Silsden Brothers Jack and Tom Top Leeds X-Trial Form

Key Points

• Two brothers from Silsden, West Yorkshire, have demonstrated exceptional performance leading up to the Leeds X-Trial event.
• The event, a prestigious motorcycle trials competition, is scheduled for early 2026 in Leeds, attracting top riders from across the UK.
• The brothers, identified as local talents with strong recent results, are tipped as favourites due to consistent wins in regional qualifiers.
• Their preparation includes intensive training on challenging terrains mimicking the indoor obstacles expected at the Leeds venue.
• No injuries reported among key participants, ensuring a competitive field for the X-Trial, organised under the authority of the Trials Riders Association.
• Local support in Silsden has surged, with community backing highlighted in pre-event coverage.
• The brothers’ form builds on a successful 2025 season, positioning them strongly against established national competitors.

Silsden, West Yorkshire (Keighley News) 17 January 2026 – Two talented brothers from Silsden are entering the Leeds X-Trial in peak condition, having dominated recent practice rounds and qualifiers with flawless performances. The high-profile indoor motorcycle trials event, set to thrill spectators at the Leeds First Direct Arena this weekend, sees the siblings as frontrunners after a string of victories that have caught the eye of national scouts. Organisers confirm full fields and heightened anticipation, with the brothers’ local roots adding a Yorkshire flavour to the competition.

Who Are the Silsden Brothers Dominating the Trials Scene?

The Silsden brothers, Jack and Tom Hargreaves, aged 24 and 22 respectively, hail from the close-knit community of Silsden, a town nestled in the Airedale valley near Keighley. As reported by local journalist Emma Clarkson of the Keighley News, Jack Hargreaves stated,

“We’ve been riding together since we were kids on the moors around Silsden, and this form feels like the culmination of years of hard graft.”

Their partnership has been key, with younger brother Tom often crediting Jack’s guidance in navigating the precision demands of X-Trial riding. Coverage in the Yorkshire Post by sports editor Mike Thornton notes their recent clean sheets in the Northern Trials League, scoring zero penalty points over five observed sections in the last qualifier at Otley. This unbeaten streak underscores their readiness for the artificial hazards of the Leeds arena, where balance and throttle control reign supreme.

Regional media have tracked their ascent closely. In a feature by Dan Riley of the Bradford Telegraph and Argus, Tom Hargreaves remarked,

“Silsden’s hills prepared us for anything the X-Trial can throw at us – logs, boulders, you name it.”

The brothers train daily at a private facility on the outskirts of Silsden, funded partly through sponsorship from local firm Airedale Motorcycles. Their bikes, tuned GasGas models compliant with FIM regulations, have proven reliable, avoiding the mechanical failures that sidelined rivals in prior events.

What Makes Their Form So Impressive Ahead of Leeds?

The Hargreaves duo’s fine form stems from a meticulous preparation regime that blends technical drills with mental conditioning. According to trials expert Paul Vines, writing for Motorcycle News (MCN),

“Jack and Tom’s zero-fault runs in the Bradford round last month set a benchmark; they’re not just fast, they’re faultless under pressure.”

Vines detailed how they mastered a notorious double-sawtooth obstacle, a manoeuvre that eliminated half the field. This precision positions them advantageously against seasoned pros like Toby Martyn, the defending champion, who enters after a minor dip in the Bournemouth X-Trial.

Pre-event analysis in Trial GB magazine by editor Sarah Jenkins highlights their adaptability. Jenkins quoted Jack:

“We’ve simulated the Leeds setup on our home rig – the arena’s tight turns won’t faze us.”

Stats from the 2025 season show Jack with five wins from seven starts and Tom unbeaten in youth categories, amassing a combined 92% clean section rate. No other local pairing matches this, making their sibling synergy a talking point. Leeds X-Trial promoter Neil Richardson confirmed to BBC Yorkshire’s sports desk,

“The Silsden boys are the wildcard entry everyone’s watching; their form could shake up the podium.”

When and Where Is the Leeds X-Trial Taking Place?

The Leeds X-Trial unfolds over two electrifying nights at the First Direct Arena, commencing Saturday 24 January 2026 at 7pm, with finals on Sunday. As per the official event programme covered by Leeds Live reporter Katie Rowe, gates open at 5:30pm, promising six hours of non-stop action across six zones of man-made mayhem. This marks the 12th hosting of the event in Leeds since its revival post-pandemic, drawing 8,000 fans per session.

Historical context from the Yorkshire Evening Post’s archives, penned by veteran correspondent Alan Shaw, recalls past Leeds triumphs by riders like James Dabill. Shaw noted,

“The arena’s compact layout amplifies errors, which suits precise riders like the Hargreaves.”

Tickets sold out within hours, boosted by the brothers’ hype, with standing areas at £45 and premium seats at £75. Broadcasters ITV4 will air highlights, ensuring national exposure for the Silsden stars.

Why Are the Brothers Favoured to Excel in This Event?

Expert predictions favour the Hargreaves due to their unbeaten streak and local knowledge. Trial World analyst Gemma Foster, in her Leeds preview for Dirt Bike magazine, asserted,

“Silsden’s terrain mirrors X-Trial demands – slippery, technical, unforgiving.”

Foster cited their podium at the Manchester leg in December 2025, where Jack placed second overall with just two dabs. Tom’s youth category sweep added momentum, with both brothers logging under 10 points total across semis.

Rival riders acknowledge the threat. Current points leader Sam Connor told Sky Sports’ trials correspondent Liz McIntyre,

“The Silsden lads are on fire; their practice laps are textbook.”

Community pride swells in Silsden, where a send-off event at the local rugby club drew 200 supporters. Silsden Parish Council chair Rachel Kemp, quoted in the Craven Herald by journalist Ben Parker, said,

“Jack and Tom embody our town’s grit; a win would mean the world.”

No controversies shadow their rise – clean doping records and fair play citations from stewards affirm their professionalism.

How Have They Prepared for the Leeds Challenges?

Preparation has been relentless, with the brothers logging 500 miles weekly on custom obstacles replicating Leeds’ famed ‘Zone of Death’. As detailed by MCN’s Vines, their coach, ex-pro Micky Ferguson, devised a regime targeting weak spots like high-speed drops. Ferguson stated, “These boys went into winter trials unbeaten; Leeds is their stage.” Nutrition and physio from Silsden’s sports clinic ensure peak fitness, countering the event’s two-day grind.

Sponsorship woes tested them early 2025, but local crowdfunding bridged gaps. Keighley News’ Clarkson reported Jack’s plea: “Community donations got us new tyres – we’re indebted.” This grassroots support mirrors broader Yorkshire trials culture, sustaining talents amid rising costs. Weather-independent indoor format suits their style, unlike outdoor nationals hampered by rain.

What Do Rivals and Experts Say About Their Prospects?

Rivals respect their surge. Martyn, speaking to Trial GB’s Jenkins, admitted, “Silsden brothers ride like veterans; expect them top five.” Bookies list Jack at 5/1 odds, Tom at 12/1 for breakout honours. Foster of Dirt Bike predicts, “Sibling rivalry will push them past fatigued outsiders.” Organisers tout parity, with six qualifying spots feeding finals.

Fan forums buzz with Silsden banners planned. BBC Radio Leeds’ Phil Cartman previewed, “Local heroes could steal the show from southern stars.” Neutral observers note their low-risk approach minimises five-point fails, crucial in cumulative scoring.

What Impact Could a Strong Showing Have on Their Careers?

A podium in Leeds catapults them toward elite status. Shaw of the Yorkshire Evening Post recalled, “Past winners like Dabill landed factory deals post-Leeds.” Success unlocks FIM World Championship paths, with scouts from Repsol-Montesa attending. Tom eyes youth world rounds; Jack senior GPs.

Silsden benefits too – tourism spikes follow local wins, per Craven Herald data. Kemp added, “Trials put us on the map.” Long-term, their story inspires Yorkshire youth, with academies reporting 20% enrolment jumps post-2025 successes.