Section Guide 2026
We asked Ryo Narita, the section coordinator for this tournament, to explain all 12 sections, each with its own unique characteristics!
What are the overall characteristics of the sections?
<Sections that make the most of the nature-rich environment of Mobility Resort Motegi>
The sections of the Trial World Championship TrialGP of Japan are designed as a stage to showcase the amazing skills of the world’s top riders.
Among these, the biggest feature is how they make use of nature.
For example, the appearance of the sections changes drastically between sunny and rainy conditions. When it rains, the conditions become as challenging as riding on ice, but it is exciting to see riders with outstanding skills overcome these difficulties.
What are the highlights of 2026?
<Unpredictable developments brought by the new race format and dry conditions, and section creation in harmony with nature>
The race format will change significantly at the 2026 TrialGP of Japan. The Friday Super Test will be held in a SPECIAL SECTION, and the Final and Super Final, which serve as the finale, will be conducted over 4 to 6 sections. The Final and Super Final will basically have the same section layout, but the sections in the Super Final are especially worth paying attention to. For the last main event, the lines have been changed to be more exciting, so that the audience can enjoy it until the very end. Furthermore, the Super Final offers a unique attraction for this event: a "golf-like viewing style" where riders and spectators move together to the next section while watching.
This year, we are also paying attention to the weather. The Trial sections take on completely different appearances depending on whether it is sunny or rainy, but this year dry conditions are expected. With easier grip, we anticipate that the world’s top riders will showcase faster riding and more aggressive line choices.
This year, a new significance has also been added to the creation of the sections themselves. In utilizing a forest area that has not been used for a long time as a section, human intervention has been made to trim branches and grass and improve visibility, making it an initiative that also contributes to the environmental improvement of the Hello Woods forest.
Of course, the competition itself is exciting, but we also want you to truly feel the new appeal of trials coexisting with the nature of Motegi.
2026 Race Format
(1) Super Test 5/15(Fri) 15:30–16:00
Race to determine the starting order for Race 1 on 5/16(Sat).
The two classes, TrialGP and Trial Women, will be held in the SPECIAL SECTION.
(2) Super Pole / Final / Super Final
May 16 (Sat) and 17 (Sun) from 14:00
The TrialGP class does not participate in Race 2 and advances to the Super Pole.
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(1) Super Pole:
A speed section race that determines the starting order for the Final. -
(2) Final:
Starts in the reverse order of the Super Pole results.
Held in the sections Sec. 2 → Sec. 9 → Sec. 1 → Sec. 10 → Sec. 11. -
(3) Super Final:
Starts in the reverse order of the Final rankings.
Held in the sections Sec. 11 → Sec. 10 → Sec. 1 → Sec. 2 → Sec. 9, where the final rankings are decided.
Section Features
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1A challenging section featuring acrobatic skills
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Section 1, located in the same area as Section 10 (N1 Parking Lot), is one of the most challenging sections of the event where many Riders have struggled in past TrialGP of Japan.
It features a diverse and three-dimensional design, allowing spectators to see spectacular actions. For Riders who can utilize the latest techniques, it is also an excellent opportunity to fully demonstrate their abilities.
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2・SPThrilling excitement on the unstable rock bed course
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Section 2 and the SPECIAL SECTION are based on a traditional rock bed course. The rock bed in this section is unstable terrain, requiring Riders to have considerable skill.
On the other hand, for spectators, the section offers a wide view, allowing you to watch the riders boldly taking on the rugged rock bed.
Additionally, this area is used as the SPECIAL SECTION for the Super Test held on Friday.
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3Section where basic skills are tested on a forest slope
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Section 3 makes use of the slopes spreading within the Hello Woods forest.
The highlight of this section is the riding style that turns on the slope without losing speed and then climbs swiftly to a higher position in one flow. While simply climbing straight up would rely heavily on the machine's power, here delicate machine control is required to handle the curves without decelerating.
Therefore, this section clearly reflects the Rider's own skills more than the performance of the bike.
This year, with the cooperation of Hello Woods, the surrounding trees have been maintained to improve visibility. In a location that makes the most of the forest's natural environment, this section allows you to experience up close the high level of basic skills demonstrated by the world's top Riders.
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4A slippery ravine section where slight line choices make all the difference
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Section 4 is a very slippery section combining rocks with a ravine that contains a lot of moisture.
At first glance, the area may seem wide enough to ride through, but in reality, there are very few lines that can be ridden well. Delicate line control is required, where even a deviation of 1 cm or a few millimeters of the tire blocks can cause sideways slipping.
Even when it is sunny, mud sticks to the tires, so the conditions are basically slippery. Furthermore, since the condition of the surface changes after the previous Rider has passed, the competitors need to assess the conditions on the spot while riding.
It’s not just about flashy jumps, but how precisely you can trace the line on slippery terrain. This section allows you to feel the depth of the fundamental skills of trial riding.
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5[Mr. Narita’s Top Pick] A notable section where the nature of Hello Woods and trial riding overlap
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Located right next to the Hello Woods Wildlife Research Center, this section offers the unique feature of being able to watch trials up close while feeling the atmosphere of the forest. Rather than impressing with flashy obstacles, it is a section where you can enjoy the feeling unique to Mobility Resort Motegi, as if you are experiencing trials deep in the mountains.
The close proximity to the spectators is also a highlight, allowing you to feel the Rider’s subtle movements and the bike’s power up close.
This area was originally rough terrain, but continuous maintenance has been carried out through the creation of the section. The line design takes safety into consideration while making use of artificially created streambeds and existing trees.
Not only is the forest used for trial, but human intervention also helps maintain the forest environment. This is a sustainable section unique to this year where Hello Woods and trial coexist.![[Mr. Narita’s Top Pick] A notable section where the nature of Hello Woods and trial riding overlap](images/selection_feature_05.jpg)
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6The difficulty can change significantly depending on the weather.
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The biggest feature of Section 6 is its technical and three-dimensional structure. The highlight here is the latest technique of "riding on the rear wheel only."
Riders overcome three-dimensional obstacles such as rocky terrain by leaning the front part of the bike significantly and riding over them using only the rear wheel. On sunny days, you can see top Riders aggressively attacking the course.
On the other hand, this section becomes much more difficult when it rains. The fact that the Riders’ performance changes completely depending on whether it’s sunny or rainy is one of the reasons Section 6 is so exciting.
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7The thrill of trial: "Mud Section"
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Section 7 is what is commonly called the "Mud Section," and depending on the weather, it can become completely covered in mud.
When it rains, puddles easily form, and water also seeps out from the rocks, making the conditions very slippery when unfavorable.
There may be times when mud splashes onto the spectators as well.
That is also one of the thrills of trial riding, so we hope you enjoy it including that aspect.
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8A visually impressive section combining fragile bedrock course with Inada stone
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Section 8 uses Inada stone, a type of granite produced in Ibaraki Prefecture. Inada stone is embedded within the slope, creating a section with a unique difficulty that combines the natural terrain and the arrangement of the stones.
Additionally, this area tends to retain moisture and is easily affected by natural conditions such as water and mud. As a result, grip can vary depending on the surface condition, making it a section where unexpected mistakes are more likely for the Rider.
The combination of unstable rock surfaces, Inada stone, and moisture-laden terrain creates a visually impressive section where the Rider's precise line selection and adaptability will be tested once again this year.
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9The "Sustainable Section" decorated in collaboration with students from Mooka Technical High School
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Section 9 is the "Sustainable Section" created within the rock area.
A major feature of this section is the use of thinned wood harvested to maintain the health of the Hello Woods forest.
Also, this year, decorations were done in collaboration with students from Mooka Technical High School, making the entire section have a more enjoyable atmosphere. With Hello Woods characters like the "Kobito" (wooden people) and animal decorations, this section is enjoyable not only for the competition but also visually.
A feature of this section is that spectators can watch from close by, allowing them to feel the powerful riding of the Rider and the warm atmosphere created together with the local community.
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10Basic techniques are put to the test!
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These sections can be cleared using basic techniques.
Therefore, experienced Riders may have an advantage.
The more thoroughly the Riders have mastered basic skills, the more they can fully demonstrate their abilities.
Spectators can see the expertise of skilled riders up close.
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11The appeal of trials is easy to understand and catchy
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Section 11 is designed with a concept that is easy to relate to even for those who are not familiar with trials. It is a catchy and impactful section, much like a trendy pop song.
Watching the Riders' acrobatic and eye-catching performances will surely convey the appeal of trials in a straightforward way.
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12Hello Woods' signature section within the premises
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Section 12 is a popular section located within the Hello Woods area of Mobility Resort Motegi. The same location is used every year, making it a "signature section."
This section features a steep slope with exposed bedrock that riders race up, showcasing flashy techniques characteristic of trials. It is also an easy section to watch from, making it recommended for those seeing trials for the first time.
* The content is subject to change without notice.
※The photos and illustrations used are for illustration purposes only.