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2026 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship Round 1 TrialGP of Japan held by Japan Road

2026 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship Round 1 TrialGP of Japan held by Japan Road

CONTENTS

TRIAL RACE GUIDETrial Spectator Guide

Climbing cliffs! Overcoming rocks!
Enjoy the world’s highest level of skill
Trial World Championship

“Can you really ride a bike in a place like this?”
Riders climb cliffs and rocks on their bikes, making you exclaim in surprise. The Trial World Championship lets you enjoy such “unbelievable riding” right before your eyes. One of the biggest attractions of this event is that you can watch the battles of world-class Riders from a very close distance.

At Mobility Resort Motegi, in addition to watching trial competitions, you can also enjoy park attractions, nature experiences, dining, and more, making it the perfect outing destination to fully enjoy a day with family and friends. Since the spectator ticket includes a park passport, it’s easy to enjoy both watching and playing together, which is a unique feature of Motegi.

Can you really ride a bike in a place like this?

This article clearly explains for those watching trial for the first time, "What kind of competition is trial?"
"What makes it interesting to watch?"
"What kind of day can you spend at Motegi?"
◈ From these perspectives, we introduce how to enjoy watching!

Can you really ride a bike in a place like this?

What kind of competition is trial?

Trial is a sport where riders overcome obstacles such as rocks, cliffs, and logs using a specialized bike. Unlike races that compete for speed, the competition is about how accurately and without putting their feet down they can clear the obstacles.

The sight of riders climbing slopes that appear almost vertical and overcoming large rocks is like a bike acrobatics show. This appeal makes it easy for even those unfamiliar with bikes or small children to intuitively feel the excitement and intensity.

What kind of competition is trial?
Exciting Even for First-Time Spectators!
Highlights of Watching

Point.1 The Superhuman Skills of the World’s Top Riders!
Point.2 The Surprise of “Can They Really Ride in a Place Like This?”
Point.3 Watching from such a close distance that you can even hear the Rider’s breathing!

Riders overcome various obstacles in competition sections called "sections," moving as if their bike and body are one.
The world-class techniques displayed right before your eyes will surely make first-time viewers feel like they are watching a "performance" rather than a "competition."

Interesting Even for First-Time Spectators! 3 Highlights of Watching Trial
It's even more fun when you know the rules!

Explanation of the
Basic Rules of Trial!

In Trial, the outcome is basically decided by a penalty point system.
While riding through sections with obstacles, points are deducted if the rider’s foot touches the ground, if they fail to follow the gate markers’ instructions, or if they exceed the time limit. Riders with fewer penalty points rank higher.

One foot touch results in 1 point, two touches result in 2 points, and three or more touches result in 3 points. Major mistakes or exceeding the time limit result in a 5-point penalty. Completing a section without any penalties is called a "clean."

In trials, in addition to the precision of riding without putting your feet down, overall skill in conquering the sections within the limited time is required.

How to Read Penalty Points

How to Read Penalty Points

You can tell the number of penalty points for that section by the shape of the observer’s hand.

If the observer holds up one index finger, it means 1 penalty point; a peace sign means 2 points; and holding up three fingers means 3 points. There is no 4-point penalty, and the maximum penalty per section is 5 points.
Also, a fist shape indicates zero penalty points (a clean). When a clean is achieved in a section, let's give the Rider a big round of applause.

However, there is no need to memorize all the rules from the start.
At first, it’s enough to think, "It’s amazing if they can clear without putting their foot down," or "It’s interesting to see how they tackle difficult obstacles." If you become more interested, it’s perfectly fine to gradually learn the rules and enjoy it that way.

A special viewing experience in the great outdoors

Your first trial viewing
at Motegi!

A special viewing experience in the great outdoors

The locations where trials are held usually require traveling on steep mountain roads. However, since the event at Mobility Resort Motegi is held within the facility, the paths to the sections are well maintained. This ease of access is a unique feature of Mobility Resort Motegi.

Watching trials at Mobility Resort Motegi offers the charm of experiencing an extraordinary atmosphere in nature while being comfortable for families and friends. All spectator tickets include a park passport, so you can enjoy not only the competition but also the attractions within the park.

A special viewing experience in the great outdoors
Model Plan

Enjoying Trial Together,
A Day at Motegi

Here, we introduce an example of how to spend a day that is easy to imagine even for families visiting for the first time.

Arrival at Mobility Resort Motegi
Around 8:30 a.m.
Arrival at Mobility Resort Motegi
Enter a little early to check out the atmosphere and map inside the venue. Roughly decide which sections to visit and when to play, so it will be easier to move around afterward.
First, head to watch the trial
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
First, head to watch the trial
Watch the starting ceremony and then enjoy the trial! Begin by watching in an "easy-to-understand and exciting section" to experience the thrill of the trial! Scenes where riders cross cliffs and rocks will captivate even first-time viewers instantly.
Lunch at a restaurant or café
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Lunch at a restaurant or café
After watching thoroughly in the morning, take a break. Mobility Resort Motegi is not just a facility for spectating, so it’s great that families can enjoy it comfortably while taking time for meals.
RINDOBIKE and Park Attractions
1:30–2:30 p.m.
RINDO BIKE and
Park Attractions
In the afternoon, enjoy the park side. Especially RINDO BIKE is a new attraction that’s easy to enjoy while your excitement from watching is still high. For children, it’s an experience where they can "not just watch, but also try it themselves."
Trial Viewing Again & Award Ceremony
3:00 p.m.
Trial Again
Watching & Award Ceremony
Returning to watch the trial after playing once offers an interesting new perspective compared to the morning. You’ll likely feel, “I understand the rules a bit better than before” and “I can see what’s impressive now.” Also, the award ceremony will be held around 4:15 p.m. Let’s honor the brave Riders who competed in the trial while watching the ceremony!
Rider Selfie & Signing Event
5:00 p.m.~
Rider Autograph Session
*Held only on DAY 1
From 5:00 p.m., a selfie and autograph session with the Riders will be held. This is your chance to meet the Riders who were competing just moments before! Take this opportunity to meet them, take photos, and get autographs!
Enjoy Motegi to the fullest, including the lingering excitement
After 5:30 p.m.
Fully enjoy Motegi, including the lingering excitement
End the day by looking at souvenirs and taking a leisurely walk around the venue. The appeal of watching the trial at Mobility Resort Motegi is that it’s not a day focused solely on the competition, but a well-balanced combination of spectating and playing.
In the evening, we also recommend relaxing at the hotel or glamping
In the evening, we also recommend relaxing at the hotel or glamping.

After enjoying the race and the park, we also recommend relaxing at the Mobility Resort Motegi Hotel or the Forest and Starry Sky Camping Village. Special plans including spectator tickets are also available, so you can enjoy your stay without worrying about transportation.

In the evening, we also recommend relaxing at the hotel or glamping.
Pick Up!
Recommended Accommodation Plans
  • Mobility Resort Motegi Hotel
    Accommodation Plans

・[Dinner entry at 5:30 p.m.] Plan with ticket / 1 night, 2 meals
・[Dinner entry between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m.] Plan with ticket / 1 night, 2 meals

This plan includes a ticket to the FIM Trial World Championship.
All tickets include a park passport.

  • Forest and Starry Sky Camping Village
    Accommodation Plan

・[Camp Stay/BBQ] 1 Night 2 Meals Plan with Spectator Ticket

This is a plan with a ticket to the FIM Trial World Championship. All spectator tickets include a park passport.
This is a highly satisfying accommodation plan where you can enjoy park attractions and BBQ after watching the race. Another great point is that you can leave the preparation, fire-starting, and cleanup to the staff!

After watching the race,
challenge yourself with "RINDO BIKE"!

A new way to enjoy RINDO BIKE

After watching the world’s top Riders in action, experience the joy of controlling a bike yourself at "RINDO BIKE," opening in March 2026! This flow is a unique appeal of trial that you rarely find in other Motorsports viewing experiences.
Especially for children, it might become a day that goes beyond just "watching" and leads to wanting to "try it themselves."

A New Way to Enjoy RINDOBIKE
What to Bring Guide

For Everyone to Enjoy Comfortably

Watching trial events is a bit different from other races where you watch from stands; you can enjoy walking around and viewing several sections. That’s why being mindful of what you bring can make your experience more comfortable.

The first recommendation is to wear well-broken-in sneakers. If you plan to enjoy not only watching but also the park, the walking time during transfers tends to be longer than expected. When moving around to see the sections you want, the comfort of your shoes greatly affects your overall comfort.

Next, it’s convenient to have a raincoat or light rain gear.
Since this is an outdoor event, it’s reassuring to be prepared for changes in the weather. Also, in terms of not obstructing the view around you, raincoats are often easier to use than umbrellas.

For Everyone to Enjoy Comfortably

Other useful items to have are
the following.

  • Drinks
  • Hat
  • Small folding chairs and leisure sheets
    Convenient for when you want to take a short break or relax with your family.
  • Towels
    It’s useful to have several since mud can splash during the event!
  • Mobile battery
    Since it’s a day when you’ll likely use your smartphone for photos, videos, and checking maps, having one gives peace of mind. *Paid rentals are also available on-site.
Rather than a “fully equipped set just for watching,” it’s better to imagine gear for a full day of outdoor fun with family or friends.
Ticket Information

Enjoying both the race and the park together
is one of the charms of Motegi

■All race tickets come with
a Park Passport (valid for 2 days)!

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Trial World Championship TrialGP of Japan are valid for two days, and a park passport is included with the ticket, which is a major feature. In other words, you can enjoy not only watching the race but also the park attractions.

■16-23 ZERO Yen Pass

Ticket Information

The 16-23 ZERO Yen Pass is especially noteworthy.
For those aged 16 to 23, both race viewing and attractions are free under certain conditions. This system not only encourages family visits but also makes it easier for students and young friends to go out and have fun together.

Even when going with family, the appeal of this event is that it’s not just "adults watch" and "children focus on playing," but everyone can watch and play together. That is why we recommend it as a full-day experience at Motegi, not just a simple competition introduction.

Sustainability Initiatives

Trial actively engages in sustainability efforts. The venue for the 2025 event will be operated carbon neutrally, achieving net zero including fan transportation. Additionally, the following initiatives are also being implemented.

Sustainability Initiatives

[Implementation of Environmentally Conscious Competition Management]
Routes are selected to minimize impact on the habitats of plants and animals. After the event, efforts are made to restore the greenery to its original state.

【Sections Using Thinned Wood】
In some sections of the trial, thinned wood is used for wooden stakes that indicate obstacles and routes. Some of this thinned wood is sourced from trees cut down in the Hello Woods forest.

【Utilization of Green Power and Electrification Initiatives】
The electricity used in sections and paddocks utilizes green power. Additionally, some of the competition management vehicles are electric or hybrid cars, contributing to environmental protection. Furthermore, the participation of electric trial bikes is increasing year by year, and together with the use of carbon-neutral fuels, CO2 reduction in the competition is progressing.

FIM KISS
Contribution to Society through the Program
Contribution to society through the FIM KISS Program

The "KISS Program" is an initiative promoted by FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) aimed at environmental protection and sustainability. As part of this, tree-planting activities are carried out by Trial Riders.

This initiative, with the cooperation of FIM Environmental Ambassador Takahisa Fujinami, expresses the commitment to "cherish greenery and create a sustainable future" through the competition.

Specifically, starting in 2024, Riders participating in the event will engage in planting saplings within sections at Hello Woods, a forest themed around biodiversity.

Access to the Race Venue

Access Methods and Detour Routes to Mobility Resort Motegi

On race days, many visitors come, so traffic volume on surrounding roads may increase depending on the time of day.

On the day of the event, it is reassuring to check the access methods in advance to ensure a smooth arrival at the venue. Access options are available not only for those coming by car or motorcycle but also via public transportation and a direct shuttle bus from Utsunomiya Station.

We have summarized key points such as the address, navigation settings, and travel time from the nearest interchange, so please check in advance to avoid any confusion on the day.

What address should be
entered into your navigation system or Google Maps?

When entering the address into your navigation system or Google Maps, please set it as follows.
Address: 120-1 Hiyama, Motegi Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture 321-3597

On the day of the event, please enter through the gate specified on your parking ticket.

Public transportation is also available!
Direct shuttle bus from JR Utsunomiya Station
Scheduled to operate

On the day of the event, a paid direct shuttle bus from JR Utsunomiya Station to the venue is scheduled to operate. Even those without a car or who are uneasy about driving can easily visit using public transportation. If you are considering coming by public transportation, please check the latest information on the official websites of each operating company.

JR Mito Station Route Bus

  • JR Mito Station Route Bus Downbound (Outbound)
・Depart JR Mito Station 8:35 a.m.
・Arrive Mobility Resort Motegi 10:05 a.m.
  • JR Mito Station Route Bus - Return (Upbound)
・Depart Mobility Resort Motegi 4:40 p.m.
・Arrive JR Mito Station 6:10 p.m.
* Boarding point: JR Mito Station North Exit Bus Terminal No. 7

Want to go by car or motorcycle!
How to get there and travel time by route?

On race days, traffic volume increases compared to usual, so it may take longer than expected.
It’s best to plan to arrive early for peace of mind.

If you arrive early, you will have plenty of time to leisurely explore the park and scout out viewing spots.
・If traveling by train (Shinkansen), it takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station.
・If using a bus from Mito Station, it takes about 90 minutes.

Using the Joban Expressway
Approximately 40 minutes from the IC

Using the Tohoku Expressway
Approximately 60 to 80 minutes from the JCT

Smooth Way to Return
After Watching the Race

Immediately after the race ends, many visitors leave the venue at the same time, causing congestion on the surrounding roads.
There is no problem using the usual route when accessing the venue, but it is advisable to check the detour map in advance for the return trip to feel more at ease.
Depending on the congestion situation, by not relying solely on navigation and knowing multiple routes, it becomes easier to return home smoothly.

* The content is subject to change without notice.
※The photos and illustrations used are for illustration purposes only.