Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 7th, 2026
•Yorkshire trials star George Hemingway enjoyed an outstanding weekend at the TrialGP of the Netherlands, taking two victories in the Trial2 class as the 2026 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship reached its penultimate round.
The Leeds-born rider produced one of the standout British performances in Zelhem, strengthening his challenge near the top of the Trial2 standings ahead of the championship finale in Spain.
It was another significant result for the young Yorkshire rider, who has rapidly established himself on the international trials scene after progressing through the junior ranks.
George Hemingway takes Trial2 victories
Hemingway entered the Dutch round chasing championship leader Arnau Farré of Spain, knowing that a strong weekend could keep the pressure on heading into the final event of the season.
The Yorkshireman delivered.
Hemingway secured victory in the opening Trial2 contest following a tie-break with Italy's Francesco Titli, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure on Zelhem's demanding man-made sections.
He followed that result with another victory as the competition continued, completing an impressive Trial2 double and cutting into Farré's championship advantage.
With Farré finishing fourth in the second contest, the gap at the top of the championship was reduced to just 13 points, keeping Hemingway firmly in contention ahead of the final round.
Another major result for the Leeds youngster
Hemingway's success in the Netherlands continues an impressive rise through international motorcycle trials.
The young rider is from Leeds and has longstanding connections with the Yeadon, Guiseley and wider Yorkshire trials community.
He has already enjoyed considerable success at both British and international level and has increasingly found himself competing against some of the world's leading young trials riders.
Earlier in 2026, George and older brother Harry Hemingway produced a memorable one-two at the inaugural Yorkshire Urban Trial at Otley Showground, with George taking second after a tie-break. The result was particularly significant for the brothers as they competed in front of their home Yorkshire supporters.
George subsequently won the second Urban Trial event at Higham Ferrers in August, further underlining his strong form during the 2026 season.
Harison Skelton secures Trial3 Junior world title
There was further British success in the Netherlands as Harison Skelton secured the Trial3 Junior title following a closely fought season-long battle with Italy's Fabio Mazzola.
The pair arrived at the final round level on points, leaving the championship to be decided in Zelhem.
Skelton finished second in the opening contest, just two points behind Germany's Marco Laure, before doing enough in the second race to secure the championship.
Reflecting on becoming a world champion, Skelton said: "It’s taken me many, many years to get to this stage and here I am! I’m pretty much speechless."
Skelton is also a familiar name to Yorkshire trials followers, having competed alongside the Hemingway brothers and other leading British riders at the Yorkshire Urban Trial in Otley earlier this year.
Toni Bou celebrates historic 20th title
While Hemingway and Skelton provided plenty for British trials supporters to celebrate, the weekend also witnessed another extraordinary chapter in the career of Spanish great Toni Bou.
The Montesa rider secured his 20th consecutive premier-class world title at Zelhem.
Bou initially came under pressure from fellow Spaniard Jaime Busto after collecting five marks on section two, but recovered to regain control and ultimately secure the championship.
The achievement further strengthens Bou's position as one of the most successful competitors in motorcycle trials history.
Yorkshire interest heads to championship finale
Attention now turns to the concluding round of the 2026 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship, which takes place in Pobladura de las Regueras, Spain, from 18–20 September.
For Yorkshire supporters, much of the attention will be on George Hemingway as the Leeds rider attempts to finish an impressive Trial2 campaign on a high.
With Hemingway having reduced the gap at the top of the standings, the final Spanish round promises another important weekend for one of Yorkshire's brightest young motorcycle trials talents.