Australia will join other nations from around the globe at the technical ‘playground’ of Arteixo in Spain for the 2026 FIM Trial des Nations (TdN) on September 26-27.
Motorcycling Australia will be represented by a four-rider team in the Spanish trial heartland, with teen rookie Ben Walling (WA, Beta) riding alongside the experienced Connor Hogan (SA, Scorpa) in the men’s International Trophy division, and in the mixed-gender Challenge des Nations, it will be Tasmanian Jenna Lupo (TRS) and 15-year-old Australia Youth champion Mitchell Teale (Qld, Beta) will be squaring off against 10 other countries.
The team managers are Chloe Whittle and Ella Peacock.
The 2026 TdN will be Hogan’s ninth for Team Australia, coming off another busy year for the 26-year-old stalwart who has been competing in the British trials title and selected rounds of TrialGP. He also rode in the famous Scottish Six Days Trial.
Hogan’s TdN CV is impressive, and includes victory in the 2017 International Trophy with Kyle Middleton and Chris Bayles and multiple top-10 finishes. Last year, Hogan finished seventh alongside Bayles and Colin Zarczynski.
In 2026, 18-year-old Walling steps up for TdN duties after a breakout 2025 which saw him clinch the top-tier WA state title and finish sixth in the Australian championship against seasoned opposition.
Neil Price was originally selected as the third International Trophy rider in what was going to be his first TdN since 2013, but a recent injury has forced the popular West Aussie out.
That means Team Australia will be the only country to compete in the International Trophy with a minimum two-rider roster, but Hogan and Walling are primed for the challenge.
“It’s always good to be part of the TdN team,” Hogan said. “Representing Australia is something I’m proud of, and getting to do it alongside a great group of riders makes it even better.
“Arteixo is a really good venue so I’m looking forward to it.”
For Walling, he’s just keen to get started!
“I have arrived in Spain, ready to get the ball rolling,” he said. “I am super excited to be representing Australia.”
Meanwhile, the unique Challenge des Nations format will be a level playing field for Australia with only two riders allowed per country.
It’ll be 2024 Australian women’s champion Lupo’s sixth TdN appearance, and her first in the Challenge, while with an abundance of youthful exuberance emerging star Teale is embarking on his maiden TdN campaign.
Teale has already had a taste of the big time, though, meeting 40-time world indoor and outdoor champion Toni Bou during Team Australia’s training camp in Spain last week.
He’s now looking forward to putting his best foot forward in Spain.
“I’m pumped to be heading to Arteixo, Spain, for my first Trial des Nations,” he said. “I’ll be competing in the Challenge class, and I couldn’t be more excited and proud to represent Australia.
“I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got!”
Lupo is equally as ebullient: “I’m really excited to be heading to Arteixo for my 6th Trial des Nations,” she said. “Riding in the Challenge class is going to be a great experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the sections and conditions are like over there.
“TdN is such a unique event, so I’m keen to enjoy it, ride well and make the most of the opportunity.”
Arteixo is a Spanish trial staple, regularly hosting national and international competition on some of the most demanding natural terrain on the planet with steep granitic rocky sections, massive stone blocks and loose embankments.
It’s a brutal challenge, placing an absolute premium on throttle and clutch control – while grip levels can be extremely variable depending on weather conditions.
The length of the Arteixo TdN course is 8km, with about 140 metres of elevation changes.
All the Australian riders, as well as the team managers, minders, family and friends, are now in Arteixo ahead of practice and the opening ceremony on Saturday followed by competition and the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday.
The defending champions are Spain (men and women), the United States of America (International Trophy) and Norway (Challenge des Nations).
For more information on the 2026 TdN, click here.