That’s a charming essay and all, but what a steaming pile of horseshit.
Horseshit being relevant, because ultimately bike trials comes from motorbike trials comes from horse trials (and maybe that comes from something else) which are, according to Collins’ dictionary, “a series of contests that test a competitor's skill and ability”.
Of course “pure” trials is a sport, you’re overthinking and don’t sound as clever as you think you do.