Australia has produced a tenacious performance at the 2026 FIM Trial des Nations (TdN) in Spain on September 26-27, with its two teams finishing ninth overall in the International Trophy and Challenge des Nations categories respectively.
On a challenging rain-affected Sunday in the Spanish trial heartland of Arteixo, the 15-section TdN laps were plotted in a wide, wooded valley with imposing granite rocks – rendering grip at a premium for even the best in the business.
Against the demanding backdrop, Connor Hogan and Ben Walling (International Trophy) and Jenna Lupo and Mitchell Teale (Challenge des Nations) adopted a never-say-die attitude from start to finish – continuing the rich tradition of Motorcycling Australia teams in the prestigious teams’ event.
In the International Trophy, an undermanned Australia – the other 15 nations had three-rider rosters – delivered a stirring performance without the luxury of dropping its worst score on each of the sections.
That only seemed to galvanise Hogan and TdN rookie Walling as they produced plenty of clean runs throughout. And on lap two, they upped the ante with a powerful run home to finish right on the tail of Andorra and Ireland in seventh and eighth.
It was an edge-of-the-seat International Trophy finish as Norway won on a countback from Germany, with Japan third.
Just like Walling, 15-year-old Teale was making his TdN debut, and he displayed maturity beyond his years alongside Lupo in the mixed-gender format.
The Aussies, making their first appearance in the class, finished behind Sweden and ahead of Canada, with Germany the winner as Spain and the Czech Republic collected the silver and bronze medals.
Meanwhile, in the top-tier divisions, Spain, led by the genius of Toni Bou, continued its all-conquering run in the men’s with a remarkable 22nd victory in a row, while Great Britain regained the women’s crown after former star Emma Bristow was coaxed out of retirement.
For full results from the 2026 TdN, click here.
The 2027 FIM Trial des Nations will take place on September 25-26 at Cahors in France.
Images: Future7Media