Trial des Nations - Motorcycle team trials

    Isle of Man  1997.09.17

    In issue: Stamp(s): 4   

    Printing: offset

    Issued in: sheets of 40 (5*4+5*4) stamps

  • Number by catalogue:  Michel: 739   Yvert: 776   Scott: 760   Gibbons: 727  

    Perforation type: 13 ¼x13 ½

    Subject:

    44 pence. Trial by Don Smith with Great Wheel** on the background

    Additional:

    *Trial des Nations is the most important Motorcycle trials competition of national teams organized by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM). It has been held annually since 1984 at different countries. Each team is composed of four riders in the male category, and since 2000, three riders in the female category. The team with fewest total penalties is awarded the title. An Indoor Trial des Nations championship was also disputed during 7 years, from 2002 to 2008.

    The FIM made a significant change in 1995. They recognized that they could not grow the sport having only a single-competition class structure, given that most entrants were not professional trials riders. The FIM added a second, less competitive class called the “B” class, with the “A” class being intended for the top teams of the world. There are typically 5 countries entered in the prestigious “A” class, and about 15 countries in the “B” class.[citation needed]

    The competition has been dominated by Spain winning 16 out of 26 tournaments in male category. Most of the Spanish riders and manufacturers have always been from Catalonia.

     

    This information has been taken from Wikipedia


    **About Laxey Wheel, please read here