FIM Europe Mag 1 2015

Nr 1/2015 - January/February

­FIM­EUROPE­FOR­ROAD­SAFETY­ STRONG­EUROPEAN­PARTICIPATION IN­TEAM­EVENTS THE­EUROPEAN­STOCK­600­CHAMPIONSHIP ACCORDING­TO­MICHAEL­VAN­DER­MARK

INDEX

3

FIM Europe for Road Safety

5 6 8

10 14

St ro ng urro opea on S tro ng E Eu pea n pa parr ti cip ci p a ti tio in i n Tea m Ev ents ent s

18 Jan Witteveen presented the European Stock 250 4 Strokes Championship

20 21 22 23

Non-Sporting Commissions Meetings FIM EUROPE MAG

Chief Editor: Fiammetta La Guidara Photos: Dorna, Youthstream, R. Pairan, M. Zanzani FIM EUROPE Via Giulio Romano, 18 00196 - Rome Italy E-mail: fimeuropepress@gmail.com

In I ntt e r v ie w w wiitt h Mi ch a e l va n d e r Ma M ic ha v an M arrkk

FIM Europe MAG #1 January-February 2015 The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of FIM Europe.

The content of this publication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written.

The copyring of articles and photos even partially is forbidden unless permission has been requested from FIM Europe in advance and reference is made to the source (ŠFIM Europe)

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Great­variety

in­2015­Sporting­Calendars

Above, the start of European Motocross Championship 125 cc in Belgium, (photo M. Zanzani, ©Youthstream) On the left, Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe 1st Deputy President.

Below, the European Enduro Championship in Balau (photo R. Pairan)

All sporting calendars of the various motorsport disciplines were approved at the last meeting of the Management Council in Belgrade. This meeting was combined with the prize-giving ceremony of the Balkan Motorcycle Union, where riders of all ages received their awards. We asked Mr Martin de Graaff, President of FIM Europe Sporting Council, to summarize the 2015 European sporting scenery.

«In Road Racing the new events will be the CEV Repsol EC Championship, the Stock 250 in the Alpe Adria Championship, which is open on affordable road race bikes to young riders from all Federations.

«As for Motocross, there will be events in all European zones and the final in Kegums (Latvia), and the various European Championship classes will race in combination with the MXGP.

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«Quads will race in combination with Sidecar World Championship and also in combination with 65/85 EC. At the beginning of 2015 FIM Europe will sign a sponsor contract for the European Championship Quads.

«The European Motocross of Nations, also for Women, will be open to other CONUs. The Sidecarcross /Quadcross of European Nations in Schwedt (Germany) in October will also be open to riders from other Continents.

«All new is the Motocross Hillclimb European Championship in Kivioli (Estonia), on Saturday evening between the training and races of the World Championship Sidecars and European Cham- pionship Quads.

«Calendars in Enduro, Track Race, Dragbikes, Trial and also for the several Vintage Cups will be well divided all over Europe, with many events.

«After the cancellation in the latest years of the European Championship of Motoball, the new Series will be held in Germany, from 20-25 May (Final on May 25th) in Kuppenheim (Germany). The event will be a must

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Above, the discipline of Motoball, which will come back at European level this year.

Below, the Mini Road Racing: in 2015 two races for the European Championship will be organised in Italy and in the Netherlands

for fans of football in combination with motorsport. «The attention to Mini Road Racing on European level was decreasing during the last years, but in 2015 two races for the European Championship will be organised

in Italy and in the Netherlands.

Both events will take place in August, which is important, because it will be holiday time for young riders taking part to the different classes. For the races in Assen a special TT Junior track will be de-

veloped, near the famous TT Circuit. In the week before the race all riders will be welcome for free training and sessions with special trainers. Hopefully the riders of many Federations will take part in these two events.

«I am very satisfied with the well prepared sporting calendars in all disciplines», added Martin de Graaff.

«Thanks to all hard working FIM Europe Commissions and Officials for their contribution in 2014 and for what has been achieved for 2015, in good cooperation with our member Federations and our Promoters».

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Start of the Legal Review Project and EU funding of motorcycling sport activities

The FIM Europe Management Board approved, during its meeting in Belgrade on 6th December 2014, the proposal

by Jan Stovicek, the FIM Europe Vice President, to implement the project of FIM Europe legal texts revision.

Basing on this decision, FIM Europe will address all its member FMNs to participate in the revision work of crucial FIM Europe texts, including the Statutes, By-Laws, Disciplinary and Arbitration Code and the Sporting Code. Also the FIM will be invited to participate.

A working group of lawyers will be formed in order to review these legislative texts with the objective to identify eventual inconsistencies that might have occurred with regard to various modifications in past years, and propose rectifications to improve their legal quality.

The objective is also to introduce elementary rules for legislative process for the future so that the risk of reproduction of similar situation is minimized.

The revision works will be led

by Mr Jan Stovicek for many years a member of the FIM In-

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ternational Panel of Judges and experienced sporting lawyer.

Mr Jan Stovicek will also be the leader of another important project: according to the decision of the Management Council FIM Europe will investigate the opportunities of financing motorcycling sport activities in Europe from European Union funds.

The objective is to identify ways how to (co)finance activities of FIM Europe and of its member FMNs such as European Championship events, training camps and suchlike.

There is an allowance of 266 million Euro for the period of 2014-2020 in the EU budget to fund EU-wide, non-profit sporting activities and events, through the ERASMUS+ program. Various events like European University Games or Youth Olympic Festival have already been co-financed from this program in the recent past. Apparently various motorcycling sport activities organized under the FIM Europe or its member FMNs are suitable for similar support.

FIM Europe will further follow this issue, informing its mem-

ber FMNs about guidelines how to proceed in application process. As a first stage it is certainly necessary to identify projects suitable for application, which is a task for all FIM Europe and member FMNs.

In the photo on the right, Mr Jan Stovicek, leader of two important projects for FIM Europe

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FIM­ Europe­ has­ been­ sharing the­importance­of­road­safety since­its­foundation.­Nowadays there­are­37­millions­motorcyclists­ in­ Europe­ and­ they­ are also­among­the­most­vulnerable­road­users.

Over­28.100­people­were­killed in­ traffic­ accidents­ in­ 2012­ in 27­ Member­ States­ and­ there were­around­1,4­million­people injured­in­the­same­year.­Traffic collisions­are­the­main­cause­of death­ for­ people­ under­ 45 years­of­age.­

In­ 2009­ they­ have­ cost­ €­ 130 billion/year­to­society.­On­average­one­out­of­3­inhabitants­of EU­will­be­hospitalised­during his­life­because­of­a­traffic­accident.

Of­ all­ road­ fatalities,­ almost 50%­ are­ car­ occupants­ ­ and around­15%­are­motorcyclists­– and­3%­moped­riders,­although there­ are­ around­ 25­ cars­ to every­motorcycle­registered­in the­EU.­

Chances­ of­ getting­ hurt­ in­ an accident­for­two-wheelers­are therefore­higher­than­for­most road­users,­and­consequences for­riders­are­usually­more­serious.­

This­ is­ why­ one­ of­ the­ main aims­ of­ FIM­ Europe­ is­ to­ involve­ National­ Federations in the­activities­which­are­linked to­road­users­and­Road­Safety in­particular.­

FIM Europe

Since­2007­the­yearly­event­of Road­ Safety­ Conference­ has

been­launched:­it­happens­during­ the­ annual­ FIM­ Europe Congress,­where­the­47­European­Federations­are­present.

FIM­Europe­is­now­organising the ninth­ edition­ of­ Road­ Safety­Conference, which,­as­its main­ aim,­ will­ deal­ with­ the development­of­electronics­to increase­ usability­ and­ safety both­on­track­and­on­road.

FIM­Europe,­in­fact,­has­a­privileged­observation­point,­as­for its­ institutional­ role­ FIM­ Europe­is­acting­in­all­matters­in relation­with­motorcycling­activities­ and,­ as­ such,­ in­ domains­ ranging­ from­ sport, tourism,­mobility,­road­safety, protection­and­defence­of­the rights­and­interests­of­motorcycle­users.­All­this­helps­FIM­Eu-

for Road Safety

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From the left, Jean-Pierre Moreau, FIM Europe Public Affairs Chairman, Dries Hop, Dutch Police National Academy, and Silvio Manicardi, FIM Europe 2nd Deputy President

rope­ to­ help­ exchange­ experience­ among­ different­ "actors".

So­in­its­first­event,­in­Cyprus, in­2007,­the­Road­Safety­Conference­ dealt­ with­ "Specific problems­ on­ road­ safety"­ in Mediterranean­ Area­ and, more­generally,­in­Europe,­facing­also­the­topic­of­"Industry responses­ and­ initiatives", with­ the­ intervention­ of ACEM,­ the­ Motorcycle­ Industry­in­Europe.­In­the­second edition­ of­ the­ Road­ Safety Conference,­in­Riga,­the­attention­was­already­on­man,­with interventions­about­"Early­Hazard­Perception­Course"­(from Royal­ Dutch­ Motorcyclist­ Association).­

In­the­third­edition­Jean-Pierre Moreau,­Chairman­of­FIM­Europe­ Public­ Affairs­ Commission,­outlined­the­importance of­opening­the­door­of­circuits to­ motorcycle­ road­ users,­ in order­to­give­them­secure­spaces­and­propose­to­them­an­alternative­ solution­ to­ road

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repression,­ but­ also­ to­ know better­ the­ limits­ of­ their­ riding,­ to­ measure­ their­ reactions­and­to­take­advantage­of advice­of­qualified­instructors.­

Among­ the­ most­ interesting subjects­the­Road­Safety­Conference­ dealt­ with,­ there­ is also­"Traumatic­injuries­after road­accidents",­by­Prof.­Moreschini,­ of­ the­ University­ of Rome,­in­2011.­

In­ the­ latest­ edition,­ during 2014­FIM­Europe­Congress­in Cracow,­one­of­the­main­topics was­represented­by­airbag­for motorcyclists,­where­the­connection­between­technologies developed­for­road­safety­and for­sporting­motor­sports­was very­ strong.­ In­ the­ end,­ Mr Jarno­ Zaffelli,­ Dromo­ Circuit Designer,­ also­ explained­ the safety­and­risk­analysis­system he­developed:­DroCAS,­which deals­with­Run­Off­dimensioning­ and­ risk­ assessment­ for motor¬sports­and­is­also­used to­turn­incident­experience­in an­ objective­ tool­ to­ assess

risks­inside­and­outside­racetracks.­

«EU had set itself the goal of reducing in ten years by 50% road deaths, which in 2001 were 54,000. The goal was almost reached, because in 2010 the traffic fatalities were 31,000, which represent anyway the loss of habitants of a medium-sized city in Europe», FIM­ Europe­ second­ Deputy President­ Silvio­ Manicardi said.

«Unfortunately the fatal accidents among motorcyclists fell in a lower percentage, by about 30%, so the world of two wheelers must put more energy to achieve the objective.

«Now UE aims to reduce, over the next 10 years, again by 50% this figure and the FIM Europe will do all possible actions, also through the National Federations associated, to help achieve this important target».

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Let the riders write the law "How to tackle motorcycle safety challenges for the next decade?"

This is the question to which RIDERSCAN project will commit to give an answer.

The EU co-financed RIDERSCAN project, a European Scanning Tour for Motorcycle Safety, in fact, is aiming at taking a magnifying glass and look at Member States' relevant expertise (motorcycling and road safety experts) to draw recommendations to improve motorcycle safety in Europe.

The safety of motorcyclists - and their protection against the risk and consequences of an accident is a subject of paramount importance, not only for motorcyclists, but for the community in general.

While the number of motorcyclist deaths has been steadily decreasing over the last two decades, the dip has been slower than for other road users, in part due to the increase in fleet size that occurred over the same time period.

The need to work on improving motorcycle safety has been recognized by the United Nations in its Declaration for a Decade of Action for Road Safety, by the OECD (2008 Lillehammer conference), by the motorcyclist community (2010 European Motorcyclists’ Forum) and by the European Commission, who committed to improve research and technical development aimed at increasing motorcyclist safety.

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The RIDERSCAN project is designed to address this issue, by collecting information to allow for the first time a comparison of situations, fleets, populations and policies between countries and regions across Europe.

The 3-year project was intended to gather existing knowledge, identify needs and disseminate the collected information to relevant stakeholders to promote motorcycle safety throughout Europe. It reports on areas for European action (legislation, standardization, research and political needs), but also publishes conclusions to stakeholders at national level. So doing, the project expects to foster a new dynamic among road safety stakeholders by advancing knowledge, enhancing communication and better cooperation between the various areas related to motorcycle safety.

On the 2nd of February in Bruxelles there was a panel discussion of the outcomes of the RIDERSCAN project. This event is organised by FEMA and sponsored also by FIM, to present and discuss the collected information, including: - A detailed picture of motorcycling in Europe based on the survey results of more than 10.000 answers in 30 European countries (with country comparison in terms of riding habits and safety attitudes); - Member States priorities to im-

prove PTW safety (outcomes of indepth interviews from 22 Member States road safety representatives); - The results of a unique survey on ITS for motorcycling and usefulness rating by the powered two wheeler users in Europe; - Research and data collection status in Europe, national and EU data collection needs, and proposal for improving and harmonizing accident report forms; - Common PTW infrastructure problems and relevant European and national standards review needs.

The Forum consisted of a full day Workshop at the CEN-CENELECwhere these important sessions were scheduled: Knowledge - What do we know over motorcycling safety? Research status Accessing Motorcycling - Safer and better access to Powered Two Wheelers?

Road Environment Environment – Safer roads PTWs, from design to maintenance Safety Messages – Communicating with the riding community Strategies – Priorities and key measures for the next decade.

The following day the European Motorcyclists’ Forum 2015 ended in the European Parliament to present the outcomes of the RIDERSCAN project.

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Interesting comments and opinions on the matter were expressed by Szabolcs Schmidt (Head of the Road Safety Unit, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) of the European Commission), members of the European parliament Inés Ayalá-Sender and Wim van de Camp, FIM CAP Director Jesper Christensen and FEMA General Secretary Dolf Willigers.

Finally Pierre van Elslande, Chairman of the ITF Working Group presented some of the outcomes of the OECD/ITF Motorcycle safety report.

During the morning at the European Parliament it became clear that the huge amount of information the RIDERSCAN project has generated will be very useful for the European Commission, and Mr. Schmidt expressed his gratitude for this, saying that the outcomes of the project were very useful and would certainly be taken into account in the mid-term evaluation of the European Commission Road Safety Policy Orientations 20112020.

During his speech Mr Jesper Christensen launched some strong messages, such as the proposal that motorcyclists should start making laws for motorcyclists themselves, the request to reconsider the Di-

rective about licenses in order to ensure a procedure which considers more the aspects that are "important for safety" leaving out some demonstrations of skills which are less useful. Costs should be more affordable, too.

From the first experiences of applications of this Directive motorcycle associations have evidence of discrimination against women who have found difficulties to pass the tests because of the type of motorcycle that you have to use during the examinations.

Another strong demand was for better infrastructure and for rapid European definition and implementation of the technical standard that defines "the motorcycle friendly barriers".

Mr Van de Camp and Ms. Ayalá-Sender saw room for improvement of the Road Safety Policy and emphasized the need to use the information of RIDERSCAN in this. They also foresaw a growing role for powered two wheelers (PTWs) in future mobility.

Mr Van de Camp also invited the motorcycle community to give him input for the mid-tern evaluation of the European Commission Road Safety Policy Orientations 20112020 in the European Parliament.

Mr Willigers stated that the use of powered two wheelers was part of the solution for present and future congestion problems and therefore using a PTW should made safer. He expressed the hope that the outcomes of the RIDERSCAN project and the willingness of the European Commission to use them would contribute to this.

Mr Van Elslande referred in his presentation to a growing role of PTWs in global mobility, a disproportional number of casualties of riders and the need to take action on this.

The OECD/ITF report will contain recommendations to enhance motorcycle road safety.

Mr Silvio Manicardi, who attended the meeting as FIM Europe VicePresident stated: «Since its foundation FIM Europe has always given particolar attention to road safety problems, both directy and through the 47 Federations that it represents and it has always seen with great favour all initiatives born to improve safety of motorcyclists on the European roads. RIDERSCAN project places itself among these iniatives. It is one of the programs that give the possibility to politicians and members of the European Commission to legiferate on the basis of facts and not not just by personal opinion».

In the other page, simulated crash test with helmet not properly fixed in front of schoolboys.

In the group, from the left Silvio Manicardi, FIM Europe Vice President, John ChattertonRoss FIM Public affairs director, Dolf Willigers, just appointed FEMA Secretary General, Thomas Linget, FIM consultant, Jesper Christensen FIM CAP Director Below, the presentation of RIDERSCAN project at the European Parliament. From the left Jesper Christensen, Dolf Willigers, Szabolcs Schmidt, Inés Ayalá-Sender, Wim van de Camp and Pierre van Elslande

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Strong European participation

in Team Events Events for National Teams are always very special, as they are the most popular showcase of our sport. It is the only occasion where the best riders of the world come together and compete for their Country.

They ride with great pride and enthusiasm for their colours. It is an honour for every rider to be selected for the national team and compete against riders of all the other national teams.

European Federations have a long history and tradition to take part in these events and they work very hard on the preparation as well as the selection of the riders.

These are the famous team events: ISDE (International Six Days Enduro), Motocross of Na-

tions, SuperMoto of Nations, Trial des Nations and Freestyle of Nations. Expect the Snowcross of Nations as of 2016.

FIM has recently issued a statistics about the venues and the participation in the past years.

«FIM Europe, as the largest Continental Union with 47 Federations as affiliated members, features always the biggest number of participants», says dr Wolfgang Srb. «This is a heavy burden in terms of financial and logistic efforts. I am happy that the European Federations keep the value, tradition and importance of the team events very high on the agenda».

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ISDE World Trophy 2011, Finland: 17 teams, 14 from FIM Europe = 82% 2012, Germany: 24 teams, 19 from FIM Europe = 79% 2013, Italy: 20 teams, 13 from FIM Europe = 65% 2014, Argentina: 11 teams, 4 from FIM Europe = 36%

ISDE Women Trophy 2011, Finland: 5 teams, 3 from FIM Europe = 60% 2012, Germany: 7 teams, 4 from FIM Europe = 57% 2013, Italy: 6 teams, 3 from FIM Europe = 50% 2014, Argentina: 3 teams, 0 from FIM Europe = 0%

ISDE Junior Trophy 2011, Finland: 14 teams, 11 from FIM Europe = 78% 2012, Germany: 19 teams, 13 from FIM Europe = 68% 2013, Italy: 15 teams, 11 from FIM Europe = 73% 2014, Argentina: 9 teams, 3 from FIM Europe = 33% 12

ISDE total number of National Teams (Senior + Junior + Women) 2011, Finland: 36 teams, 28 from FIM Europe = 77% 2012, Germany: 50 teams, 36 from FIM Europe = 72% 2013, Italy: 41 teams, 27 from FIM Europe = 65% 2014, Argentina: 23 teams in total, 7 from FIM Europe = 30% FIM Europe Mag 1/2015

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Motocross of Nations 2011, France: 36 teams, 25 from FIM Europe = 69% 2012, Belgium: 33 teams, 24 from FIM Europe = 72% 2013, Germany: 40 teams, 31 from FIM Europe = 77% 2014, Latvia: 34 teams, 27 from FIM Europe = 79%

Trial des Nations, Women 2011, Italy: 10 teams, 8 from FIM Europe = 80% 2012, Switzerland: 11 teams, 9 from FIM Europe = 81% 2013, France: 11 teams, 7 from Europe = 63% 2014, Andorra: 13 teams, 9 from Europe = 69%

Trial des Nations, total number of National Teams (Men + Women) 2011, Italy: 32 teams, 26 from FIM Europe = 81% 2012, Switzerland: 35 teams, 26 from FIM Europe = 74% 2013, France: 33 teams, 25 from Europe = 75% 2014, Andorra: 34 teams, 25 from Europe = 73%

SuperMoto of Nations 2011, Spain: 23 teams, 21 from FIM Europe = 91% 2012, Portugal: 14 teams, 14 from FIM Europe = 100% 2013, Bulgaria: 18 teams, 18 from FIM Europe = 100% 2014, Italy: 21 teams, 20 from FIM Europe = 95% Trial des Nations, Men 2011, Italy: 22 teams, 18 from FIM Europe = 81% 2012, Switzerland: 24 teams, 18 from FIM Europe = 75% 2013, France: 22 teams, 18 from Europe = 81% 2014, Andorra: 21 teams, 16 from Europe = 76% FIM Europe Mag 1/2015

Freestyle of Nations 2014, Germany: 8 teams, 5 from FIM Europe = 62% 13

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European Team Events

Always Always top top of of the the sporting sporting agenda agenda

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The highlights of the motorsport season are without any doubt the team events: the best and fastest riders of a Country, united in a national team, compete for one of the most important achievements in our sport: the title of “European Team Champion”.

There is a big variety of nearly all disciplines, from Motocross to Enduro, from Track Racing to Vintage, from Road Racing to Motoball. The competition as well as the tradition is growing by the year, and so is the fan base.

«It is a big honour for every rider,

male or female, to be selected for the National Team and to represent the colours of the Country», comments Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President.

«They all participate with pride and enthusiasm and get cheered by the fans. It is an unforgettable experience for every rider. I am very happy about the ongoing support of the National Federations for these unique events».

We have collected the statistics of the latest European Team Events (in the photo, courtesy of Youthstream, the podium of MX of Women European of Nations 2014 in Pacov).

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Road Racing Sidecar Cup 2012, Italy: 6 teams

MX of European Nations 2011, Bulgaria: 14 teams 2012, Ukraine: 14 teams 2013, France: 24 teams (+ Women) 2014, Czech Republic: 16 teams (+Women)

Sidecar & Quadcross of European Nations 2011, Germany: 29 teams 2012, The Netherlands: 26 teams 2014, The Netherlands: 26 teams 16

Track Racing (Team Speedway Junior) 2011, Slovenia: 4 teams 2012, Germany: 4 teams 2013, Poland: 4 teams 2014, Germany: 4 teams

Track Racing (European Speedway Club) 2011, Russia: 4 teams Track Racing (Pairs Speedway) 2011, Poland: 7 teams 2012, Ukraine: 7 teams 2013, Germany: 7 teams 2014, Czech Republic: 7 teams

Enduro Trophy (Nations + Junior + Club Teams + Veteran teams) 2011, France: 19 teams 2012, Slovakia: 21 teams 2013, Portugal: 18 teams (+ Women) 2014, Czech Republic: 26 teams (+ Women) FIM Europe Mag 1/2015

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Motoball 2011, Ukraine: 4 teams 2012, Germany: 4 teams 2013, France: 6 teams Vintage Road Racing Cup (Sidecar 1000cc + 750cc) 2014, Denmark: 7 teams Vintage Regularity Cup (Sidecar) 2013, Slovakia: 5 teams Vintage Enduro Cup (Club Teams) 2013, Italy: 7 teams

Vintage Endurance Cup (500 end + 750 end A + 750 end B + end + Classic 750cc + Maxi Classic + Classic 1000cc) 2011, Italy: 32 teams 2013, Spain: 39 teams 2014, Spain: 67 teams FIM Europe Mag 1/2015

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F I M E ur o p e N o n -S po rt ing C o m m is Sporting Commissions after FIM Europe Congress in Cracow and the election of president Dr Wolfgang Srb last July.

The Public Affairs Commission, with the Commission Chairman Jean-Pierre Moreau

The Touring with the the Commission Nils was Freivalds Today inCommission, Fiumicino first Chairman meeting held

of Non-

CAP (Public Affairs) Commission continues its work under the same chairmanship while Touring and Marketing Commissions have found their new chairmen in Nils Freivalds for Tourism and Stijn Rentmeesters for Marketing.

As for the Touring Commission, the idea has been pursued of having representatives from all over Europe, from North to South, in order to have different visions of the use of motorcycle and therefore both proposals of general and regional interest.

«This first meeting of the Non-Sporting Commissions after the Congress in Cracow was very positive», comments Silvio Manicardi, FIM Europe Vice-President. «There has

ssion s M eeti ng s

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been a strong participation from everybody, with an important contribution from FIM Commissions Directors, who have been invited for the first time to participate to the Commissions work and to the Non-Sporting Council.

«I am very pleased with the result of the meetings. The presence of the FIM Commission Directors added additional value.

«FIM Europe will continue with this type of joint meetings also in the years to come», stated FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb.

The Marketing Commission, with the Commission Chairman Stijn Rentmeesters.

Below, from left: Jan Stovicek, Juhani Halme, Nina Birjukova, Michal Sikora, Dr Wolfgang Srb, Alessandro Sambuco, Silvia Monatti, Michel Turk, Martin de Graaff, Silvio Manicardi and Jean-Marc Desnues.

The Non-Sporting Commissions Council

The Marketing Commission, with the Commission Chairman Stijn Rentmeesters

Start of 2015 Season for MXGP Academy After the first successful years of activity, the MXGP Academy renews itself and in the first week of 2015 is starting with a training camp in Spain.

Motocross riders of at least 6 Countries are taking part to the training session in the South of Spain.

During the MXGP of Lommel (Belgium), Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo announced that as of 2015 this project will be managed

by FIM Europe, with the on-going support from Youthstream.

The team of the MXGP Academy relies on the support of famous trainers: two-time FIM Motocross World Champion John Van Den Berk and Jan Postema, for additional training sessions, while the responsible for the coordination is Martin van Genderen, well known in Motocross as well as in Road Racing.

The team has at its disposal for the Academy six KTM: 65 cc, 85 cc and 125 cc. Of course riders can also use their own motocross bikes.

«In many meetings the team has developed this new style of the Academy», says Martin de Graaff, responsible of MXGP Academy on behalf of FIM Europe, where he is President of the Sporting Council.

«I am pleased with the results and all aspects of training possibilities for young riders and trainers in their plans.

«The future structure, laid down in a long term vision with the name ‘Motivation by Encouraging’, is comparable with many other sport programs of Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines».

The activities for these training sessions are: motor training, education for riders (rules and behaFIM Europe Mag 1/2015

viour), aspects of physical training, program for parents about communication, food for sportsmen and women.

A motocross rider, in fact, is not only rider but an athlete, with all necessary skills and aspects of training and education. Every young motocross rider wants to reach the next level.

Besides the program and certification system for riders, the MXGP Academy team will pay attention to a “Train the trainer program”.

After the training camp in Spain the MXGP Academy intends to train young riders on Fridays and Saturdays previous to 6 or 7 MXGP events in European countries.

Riders, parents and trainers will be invited in consultation and cooperation with the concerned Federation where the MXGP will take place.

The calendar and updates for this program will follow and will be published on the FIM Europe website.

In the meantime, a number of Federations showed interest for a

short, two-days training camp for riders and trainers carried out by the MXGP Academy team. This can be planned in consultation with the team, and in coordination with national Federations to reduce costs will also be possible. Interested Federations can send an application to FIM Europe in Rome (office@fimeurope.com)

From the left Martin van Genderen, trainer coordinator, Jan Postema, trainer, Martin de Graaff, President FIM Europe Sporting Council.

Above, a moment of the Academy in 2014 (photo ©Youthstream)

Jan Witteveen presents

SPORT­NEWS

t he Eu r o pean Sto ck 2 50 4 Str o kes Cham pio n shi p In Trieste in the contest of the presentation of Alpe Adria Team Italia, the rules of the new European Stock 250 4 Strokes Championship were introduced to the Italian public, with the favours of the local administration of the city.

Special guest of the evening was Jan Witte ven, the Dutch engineer winner of more than 40 world championships in off-road and GP racing.

Mr Witteveen explained the technical characteristics of the motorcycles which are allowed to take part to this new European Championship, strongly wanted by FIM Europe to give young riders a cheap, "easy" series where they can move their first steps in a Continental contest.

«This series is the idea which was really missing», Mr Witteveen commented. «Passing from minibikes to Moto3 is hard, the Stock 250 4 Strokes series is the perfect middle step. The bike is light around 90 kilos - and the power is well balanced: 35-36 horse-power, the same for all the motorcycles, thanks to shared ECU. The motorcycle costs less than 10.000 euro but this does mean that is not safe or valid: it means only that there not expensive materials like carbon, titan or magnesium but aluminium and steel are enough to

build a good bike! These motorcycles recall the 125 Sport Production machines of the Nineties: and from that series riders like Capirossi, Biaggi and Rossi emerged».

One of the motorcycles which will take part to the new series was the main protagonist of the event.

It was realised by Italian Franco Moro, but the series is open to all constructors.

«The new European Stock 250 Championship is arousing great attention», stated Mr Luigi Favarato, Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union President. «Teams and riders from France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Slovackia, Czech Republic and Italy have already registered to take part to the series. In the next weeks we are going to present the championship in other European Countries of Alpe Adria area. We are proud of being the promoters of this new championship, which will race in the contest of Alpe Adria Series.

It will give to many young riders the

opportunity to live an important experience in their sporting career».

During the event the calendar of the European Stock 250 Championship was communicated.

These are the dates: 17 May Adria Raceway (Italy) 31 May Pannoniaring (Hungary) 21 June Grobnik (Croatia) 19 July Most (Czech Republic) 9 August Hungaroring (Hungary) 13 September Slovakiaring (Slovakia) From the left, Jan Witteveen, the Dutch engineer winner of more than 40 world championship, and Luigi Favarato, President of Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union. The motorcycle is the Stock 250 4 Strokes realised by Franco Moro for the European Championship

FIM­EUROPE­INSIDE

nd FIM Europe 2nd Weight Training Workshop

In In Graz, Graz, nd March from from 20 20thth to to 22 22nd March

The FIM Europe has organized, in collaboration with the European Weightlifting Federation, the 2nd Weight Training Workshop.

The Workshop is addressed to FIM Europe FMNs Trainers, even to those who participated at the 1st edition. In fact will be presented also updates deriving from the scientific studies carried out in the past year. Also Trainers coming from other FIM CONUS will be welcomed at the Workshop.

The initiative is a confirmation of the partnership strategy between FIM Europe and other sports federations.

Which is the role of strength in the performance of the rider?

What are the differences that characterize the use of strength in the various disciplines of Motorcycling?

What means should be used for the development of strength?

What can be the role of weight training?

Is it better to use fixed weights or free weights for strength training of the riders?

The Workshop points to give a shared answer to these and other questions. In the first edition of the course the main topics were: the benefits of Weight training for the rider; halth & safety and equipment selection; Postural Analysis and Functional Movement Screen; the importance and role of Anatomical Adaptation; weight training and the young rider; principles of Training; designing a warm up program; over Reaching and Over Training/Periodization; designing sample programs.

Presenter will be Colin Buckley EWF Education Department – who has over 25 years experience as a Professional Weight Training Coach working with many clubs and Federations developing training programmes up to Elite and International Levels.

He is a member of the European Weightlifting Federation Executive Board, managing the EWF Weightlifting for Sports development program. He is a coach educator and author of Coach Development manuals and resources.

The Workshop will be held at Hotel Paradies in G r a z (www.hotelparadies.at).

Participation at the Workshop and full board accommodation in double room will be free of charge. Travel costs and extra costs will be paid by the participants.

A certificate will be granted to each participant at the end of the Workshop.

There are twenty places available for the Workshop which will be assigned to the first twenty applications received. Applicants will receive a written confirmation by e-mail about the acceptance of the inscription at the Workshop.

Applications should be sent within February 23rd 2015 to: office@fim-europe.com.

«It is very important that the trainers, who work with the riders almost every day, are on a top level», FIM Europe President, Dr Wolfgang Srb stated. «Continuing education is the key. Colin Buckley is a well-recognized trainer with many years of experience. I am grateful to the European Weightlifting Federation that Colin Buckley will already share for the second time his great experience with us. As a matter of fact, not only trainers from European Federations are invited, but also trainers from other Continental Unions».

The 1st FIM Europe Weight Training Workshop - From the left Tomi Konttinen, SML Trainer, Colin Buckley and FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco. Above, a moment of the workshop

SPORT­NEWS

The The European European 600 600 Stock Stock Championship Championship

According According to to Michael Michael van van der der Mark Mark

«It’s «It’sat ataagreat greatlevel. level.Look Lookat atme meand andFranco FrancoMorbidelli Morbidelliwho whois isnow nowin in Moto2» Moto2»comments commentsthe theSupersport SupersportWorld World Champion, Champion,who whowon wonthe theStock Stock 600 600Continental Continentaltitle titlein in2012 2012 Michael van der Mark, Supersport world champion, this year will make his debut in the Superbike World Championship with the Pata Honda Team. Michael won the 2012 Superstock 600 UEM European championship in his second season with the EAB Ten Kate Honda Junior Team.

It was an especially impressive performance from the 19-year-old from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, who began his career racing in the Dutch 125cc Junior Cup. “Magic Mikey” has spent the last five years on Honda machinery, including a wildcard Moto2 ride at the Dutch TT at Assen in 2011.

In 2013 he ended fourth in his World Supersport rookie season, thanks to a third place on Phillip Island – his first Supersport race ever - a second on Aragon and a third place at Istanbul Park.

What is your memory about the title of Stock 600 you won in 2012?

It's a great memory for me because when I went to do the European championship its was a dream for me.

After my first year when I won 4 races. My goal was to become

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champion and in the second year we did it.

Was it was useful to race in the Stock 600 Championship?

Of course it was useful to ride in this class. You learn the SBK circuits, paddock and of course you meet important people.

What is your opinion about the current Stock 600 Championship?

It's at a great level, look at me and of course Franco Morbidelli who is now in Moto2. Every year they keep breaking lap records and people move on from Stock to World Supersport, which is the idea behind the stock classes.

You have already tested the new Honda with which you will race in the world Superbike. How is the new bike?

I think the new bike is much faster than we expected. We tested with the new engine and the engine felt really great, it is very small and I think they made a great step on in the regulations for our bike.

I really didn't know what to expect because I had never tested a

Superbike before, but I also spoke to Sylvain who had many experiences on other bikes and he says the new engine is very good, too.

I'm so happy for that.

Let's talk about the last season: when did you understand you woud have won?

I understood I could win the title from Malesia, we had a big gap there, we won again, the gap was improving and from that race on I had the feeling I could go for the title. In Misano I was second and I wasn't happy, but I was already thinking about the title.

When a rider starts racing he starts dreaming to become a world champion...

Sometimes I still can't believe it's true. When I started racing my only goal was to become world champion. Last year I've made it.

It's something special and all the things which happen after are really incredible. I'm happy that my dream come true.

Now another dream comes true... you passed from Supersport to Superbike.

Yes, last year was a great year 23

because I become world champion, but I needed to take another step, from Supersport to another class. Honda gave me a great two year deal and a great bike to move my first steps in Superbike.

I have the time to learn. They don't put much pressure on me and the opportunity they gave to me is a great opportunity. My goal is again to become world champion as fast as possible, but I have a two years deal, so I have time to learn.

What are your expectations for this year?

To be honest I don't have many expectations, I just want to see where I am after two or three races and from that point on we can set a goal to the end of the year. We want to improve step by step and at the start of the season I really don't have many expectations.

We already tested in Portimao and in Aragon, and then Jerez.

Despite the weather we had quite 24

much riding time. In Australia we shall test again, that's what I need now. More and more laps in Superbike. I'm really confident.

What are your favourite tracks?

One of my favourites is for sure Phillip Island, it's really incredible that track!

But I also love Mugello, I've been once in Mugello and I think it's one of the best tracks in the world.

Where do you think you could catch your first win?

I don't know where and when but I hope it's as fast as possible.

Who do you think will be the most dangerous rivals?

I think this year with the new regulations all the bikes will be really close. For sure from the beginning Sylvain (Guintoli), Jonathan (Rea) and Tom (Sykes) will be in front, but I think there will be many other fast riders. With the new regulations you really can't say who will be at the front.

When you started riding did you have a favourite rider?

I visited the Dutch TT when I was 9 or 10 and when I was eleven I went again. I could sit on the bike of Valentino Rossi and when I saw the pictures of me on the bike I decided I wanted to start racing.

So I have always been a fan of Valentino and he is one of the reasons why I started racing.

My father used to race before but it was long before I was born, so he never pushed to me to ride a bike (he had won a 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1984, in team with Dirk Brand). I never met Valentino... I only seated on his bike!

Why did you choose four strokes?

I think it was 2010, I was in the 125 German Championship, then I went in GP with Lambretta and after 7 races the sponsorship stopped, so I had to change. I got the proposal to do a Supersport race in the German championship, I didn't want to do it, I wanted to race in 125. I did the race but it

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from pole position. My starts are alwyas good, but on that occasion I was particularly fast and in the race I struggled with a big group.

It was the slowest race of the year, because if you see my pace in the practices it was incredible, nobody could follow me, but in the race I was thinking about so many things, and we had such a great fight, so it was the best race for me, the best race to win and to become world champion.

and finished 7th but I understood it was not bad. After that I did the last race of the 600 Superstock in Magny Cours, I finished 7th as well and at that point I realised I had to choose another category and it would be the future for me.

What was your first win ever?

Second year racing, Aprilia 125 Cup: I won the last three races of the year. It was my second year of races. In my first race ever I finished third.

wasn't really great. I did one more race in the Dutch Supersport, on a Honda, in Assen and I qualified third, in the race I had a bad start

The best race of your career?

I think Jerez was the best, all weekend I was incredibly fast, nobody had the pace I had and during the race I made a really good start

How do train?

Six days a week. It's a job! My trainer is 80 and he is an old boxer, so I go to him every morning and he lets me do different things every day. So one morning I have to run, one I have to cycle, one I just have boxing, or swimming. Sometimes it's only one hour but to the limit, the other day is 2 h 30 and it's easier.

What do you in your spare time?

I like to enjoy my spare time with my family and my girlfriend and I like going out with her.

Do you train with motocross?

I did some last year, but this year I have a new bike, I have to test on it. I think this is a good training for all riders, be on the bike you race is the better thing, it's the best training.

Of course I like motocross but I'm not going to do much, because it's also a bit dangerous.

Do you prefer riding on the dry or wet?

I prefer riding on the dry, I'm quite fast on the wet but it's a bit risky, which I didn't like.

What is the bad moment of your career you'll never forget?

When I stopped racing with Lambretta, may be the bike was not really fast but I had a great time with the team. It was as if my dream of riding in GPs was gone. In that moment I was really down with racing.

Then as I told you I started the Supersport in Holland, which I didn't really enjoy in the first race, but the second time was fun, and I started enjoying it.

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