This coming weekend’s TrialGP of Spain at Ripoll doesn’t just mark the conclusion of the 2024 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship, it also heralds the end of reigning FIM Women’s Trial World Champion Emma Bristow’s career in the sport’s elite.
Modest and unassuming, the thirty-three-year-old is calling time this season on an exemplary career and with a ten-point lead heading into the championship decider she is in pole position to sign off with an incredible tenth title in eleven years.
“I’m feeling good,” she said. “I’ve just picked up a nice fresh bike so I’ve got a brand-new steed for this weekend and body wise I’m in good shape and mentally I’m just not putting any pressure on myself. It’s my last TrialGP event so I want to enjoy it, but I do feel quite emotional. It was not an easy decision because it’s been part of my life for a long time, but I’ve made it now.”
Bristow, who last year was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire – a ceremonial honour also bestowed on Dougie Lampkin – in recognition of her outstanding achievement in the sport, made her FIM Trial World Championship debut in 2006 when she was just fifteen years old and has not dropped out of the top two since 2011.
Now, after spending almost two decades chasing her dreams, she is ready to take her foot off the gas or, more appropriately, her hand off the throttle.
“What a lot of people don’t see are the struggles along the way. Behind the scenes there’s a lot of time and effort with training and travelling and it has to stop at some point. Over the years the sport has taken me to some amazing places and I’ve been incredibly fortunate, but this feels like the right time to call it a day.
“Hopefully, if all goes well this weekend it will be another title which will be an absolute dream. I never set out to win ten FIM World Championships and just to be in a position to do that is amazing.”
While she will take a step back from top-flight competition, Bristow will continue to put back into a sport that has brought her so much success and will work closely with Sherco – who she has ridden for since 2013 – as she helps develop the next generation of riders.
“I’m heavily involved with Sherco in the UK and this year we’ve helped a young rider – Euan Sim – take on the Trial3 World Championship which has been really rewarding. Obviously, we know what it’s all about and what to do and what not to do and it feels great to pass on the experience I have. That will be a new chapter, although I’m not saying I’m going to hang up my boots completely because I’d never do that. I enjoy riding too much to stop.
“Sherco have been amazing throughout my career. I couldn’t have done it without them, that’s for sure, so for them to continue supporting me after my career as well is a really nice touch.”
Bristow says she has enjoyed too many highs to single out any particular moment, choosing instead to reflect on her entire career.
“Every single title has been very special for me and I’ve loved the buzz of winning and then chasing another one. Even before a championship is over I’m thinking about the following season – I’m always thinking ahead.”
The action at Ripoll is due to get under way at 09:00 local time on Saturday and will be streamed LIVE on FIM-MOTO-TV with a season pass covering all seven rounds and the FIM Trial des Nations priced at €34.90. For more information click here.
