FIM Europe MAG 6 2017

Nr 6/2017 - November-December

THE SPORTING COMMISSIONS MEETINGS THE MANAGEMENT COUNCIL TOURING: IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ATLANTIC

INDEX

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First and second session of Sporting Commission Meetings

Pyramid in Road Racing Working Group at Fiumicino

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Management Council at the Olympic Centre Papendal

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In the middle of the Atlantic

Milestone in the European Street Freestyle FIM EUROPE MAG

Chief Editor: Fiammetta La Guidara Photos:Dorna, Youthstream, Phototrial.it, R. Pairan, M. Zanzani

FIM EUROPE Via Giulio Romano, 18 00196 - Rome Italy E-mail: fimeuropepress@gmail.com Ph. +39 06 3226746

FIM Europe MAG #6 November-December 2017 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 copying 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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From the left: Ejgil Solkaer, Martin Hejduk, Dieter Porsch, Oscar Gallardo, Simone Folgori, Dr. Wolfgang Srb, Alessandro Sambuco, Martin van Genderen, Martin de Graaff, Barry Veneman

Pyramid in Road Racing Working Group at Fiumicino The Working Group of Road Racing Specialists from several Federations, including a representative from Dorna attended the meeting at the Hotel Tiber of Fiumicino in order to develop a Pyramid model for Road Racing.

Like in Motocross it must be possible for young riders to start the career with affordable costs to achieve a higher level in European Championships with finally the goal to perform in the FIM Europe Mag 6/2017

World Championship.

The Working Group started reporting what are the possibilities in several National Federations, in many cases starting with Minibikes, Standard Classes and International Competitions.

International competitions are, for example, Alpe Adria Road Racing Championship, Internationale Deutsche Motorradmeisterschaft, Campionato Italiano di Velocità, North European Cup and FIM CEV Repsol.

At the base of the Pyramid for Moto 3, Moto 2, MotoGP and SBK there are National Competitions for young riders and Standard National Championships.

The importance of harmonization of rules for National and European Competitions became very clear during the discussions.

At the end of the meeting two “Pyramid Model” were drawn up with the aim to have a clear point of referral on how to start the ca3

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reer and reaching the top level.

Martin de Graaff, Chairman of the Meeting, stated: “I am satisfied about the outcome of the discussion, and at the same time we noticed that FIM Europe has discussed with more Federations. Competitions are started at national level, the involvement of Road Racing Specialists inside the Federations is essential”.

Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President, added: “We simply followed the request of many European Federations to develop a clear, transparent and logic sy-

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stem in Road Racing, as it is already in place for Motocross. It is of course not possible to compare both sports, however, the basics are the same: to show a way for young riders to develop their skills and show their talent. Most important for

me is the fact that the costs are as affordable as possible, otherwise we would lose too many to other sports. The “One Million Euro Bike” has no place on grassroots level”. .

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The Road Racing Commission, chaired by Mr Ejgil Solkaer

First session of Sporting Commission Meetings at Fiumicino The FIM Europe Commission Meetings have been opened by the first session of Sporting Commissions, which will be followed by the second session of Sporting Commissions in November and by the Non-Sporting Commissions next January.

The meeting was held, as in the past, in Tiber Hotel in Fiumicino, near Rome (Italy). In this first session, the meeting of Road Racing, Motocross, Enduro, Trial and Drag Racing Commissions were held, with the participation of the Sporting Council Chairman Mr Martin de Graaff and of FIM Europe

Secretary General Mr Alessandro Sambuco. Joining the meeting, also Mr Fabio Muner, FIM Sports Director, Mr Tony Skillington, FIM CMS Director, Mr Thierry Michaud, FIM CTR Director and Mr Rezso Bulcsu, FIM CCR Director. «The presence of FIM directors is important for the cooperation with FIM and for the harmonization of rules between FIM and FIM Europe”, Mr Martin de Graaff stated. “All Commissions prepared the 2018 seasons, concerning rules and calendars. Safety matters, licences and insurance were also important items».

Road Racing – The Commission had an interesting meeting with a lot of challenges but found good solutions in most of the areas. The cooperation with Dorna will continue in Superstock 1000 and Supersport Cup in WorldSBK context and also the Moto2 and European Talent Cup will be held, together with the Junior World Championship Moto3.

Street Freestyle will have a promoter for the first time and planned 4 rounds of a European Cup for the next year. The Commission is very satisfied with this completely new discipline and worked on writing the rules.

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The working group on the Mini Bike Road Racing is still working on the “pyramid” and the Commission aims to have it finished for the approval at the Management Council in December.

As for the Supermono Cup the Commission wants to thank the promoter of over 20 years, who stopped his cooperation, and is near to sign an agreement with a new promoter, maintaining the same sports 6

and technical regulations.

Motocross and Snowcross – In the Commission one of the main topics was the calendar for 2018 which will be finalised within the next 2 weeks and then will be approved by FIM Europe Management Council.

Next year’s European Snowcross Championship again will be combined with World Snowcross Championship.

In the EMX 65-85 Championship, the zones FIM Europe Mag 6/2017

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will remain unchanged. In EMX85 the maximum age of the riders will increase from 14 years old to 15 years old. The category of motorcycles for Women Motocross will be up to 125cc for 2 strokes engines (minimum age 13 years old) and over 175cc and up 250cc for 2 strokes and 4 strokes engines (minimum age 14 years old).

FIM Europe is delighted with the issue of the 2018 calendar for EMX 125, 250 and FIM Europe Mag 6/2017

300 classes, which again will be combined with MXGP/MX2 events and looks forward to working together with FIM/CMS and Youthstream in the development of motocross especially with the various European championships for the young riders.

In the EMX Quads there will be no entry fee for any event.

From next year on, there will be a new discipline: Watercross. This is for snowmo7

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The Motocross and Snowcross Commission, chaired by Mr Eddie Herd

bile machines racing on water and for 2018 there will a European Cup as an experiment in order to see how it develops and maybe expand into a Series the following year.

Enduro – The Commission confirmed the proposals discussed in the Summer meeting, particularly concerning Enduro, which will foresee 4 races with the opening of the season in Italy in April, then a round in Romania in May, in Sweden for the third round with a 3-days final in September in Poland. The classes are as follows: 3 for the Juniors, with the Junior U20 harmonised with FIM rules to Junior U21, four classes by capacity, the Veteran class, which changes its name into Senior, and the Women’s category.

There will be also a new category, for electric motorcycles. The three races of Extreme Enduro were confirmed without any changes in the rules and as 8

for Bajas Championship, there will be three rounds, last of them in Ukraine, which is a new venue. FIM Europe has also scheduled the Rally Tout Terrain Cup, with three races, in Italy, Romania and Greece, with the introduction of a new class: the Marathon category. The 2018 calendar will have also Cross Country, with 4 races, and Snowmobile Enduro Races, with one more round, and its rules will be updated in order to harmonise the two events. As for Super Enduro, the Commission agreed to have a FIM Europe Cup combined with three Super Enduro World Championship races: the dates and venues are to be confirmed by the FIM promoter. The Commission recommends Federations and Organisers to prepare their officials through seminars.

Trial – The Commission had a very good general discussion about the discipline

both with the FIM Commission Director and with FIM Europe President and VicePresident. Regarding the calendar for the 2018, it has not been confirmed, yet, depending on the final FIM calendar. The Commission started a discussion about electric trial and looks at this as an important part of the future.

The sporting rules were confirmed for the next season.

Drag Racing – The meeting started on Friday because the Commission and the Promoter decided to propose a new class, called “Junior Drag Bike Cup”, which will be open to riders from 8 up to 16 years of age and the final regulations had to be completely written. The Super Street Bike Cup will move to full Championship from 2018.

“In this time of the year all Sporting commissions are working on the plans for the next season and the calendars 2018», Mr de Graaff stated. “All proposed changes in regulations and the calendars will be approved in the Management Council meeting in the beginning of December. The atmosphere was good, you meet colleagues and friends. Most of the participants arrive the day before to talk with each other and visite one of the various restaurants in the FIM Europe Mag 6/2017

From the top, the Enduro Commission, chaired by Mr Marco Bolzonello, the Trial Commission, chaired by Mr Anders Minken and the Drag Racing Commission, chaired by Mr Palle Lind

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neighbourhood of the hotel. The social aspect of these meetings are important for the cooperation during the many events on the FIM Europe calendar.

The presence of the directors of the FIM Commissions is highly appreciated and takes care for the good cooperation between the FIM and FIM Europe Commissions».

«The meeting circle, where the European Commissions come together on the same weekend and at the same venue, is already in the third year and very well established”, stated Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President. “The presence of the FIM Commission Directors adds additional value and underlines the principle of the closest possible cooperation. We are united in the passion for the sport and it shows. I am very happy of what has been achieved, in terms of sport, as well in a better understanding of all participants».

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Second session of Sporting Commission Meetings at Fiumicino

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The FIM Europe Commission Meetings continued two weeks later with the second session of Sporting Commissions, which followed the first session of Sporting Commissions in October and which will be followed by the Non-Sporting Commissions next January.

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The meeting was held, as in the past, at the Tiber Hotel in Fiumicino, near Rome (Italy). In this second session, the meetings of Track Racing, Supermoto, Motoball and Vintage were held, with the participation of the FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb, of Sporting

Council Chairman Martin de Graaff and of FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco. Joining the meeting, also Armando Castagna, Director of the Track Racing Commission of FIM. Excellent results - “The second group of four Sporting Commissions attended 11

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the meetings in Fiumicino.

They all evaluated the last season and prepared 2018“, Mr Martin de Graaff stated. “We see many new developments, for example in Supermoto. The Commission concentrates on simplifying the rules of the European Championship with a new name, which is S1. The Motoball Commission is working on the complete European Championship, including the Junior Championship,

in the Russian city of Kovrov. The Track Racing Commission prepares the calendar for 2018. Minor changes of the regulations are every year on the agenda of all Commissions.

Races for young riders are also important for the future of Track Racing.

“Producing rules for the several Sporting disciplines for Classic bikes is one of the items for the Vintage Commission. Also important is the lobbying for hi-

storical bikes for road use, in some cities in the European countries the use of these bikes is limited or forbidden.

“Mr Grzegorz Ostrowski, responsible for the results of all events on the FIM Europe website, visited all Commission meetings in order to work together with all Jury Presidents how to deliver the results of all events in a proper way.

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The Track Racing Commission, chaired by Mr Piotr Szymanski.

In the opposite page, the Supermoto Commission, chaired by Mr Ivo Tsvenatov

“In a very good atmosphere, the delegates worked together with the staff and board members for an optimal 2018 season“.

Track Racing – Commission chaired by Mr Piotr Szymanski - Track Racing - The Commission met today and 13 members and one observer were present. They discussed all subjects according to the agenda, and the main topics were the clarification of the matters arisen from the previous meeting in Rome, the information of FIM/CCP Director Armando Castagna on decisions and changes in the CCP meetings. Information on track inspections and track licences were also discussed, as well as the confirmation of the 2017 results, decisions on disci-

plinary matters, the draft for 2018 calendar, proposals on a m e n dments and rule changes for next year.

Among the most important issues the Commission underlined the following ones: - proposal from the Russian Federation to host a Speedway European Championship Semi-Final in Balakovo. A presentation was done by Mr Savin with special financial conditions for the riders.

- proposal on new competition - U19 Speedway Pair Cup. Supermoto - Commission chaired by Mr Ivo Tsvenatov – The 2018 season will start with a change in the name of the Championship, which will be S1 Supermoto European Championship. In the next season (2018) a new Trophy will be introduced, within the S1 classification, which will be eligible for new or not so experienced

Supermoto riders. The name will be “Supermoto European Lites Trophy” and possibly it will attract a good number of new riders for the European scene. A major change in the starting procedure is being discussed at the moment, which will make the rules easier and more understandable for riders and teams. A new implementation in the Supermoto regulations will be the introduction of practice starts which will be beneficial for the riders and much appreciated as a feature by the spectators. The provisional calendar foresees six events for the S1 Championship, four events for the S4 (the all asphalt class) and five events for the SM Junior and S3 Championships.

Motoball - Commission chaired by Ms Pascale Reschko Jacquot - The Motoball Commission reviewed the 2017 European Championship in France and discussed about the upcoming 2018 European Championship in Russia. Therefore a Russian delegation of organisers attended the Commission Meeting in Fiumicino to develop the organization of the event, where also the Junior class will be introdu-

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Mr Grzegorz Ostrowski, during his speech in the Track Racing Commission

ced; in fact there was already an international Junior class in 2016 and 2017 and now the first European series will be launched, with the teams consisting of young players from 14 to 18 years old. In the Junior teams electric bikes will be used, which in the future are expected to be extended to the Senior class. The 2018 European Championship will be held in the renovated stadium of Kovrov, in Russia, organised with the support of the Russian Government. Additionally, a European “Champions League” will start in 2018, which will be a challenge of the national champion clubs.

Vintage – Commission, chaired by Mr José Campos Costa - The Commission will give a proposal for its new Chairman (unanimously agreed) to the Management Council. There was discussion about the races of this year, mainly about the Road Racing Championship and the Endurance Cup. Both series were successful, with three events in Road Racing – Donington,

Rijeka and Anderstorp – and four races in Endurance – Donington, Imola, Spa and Aragon. For 2018, the Commission proposed five races in Road Racing, in Donington, Anderstorp, Rijeka, Sachsenring and Croix en Ternois and four races in Endurance: Spa, Aragon, Donington and an open venue, which will probably be Misano. About Enduro Classic, the Commission expects the first European Championship, with one race in Pavia (Italy), Zschopau (Germany), Croatia (tba), Champagnat (France). In Classic Motocross there will be a European event, in Nevers St Eloi (France). Regarding rules, the Commission worked on some changes for Road Racing 50cc and Sidecars. Also in Endurance there were proposals from DG Sports to introduce a new class, for bikes up to 1991. The Commission expects two new members: one has already been proposed to the Management Council by FMB and a second one will be proposed

by SVEMO.

A fast, precise service During the two meetings of the Sporting Commissions Mr Grzegorz Ostrowski was present, who is responsible for the publication of the sports results in the FIM Europe website. His presence was finalized to to illustrate to the Chairmen of the Sporting Commissions what is really needed in order to update quickly the Results website page.

«I’m very satisfied with both meetings, because I could address exactly to each Jury President what our needs are, that is how important it is to receive the sporting results in fast and proper form, which might seem a simple goal to achieve, but it requires the cooperation of many people. I’ve been working on the FIM Europe results webpage for 3 years and in this period we have continuously improved the quality of the service, but we can do better and be faster if we receive results in the correct way, that is in a clear form and with all the necessary data, especially the Federation and natio-

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Aside, the Motoball Commission, chaired by Ms Pascale Reschko Jacquot.

Below, the Vintage Commission, chaired by Mr José Campos Costa

nality of the riders or teams.

«Our goal is that our official Results webpage will become the main referring point for the results of the all the European Championships and Cups: we want to create one central point for European results and bring more and more fans to our website, besides the people who are already involved in our sport. During the meetings

of the Sport Commissions we have worked in this direction.

Excellent Season - “The meeting circle, where the European Commissions come together on the same weekend and at the same venue, has become a very good tradition”, stated Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President. “The presence of the FIM Commission Directors adds always additional value and underlines

the principle of the closest possible cooperation.

“I am very happy with the work the European Federations, the organizers and the officials have carried out and I like to thank them for their great efforts. We are in the process of finishing 2017 with some formal meetings and are already very excited about all the events in 2018“.

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Mi le s to ne i n the E u ro p ea n S tree t F re e s ty le

From the left: Martin de Graaff, Fabio Muner, Dr Wolfgang Srb, Rezso Bulcsu, Imre Ujhelyi, Martin Hejduk, Attila Nagy

In Fiumicino (Italy) a promoting contract was signed between FIM Europe and Street Freestyle Sport Ltd. For the first time this spectacular discipline will have its promoter at Continental level. The contract foresees the promotion for the next five years, and already in 2018 there will be a Cup Series based on four/five events and 16

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from 2019 a European Championship is scheduled.

«At the moment there are many events out of official rules», stated Mr Ujhelyi Imre, «and the this the way to guarantee safety for the riders, rules for the discipline and prevent that non-official races will go on».

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«I am very happy that we can enlarge the field of our activities with Street Freestyle, a most spectacular discipline», stated Dr Wolfgang Srb, FIM Europe President. «I am looking forward to exciting competition in the years to come».

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Awards for international achievements, 1st row: Ian Oskar Katanec, Tim Gajser, Bor Klemenc, Jaka Gorjan, Jaka Peklaj, Nik Štefančič, Katja Pivk. In the 2nd row: Milan Špendal, Jan Pancar, Jan Poropat, Marko Jerman, Matej Žagar, Peter Irt, Martin Mihič, Darko Škibin and Dr Wolfgang Srb

FIM Europe at AMZS A wards

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Meeting at AMZS headquarters, France Kmetič, Simon Jurkovič, Andreja Prel, Dr Wolfgang Srb, Anton Breznik, Anita Drev, Jožef Žunkovič, Jure Kostanjšek, Mateja Drobnič

AMZS, the Automobile and Motorcycle Association of Slovenia has invited to their traditional Award Ceremony “Motosportnik leta 2017” in the Festivalna Dvorana in Ljubljana. The best Slovenian motorcycle sports athletes were present and received their well-deserved awards.

Around 300 riders, families, AMZS officials, clubs, organizers and media came together in a very well or-

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ganized event. Among the participants were Mr Anton Breznik, AMZS President, Mr Bogdan Gabrovec, President of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia and Dr Boro Štrumbelj, Director General of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, as well as Dr Wolfgang Srb, President of FIM Europe. The Slovenian Motocross star Tim Gajser, two times FIM Motocross World Champion (2015 MX2, 2016

MXGP) and one of the best riders in the world, was awarded with a special trophy as Motorsports man of the year.

«Congratulations to AMZS and all those who received their trophies in recognition of their achievements.

They are great ambassadors of the sport as well as for Slovenia», stated FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb.

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FIM Europe Mini Road Racing Champ Champiionship onship 2018 The FIM Europe Road Racing Commission has established a Working Group (WG MRR) with the purpose of developing the European Championship series for Mini Road Racing and to promote Mini Road Racing in general in Europe. The purpose is to improve the quality of the Championship events and increase the number of participants. At the same time this will establish a strong foundation for the pyramid work on which the development of new talents for Road Racing

sport is based. Part of the programme would also be to exchange ideas and best practices for the development of junior riders between the European FMNs. At a recent meeting with the FIM Europe CCR the Working Group proposed to organise one event in 2018. As a supplement to this, riders will be invited to participate in National Championship series in Mini Road Racing outside their own country.

The sporting rules, technical rules and standards for

homologation of tracks for Mini Road Racing are based on permanent track suited for Mini Road Racing according to national rules approved by FIM Europe.

The series will cover Mini Moto with 5 classes, Mini GP with 1 class and Honda NSF100 as well as the Ohvale 110, 160 and 190.

The event is planned for the weekend of 3 – 5 August 2018.

The Working Group MRR hereby invites the FMNs under FIM E to apply for

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the event in 2018.

Please submit the application for the event to the FIM Europe office in Rome no later than 31st December 2017.

The applications will be considered during January and February 2018. By 28th February the chosen organiser will be announced.

If any changes have to be

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made to the track, these have to be finalised by 31st May, at which time final track homologation will take place.

The members of the Working Group to be contacted for further information are:

•Barry Veneman, KNMV barryveneman@gmail.com •Cristian Farinelli, FMI cristian.farinelli@federmoto.it •Jesper Holm, DMU jesperholm@holm.mail.dk

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FIM Europe at the Annual Balkan Motorcycle Union Congress in Romania The 2017 Annual Congress of the Balkan Motorcycle Union

(BMU) was organized by the Romanian Motorcycle Federa-

tion (FRM) in the capital of Romania - Bucharest. At the same occasion the Prize Giving Ceremony for the BMU as well as the Romanian Champions took place.

The ceremony was staged at the superb "Auditorium Pallady", where FRM President Christian Muresan welcomed hundreds of riders and families.

Long-term Secretary General Gabriel Olariu received a special award for his FIM Europe Mag 6/2017

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Photos © Marius Dinca

outstanding services for the Romanian Federation.

BMU is one of the six successful "Regional Associations" of FIM Europe; the others are AAMU - Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union, AAM - Association Mèditerranéenne de Motocyclisme, BMA - Baltic Motorcyclists Association, MACEC Motorcycle Association of Central Europe and NMC - Nordic Motorsport Council.

"I am very happy with the six Regional Associations" stated Dr. Wolfgang Srb, President of FIM Europe. "They know the FedeFIM Europe Mag 6/2017

rations and the sport in their part of Europe best and organize Championships at affordable costs for the teams and riders without traveling too long distances - for me a perfect model that would for sure work in all parts of the world.

AAM is additionally a very special and interesting model as

there are member Federations from Europe, Africa and Asia.

Regional Championships are, in general, one level above National Championships and one level below a Continental Championship - a perfect stepping stone for young and promising riders to the next level".

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FIM Europe Management Council at the Olympic Training Center Papendal The meeting of the FIM Europe Management Council was held at the Olympic Training Center Papendal, on the outskirts of the city of Arnhem. At the "High Performance Center" around 450 athletes train every day under perfect conditions to achieve top ranks in European and World Championships as well as Olympic Games. Young Motocross riders of the project "MXGP Rookie" train also in Papendal, which is a unique chance for them and also a recognition of our sport in the Olympic family. The members of the Management Council were impressed by the 24

presentation of Papendal Managing Director Jochem Schellens.

Among the topics that have been discussed were the report of the President, the report of the Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco, Sporting as well as Non-Sporting issues (Martin de Graaff and Silvio Manicardi) and the report of the Treasurer Michal Sikora.

"Today's meeting, which was held on invitation of KNMV in The Netherlands, was one of the most important of the whole year, as the sporting season 2017 was analyzed as

well as the changes to the sporting rules and the 2018 calendars were approved", FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb stated. "The European Commissions have done an excellent job this year; on the basis of this work we are looking forward to an exciting 2018 season."

The results of the FIM General Assembly in Andorra were also analyzed in depth. The members of the Management Council expressed their FIM Europe Mag 6/2017

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satisfaction with the current system of six Regional Associations within Europe, serving the sport in their respective part of Europe. Regional Championships are successfully organized at affordable costs without traveling too long distances.

"Through the strong commitment of the European Federations, of clubs, organizers and of thou-

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sands of volunteers we could achieve to a very high extent our objectives", the President added.

"Also the administration in Rome has carried out an outstanding job and is a well respected service center for all European Federations."

Above, a full collection of different balls used in all sports disciplines, including the Motoball (the biggest one).

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From the left Palmino Poli, Chairman of FIVA Motorcycle Commission, Panagiotis Kalaitzis, Member of FIM Touring and Leisure Commission, Natasa Jerina, FIVA Motorcycle Commission General Secretary, Bjorn A. Hvaleby, member of the FIVA Motorcycle Commission, and Silvio Manicardi, FIM Europe Second Deputy President

FIM E urope at the FIM and FIVA new meeting in Rome

In the last days at the FIM Europe headquarters in Rome (Italy) the third meeting was held between FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens).

These meetings have the purpose to promote the collaboration between the two organisations both at World and European level.

FIM Europe was present at

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the meeting with Silvio Manicardi, FIM Europe Second Deputy president.

Many items have been discussed, and the progresses were analysed, deriving from the cooperation of the associations, in particular about the participation to the respective events, considering that the swapping of information creates a stronger presence of historical PTW in

the political world. After the meeting in Brussels of the previous week, the agreement was confirmed on the various items discussed. A further cooperation was decided for the touristic events of 2018.

The next meeting is expected to happen at the beginning of next April.

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MXGP Trainer Train erss meeti ngg in Riga meetin In the weekend of 18-19 Novemer there was the 3rd trainers meeting in Riga (Latvia).

This meeting was organised for the FIM Europe MX GP trainers from the North Europe (countries like Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia etc.) with the aim of giving to participating trainers the MX-C certificate.

All 16 trainers passed the

proof and can now train at their local clubs riders after an educational program with final proof.

“In this traditional time of the year Riga is an important place for this training. The group is increasing with more trainers from different Federations“, stated Mr Martin de Graaff, FIM Europe Vice-President.

“After the training for the A

and B certificate the trainers were educated for the C level.

“With this certificate they are able to work in their home country with these skills. The group of educated riders is growing in this way in Europe, which is important for better talent full riders and the safety in motocross“. .

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FIM Europe congratulates Real Federación Motociclista Española new President Manuel Casado has been elected new President of the Real Federación Motociclista Española (RFME) in the Extraordinary General Assembly held at the headquarters of Higher Sports Council in Madrid.

Manuel Casado has been elected with 81 votes in favour against 3 blank. He was born in Madrid on January 3, 1959 and is an entrepreneur in the aggregate and concrete sector.

He was active in the world of motorcycle as an Enduro and Trial rider, in 1975 he founded the Moto Club Cañada and was a member of the provincial

delegation of Madrid in the Seventies.

Casado was a member of the Board of Directors of the RFME from 1988 to 2007, during which time he held the positions of treasurer, first economic Vice Pre-

sident, President of the Management Committee and responsible for trial.

In 2000 he founded the Moto Club Sotobike. He has also been promoter and coorganizer of the Spanish Trial Classic Cup during 2009 and

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FIM Europe mourns the departure of Gerhard Ittner FIM Europe mourns the death of Mr. Gerhard Ittner, who passed away at the age of 75 on December 7th after a long, hard illness.

Ittner was honorary member of FIM Europe Road Racing Commission of which he had been a member since 1996. He had also been Director of Most Autodrom in ACCR and he was considered a legend, but especially a great friend, in the Czech Circuit.

“I had he honor and pleasure of working with Gerhard in 2000 when I held the position of UEM Permanent Coordinator for the Road Racing European FIM Europe Mag 6/2017

Championship”, recalls Mr Alessandro Sambuco, FIM Europe Secretary General.

“A Member of the UEM Road Racing Commission for several years, Gerhard has been able to involve everyone with his passion for Motorsport and his being elegant, kind manners.

The Circuit of Most was his reign. We will not be forget him”.

FIM Europe expresses its deepest condolences to Mr Gerhard Ittner’s family and friends.

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Above Park Hotel Moskva and the 2017 Champions of the International Bulgarian Championships.

Aside, FIM Europe President Dr Wolfgang Srb with BMF President Bogdan Nikolov. Below, FIM Europe SuperMoto Junior.

From right: Daria Gianescu (Romania), 3. place; Kristian Ivanov, 1. place; Viktor Neychev, 2. place and FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb. All photos ŠPlamen Kodrov

FIM Europe at the 2017 Award Ceremony of the Bulgarian Motorcycle Federation in Sofia The 2017 Award Ceremony of the Bulgarian Motorcycle Federation (BMF) took place in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. At the same occasion the medals for the European SuperMoto Championships were awarded. The ceremony was staged, as already many times in the previous years, in the classic Park Hotel Moskva. BMF President Bogdan Nikolov and Rumen Petkov, Chairman of the Organizing Committee Grand Prix Bulgaria, welcomed many riders, their families, clubs, organizers, officials, guests from neighboring countries as well as mayors from the organizing cities.

BMF is a very active Federation and plays also a strong role in the context of the Balkan Motorcycle Union, one of the six Regional Associations of FIM Europe. Bogdan Nikolov is a former European Road Racing Champion (80cc) and is already considered as a Bulgarian legend. After his FIM Europe Mag6/2017

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Aside, from right: Dr. Wolfgang Srb, Rumen Petkov, Chairmen Organizing Committee Grand Prix Bulgaria, Bogdan Nikolov, President BMF Below, FIM Europe SuperMoto S3.

From right: Dimitar Petrov 3. place; Hakan Halmi 1. place; Alex Dimitrov 2. place and FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb

career as a rider he became soon President of the Federation and has organized hundreds of successful events.

"The Award Ceremony in Sofia was, as always, perfectly organized and was covered by Bulgarian TV and media. The riders received their well deserved medals in a ceremonial atmosphere and discussed already plans for the 2018 season", stated FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb.

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FIM Europe at the Alpe Adria General Assemb ly at Zagreb In a very nice accommodation, the Antunovic Hotel at Zagreb (Croatia), the Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union organised the yearly General Assembly.

Actually last August there was already a meeting, because of the change in the presidency: the president is from that moment Attila Nagy from the Hungarian Motorcycling Federation.

Besides the General Assembly, the Commission meetings and a meeting of the Management Board took place in a very wellorganized, efficient single day.

The accommodation for the meetings was organised by AAMU promoter Lutec racing.

The meeting started with a mo32

ment of silence to remember Gerhard Ittner, former chairman of the Road Race Commission, who passed away last week.

After a year without important developments there was a need to take the necessary decisions two points in the Statutes were approved by the General Assembly.

After this short meeting the commission meetings started - Road Race is the most important discipline in the AAMU. The partners joined this meeting, Lutec and the tyre suppliers. Some new rules and some technical rules were adopted. The Commission shows a good calendar for 2018, with high expectations for the Su-

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persport 300 Cup as one of the FIM Europe classes.

The Enduro commission discussed whether continuing as single commission or splitting up in Enduro and Extreme Enduro but in the end there was not a definitive proposal for the Management Board.

Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union President Attila Nagy had a good feeling: “The direction of the meeting today was good, the affiliated Federations are more in line and agree with the developments”, he stated. “The support of the Management Board and the General Assembly is good, the partners are satisfied with the Road Race rules and the increase of riders and events. A lot of work has to be done, but the

FIM Europe at the Eur opean Talent Cup at Valenc ia From the right, FIM Europe President Dr. Wolfgang Srb with FIM Europe Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco and Dieter Porsch - ADAC Motorradsport Chef at the last round of the FIM CEV Repsol European Moto2 and Talent Cup at Valencia, in Spain.

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feeling is positive”.

1st Deputy president of FIM Europe was present too and visited all meetings. “The meetings were held in a relaxed atmosphere with good results”, stated Martin de Graaff. “It was a step forward for the AAMU and it shows again the importance of our Regional Associations - the AAMU was founded in 1981 and is necessary for Regional activities, for motorsport on this level and is an example of how FIM Europe supports the Regional activities as one of the six Regional Federations in Europe”.

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In the middle of the Atlantic

by Rodolfo Romeo

In the picture, Teide Peak, a volcano on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain. Its 3,718-metre summit is the highest point in Spain and the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic.

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I still have in my eyes the blue of the sky, the blue cobalt of the ocean and the black of the volcanic rocks. And in my nostrils I have the smell of banana plantations. And in my ears I still have the noise of the wind. In my heart I have a mixture of joy for the experience lived and sadness for a journey ended.

Returning home is always a bit difficult and in fact when I see Her, who is at home, I'm ready for the worst. She pretends not to see me, she ignores me, she does not talk to me, she seems to look in the void when I'm in front of her. But I know exactly what

she is thinking and what she would like to say to me: "You go off, and I'm here doing nothing! And also you went with those courtesan ones, who for money will go with anyone." Maybe she is right, but this time I just could not take her with me. Anyway, I know her well and I know how to treat her, which buttons to touch - it's not the first time I do – I pretend nothing happened, I give her a light stroke, I go over her and she, with a banging moan, starts to move.

To press the start button was enough and everything was forgotten.

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At first I thought I was going to leave home by motorbike (which I really enjoy doing more because I get my motorbyke ready the way I like it), take the ferry to Barcelona from Civitavecchia, get to the south of Spain and get on the ship that goes to the middle of the Atlantic, but we needed at least six days to go and as many to come back. Too many, both for me and for my friends with whom I had prepared the trip. Darn Time! Always too little to make dreams come true, from start to finish. Blessed time! In that, even with remarkable acrobatic evolutions to juggle between work and family commitments, still gives the chance to live life as it comes.

So we decided for the Fly & Drive, little romantic but very practical, to visit some of the Canary Islands, and in particular Gran Canary and Tenerife, touching La Gomera. The goal, at a first glance, may seem to be predictable, not original and not "for motorcycles" but, believe me, it is not so. It is true that the Canary stereotype tells of worldly islands, full of movida, mass tourism, noisy establishments and confusion. This is the partly the truth, but those who want to avoid it have an infallible solution: avoid the -few- well-known places, those that all know and go to, to get lost in the myriad of streets that, like a web, wrap in a cocoon the islands, from the inland to the sea. This way the Canaries will show their whole splendor offering themselves to the voyagers in a totally unexpected, fascinating and engaging way.

We land toward the end of April in Gran Canary and reach Maspalomas, not far from the airport, where we booked the bikes: a Honda NCX 750 (mine), two Suzuky V Storm 650, two BMW GS700 and G650 and a KTM 1090, all in excellent condition, with bags and box to allow a nine-day autonomy even for those traveling with the passenger (we are three couples and three singles).

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After quickly getting over the rental process, we immediately leave the worldly coastal resort to head inland and visit the volcanic region of Tejeda. It is here that the Island is manifested for what it really is: an authentic and wild land where the mountains which reach 2000 meters -, volcanoes and craters sprout on the surrounding landscape, imposing, with their austere presence, their dominion on the whole island. Beyond the 1000 to 1300 meters there are pine forests and other tall trees, completely absent in coa-

stal and flat areas, where the black volcanic rock fascinates and monopolizes the territory.

The roads are tailor-made for a motorbike: they are tight and twisted on their own, often overhanging, designed to offer enchanting and, at the same time, austere and vertiginously disturbing views. The speed is, of course, very low and therefore allows lots of distraction to enjoy the beauty of the places. The stops for the photos are fairly frequent, but the distances are contained and

there is time for everything, even to visit the pueblos lying on the hillsides of the mountains, well preserved and authentic.

Going down to the coast, in the most inland areas sheltered by the ocean's wind, the man has ripped off the barren land large areas for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, mainly bananas.

They are surfaces surrounded by stonewalls and covered by towels to mitigate the action of the wind and the unbearable sun, which kisses and embraces the island all year long, as an insatiable and obsessive lover.

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Passing by close with our motorcycles we get enveloped by a sweet and acrid smell that take our minds to the vibes and flagrances of South America.

Returning to the coast, given a "fast" look at the resorts all located to the southeast of the island the one downwind compared to the dominant winds - we allow a day of leisure on the sandy beach at Punta de Maspalomas. It is the only large beach with real sand, not transported, with beautiful dunes that dive into the ocean. It’s a sort erg sandy desert- in miniature, as if a small portion of the Sahara had moved to a perennial vacation in the middle of the sea.

Really super nice.

Be careful not to go too far into the dunes, because you will not meet the Touareg but alternative characters looking for different adventures (Maspalomas, as reported in the Lonely Planet, is known to be gay friendly).

Three days have already passed and it is time to get to another island.

From the small, picturesque and hospitable port of Agaete, Puerto de la Nieves, a modern and fast catamaran (Norwegian built!) in three hours takes us to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in the island with the same name.

What said about Gran Canary is also valid for Tenerife, which also hides out of the tourist areas some authentic oasis of beauty and tranquility.

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Here, too, it is fun and exciting to get lost in secondary roads, sometimes not on the map, and discover some real jewels.

But in Tenerife there is a presence that pervades every corner of the island. It is the undisputed sovereign of the Canaries, the giant that from its 3718 meters (!!!) seems to rise to the center of the island just to control and be seen by everyone (if the clouds allow it), even from the nearby islands. It is Teide, the highest volcano in Europe and the highest mountain in Spain, although geogra-

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phically located off Africa - the magical of political geography! It is imply beautiful, as well as the road that reaches over 2500 meters in a small sandy plateau of sand and lava, just below the final part of the cone. The last 1000 meters are "climbed" in the cable car, but not for us: it is not running because the wind is too strong. Anyway, it's really exciting.

The setting of the area could be rebuilt by mixing together a piece of Peru (the volcano area, of course) a bit of Iceland (for black lava flows like coal), a portion of Libya's FIM Europe Mag 6/2017

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Acacus (for the contrast between the rock and sand) and a clove of Norway (for the sea that creeps into the mainland).

Our base is the little village of Garachico untainted by tourism and located on the northwest coast of the island. From here for four days we start our joyrides on the volcano and in the most western part of Tenerife, for me the most beautiful of the island - while the east side is not touristy interesting. The bikes dance among the curves, with the mountain on one side and the ocean on the other: what a show!

The visit to La Gomera will take only one day, from the very early morning (with my wife's lively grievances) to the evening.

The ferry, also a fast and comfortable catamaran, takes less than one hour from Los Cristianos to the small port of San Sebastian de la Gomera, on which shines the only ray of sunshine that touches the island. The rest is wrapped in low clouds, full of rain, covering it entirely.

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suits, we go to visit the interior of the small island, also this mountainous, which shows itself as an uninterrupted dense, dark and lush forest of larchs (ancestral laurislve, which many centuries ago spread throughout the basin of the Mediterranean).

Here is the rain makes sense, being a constant presence, in which it allows the lush growth of the forest at these latitudes.

The winds coming from the ocean, drenched with humidity, are intercepted by the trees in the mountains and the heat of the earth, and thus clouds are formed that overthrow the precious rain that nourishes and makes the forest prosper in a never-ending cycle.

Gomera, therefore, is the island richest in water in the whole archipelago, and that is precisely why Christopher Columbus, with its caravels, docked to get the last supply of water before sailing to the Americas.

The few glimpses visible between one cloud and the other show a very inhospitable coastline with rare small rocky bea-

ches, reachable by narrow streets that dive steeply from the mountain to the sea.

A few hours are enough to visit the whole island, practically round, and get back to the port for returning to Tenerife.

The next day we are back in Grand Canary, where we are returning the motorbikes. A pat on the tank to thank for the service rendered, and the airplane waits for us, relentless, to bring us home.

I am fascinated by the contrasts between earth and water. Sometimes the dominant element is the earth itself that is interrupted by rivers and lakes. Sometimes, however, the sea dominates and it is "violated" by the earth in the form of islands, peninsulas or promontories that creep into the water, like the fingers of a hand, and form fjords. Very often between land and sea there is a relationship of intimate complicity, where the two elements merge into one thing. Take, for example, Greece, the coasts of Turkey or, in general, tropical seas.

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There, the coast and the sea are like melted in one, the sea touches the shore, gently caressing it, as in a sensual loving embrace.

Colors blend, get mixed up, and in some cases it is not easy to establish the boundary between the two elements. The landmark is harmonious and communicates a sense of calm and serenity.

This is not the case of the Canary

Islands. There, there seems to be an eternal violent conflict between the sea and the earth.

The islands, tall and majestic, rise overpoweringly from the sea, unexpected and irreverent, as if to force in their

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space. The sea, on the other end, seems to be reacting to the injustice received and wanting to regain its rights, and so joins the wind and flares the coast sometimes with violence, but is rejected by high bastions, by real walls, formed by volcanic rocks .

This contrast between powerful and immense forces, of strong colors, of high mountains and infinite seas makes the Canary Islands absolutely fascinating. I would say bewitching, mesmerizing, seductive like the song of the sirens narrated in the Odyssey. And so, on leaving to go back to Italy, we assume to go back to follow new itineraries, but in reality to relive the beautiful experience that we leave behind.

My feelings have been fully shared by my travel companions and members of the Moto Club Roma, who have cheered me with their presence and honored me with their precious friendship. Thanks to my wife, Cecilia, always (or almost) ready to follow me perched on the rear seat of the bike, and to Davide, Oreste, Chiara, Roberto, Rita, Fabrizio and Carlo for having once again shared the fabulous adventure that only a trip by motorbike can give.

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