The first Spaniard to win a round of the FIM Trial World Championship when he claimed victory in Finland in 1979, Soler was a four-time Spanish champion who inspired an entire nation of Trial riders.

“It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Manuel Soler,” said Thierry Michaud, Director of the FIM Trial Commission. “In addition to his magnificent riding style and friendly personality, he was the first Spanish rider to win an FIM Trial World Championship event.

“With four victories in total, he opened the history of the great Spanish Trial riders from the 1970s until today. In recent years he has also been very involved in vintage Trial, allowing its growing success today. The whole family of Trial and the FIM Family pay tribute to a great character.”

A member of the famous Bulto family, Soler started riding at an early age on custom-built, small-scale Bultaco and earned the affectionate nickname ‘El Monstruito’ which translates as ‘The Little Monster’. As well as his considerable sporting successes, he played a major role in the development of the marque’s Trial models.

Soler was also very active within the RFME for the last decade and a member of the CTE and FIM CCR.

Among the riders to pay tribute to him was Finnish three-time Trial World Champion Yrjo Vesterinen who was defeated on home ground by his then team-mate when Soler claimed that historic first TrialGP win for Spain.

“Thinking of you my dear friend Manuel,” wrote Vesterinen. “Once upon a time you taught me how to enjoy life to the full. I on the other hand gave you some tips on how to become a better rider. Some of that only to regret later!

“Right now my consolation is that I was one of the lucky people to have been able to spend some fabulous moments with you. Distant memories perhaps but very much alive now. RIP and always in my mind.”

When Bultaco ceased production, Soler switched to Montesa where he claimed a further three TrialGP victories that all came in 1981, his most successful season in the FIM Trial World Championship when he placed fifth overall and led the series after the opening round. In total he scored 12 podium finishes at the sport’s highest level.

Bernie Schreiber, America’s first and only TrialGP champion, also lost out to Soler on that memorable August day in Espoo in 1979.

“I’m writing this in tears on my birthday and thinking about all the good times Manuel and myself had since 1975 when he first stayed with us in our California home,” wrote Schreiber. “Manuel was like a brother. While he may be gone, we still have memories of those good times.

“Manuel was one of the most talented world-class riders of his time. His style was unique and smooth and I learned a lot from him. When he had a good ride in a section, we’d say ‘only Manuel can do that’. A real gentleman with a deep passion for the sport of Trial and motorsports.

“You’re going to be missed forever by so many of us who loved you. Rest in peace, friend and champion.”

Picture Caption: Spanish Trial icon Manuel Soler Pic (c) Eric Kitchen

Exactly forty years after the triumph of the legendary Italian Red Helmets during the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) organised on Elba Island in 1981, history will repeat itself in the same location.

The International Motorcycle Federation (FIM) in collaboration with the Italian Motorcycle Federation (FMI), has officially entrusted the organisation of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy to the Moto Club Isola d’Elba, which will be held from 20 to 23 October 2021.

The FMI Working Group made up of Franco Gualdi (Enduro Committee Coordinator), Francesco Mazzoleni (Regularity Manager of the Vintage Motorcycle Committee) and Paolo Buratti (Race Director) will support the organising committee, chaired by Daniele Anichini.

For the first time this year, the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy will take place separately from the FIM ISDE that is contested on modern motorcycles, and which is also scheduled to take place in Italy in  Rivanazzano Terme from 30 August to 04 September.

The 2021 FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy will include:

• The Vintage Veterans Trophy Team: a competition for national teams. Each team will be composed of three riders aged at least 50 and who have been nominated by their respective federations.
• The Vintage Silver Vase Club team: a competition for club teams. Each team will be made up of three riders aged at least 35.

There will be four classes: A (motorcycles built up until 1975, 2 Strokes), B (motorcycles built up until 1975, 4 Strokes), C (motorcycles manufactured up until 1980), X (motorcycles manufactured up until 1986). In the Vintage Veterans Trophy team and in the Vintage Silver Vase Club team, each team must be represented in at least two of the classes A, B, C.

Giovanni Copioli, FMI President: “After the victory of the Italian team in Portugal in 2019, the meeting on the Island of Elba will certainly be unmissable. The FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy will not take place within the normal ISDE framework alongside the modern motorcycles as it has been until today, but it will be an event in all respects given the media and sporting importance it deserves. The scenario of the island of Elba evokes great memories for us Italian fans and will also guarantee fun and a good level of challenges thanks to the organisation of the local Moto Club. I thank the International Motorcycle Federation, who once again gave all their confidence to Italy and the FMI by entrusting us to deliver another high-level competition. We are committed to respecting all the health regulations necessary to safely welcome the many expected participants.”

Jorge Viegas, FIM President: “The organisation of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy outside the FIM ISDE will allow the development of this Enduro competition for classic motorcycles first introduced in 2016, during the Six Days which took place in Navarra, Spain. The FIM is delighted that the FMI and the Moto Club Isola d’Elba have accepted to organise the 2021 edition which will bring together a greater number of fans of classic Enduro motorcycles from 1975 to 1986 and 50cc to 250cc. We really hope that this unique competition will gather international media and fans for what will be an unforgettable 2021 edition. See you from October 20 to 23 on the Island of Elba!”