Monday September 22, 2025 at 3:06pm
The riders of Team GB travelled to the town of Tolmezzo in Italy for the 2025 Trial des Nations. Previously used as a venue in the TrialGP series, Tolmezzo provided an excellent variety of terrain and sections, making it the perfect host for such a prestigious event.
This year, Great Britain proudly entered three teams. The Men’s World Championship team featured Jack Peace, Harry Hemingway, and George Hemingway, supported by minders Jamie Millers and Dan Hemingway. The Women’s World Championship team was made up of Alice Minta, Alicia Robinson, and Kaytyn Adshead, with support from minders Dan Clark and Nate Robinson. They also had the guidance of World Champion and multiple-time TDN winner Emma Bristow, who managed the team and shared her wealth of experience. For the first time, Britain also entered a Challenge Cup team, comprised of Harison Skelton and Sophie Bailey, supported by their minder, former GP rider Jack Peace.
All teams were selected and led by new manager Sam Connor. A member of the last British men’s team to win the TDN back in 2003, Sam brought with him the experience of competing at the highest level. He set high standards for how the squad should be organised and presented, encouraging a sense of unity both on and off the bikes. From team runs and meals to warm-ups and encouragement, his focus was on making sure Team GB went to Italy as one.
On Saturday, the riders signed on and completed technical control, making sure to be first in line. After practice, they walked the course, which was divided into three groups of sections linked by road. The opening six sections, set in a dried-out riverbed, provided a tough start to the event. Team GB embraced the challenge, preferring difficult sections that tested ability rather than easier options. The second and third groups of sections were similar in style, with loose banks, roots, and rocks testing precision and balance. The final group contained two man-made sections that drew large crowds and added plenty of excitement to the event. Later in the day, the team also took part in the traditional Trial des Nations parade, which added to the spectacle and atmosphere.
Sunday arrived with the team eager to compete. The Challenge Cup team started first, followed by the women’s and men’s teams. With the women and men setting off close together, they were able to ride much of the event as one, which helped lift team spirit. Across the day, all riders produced strong performances, learning from the first lap and riding even more confidently on the second.
Harison and Sophie received valuable guidance from Dan Peace, which helped them deliver a strong result on their debut. The women’s team were inseparable, tackling sections together and supporting each other as a true unit, while Emma Bristow’s leadership was key. On the men’s side, Jack Peace—himself a former TDN rider—coached and encouraged the Hemingway brothers with confidence as it was their first time riding the TdN
The minders also played an important role. Jamie and Dan worked with energy and precision, ensuring the men’s team had the best possible support in the sections. One would mind on the toughest steps while the other gave clear directions and time calls. Nate and Dan worked in the same way for the women, preparing strategies during Saturday’s course walk and executing them effectively on Sunday. Finally, Jack adapted to supporting two riders with different routes and styles, delivering a great minding performance that allowed Harison and Sophie to ride at their best.
The strength of Team GB’s unity was visible everywhere—from the riders and minders to the support crew, who made sure meals, preparation, and logistics ran smoothly. Everyone contributed to creating a true team effort, and it paid off with outstanding performances.
The results reflected this collective spirit. The Challenge Cup team impressed on their debut with a fantastic second place. The Women’s team secured another podium with a hard-fought third place against strong opposition. The Men’s team achieved Britain’s best result in years with second place, setting a high standard and a target to beat in the future.
Overall, the 2025 Trial des Nations was a huge success for Team GB. With determination, organisation, and togetherness, the squad showed what can be achieved when a group pulls together to represent their country on the world stage. Team manager Sam while happy and proud of his teams on his debut as a manager, made sure to let the teams know to at we don’t settle for seconds or thirds and next year we make sure we will only be happy with the top step.