Australia will take an unchanged line-up into the 18-country International Trophy men’s division, with reigning Aussie champion Kyle Middleton (TRRS) to be joined by Connor Hogan (TRRS) and South Australian Chris Bayles (GasGas) – the trio now seasoned TdN campaigners. In the women’s division, Lillie Yiatrou (Vertigo) returns for her second TdN appearance and the first since 2019, where she will join forces with incumbent Kaitlyn Cummins (TRRS) who first made her Aussie debut in 2015.

Middleton, Hogan and Bayles already share a special TdN bond after winning the 2017 International Trophy – which was Australia’s first victory in the category after six previous podium finishes. And it’s that unity and an acute understanding of each other’s strengths that Newcastle-based Middelton believes helps to galvanise the Aussie team.

“Over the past five TdNs we’ve learnt so much together,” said Middleton, the multiple Aussie champion. “There are lots of intricacies and considerations in how we prepare and compete. For example, I’m usually the first rider out as managing time is one of my strengths, followed by Chris who is the glue that holds the team together, and then Connor who is an excellent rider under pressure. I just love everything about the TdN – it’s an event I always look forward to with immense pride as it has a higher purpose: representing your country and riding alongside great mates who are normally your opposition.”

The TdN will be held in a ski resort in Auron, about 90km from Nice, and Middleton expects the terrain to be quite hard, sharp and slippery.

“It will be quite technical, but the key to getting the job done at the TdN is damage limitation on sections that may not be quite in your absolute comfort zone, and then maximising opportunities in other sections. It’s always a great challenge, as it should be in such an iconic event.”

At the TdN, the best two scores in each section count towards the team total – so a pressure-cooker for the Aussie women in particular with only two participants and minimal ‘wriggle’ room. Australia’s main opposition in the International Trophy will come from defending champion the Czech Republic, as well as Germany, Austria, Sweden and the United States. A total of 18 teams will compete in the International Trophy, where Australia finished fifth in 2022.

In the Women’s, Australia is grouped with all the powerhouse trials nations, including Spain, Italy and Great Britain.

The Aussie men will collect their TdN machinery in Europe early next week before heading to a training camp in Andorra and then onto the final round of the FIM Trial World Championship (for both men and women) in France from September 1-3. At the shakedown, Middleton, Hogan and Bayles will compete in the Trial2 class – while for Yiatrou and Cummins it’s the culmination of a 2023 European campaign in the Trial2 Women class. Hogan has also been dabbling in international competition in 2023, including a solid rookie result in the famed Scottish Six Day Trial and Trial2 appearances.

Yiatrou is sixth in the Trial2 Women standings after riding both the Andorran and Italian rounds, while Cummins is 13th overall after her only outing in Italy.

The Australian team will also include three minders – Jarad Boniface, Jono Chellas and Michael Zutelija – who are all skilled trials practitioners and will be available to offer wise ‘in-section’ and general counsel.

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2023 Sherco ST-R Trials Key Features 

• NEW Fuel injected 2-stroke engine – 28 per cent lighter than previous (16Kg empty)
• NEW Pre-compression system – for improved performance
• NEW Crankshaft – 13 per cent lighter and larger 116mm diameter (previously 110mm)
• NEW Transmission – the most compact gearbox on the market
• NEW Gear selector – more compact and 28 per cent lighter than previous
• NEW Diaphragm clutch system – 3 positions of modulation adjustment
• UPDATED Pressure plate and spring system – improved comfort and precision
• NEW Internal water pump – with an inverted position 
• NEW Cylinder – with increased transfer ports and improved thermodynamics 
• UPDATED Cooling circuit – 24 per cent increase in cooling surface

• NEW Reed valve system – for optimised flow
• NEW Trails-specific throttle body with integrated triple sensor 
• NEW 2.2L fuel tank – with an integrated ultra-compact fuel pump
• NEW Bodywork – headlight shroud and rear fender
• NEW Air filter – 11 per cent larger and tool-less installation
• UPDATED Map switches – relocated behind the front headlight shroud
• NEW Triple clamps – 4 per cent lighter with revised fastening
• NEW Frame – with revised geometry and lower centre of gravity
• NEW Removable frame braces – for improved mechanical access
• NEW Radiator – 58 per cent more cores for improved cooling
• NEW Exhaust muffler – 35 per cent larger internal volume
• NEW Foot pegs – cast iron construction, fastened without a nut
• NEW Swingarm – 21 per cent lower and enhanced flex
• AUS Availability: NOW 
• MSRP: 250 ST-R Racing $12,490 / 300 ST-R Racing $12,790

Sherco engineers designed a completely new engine block, shaving a phenomenal 4.5kg in the process, equating to a 28 per cent lighter engine than its predecessor, weighing only 16kg. A new, 13 per cent lighter crankshaft was added. Although 500 grams lighter than before, the diameter has been increased from 110mm to 116mm for increased inertia and a significant reduction in weight at the axis.

A new pre-compression system has been added to the bottom end for improved engine performance. Sitting on top is a new cast cylinder with a faceted design. The intake transfers have increased from five to seven for improved thermodynamics. Cylinder cooling has also been enhanced thanks to redesigned contact surfaces and a 24 per cent increase in the overall cooling surface. A redesigned reed valve system has been employed for optimised atomisation and increased power at low revs.

The engineers then added the most compact five-speed gearbox on the market, completely redesigned, 500 grams lighter with ratios optimised for graded trial sections from one to five. They then paired it with a more compact gear selector system. 28 per cent lighter than before with aluminium selector forks directly articulated on the selector drum. A newly designed 2-piece clutch cover is constructed from magnesium and features an integrated oil-level inspection window and a simplified transmission oil fill point. Behind the trick, new cover sits a diaphragm clutch system which offers users three different positions of modulation adjustment and revised internal components for improved comfort and control.

The most noteworthy engine feature is arguably the all-new trials-specific fuel injection system. The premix system features a 32mm diameter throttle body for optimal efficiency and response with reduced fuel consumption. Atmospheric pressure, throttle position and temperature are all measured via an innovative single multi-function sensor unit which also keeps the overall weight on the complete throttle body unit low at just 350 grams.

Housing the all-new engine is a redesigned, 6 per cent lighter frame with revised geometry for a lower centre of gravity and increased rigidity, resulting in improved turning and traction. Removable forged aluminium side protectors provide improved access, and the integrated polymer frame protectors offer increased ankle grip. A lighter and 21 per cent lower swingarm is connected to the new frame, delivering improved traction in dry and slick conditions.

A new modernised front headlight shell design preserves Sherco’s brand identity and creates styling synergy between Sherco’s Trials and other off-road product ranges. Behind the headlight shell sits the two map switches, which have been relocated and grouped for improved protection and user convenience. The rear fender design has been updated to match the front fender’s profile, achieving improved mud evacuation.

The resigned triple clamps are not only 4 per cent lighter but also sport a cleaner appearance with the bolts recessed into the rear face of each clamp, and the steering stops now positioned on the lower triple clamp. Between the frame sits an enhanced radiator with cores increased from 12 to 19, resulting in improved cooling performance from the same external-sized unit. The radiator coolant fill spout has been tilted forward by 30° for simplified servicing, and the protection grille is now equipped with clips for quick removal and installation.

A new 2.2L fuel tank featured an integrated ultra-compact fuel pump developed by Sherco that features a bypass recovery sub-tank to prevent fuel loss. The air filter box volume has been increased by 7 per cent combined with a new, 11 per cent larger air filter element resulting in increased power at low revs, increased torque, and improved engine response.

The internal volume of the silencer body has been increased by 35 per cent for improved strength, torque, and durability. Thermoformed compressed packing has been added for enhanced longevity, and the silencer body design has been updated for simplified disassembly and muffler servicing.

The rider controls haven’t been forgotten either, with the gear lever and rear brake pedal now sport tips featuring metal injection moulding (MIM) technology and anti-clog hinge systems. New steel micro-fusion foot pegs have been added for improved central stability, mud evacuation and increased grip. Each foot peg is fastened without requiring a nut and features an anti-sag stopper.

The Sherco 250 ST-R Racing is available now for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $12,490*. The Sherco 300 ST-R Racing is available now for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $12,790*. For more information, interested customers should visit their local Sherco Trials dealer.

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• Men’s Team: Kyle Middleton, Chris Bayles, Connor Hogan.
• Women’s Team: Jenna Lupo, Kaitlyn Cummins.

For long time Team Manager Phil Whittle, the return of the Trial des Nations is as welcome as it is a relief: “We’re raring to go in 2022. While there have been several years between TdN events, I believe our team will be firing in Monza! We’ve had a level of consistency in team makeup that will really help us able compete on level terms with the other countries. This will be the 5th time that this particular men’s team have been at the TdN.”

Connor Hogan will hopefully be in top form as he is competing in the FIM World Trial Championship in the lead up to the TdN. This will be Kyle Middleton’s 12th appearance at this event and with six Australian Trials titles, he brings with him a wealth of experience. Chris Bayles is also a hugely talented rider and brings experience and consistent results to the table as a state champion and national podium winner.

“On the women’s team, Jenna Lupo will be at her third TdN event and we welcome back Katilyn Cummins for her second Trials de Nations. We’re confident both women will be at the top of their game come late September.”

For Peter Doyle, CEO of Motorcycling Australia (MA), the return of the Trials de Nations – and Team Australia’s entry- is another positive sign for the sport: “Phil Whittle has done a tremendous job for a long time and MA are looking forward to see what this really well balanced and talented team can do in September. We wish them every success, and congratulate them all on their selection for Team Australia.”

The 2022 FIM Trial des Nations (TdN) will be held in Monza, Italy from 24-25 September. For more information, see the FIM page here.

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