Makeing finals more entertaining for the audience
Comments about this discussion:
Started
Dear IUF Rulebook Committee,
I would like to open a discussion regarding the current format of the Unicycle Trials Finals. As someone who closely follows both unicycle and mountain bike (MTB) trials competitions, I’ve observed that MTB trials tend to be more engaging for spectators—particularly during finals—because the format highlights one rider at a time, allowing the audience to clearly follow each performance.
In contrast, unicycle trials finals often feel chaotic, with multiple riders attempting obstacles simultaneously. This makes it difficult for spectators (and sometimes even judges) to follow the action, especially when trying to focus on top competitors. The attention tends to cluster around the main favorite, which unintentionally detracts from other riders’ performances.
I’d like to propose a more streamlined, one-rider-focused format—similar to MTB trials—for the finals. One possible structure could be:
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Each rider takes turns on the same obstacle.
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They are given up to 5 attempts. (number can be adjusted)
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Points are awarded based on how far they progress on the obstacle (lines).
- then the group moves on to another obstacle (line)
This structure would allow for fair judging, clearer commentary, and a more enjoyable experience for both live and remote audiences.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this direction and whether this could be explored in future updates of the rulebook.
Best regards,
Chris
Comment
I only know unicycle trials and therefore have no comparison to other sports - I would first of all agree that a trial final sometimes seems a bit chaotic, although in my opinion this depends very much on the spatial conditions, the setup of the lines and the possible positions for spectators. All in all, as a spectator I have always found trial finals very worth seeing (also because there is a lot going on at the same time) and as a judge I have always got on very well with the concept (as a judge you usually only have one line anyway).
What I see as somewhat critical about the proposal: The fact that everyone tries the same line and the consequent limitation of the number of attempts
In my opinion, it is currently quite exciting for the spectators if riders can spend many attempts on a particular line and then possibly still manage the line shortly before the end of the time. It can still change quite a lot until the end if one or two riders still manage to complete lines after many attempts. If all riders complete the lines one after the other with a limited number of attempts (which is absolutely necessary for this concept), then the situation could arise where a rider can no longer be caught up a few lines before the end because the remaining lines give fewer points than the points difference to the second-placed rider. I don't know how realistic that is, but it could make for a little less excitement.
What I find extremely good about the suggestion: Points are awarded based on how far ripers rogress on the lines
I actually had this idea last year at the DM Trial too, as I had the feeling that in the final in particular the distinction between a line completely completed or a line not completed (even taking into account the pedal grabs) was insufficient, especially for very long lines. The idea was therefore to see if it would work to divide the lines into zones, as in bouldering, for example, and award points for completing a zone. I don't think this has been tested yet, but I would be really interested to see how such a concept would be appreciated by riders in practice.
Comment
As a trials final rider I do not like to ride with does rules. It gives me as rider way more stress to do it on this way. Atm the trials finals are kinda the only "chil" finals because you can do it on your own way, take the time you need and plan as rider what you will do first and last. I know from other (female) riders that they also like to have less pressure and that the trials finals are the most "chil"
however the second rule you said would be okay to add for me but I geuss not needed. (points are awarded based on how far riders get)
Comment
Very interesting point in my opinion, thanks for bringing it up Chris!
Spectator point of view:
I only have experience watching unicycle Trials Finals from seeing the Female Finals at Unicons (I have never seen a Male/Open Trials Finals as a spectator, and I plan to keep it this way, for some time :)) ). I agree with Jan that though it can feel a little chaotic sometimes, I think it is quite exciting as it is - especially if you have at least a minimal knowledge of the sport and rules. It is nice to see riders attempting a line a couple of times and figuring out parts and problems. I understand your point about the focus-on-one-rider-at-a-time approach, and I agree that it is more professional, a lot easier to present, livestream etc. There is a reason why they use this format in the X-Trial motorbike series too, it is more like a show. But I think we can counterweight this by making the lines visually straightforward for spectators (if you look at a line it's easy to understand what's the goal), and also the competition's floorplan is crucial, that the riding area should be well organized and all lines can be nicely observed by spectators. This is a BIG problem with UCI Biketrials competitions in my opinion, that while the format itselt is clearer, the section layouts are usually visually awkward. The gates of one section are often situated at far away parts of the zone, and must be crossed from different directions, etc.: visually it is hard to see the lines, even if you are familiar with the sport. So I think this is something to focus on instead, and honestly I think Event Directors has been doing a good job with this the past years.
Competitor point of view:
I have ridden many unicycle Trials Finals, and I participated in biketrials competitions too, using both UCI/BIU rules. I very much prefer the unicycle ruleset, as it promotes clean riding over everything else. How I see it, in Biketrials it is more like making sure you get as far as possible on the section during your try - at all costs, even if you have to dab (plant a foot); while in Unicycle Trials the focus is on completing the line a clean as possible (even without pedal grabs). Also, with the current rules Event Directors can build harder lines. Quite often a line will require more than 5 attempts to complete, so if we want at least 1 rider from the competition to finish a line in 5 attempts, the level has to be a little more moderate (or the riding level will be more moderate, with more pedal grabs).
Also, both in Bike and Moto Trials the riders can do dabs, which allows them to progress further on a line using a limited amount of tries/runs (and they have 2 contact points with the ground to start with, not only 1 :) ) - but in my opinion, I prefer unlimited tries with clean completion both as a spectator and as a competitor.
The points awarded on how far they progress on a line is a very interesting topic too which deserves its own Discussion thread to open it up a bit more in detail.
Comment
The most exciting part of a Trials Final can be the last few minutes or seconds.
This would be gone if done with a per line approach.
The problem Chris stated, I completely agree with. Trials Finals are chaotic for the audience.
But I would try to find a different solution.
Examples:
Mark's suggestion of having a clear floorplan and lines setup can help.
Also getting scores from the judges live and immediately posting them.
(like you did in France, Chris. Loved that)
This is an important one!
Having a good system and host keeping the audience up to date
clear labeling of the riders for the host to easily reference them (big riders id on front, back and/or wheel)
clear communication on what rider is currently trying what line and when a line is landed
Comment
I would completely agree with Ian - there are certainly many ways in the current format to make improvements to the final that would make it seem less chaotic and I think we should first see how these possibilities play out.
Regarding the “Live Results”: I hope to have a prototype for a “digital scoring” at the German Championship Trials in this fall, so that we can possibly test a live scoreboard more intensively there, even at the prelims.