The trial universe will be centred on Tolmezzo in Italy on September 20-21 when nations from around the globe participate in the 2025 Trial des Nations (TdN).
Motorcycling Australia will again be represented in the men’s and women’s categories as the iconic teams’ event is held in Tolmezzo for the second time.
Australia has two fresh inclusions in 2025, with 17-year-old Alisha Harry (SA, Sherco) making her TdN debut alongside Jenna Lupo (Tas, TRRS) in the women’s world championship category, while returning veteran and five-time Australian champion Colin Zarczynski (NSW, GASGAS) will be competing in the men’s International Trophy division for the first time since 2015.
Zarczynski will be joined by TdN stalwarts Chris Bayles (Tas, TRRS) and Connor Hogan (SA, GASAGAS) in the International Trophy, which Team Australia won in 2017 (with Bayles and Hogan) and finished on the podium on six other occasions.
“I am proud to represent my country once again and I will give it my all to achieve my best,” said Zarczynski.
“There is a lot of hard work and training I need to do at my age to stay competitive and healthy but to represent my country makes it all worthwhile.
“I love the camaraderie in the sport and overcoming the challenges in the sections.”
Seventeen teams will compete in the International Trophy, including last year’s top three: Japan, the United States and Germany.
In the men’s world championship class, the Toni Bou-led Spain is chasing a jaw-dropping 21st victory in a row.
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Harry, the daughter of former TdN representative Adrian Harry, is an emerging star. She finished seventh in the all-gender 2025 Australian Youth title straight after competing in her first Scottish Six Days Trial.
And she continues to test herself, only last weekend competing in the European Trial Championship and finishing top 10 in her class.
Lupo returns after a ninth place TdN finish last year, although with less margin for error in 2025 with Australia one of only three countries to compete with a minimum two-rider roster. The other nine countries have three riders, with only the best two scores counted in every section.
“It’s a pleasure to head over to Italy with the team again this year,” said Lupo.
“It’s always a challenge with a team of two, but I’m super keen to ride with Alisha, I think we will make a strong little duo. It will be extra special this year to share the experience with my fiancé Bryce who is minding for the team for the first time.”
Meanwhile, Hogan recently competed in the final round of the FIM Trial World Championship in Great Britain, performing well in the ultra-competitive Trial2 class where the talent runs deep.
All the Australian riders, as well as long-time team manager Phil Whittle, minders, family and friends, are now in Tolmezzo surveying the scene ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday and competition across the weekend.
Tolmezzo is about 90km north-east of Venice, and the length of the TdN course is 9km with 200 metres of elevation changes.
The 2011 Tolmezzo TdN was held in wet and slippery conditions, but with superb weather on the horizon this time around, the world’s best riders will be able to show their full wares.
For more information on the event, including entry lists, click here.