FIM Europe Magazine #02|2025 special supplement by FIM Europe

DAY1

INAUGURATES THE FIM EUROPE CONGRESS 2025

The 29th edition of the FIM Europe Congress officially began on 3rd July, as the Sporting and Beyond Sporting Councils launched the first official activities. Delegates from across Europe gathered to mark the start of this prestigious annual event dedicated to the development of motorcycling sport and culture.

The FIM Europe Congress opened on 3rd July at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Gozo, Malta, a venue of unique Mediterranean charm that is hosting delegates from 33 national federations (FMNs) for this annual celebration of European motorcycling.

This year marks a significant occasion, as Malta hosts the Congress for the second time in FIM Europe history. The event is proudly organized by the Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi u Karozzi (ASMK) with the full support of Maltese institutions and authorities. ASMK has shown exceptional commitment in ensuring a warm welcome and a productive agenda for all participants.

Day One was focused on the arrival and welcome of the FMNs, setting the stage for a weekend filled with strategic discussions and planning. In the afternoon, the Sporting Council and the Beyond Sporting Council convened to review the current racing season and upcoming extra-racing activities.

Mr. Manuel Marinheiro, Chairman of the Sporting Council, led the session, during which Chairmen of various commissions engaged in meaningful dialogue ahead of the mid-season commission meetings on 4th July. The discussions were attended by FIM Europe President Mr. Michal Sikora, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in the growth of European motorcycling.

“This first day gave me the chance to connect with the Chairmen of the Sporting Commissions. Together, we reviewed their reports and discussed the current season, which is progressing strongly and full of promise. I’m happy to be here on the beautiful island of Malta with the FIM Europe family. We are just at the start of a full weekend, and I wish everyone an inspiring and productive Congress”.

MANUEL MARINHEIRO

Chairman of the Sporting Council

ROY N. WETTERSTAD

Chairman of the Beyond Sporting Council

“We had a constructive Beyond Sporting Council meeting as we prepared for the upcoming Commission meetings. There will be important political discussions in the Public Affairs Commission, the Environment Commission is set to expand, and the Touring Commission is preparing for new adventures. We look forward to seeing what the Congress weekend in Malta will bring”.

DAY2

OF THE FIM EUROPE CONGRESS MARKS STRATEGIC PROGRESS AND

The second day of the FIM Europe Congress featured the first meeting of the Management Council in Malta. Both the Sporting and Beyond Sporting Commissions held their mid-season summits, while the day concluded with the Secretaries General Meeting.

The second day of the FIM Europe Congress 2025 unfolded with a packed agenda of high-level meetings and collaborative sessions at the wonderful Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, reinforcing the event’s role as a key driver of progress and innovation in European motorcycling.

Following the momentum of the opening day, 4th July marked a milestone with the first official meeting of the FIM Europe Management Council, convened under the leadership of President Michal Sikora and with the honoured presence of FIM President Mr Jorge Viegas. Discussions focused on governance, strategic planning, the sporting season, and the future direction of the sport across Europe.

During the Management Council, the official approval of the reports to be presented at the General Assembly on 5th July was confirmed. These include key contributions from President Michal Sikora, 1st Deputy President Mr Manuel Marinheiro, 2nd Deputy President Mr Roy N. Wetterstad, and Treasurer Mr José Ramón Garcia. These documents reflect the strategic vision, financial health, and developmental goals of the organisation.

The FIM Europe Management Council

AND DYNAMIC COLLABORATION.

MICHAL SIKORA FIM EUROPE PRESIDENT

“It is always a pleasure to return to the Maltese Islands, and I’m impressed by the strong commitment of ASMK and the quality of their preparations. Under the full sun, we began some of the most important meetings of the year. We held the Management Council meeting, which was dedicated to preparing for the General Assembly. The Secretaries General’s meeting was also valuable, allowing us to address key topics and share important information”.

CIRCUIT RACING COMMISSION DRAG RACING COMMISSION MOTOCROSS &

CRISTIAN FARINELLI CHAIRMAN

The Commission began the day with a one-minute silence in memory of Borja Gomez. For the first time, the commission convened following the successful triumph at the FIM Intercontinental Games, where FIM Europe achieved its first-ever victory. Among the agenda items, members emphasized the promotion of the Women’s European Championship as a foundation for the World Championship, as well as the newly launched Bagger Racing European Cup, which started in 2025. The importance of FIM Europe licenses was highlighted, with a detailed analysis of their costs aimed at incentivizing championships and increasing participation. The commission also addressed topics related to electric mobility, covering aspects from promotion to racing, including new classes currently featured in national championships, such as Sport Bike and Production Bike. Several proposals are set to be discussed at the commission’s November meeting.

JOB HEEZEN CHAIRMAN

At the top of the agenda was the presentation of the current status of the new drag racing track under construction at Hal Far, Malta. The project is progressing well. Once completed, this facility has the potential to become a key venue for the European Drag Racing Series, offering new opportunities for competition and development in the sport.

PETER GORIS VICE-CHAIRMAN

This year, the Commission has a full calendar of 57 races across various classes and disciplines, including Motocross, Snowcross, Quadcross, and Watercross. A productive mix of young members and experienced professionals around the table led to valuable discussions during the meeting. Several new topics and ideas will be forwarded to the Chairman of the Sporting Council for discussion in the near future. A handbook will also be created for next year’s organisers and national federations: a practical guide on how to develop and manage European races.

SUPERMOTO COMMISSION

IVO TSVETANOV

CHAIRMAN

The mid-season meeting was primarily focused on evaluating the events held so far in the SM Junior and S2 classes. Participation levels and current regulations are considered solid, and the cooperation with Promoter XIEM remains very positive and beneficial for the development of Supermoto in Europe. The Commission members also looked ahead to the second half of the season, identifying specific areas that will require additional attention, such as sound testing, general regulations, and communication. Any proposed rule changes, as well as the provisional calendar for the 2026 season, will be discussed and approved during the autumn meeting in November.

ENDURO & RALLY COMMISSION TRACK RACING COMMISSION

ROBERTS SVENSSON CHAIRMAN

The Commission held a productive meeting, starting with a review of the first two Enduro races of the season, marking the first time in many years that the discipline has operated without a promoter. One of the races was held in conjunction with the EnduroGP, a collaboration that proved highly successful. The discussion also covered MiniEnduro, TT Rally, Baja, and Superenduro. The meeting concluded with a presentation of the new FIM Europe entry system, offering a promising step forward in streamlining rider registration and event coordination.

PIOTR SZYMANSKI

CHAIRMAN

At the beginning of the meeting, the Commission observed a minute of silence in honour of Hanne Thomsen. The 2026 calendar was drafted and will be finalised at the next TRC meeting in November. The Grass Track Working Group is currently working to improve the qualification system for both the Individual and Sidecar Championships, with a final decision to be presented in November. Looking ahead, the Commission will collaborate more closely with the FIM CCP on matters related to track safety and inspections. A joint meeting between members of the CCP and FIM Europe TRC is planned for the end of the year, with the goal of raising track standards and improving safety across all venues.

TRIAL COMMISSION

MAGNUS LILJEBLAD

CHAIRMAN

The Commission held a productive meeting marked by in-depth discussions on the harmonisation of rules across all national federations: a key step toward greater consistency and collaboration in the sport. Attention also turned to the 2026 calendar, which already includes four event applications, a positive sign of strong interest.

MOTOBALL COMMISSION VINTAGE COMMISSION

PASCALE RESCHKO JACQUOT

CHAIRWOMAN

The Commission reviewed 2024 activities and planned for the coming years. A notable highlight was the addition of the European Nations Championship (CEN) for Juniors and Seniors to the calendar, held in August 2024 in France. Preparations have also been finalized for the 2025 edition, set to take place in Budel, the Netherlands, from 9th to 13th July, with five countries confirming their participation: Germany, France, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Lithuania. Ahead of the 2024 CEN, a referees' seminar was held in Houlgate to strengthen officiating standards. Looking further ahead, Germany and Lithuania have been proposed as hosts for the 2026 championship.

JOSÉ CAMPOS COSTA CHAIRMAN

The meeting reviewed and discussed potential improvements and changes across various activities outlined in the agenda. A key proposal to be presented to the Management Council is the renaming of the commission to the Classic Motorcycle Commission, as the term “Vintage” no longer accurately reflects the commission’s scope. Additionally, the proposal from the Circuit Racing Commission to unify the rules for Hill Climb races was examined. The meeting also addressed the strategic planning for the upcoming calendar year, focusing on the main disciplines of enduro, hill climb, and endurance.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMISSION TOURING COMMISSION

DIMITRIS MARGARITIS

CHAIRMAN

The commission convened for a focused and forward-looking meeting, tackling a range of topics vital to the future of motorcycling in Europe. Among the priorities were the upcoming revisions to European legislation, including the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, which could have consequences for the PTW sector. The Commission also began revising and drafting new position papers together with FEMA, aiming to safeguard motorcycling’s role in sustainable mobility. The presence of the FEMA Secretary General added further weight to the discussions, reinforcing the importance of alignment and active cooperation across motorcycling bodies.

PANAGIOTIS KALAITZIS

CHAIRMAN

The commission reviewed the 2025 events and discussed upcoming activities. The T/As training, scheduled from August 14th to 17th, 2025, in Istanbul, was highly successful, exceeding participant expectations with a surplus of applicants. The Lapland Snowmobile Experience is planned for March 10th to 13th, 2026, in Rovaniemi. The 2026 FIM Europe Club Experience will take place in Sweden, with additional proposals for the following two years coming from Lithuania and Greece. Commission member Jukka Lainkari, as part of the Organizing Committee, presented the FIM Mototour of Nations 2026. Furthermore, a touring event linked to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy was evaluated.

ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION

GRAZYNA MAKOWSKA

CHAIRWOMAN

The Commission will propose to the Management Council a name change to “Sustainability Commission,” better reflecting its mission and focus. The group also finalized a new checklist system designed to support the reporting process of the Sustainability Steward at events. Members shared their experiences, exchanged ideas, and contributed valuable insights to improve future practices. With many sporting events still to come in the 2025 season, the Commission will continue its observations and data collection to support long-term sustainability efforts across motorcycling activities.

JUDICIAL PANEL

PIOTR PIEKUTOWSKI

CHAIRMAN JUDICIAL PANEL

The meeting delivered a series of significant pronouncements, emphasizing the vital importance of fair play and exemplary behavior among both spectators and riders in motorcycle sports. The Judicial Panel’s address reinforced a shared commitment to fostering a fair, safe, and respectful environment across Europe, highlighting the ongoing dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship. Extensive discussions focused on strategies to promote fair play and strengthen codes of conduct. The decisions and exchanges are expected to result in clearer guidelines and renewed efforts to ensure that fairness and respect remain central to motorcycle sports throughout Europe.

MEDICAL PANEL

TOMÁŠ BROŽ

VICE-CHAIRMAN MEDICAL PANEL

Among the key topics was a proposal from the FIM Europe Track Racing Commission to set age limits for new disciplines: 10 years for the 190 cc category and 13 years for the 500R, aligning with existing standards. The relevant commission will now define the technical rules for these classes. The Panel also reviewed ongoing issues, including updates to the antidoping list and continued discussions on mild brain injuries. A proposal was made to introduce an electronic tool for checking banned substances in medications via barcode, aiming to support rider safety and compliance.

The day ended with the Secretaries General Meeting, which was marked by the participation of colleagues and guests, including the Presidents of both FIM and FIM Europe. The meeting began with a discussion on Artificial Intelligence, a highly relevant and emerging topic for administrators. An Innovation Lab is planned for next February in Rome. Other key topics discussed included the European Open Events, upcoming EU legislation on vehicle inspections, and the FIM Europe race registration platform. The meeting concluded with presentations of two upcoming FIM Europe Club events: the 2026 Lapland Experience and the 2026 Sweden on the Road Experience.

ALESSANDRO SAMBUCO

FIM Europe Secretary General

“I sense a strong spirit of harmony and cooperation among colleagues from the Federations. Our efforts continue to be directed toward finding solutions rather than creating obstacles. I believe the Innovation Lab scheduled for next February represents a valuable opportunity to remain in control of a powerful tool like AI—one that can be a great asset but also a potential threat if left unchecked.”

As the FIM Europe Congress continues in Gozo, it reaffirms its role as a central hub for growth, innovation, and international cooperation in motorcycling, bringing together stakeholders from across the continent in pursuit of a common vision for the future of the sport.

The agenda for 5th July features the second session of the Management Council, followed in the afternoon by the General Assembly, a pivotal moment for the federation’s decision-making and strategic direction.

The Congress will conclude in style with the Gala Dinner, a celebratory evening organized by the Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi u Karozzi - Malta (ASMK), offering a perfect opportunity to honour achievements and strengthen international bonds in an atmosphere of Maltese hospitality.

DAY3

THIRD DAY OF WORK. MALTA SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED THE 2025 FIM EUROPE ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

FIM Europe finalized key decisions at the successful 2025 Ordinary General Assembly in Gozo, Malta.

The third and final day of the 29th FIM Europe Congress unfolded in the spectacular surroundings of the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Gozo, Malta. Under the meticulous coordination of the Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi u KarozziMalta (ASMK), the day marked a successful conclusion to a weekend filled with key decisions, commemorations, and collaborative spirit across Europe’s motorcycling community.

The morning began with the Management Council convening in preparation for the Ordinary General Assembly, which commenced at 2 pm. The official opening featured welcoming remarks by FIM President Mr Jorge Viegas, alongside addresses from ASMK Secretary General Mr Johann Pace, and the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Mr Chris Bonnet.

The Assembly opened with a solemn moment of remembrance for Borja Gomez, the talented Spanish rider who tragically lost his life at Magny-Cours last Thursday. Also honoured were Ejgijl Solkaer and Hanne Thomsen from DMU, as well as Francesco Zerbi from FMI, beloved figures whose contributions to motorcycling will not be forgotten, and Beaulah Schoeman, former President of the CONU of FIM Africa.

In the presence of representatives from 31 FMNs, FIM Europe President Mr Michal Sikora welcomed delegates and opened proceedings with his official report. The Assembly unanimously approved the minutes of the 2024 Congress held in Fiumicino, after which Silvia Monatti, Head of the Financial Department, presented the Treasurer’s report on behalf of Mr José Ramon Garcia, followed by the auditors’ review led by Mr Laurent Delbroek.

The Congress then shifted focus to strategic financial planning, with the presentation and approval of the 2024 balance sheet and 2025 budget. Reports from the Sporting Council, delivered by Chairman Mr Manuel Marinheiro, and from Beyond Sporting Councils, introduced by Mr Roy N. Wetterstad, offered a comprehensive overview of key activities and future priorities. The Chairmen and Chairwomen of both Councils took the floor to present their seasonal reports.

A highlight of the afternoon was the heartfelt recognition of two dedicated contributors: Mr Peter Hansen and Mr Marian Zupa, both appointed as Honorary Members of the Motocross Commission. Additionally, several FMNs were celebrated for their longstanding dedication to motorcycling sport:

· FMA – Federació Motociclista d’Andorra (40th Anniversary)

· ASMK – Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi u Karozzi Malta (40th Anniversary)

· FSM – Federazione Sammarinese Motociclistica (60th Anniversary)

· PZM – Polski Związek Motorowy (75th Anniversary)

· SVEMO – Svenska Motorförbundet (90th Anniversary)

To conclude the session, the 2026 FIM Europe Congress was officially announced to take place in Warsaw, Poland, promising yet another milestone gathering for the European motorcycling family.

FIM Europe expresses its heartfelt gratitude to ASMK for their invaluable support, warm hospitality, and seamless organization throughout this memorable Congress in Gozo, a location that will long be remembered for its unique charm and spirit of unity.

MICHAL SIKORA

FIM Europe President

“Our time working in the beautiful surroundings of Gozo Island is coming to an end. It has been a fully packed three days of meetings. On 3rd July, we concluded our work with the General Assembly, which approved all reports, both sports-related and beyond, including the financial statements and the current budget. I would like to thank everyone for their valuable collaboration. Special thanks to AMSK Malta, its President John Micallef, and Secretary General Johann Pace for their commitment and for making this congress possible. Looking forward to seeing you all next year in Warsaw!”

From left: Stijn Rentmeesters (Vice-President), Laurent Delbroek (Chairman of Auditors), Nicoleta Melania Olariu (Vice-President), Manuel Marinheiro (1st Deputy President), Michal Sikora (FIM Europe President), Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Alessandro Sambuco (Secretary General), Roy N. Wetterstad (2nd Deputy President), Francesco Carmelo Mezzasalma (Vice-President), Juhani Halme (Vice-President).