This year Europa Truck Trial is celebrating its 30 years of activity. In France at Montalieu Vercieu celebrated this important anniversary. With its 23 years of uninterrupted Truck Trial, I can safely say that the small French village overlooking the Rhone is the real home of this spectacular offroad discipline.

Photography and story by Paolo Baraldi

europa truck trial france montalieu vercieu

I don't know if you've ever seen a truck trial race? If you haven't done it yet, do it! You will not regret it.

The big 4-axle trucks are certainly the ones that attract the public and give more emotions, while the 2-axle is the category with the largest number of teams and with the French who are the masters. Then there are the 3 axles and the acrobatic prototypes. In any case, whatever the category it belongs to, the challenge to the Newtonian laws on gravity seems to be the watchword of every driver.

europa truck trial france montalieu montalieu

Attending these competitions, the most frequent question is: "how the hell do these guys overcome certain obstacles and certain slopes without rolling over?" in fact in the categories 2, 3 and 4 axles the vehicles must be standard with only a few modifications allowed such as tires. These trucks are therefore the same ones seen in action on construction sites and in quarries.

The prototypes are instead a thing in itself. In this case, all possible modifications to the vehicle are permitted. Thanks to this freedom on mechanical works and modifications, Prototypes are able to exhibit a unique and unthinkable agility.

Whatever the class it belongs to, each with its specific features, the show offered is unique and will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

That's why, I recommend going to see a truck trial race and if you really don't believe me, trust the fact that Europa Truck Trial has existed since 1989 without ever giving signs of abating.

30 years of Europa Truck Trial

This year, Europa Truck Trial is celebrating its 30th anniversary. A very important goal for such a particular European championship. But where does the secret of this longevity lie? The factors are varied and range from excellent organization to generational change and the spectacular kind of the races.

Over the past 30 years, the organizers have created a winning format that appeals to both teams and the public. If it has this we add the high organizational standards achieved the success is explained.

As for the spectacular, we have already had occasion to speak while it is important to underline the generational change. Alongside the veterans who continue to race and achieve good results thanks to their experiences, there are young drivers, and there are many who are doing apprenticeships and who in many cases have already reached the sporting maturity necessary for victory.

Finally, but certainly not the last, Europa Truck Trial is a large family, a group of people united by the same passion that leads them to travel around Europe and infect all those who are on their way.

Montalieu Vercieu, home of Europa Truck Trial

After the debut in Belgium with the first race that took place in the new location of Mont Saint Guilber, on the weekend of 8 and 9 June, the Europe Truck Trial family moved to France in Montalieu Vercieu in the department of Isere.

The Center Tout Terrain of the Vallée Bleue has been hosting the French round of the Europa Truck Trial for 23 years. Every year, more than 10,000 people at the Pentecost weekend come to watch this awesome truck race. The morphological diversity of the Montalieu terrain offers a unique, technical and spectacular competition field that has made the French race a must for every fan of this discipline. So unmissable that for everyone Montalieu Vercieu is considered the home of the Europa Truck Trial.

The traditional parade in the main street of Montalieu Vercieu

The Montalieu Vercieu race is preceded by a parade of all the participants that crosses the village between two wings of exultant crowd. The teams reciprocate this warm welcome with their crazy stunts that make adults and children happy and remind everyone that the most beautiful event of the year takes place at the Center Tout Terrain.

Europa Truck Trial France, the largest French offroad event with the record of registered teams

Also this year the organizer Maurice Lavesvre achieved a great success for the 23rd edition of the event. In fact, the Truck Trial Montalieu was confirmed as the biggest French offroad event thanks to the spectators who often exceed 10,000 persons and the 48 registered trucks coming from: France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.

europa truck trial france montalieu vercieu jurgen funke maurice lavesvre — In the center Jurgen Funke with Murice Lavesvre

In my opinion the Montalieu Vercieu race, without taking anything away from the other locations of the Europa Truck Trial, is the most beautiful in the whole championship. From the Friday parade to the special stages to the Sunday evening awards ceremony, everything is beautiful, fun and unforgettable.

Get organized for 2020! May 30th and 31st could be your chance to attend the Europa Truck Trial France and if you can arrive on Friday to not miss the parade.