The season opener of the 2026 AMA NATC National MotoTrials Championship Series, presented by TrialStoreUSA.com, took place at Kairos Wilderness Resort in Glen Lyn, Virginia, and any lingering talk in recent years of Nationals being set too easy was quickly put to rest.
Story & Photos by Steph Vetterly
Trials Master Ray Peters delivered sections that demanded more than big moves—rather than have a singular focus or test in each section, they instead required riders to string together multiple techniques in a single section. Off-camber turns, rock ledges and steep, throttle-heavy climbs were the focus of the weekend, and with minimal gate markers, especially on lower lines, riders were forced to stay sharp and precise, often navigating by instinct as much as sight.
Saturday’s conditions added another layer of difficulty. With temperatures reaching 87 degrees under clear skies, section one immediately set the tone. Many riders failed to complete it within the 1:30 time limit or were caught out by its early obstacles or powdery topsoil. The challenge didn’t stop there—the loop between sections proved just as punishing, demanding constant focus and energy throughout the day.
At the front of the Pro class, Trials Superstore’s Sondre Haga set the early pace with a controlled and efficient ride to take the day-one win with 46 points. TRS Hammer Nutrition’s Jorge Casales stayed within striking distance, taking a time penalty and finishing with 47 points, while Daisy Import TRS’s Alex Myers held steady in third with 74 points, managing the difficult conditions with consistency.
Sunday brought cooler temperatures, hovering around 50 degrees, and a slight easing of section difficulty. But “easier” remained relative. The focus was still on technicality, but with the majority of the sections being situated on hillsides along one of the lower creek beds. Casales was able to clean up a rough first-loop score to prove that single-digit scores were possible, finishing well ahead of the pack with 32 points to take the win. Haga finished second with 51 points, and Myers once again rounded out the podium with 96 points.
In the Women’s Pro class, Madeleine Hoover carried her momentum through both days to take the win with 69 points on Saturday and 89 points on Sunday, demonstrating control and precision across the changing conditions. Abigail Buzzelli finished second battling through a demanding weekend that demanded peak bike control and adaptability.
By the weekend’s end, Kairos had delivered exactly what a season opener should: a clear benchmark. Technical, demanding and unapologetically challenging, it set the tone for a 2026 season that promises to reward the most complete riders in the field.
The season will continue on May 23 and 24 in San Ysidro, New Mexico.CN
2026 AMA NATC Round 1 Results
Saturday Overall Pro (Top 5)
- Sondre Haga (GG)
- Jorge Casales (TRS)
- Alexander Myers (TRS)
- Will Myers (Bet)
- Josh Roper (Bet)
Sunday Overall Pro (Top 5)
- Jorge Casales (TRS)
- Sondre Haga (GG)
- Alexander Myers (TRS)
- Josh Roper (Bet)
- Alexander Niederer (Bet)
