About X-Trial

Eight riders, spectacular obstacles and extraordinary skill.

X-Trial is the Indoor form of motorcycle Trial. Inside arenas, the world’s best riders tackle artificial obstacles that test their balance, precision and power. The objective: complete each section with as few penalties as possible, within the allotted time.

Established in 1993, the FIM X-Trial World Championship combines competition, music, lighting and a close connection with the riders. An experience for everyone, from motorcycle enthusiasts to families discovering the sport.

Every event features eight riders and follows four phases: Q1, Q2, Super Pole and the Final.

Understanding Penalties

A section consists of obstacles and mandatory gates. Putting a foot down and other prohibited supporting contacts incur penalty marks:

• 0 marks: a clean section.

• 1, 2 or 3 marks: one, two or three faults.

• 5 marks: more than three faults or a failure.

Leaving the course, receiving outside assistance or exceeding the time limit are among the situations that can result in a failure.

In Q1 and the Final, the rider with the fewest penalty marks ranks highest.

Four Phases of Competition

Q1 — Three Places in the Final

All eight riders tackle five or six sections consecutively, with a total time allowance of five or six minutes, calculated at one minute per section.

Riders are ranked by their total penalty marks. Ties are broken by their course completion time.

The top three qualify directly for the Final.

Q2 — The Last Chance

Riders who have not qualified receive a second chance over a short course. The best result earns the fourth and final place in the Final.

This phase is decided against the clock: 10 seconds for one fault, 20 seconds for two and 30 seconds for three are added to the riding time. More than three faults, a failure or exceeding the time allowance incur a 60-second penalty under the regulations.

The same principle of timed competition with penalties applies to the Super Pole.

Super Pole — Setting the Starting Order

The four finalists are ranked through a timed exercise. Depending on the format used, the Q2 winner may retain their result without riding again.

The best result earns the last starting position. This order remains unchanged throughout every section of the Final.

Final — Four Riders Competing for Victory

Scores are reset to zero. The four finalists tackle each section in turn, with one minute per rider, per section.

The rider with the fewest penalty marks wins the event. A run-off is held if riders are tied.

How Are the Eight Riders Selected?

The regulations combine sporting results with invitations from the promoter, approved by the FIM.

For the opening half of the 2027 season, six riders are selected according to the following criteria:

Two additional riders are invited to each event to complete the eight-rider line-up.

Bou, Marcelli and Busto are selected for the entire season. At the championship’s halfway point, the highest-ranked rider outside this trio also secures a place for the remainder of the season. The other four places are then allocated by invitation for each event, subject to FIM approval.

The Race for the World Title

Each event awards championship points according to the final standings:

Every result counts. The rider who accumulates the most points by the end of the season becomes FIM X-Trial World Champion.

Official Regulations

This presentation summarises the main rules of the individual championship. Consult the FIM regulations for the complete sporting and technical provisions.

View the Official FIM Regulations