US TEAM PREPARES FOR 2015 TRIALS DES NATIONS

AMA Press Release

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The U.S. team is gearing up for the 2015 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Trial des Nations in Tarragona, Spain, on Sept. 19-20.

The American Motorcyclist Association and the North American Trials Council are pleased to welcome Bryan Roper, Andrew Putt, Logan Bolopue and Daniel Blanc-Gonnet to the U.S. men’s team, with Quinn Wentzel as the alternate. The U.S. women’s team will include Rachel Hassler, Madeline Hoover and Caroline Allen, with Caroline Altman as the alternate.

“With the popularity of MotoTrials growing in the States, U.S. participation in prestigious international events is important,” said Michael Jolly, AMA racing assistant manager. “We’re proud that these talented young riders are eager to compete against the world’s best, and we’re looking forward to a strong performance this September.”

Todd Roper will manage the team. He said that while the skill on the world level is high, the U.S. team will be prepared.

“This is a very strong team for us this year, for both the women and the men, and we are looking forward to representing the United States in Tarragona, Spain,” Roper said. “If possible, we will have some of the riders ride the world championship event the weekend prior, followed up by some team training at Jordi Pascuet’s off-road training center in northern Spain. We will be ready!”

U.S. fans can support the team by purchasing an official team shirt. To do so, send a minimum $20 donation to NATC-TDN, c/o Todd or Vonda Roper, 5119 West Barbara Ave., Glendale, AZ 85302. More information about the shirt is available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Racing > Trial des Nations.

The sport of trials involves riders navigating their motorcycles over seemingly impossible terrain. The Trial des Nations began in Europe in 1983 as a way to bring the best trials riders from each country together to compete as teams, and it has evolved into one of the most anticipated motorcycle events of the year. Each competing country fields two teams: a men’s team consisting of four riders and a women’s team consisting of three riders.