The return to Great Britain, Bou's championship lead and the debut of George Hemingway are among the highlights
The X-Trial Leeds, which will take place next Saturday, January 24 at 5:00 pm (local time), 6:00 pm (CET) at the First Direct Bank Arena, marks the return of the FIM X-Trial World Championship to Great Britain. It will be the sixth round of the season and the first event of 2026.
The last World Championship event held in the British Isles was Sheffield 2016, where Adam Raga claimed the victory ahead of Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team). Bou is the only rider still active from that era and arrives in Leeds leading the Championship, with a 23-point advantage over his teammate Gabriel Marcelli and a 33-point lead over Jaime Busto. Busto will compete in this event aboard a privately entered GasGas after ending his relationship with the brand as a factory rider following the closure of its World Championship competition team.
Ten years ago in Sheffield, James Dabill was the only British rider on the entry list. This time, there will be three. George Hemingway (Beta) will make his World Championship debut, joining his brother Harry Hemingway (Beta), who currently sits fourth in the provisional standings, and Jack Peace (Sherco), who is placed sixth after having competed in four rounds so far.
Meanwhile, Matteo Grattarola (Beta) arrives at the sixth round of the season ranked fifth in the World Championship, a position that secures his participation in this weekend’s event. The line-up is completed by Hugo Dufrese (Beta), who has only competed in the X-Trial of Saint-Denis, Réunion Island, where he achieved an excellent result by qualifying for the Final after being the best one in Q2. The battle to break into the Top 4 and reach the final round of the event looks as open as it is unpredictable.
The best riders of the world will face spectacular and demanding sections. Next Saturday’s event promises to be highly appealing. Don’t miss it and watch it live on FIM-MOTO.TV.
