Section Guide 2026
We asked Ryo Narita, the section coordinator for this tournament, to explain all 12 sections, each with its own unique features!
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 the highlight is watching the riders with exceptional skills conquer these sections.
What are the highlights of 2026?
<Unpredictable developments brought by the new race format and dry conditions, and sections designed in harmony with nature>
2026 TrialGP of Japan will see a major change in the race format. 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. Additionally, 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, attention is also focused on the weather. The sections in the Trial World Championship 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 parts of the forest that have not been used for a long time as sections, human intervention is applied 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 excitement of the competition itself is important, 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
5/16(Sat)・17(Sun) 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 rankings.
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 techniques
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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 varied and three-dimensional design, allowing spectators to witness spectacular actions. For Riders who can utilize the latest techniques, it is also an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their full potential.
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2・SPThrilling excitement on the unstable rock course
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Sections 2 and the SPECIAL SECTION are based on traditional rock courses. Since the rock formations in this section are on unstable terrain, Riders are required to have considerable skill.
On the other hand, for spectators, the section offers a wide view, allowing you to watch the competitors bravely taking on the rugged rock formations.
Also, this area is used as a SPECIAL SECTION for the Super Test held on Friday.
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3A section where basic skills are tested on a forest slope
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Section 3 is a section that takes advantage of the slopes spreading within the Hello Woods forest.
The highlight of this section is the riding style where riders turn on the slope without losing speed and then climb rapidly to a higher position in one flow. If it were simply a matter of climbing straight up, the machine's power would be a major factor, but here, delicate machine control is required to handle the curves without losing momentum.
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 a ravine with high moisture and rocks.
At first glance, the area may seem wide enough to ride through, but in reality, there are very few lines that can be ridden successfully. Delicate line control is required, as even a deviation of 1 cm or a few millimeters in 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 surface condition 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 accurately you can trace the line on slippery surfaces. 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 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 of doing trials in the mountains, a distinctive atmosphere unique to Mobility Resort Motegi.
The close proximity to the spectators allows you to feel the subtle movements of the Rider and the power of the bike up close, which is one of the highlights.
This area was originally rough terrain, but continuous maintenance has been carried out through the creation of the sections. The line design takes advantage of artificially created stream beds and existing trees, while also considering safety aspects.
Not only is the forest used for Trial, but human intervention helps maintain and improve the forest environment. This is a sustainable section characteristic of 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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6Difficulty can vary greatly depending on the weather.
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The main 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 of the bike significantly while riding only on the rear wheel. On sunny days, you can see top Riders aggressively attacking the course.
On the other hand, it is also a section where the difficulty suddenly increases when it rains. The fact that the Riders' performance is completely different depending on whether it is sunny or rainy is one of the reasons why Section 6 is exciting.
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7The essence of Trial: "Muddy Section"
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Section 7 is what is commonly called the "Muddy 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, so we hope you enjoy it including that aspect.
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8A visually impressive section combining easily crumbling bedrock course with Inada stone
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Section 8 uses granite called "Inada Stone," which is 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, depending on the condition of the surface, grip can change, making it a section where Riders are prone to unexpected mistakes.
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 are 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 a close distance, allowing them to feel the powerful riding of the Riders 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 completed using basic techniques.
Therefore, experienced Riders may have an advantage.
The more thoroughly the riders have mastered fundamental skills, the better they can fully demonstrate their abilities.
Spectators can see the expertise of skilled riders up close.
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11Easy to understand and catchy charm of Trial
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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 Trial. 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 charm of Trial in a straightforward way.
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12Hello Woods' famous section within the grounds
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Section 12 is a popular section located within the Hello Woods grounds at Mobility Resort Motegi. The same location is used every year, making it a "famous section."
This section features a steep slope with exposed bedrock that riders race up, showcasing flashy techniques typical of Trial. It is also an easy section to watch from, making it recommended for those seeing Trial for the first time.
※Contents are subject to change without notice.
※The photos and illustrations used are for illustration purposes only.