US Team Set For 2012 Trial Des Nations

The American Motorcyclist Association has announced the men's and women's teams for the 2012 Trial des Nations in Moutier, Switzerland, on Sept. 30.

The U.S. men's team will include riders Cody Webb from Royal Oaks, Calif., Bryan Roper from Glendale, Ariz., Karl Davis Jr. from Ormond Beach, Fla., and Eric Storz from Ventura, Calif. For the U.S. women's team, the competitors are Louise Forsley from Bernardston, Mass., Caroline Allen from Norton, Mass., and Rachel Hassler from Albuquerque, N.M.

The team will be managed by Kip Webb. Martin Belair will serve as the delegate to the hosting nation's FIM affiliate organization.

"MotoTrials is one of motorcycling's most enduring disciplines, and its popularity is growing," said AMA Off-Road Manager Chuck Weir. "Events such as the Trial des Nations play a key role in that popularity by bringing together the best trials riders in the world. It is an honor for AMA racers to compete at this event, and we're looking forward to a strong showing in Switzerland this September."

Webb said the bar is high at the Trial des Nations but that the American squad has what it takes to compete.

"The Trial des Nations is a fantastic opportunity for our American riders to compete on a truly international level," Webb said. "The experience gained from this competition proves invaluable for our riders, helping them improve their skills as well as bringing home new techniques that are shared with other American riders furthering advancement."

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.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Source: American Motorcyclist Association