A new UK Trials Development Fund has been launched with a clear and deeply human goal: to help talented British trials riders chase World Championship dreams that often stall not for lack of skill, but for lack of support. More than £20,000 has already been pledged, signalling strong belief in an idea rooted in community, fairness, and long-term ambition.
The fund was established by Robin Luscombe, who has structured it around a panel of trustees tasked with awarding financial backing to riders deemed most deserving. Rather than favouring name recognition alone, the fund invites open applications, asking riders to share their plans, ambitions, past results, and—most importantly—why support at this stage could make a decisive difference.
Why this fund matters
Trials riding has a long and proud history in the UK. British riders have shaped the sport globally, producing multiple world champions and generations of technical innovators. Yet modern trials has become increasingly expensive. Travel, bikes, parts, coaching, and time away from work or school all add up—often forcing promising riders to step back just as their potential begins to peak.
This fund aims to bridge that gap. It is not designed as a prize for those who have already “made it,” but as a stepping stone for riders stuck between local success and international opportunity.
Grassroots support in action
Momentum is already building at club level. Mansfield Maun Motorcycle Club has publicly backed the initiative and will host a fundraising trial at Burycliffe on February 22. The event will feature four routes and welcome both adult and youth riders—an intentional nod to inclusivity and the future of the sport.
Entry costs £20, with £15 from every rider going directly into the fund, supplemented by an additional donation pot on the day. It’s a simple model, but a powerful one: riders supporting riders, today’s competitors investing in tomorrow’s champions.
How it compares to other motorsport funds
Unlike manufacturer-backed academies or elite-only performance programs, the UK Trials Development Fund is independent and transparent. It resembles community-driven initiatives seen in grassroots cycling or youth football rather than corporate motorsport ladders. Public donations are welcomed via GoFundMe, where early contributions have already begun to roll in.
The difference here is tone and intent. This fund isn’t about branding, exposure, or quick returns—it’s about keeping doors open for riders who might otherwise walk away.
A human investment, not just a financial one
Trials riding is as much about character as competition. It rewards patience, resilience, and quiet determination—traits often learned long before trophies arrive. Supporting a rider at a critical moment doesn’t just help them compete; it validates their effort and belief, reminding them that their community sees value in their journey.
Final outlook
The UK Trials Development Fund won’t create world champions overnight. But that’s not its purpose. Its real success will be measured in careers extended, opportunities unlocked, and dreams kept alive just long enough to find their footing.
In a sport built on balance, precision, and trust, this fund feels like a natural evolution—proof that sometimes, the strongest support doesn’t come from the top down, but from the ground beneath the riders’ wheels.
