Historic off-road motorcycles, international teams and four riding days in the Ore Mountains: the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy comes to Zschopau in 2026. The tenth edition takes place from 29 September to 3 October. The FIM reports around 450 participants – and Germany enters its home event as defending champion of the Veterans Trophy.
As of 30 September 2026. An overview of the opening based on published organiser information; not a results report.
Zschopau: a fitting venue for the Vintage Trophy
Enduro sport has been held in Zschopau since 1955. The region hosted the Six Days in 2012 and most recently staged the EnduroGP season finale in 2025. With the Vintage Trophy, older competition motorcycles now take centre stage. The organiser is MSC MZ Zschopau e.V. im ADAC. Source: FIM preview.
The appeal lies in the combination of technology and competition: how does a classic chassis cope off-road? How much speed can be sustained over a whole riding day with historic braking and engine technology? For spectators, the differences between generations of motorcycles are immediately visible on the course.
From acceleration test to final cross
The event comprises the opening on 29 September and four riding days from 30 September to 3 October. It begins with a short liaison stage including an acceleration test. According to the FIM, two laps of roughly 80 kilometres each are planned on each of the two following days. Each lap includes two cross tests and one enduro test. Source: FIM.
So more than the fastest single test counts. The motorcycle has to remain reliable, the rider has to manage his or her strength, and the procedure at the checkpoints has to be correct. It is the combination of special tests and long hours in the saddle that gives the event its sporting value.
| Day | Programme according to the organiser |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, 29 September | Scrutineering; opening at 18:30 at the Neumarkt. |
| Wednesday, 30 September | First rider from 13:00 at the Neumarkt; acceleration test. |
| Thursday, 1 October | Start from 08:00; tests in Weißbach, Witzschdorf and at the Skihang Zschopau. |
| Friday, 2 October | Start from 08:00; tests in Venusberg, Wilischthal and at the Skihang Zschopau. |
| Saturday, 3 October | Start from 08:00; final cross in Venusberg from 10:00; prize-giving at 19:00 in the Hohndorf paddock. |
Source: official schedule of 18 September 2026. Check the organiser’s channels for short-notice changes.
Germany defends the title
In the Vintage Veterans Trophy, 17 national teams with a total of 51 riders compete. Germany won in 2025; France finished second twice most recently. Poland, third last year, and Italy, winners in 2024, are also among the sporting rivals to watch. Source: FIM on the starting position.
Under the regulations, a Trophy team consists of three riders aged at least 50. The machines must cover at least two of categories A, B and C; a category A motorcycle is mandatory. Evo 1986 and Open 1991 machines are not permitted in this team classification. Team composition therefore also plays a part. Source: FIM Regulations 2026, Article 01.5.1.
Which motorcycles can take part?
The regulations distinguish five age categories: Classic 75, Classic 79, Classic 83, Evo 1986 and Open 1991. The years indicate the latest year of manufacture. Depending on the category, different engine capacity classes apply.
Period design features are also decisive. An old look alone is not enough: precise requirements and exceptions apply to the chassis, brakes and other components. Alongside the Veterans Trophy, the regulations provide for the Silver Vase, Women’s Club, club and individual classifications. Not every classification has the same age and vehicle requirements. Source: FIM Regulations, Articles 01.5 and 01.10.
For technology enthusiasts, that is precisely what makes a visit worthwhile. In the paddock, one can compare solutions that have become rare in today’s competition – from tank shape to suspension to the accessibility of components.
Practical information for spectators
The Neumarkt in Zschopau is the starting point. Anyone wanting to see the machines under load will find the special test locations in the schedule. The final cross in Venusberg on Saturday brings the last races together at one venue.
The organiser gives the following prices: 15 euros for the wristband for all four riding days, 10 euros for a separate final cross ticket and 5 euros for the programme booklet. Children up to twelve years old have free admission. Wristbands and booklets are sold at the special tests, among other places. Source: organiser information.
An evening of off-road racing stories and live music has been announced for Thursday, 1 October, from 18:00 in the camping paddock at Klädtke Maschinenbau in Hohndorf. Source: supporting programme.
The organiser publishes current announcements and results via msc-mz.de and the Sportity app with the access code FIMEVT. For getting to individual tests, current visitor information is a better basis than older course details.
Why this also interests rally fans
The Vintage Trophy is a classic enduro competition. The link to rally sport lies in the challenge: rider and motorcycle have to function over several days. Preparation, technical reliability and a controlled rhythm count as much as speed. In Zschopau, this side of off-road sport can be experienced on machines whose construction is still easy to follow.
Picture credits
- Image 1 – race scene: © Future7Media, FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy 2025, Piekoszów/Poland. Published in the FIM preview of Zschopau 2026. Original image.
- Image 2 – historic motorcycles: © Future7Media, FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy 2025, Piekoszów/Poland. Published in the same FIM preview. Original image.
- Title and social banners: AI-assisted editorial illustrations based on the archive motorcycle motif by © Future7Media. Official logos of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy and of MSC MZ/ADAC, provided on the organiser’s website. Not documentary photographs of the 2026 event.
