to take part in this historic moment, where the sport is not seen – it’s felt from the heart. We also invite every spectator to reflect on the power of inclusion and to stand with us in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we can build a motorsport culture that is truly open, accessible and inspiring for all.”
Thierry Michaud, FIM Trial Commission Director, stated: “Trial has always been about precision, passion and pushing boundaries. Today, we take that spirit one step further – not with our eyes, but with our hearts. This first-ever immersive Trial experience for blind and visually impaired individuals is a milestone for our sport. It proves that Trial is not only a discipline of balance and control, but also one of empathy and inclusion. The entire Trial community is proud to be part of this historic moment, where we open new paths and make our sport truly accessible to all.
“We are very pleased that our discipline will take part in this exceptional experience and we are confident in its adaptability. The use of artificial obstacles, combined with the proximity of a rider performing alone with their machine, will certainly offer the audience a rich auditory and tactile experience.”
Jesús López Notario, RFME Sustainability Steward, said: “Inclusion is a vital responsibility and this is such an exciting and forward-thinking initiative. Trial in general and X-Trial in particular are very accessible disciplines and offer an incredible opportunity for blind and visually impaired people to enjoy close-up, first-hand experience of the sport.”
Luis Natalio Royo, ONCE Delegate in the Community of Madrid, added: “People with disabilities have the right to actively participate in all activities and, of course, in cultural and sporting ones and events like the FIM X-Trial World Championship cannot be an exception. We especially value and appreciate that we have been offered the opportunity to join and to contribute and to bring many others to share in the excitement that will be felt.
“It is a step toward true inclusion, the autonomy of blind people or anyone with a disability, ensuring the ability to participate as equal citizens, never less, limited only by barriers that are more often mental than physical.”