Australia will take on some of the world’s best trials riders this weekend when Team Australia lines up at the 2026 FIM Trial des Nations (TdN) in Arteixo, Spain, on September 26-27.
Motorcycling Australia will field a four-rider squad across two classes at the prestigious international event, with Connor Hogan and Ben Walling representing Australia in the men’s International Trophy division, while Jenna Lupo and Mitchell Teale will contest the mixed-gender Challenge des Nations category against riders from 10 other nations.
Team managers for the Australian squad are Chloe Whittle and Ella Peacock.
The event heads to the Spanish trials stronghold of Arteixo, a venue renowned for its demanding terrain featuring steep granite rock sections, huge stone obstacles and loose embankments that place a premium on throttle control, clutch precision and rider concentration. The 8km course features approximately 140 metres of elevation change and is regarded as one of the toughest natural trials venues in the world.
For Hogan, the 2026 event marks his ninth appearance for Team Australia and continues a busy season that has included the British Trials Championship, selected rounds of TrialGP and the iconic Scottish Six Days Trial.
The 26-year-old South Australian brings a wealth of experience to the team. His Trial des Nations record includes victory in the 2017 International Trophy alongside Kyle Middleton and Chris Bayles, as well as multiple top-10 finishes. Most recently, Hogan helped Australia to seventh place at last year’s event alongside Bayles and Colin Zarczynski.
Despite Australia’s reduced International Trophy line-up following the withdrawal of Neil Price through injury, Hogan remains enthusiastic about once again representing his country.
“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.”
Joining Hogan in the International Trophy class is 18-year-old West Australian Walling, who steps into the Australian team after a breakout 2025 season that saw him claim the premier Western Australian state title and finish sixth in the Australian Championship against far more experienced opposition.
Walling was elevated into the team after Price’s injury ruled the veteran West Australian out of what would have been his first Trial des Nations appearance since 2013. As a result, Australia will be the only nation contesting the International Trophy class with the minimum two-rider roster.
Despite the challenge, Walling is eager to get underway.
“I have arrived in Spain, ready to get the ball rolling,” Walling said. “I am super excited to be representing Australia.”
In the Challenge des Nations category, Australia will field a strong combination of experience and youth.
Lupo, the 2024 Australian Women’s Trials Champion, will make her sixth Trial des Nations appearance and her first start in the Challenge class.
The Tasmanian is looking forward to tackling the famous Spanish terrain and experiencing the unique team-based format.
“I’m really excited to be heading to Arteixo for my 6th Trial des Nations,” Lupo 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.”
Lining up alongside Lupo will be 15-year-old Queenslander Teale, who enters his first Trial des Nations after recently claiming the Australian Youth Championship.
Teale has already enjoyed a memorable introduction to the international scene after meeting 40-time indoor and outdoor world champion Toni Bou during Team Australia’s training camp in Spain last week.
Now the young Queenslander is focused on the task ahead.
“I’m pumped to be heading to Arteixo, Spain, for my first Trial des Nations,” Teale 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!”
The entire Australian squad, along with team managers, minders, family members and supporters, has now arrived in Arteixo ahead of Saturday’s practice sessions and opening ceremony before competition gets underway on Sunday.
Australia will be aiming to challenge some of the strongest trials nations in the world at an event where Spain enters as defending champion in both the men’s and women’s divisions. The United States is the defending International Trophy winner, while Norway returns as the reigning Challenge des Nations champion.
With a blend of experience, youth and enthusiasm across the team, Australia will be looking to make its mark when the world’s best trials nations gather in the Spanish trials heartland this weekend.
