ML Events is delighted to announce Michelin as the Primary Partner for X-Trial Leeds that will make its historic debut on the global calendar on Saturday 24 January 2026 in the city’s immaculate First Direct Bank Arena.

The famous tyre brand, that provided unwavering support for all three hugely-successful editions of ML Events’ DL12 Indoor Trial, will put its full weight behind the exciting new event that marks the return of the FIM X-Trial (Indoor) World Championship to Great Britain for the first time since 2016 and represents the modern city centre venue’s first-ever motorcycle event since opening in 2013.

Nowhere will Michelin’s support be more evident than the mammoth Michelin Mountain section, an all-new hazard that will tower high above the arena floor and promises to provide a spectacular test for the best Trial riders on the planet, led by Michelin rider and record-breaking reigning champion Toni Bou who next season will be attempting to win an incredible twentieth consecutive X-Trial title.

Bou’s indoor record in Britain is nothing short of exemplary and out of seventeen appearances on these shores he has won on fifteen occasions, but X-Trial Leeds will be no walk in the park for the thirty-eight-year-old Spaniard whose opposition will include his compatriots Jaime Busto and Gabriel Marcelli along with five further riders selected on their current form.

With the world’s leading Trial riders all choosing Michelin it is a natural partnership and ML Event’s Jake Miller and Dougie Lampkin – who have a three-year deal to run the British round of the FIM X-Trial World Championship – are both delighted with the agreement.

“It is fantastic news to have Michelin on board as Primary Partner for X-Trial Leeds,” said Lampkin, a twelve-time FIM Trial World Champion and long-term advocate of the company’s tyres. “Michelin was instrumental in the success of the DL12 Indoor Trial trilogy and I am delighted that this invaluable support will continue with our exciting new project.

“Fans will be blown away when they see the glass fronted First Direct Bank Arena for the first time, though once they get inside nothing will prepare them for Michelin Mountain. Designing and building the sections is one of the most challenging, but rewarding aspects of my job and we’ll be pulling out all the stops with Michelin Mountain.”

Speaking on behalf of Michelin Tyre PLC, Two Wheel Products Marketing Brand Manager Emma Thorley said: “Michelin is proud to sponsor the X-Trial Leeds and to support the return of the FIM X-Trial World Championship to Great Britain. This event perfectly embodies the spirit of innovation, control, and performance that defines our brand. Trials riding is one of the most demanding disciplines in motorsport, and it’s the ideal stage to showcase the exceptional capabilities of our Michelin Trial Competition X11 and Michelin Trial X Light Competition tyres. Engineered for maximum grip, precision, and durability, these tyres provide riders with the confidence they need to perform at the highest level.”

Tickets for X-Trial Leeds on Saturday 24 January 2026 are already on sale. Click here to discover which seats have already sold as the FIM X-Trial World Championship returns to the UK after a ten-year absence.

Click here for full event details.