The Next Gen Mototrials Youth and Women’s Eastern Regional Championship returned to the Trials Training Center in Sequatchie, Tennessee, June 19-21, bringing together more than 50 riders for three days of competition, development, and community.
Steph Vetterly | Photos by Olivia Cunningham
Each day of the Eastern Championship presented a distinct challenge. Friday’s loop led riders into creek sections slickened by Thursday’s rain. Saturday shifted to a rockier loop, where technical lines rewarded precision and control, while the traditional shootout for the 15 & Under Expert Sportsman class gave premier Youth riders a chance to perform under added pressure. Sunday closed on the hillsides, where steeper climbs tested commitment and throttle control. Across every class, the sections were designed to challenge riders without overwhelming them, creating room for progression at every skill level.
Beta USA’s Bennett Hubner swept the 15 & Under Expert Sportsman class, posting scores of 40, 38 and 36. Thomas Keady finished second each day, closing the gap to just two points on Sunday, while Preston Blumhorst earned third overall. It was a bittersweet weekend, as Keady, Kole Swartz and Brody Vankirk also approached their final Eastern Regional before aging out of Youth competition.
In Sportswoman, Beta USA’s Abigail Buzzelli won Friday with 23 points, but Trial Store USA’s Kylie Glueck responded with victories Saturday and Sunday. Glueck’s two wins secured the overall championship ahead of Buzzelli, with Caroline Kent completing the podium.
Becky Owens swept Clubwoman, while Kaitlyn Niederer won all three days in Novice. As participation continues to grow, the Next Gen Regional Championships demonstrate that meaningful competition and rider development can thrive together, providing youth and women with a place to learn, improve, and become part of a supportive national trials community that welcomes every stage of the journey.
The final Next Gen Mototrials Youth and Women’s Regional Championship takes place July 17-19 in Hualapai, Arizona.CN
Click here to read the 2026 Next Gen Mototrials Story in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.
