New FIM X-Trial format debuts in Madrid
Words and images courtesy FIM. The excitement is building for the new FIM X-Trial event.
The FIM X-Trial World Championship will debut a revitalised competition format at the New FIM X-Trial season opener in Madrid on Saturday, December 21, at 6:00 PM.
The 2025 changes aim to create a faster-paced, more dynamic event, with new phases like the Sprint Race system and an expanded field of four finalists in the New FIM X-Trial.
By emphasising time-based challenges, the format ensures greater entertainment, closer competition, and a stronger spotlight on rider skill, strategy, and adaptability. These new features are particularly highlighted in the New FIM X-Trial.
Key Changes in the Competition Format:
Four Finalists Instead of Three
* The final round will now feature four riders competing for victory and podium positions, instead of the previous three, adding more excitement to the New FIM X-Trial.
Qualifying Phase (Q1)
* Riders will ride a minimum of 5 sections consecutively under the traditional penalty system.
* The top three riders from Q1 will automatically qualify to the Final.
New Sprint format system
* Penalties in these stages are time-based:
o Each foot placed = +10 seconds.
o A failure (fiasco) = +1 minute.
* These penalties are added to the rider’s total time of the Course.
Q2: “Last Chance” Sprint Format
* The non-qualified Riders in Q1 will compete in a time-based Sprint Race over 2–3 sections.
* The rider with the lowest combined time (including penalties) secures the fourth and final place in the Final.
Superpole for Final Starting Order
* The Superpole determines the Section 1 starting order in the Final.
* Riders compete in a Sprint format, with the winner starting in the best position for the Section 1 of the Final.
Final Round
* The Final retains its traditional format of 5–6 sections, with each rider allowed one minute per section.
The Championship’s opening event in Madrid is expected to deliver thrilling action under this innovative format of the New FIM X-Trial.
2024/2025 X-Trial World Championship Schedule
- Dec 21 Madrid, Spain
- Jan 11 Chambery, France
- Jan 17 Clermont Ferrand, France
- Feb 2 Barcelona, Spain
- Feb 9 Stavanger, Norway
- Feb 28 Medellin, Columbia
- Mar 15 Wiener Neustadt, Austria
- Apr 18 X-Tail FIM Des Nations, Nice, France
- Apr25 Tallin, Estonia
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