FIM Europe Magazine #01|2024

Contents

FIM EUROPE MAGAZINE

Chief Editor: Dalila Agrati

Photo Credit: Infront, Jarek Pabijan.

FIM EUROPE

Viale delle Arti, 181 00054 Fiumicino (Italy) fimeuropepress@gmail.com

FIM EUROPE PRESS OFFICE Dalila Agrati dalila.agrati@fim-europe.com

The articles pusblished in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of FIM Europe. The content of this pubblication 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 (©FIM Europe).

Point of view

MICHAL SIKORA

FIM Europe President

After many weeks of poor weather outside our windows, we can finally count on the arrival of spring and the beginning of the full season. Of course, motorcycle engines never stop, so we could experience some excitement in the winter.

We witnessed a truly exciting SuperEnduro European Cup season consisting of 4 rounds in Poland (already in December 2023), Germany, Romania and Hungary. This really interesting discipline is still underestimated despite the fantastic form of the competition and great entertainment. However, I believe that this will change in the near future.

Despite really high temperatures, our promoter managed to conduct 2 rounds of the European Ice Racing Championships. Poland is perhaps not such a traditional place for ice races, especially in terms of

the number of competitors. However, in Sanok the organizers did a fantastic job and prepared a nice ice surface despite temperatures exceeding 10 degrees Celsius.

But FIM Europe is not only about sport. Once again, a trip to the FIM Europe Club on snowmobiles was a fantastic experience, during which participants admired the attractive northern landscapes of snow-covered Lapland.

This year, FIM Europe itself is preparing the next Congress in Fiumicino in early July. I strongly believe that this will be another successful meeting for our organization, thanks to our experienced team in the General Secretariat.

And now we are starting another interesting season and I wish that to all of you!

Editorial

DALILA AGRATI

Dear readers,

here we are again at the beginning of a new year.

Three months already passed away and soon we’ll enter in the heart of the sporting season.

We finished the last one with a lot of emotions, ready for a new and thrilling adventure. Now we were ready to start off with new expectations!

Both Sporting and Beyon-Sporting Commissions are working hard to enrich the European world with races and activities that will soon start. Actually, the sporting season is already kicked off and two Champions crowned: in February Xavier Leon won the SuperEnduro title, while Franz Zorn grab

his third gold medal in the European Individual Ice Speedway Championship.

All is set and all the calendars have been published. Some official events took place, such as the FIM Europe Club Lapland Experience, that gave the possibility to visit and live Rovaniemi. Others will soon take place and we’re all looking forward the next Congress in Rome: once again, we’ll have the occasion to meet face to face!

And we are just at the beginning! The curtain on the new season is ready to be raised!

Read, be curious and experience the FIM Europe World!

FIM Europe Press Officer

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Remembering Uwe Petzold

The FIM Europe is saddened to inform about the passing of Uwe Petzold, member of the Motocross and Snowcross Commission since 2017. Uwe tragically passed away in January.

He was passionate about all aspects of motorcycling and worked for a long time with the German Federation as a member of the MX Commission. His passion for motocross saw him become a DMSB-Academy instructor for MX officials.

As part of the FIM Europe family, Uwe was an active member of the Motocross Commission, working with professionalism and dedication.

Uwe will be hugely missed by the entire FIM Europe, who extends its condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

The Elective General Assembly of the Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union confirms Robert Zikovic as President

In January the AAMU – Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union Elective General Assembly took place inside the Hotel Arche Krakowska in Warsaw, Poland.

The FIM Europe President Michal Sikora attended the event together with the Secretary General Alessandro Sambuco.

Thanks to the excellent collaboration and the warm welcome of the PZM Federation, at the end of a successful weekend Robert Zikovic has been re-elected as Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union President for the second mandate (2024-2027), as well as Cristian Farinelli confirmed as Secretary General. Milos Balaz from Slovakian Motorcycle Federation was appointed as New Vice President.

MICHAL SIKORA

FIM Europe President

“It was great occasion to host the Elective General Assembly of Alpe Adria Motorcycle Union. We had a productive meeting and elected the new Management. I want to congratulate President Zikovic, Secretary General Farinelli and Vice President Balaz”.

ROBERT ZIKOVIC

AAMU President

“Many thanks to all AAMU member Federations for giving me opportunity to continue in a new mandate as AAMU President. From today AAMU is stronger for one federation thanks to AMF re-joining us. Congratulations to all colleagues working with us in the past four years, and to all colleagues appointed to new positions. Thanks to PZM & FIM Europe President Sikora for organizing such a great event, Elective General Assembly here in Warsaw”.

CRISTIAN FARINELLI

AAMU Secretary General

“First of all, let me thank PZM & FIM Europe President Michal Sikora for the great organization of the Assembly. Being re-appointed for the next mandate it means that the job provided in the last four year was quality one despite the pandemic situation we suffered in the beginning of the journey. I’m honoured to have been voted by all AAMU Federations and I will give my maximum for this task”.

ALESSANDRO SAMBUCO

FIM Europe Secretary General

“It was a pleasure to participate in the work of the AAMU General Assembly, as it was a pleasure to see how this Regional Association is growing from an organizational and sporting point of view. With my colleague Cristian Farinelli we are in close contact and we have an active collaboration in the interest of the continental motorcycling sport”.

2024 MACEC General Assembly in Bucharest

The 2024 General Assembly of MACEC (Motorcycle Association of Central European Countries) was held on 16th March in Bucharest, Romania. The meeting was organised by the Romanian Motorcycle Federation.

During the meeting, the 2023 motorcycle season and the activities of the member Federations were discussed. Medals and trophies were awarded to the winners of the individual and team classification in the 2023 MACEC Speedway Cup. The calendar and regulations for the 2024 MACEC Cup in Speedway, Motocross, and Trial disciplines were approved. The conditions for organising competitions in each country were also discussed.

The meeting was chaired by the MACEC President - Aleksandra Knyszewska (PZM).

Representatives from six member countries participated in the meeting: Romania, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Slovakia, Lithuania and Poland. Special guests were Michał Sikora (President of the FIM Europe) and Giedré Leskauskiené (FIM Board

Member), who presented the current situation and actions taken in FIM Europe and FIM. Also present Jan Šťovíček (FIM-FIA Committee Chairman), Nicoleta Olariu (FIM Europe Vice President and meeting host), Andrzej Witkowski (FIM Honorary Vice President and founder of MACEC) and Andrzej Grodzki (MACEC Honorary President).

Fruitful discussions and important exchanges of experiences allowed participants to expand their knowledge. New opportunities are being planned to be implemented in the organisation of competitions in those countries.

The next MACEC General Assembly will take place in March 2025.

More information: https://pzm.pl/motocykle/macec

Why should FMNs engage in lobbying with national and international policymakers

DIMITRIS MARGARITIS

Chairman of the Public Affairs Commission

The necessity for a national motorcycle federation (FMN) to support non-sport activities and engage in lobbying efforts through their network of local politicians and members of the European Parliament is crucial for shaping legislation and fostering a supportive environment for motorcycling. Beyond the realm of competitive sports, motorcycles are integral to various leisure, transportation, and community-building activities. To promoting motorcycling, these non-sporting endeavors enrich the broader motorcycle culture and contribute positively to society.

By leveraging the network of connections within local governments and the European Parliament, FMNs can advocate for policies that address the needs and concerns of motorcyclists. This may include initiatives to improve infrastructure for safer riding, promote motorcycle-friendly legislation, and ensure fair treatment of motorcyclists in transportation planning and regulations. Additionally, by collaborating with policymakers at both the local and European levels, FMNs and FIM Europe can amplify their influence and effectively

advocate for the interests of the motorcycling community on a broader scale.

Furthermore, engaging in lobbying activities allows FMNs to actively participate in the legislative process, shaping laws and regulations that directly impact motorcyclists. Through dialogue, education, and advocacy efforts, FMNs can work alongside policymakers to develop informed and balanced policies that prioritize the safety, rights, and interests of motorcyclists. By strengthening lobbying capabilities and fostering constructive relationships with lawmakers, FMNs can play a pivotal role in advancing the interests of the motorcycling community and ensuring a supportive legal and regulatory framework for motorcycling activities.

Within this context, FIM Europe (and FIM overall) is preparing to launch a series of initiatives aimed at establishing consistent lobbying efforts with relevant stakeholders. With regards Europe, these efforts will commence with the FIM Europe Policy Conference, scheduled to take place during the FIM Europe Congress in Rome this year.

From left: Sabin Olariu (Romanian Federation Secretary General), Michal Sikora (FIM Europe President), Martin de Graaff (former FIM Europe President), Thomas-Razvan Moldovan (Sport State Secretary at the Romanian Sport Ministry), Ioan Cristian Muresan (Romanian Federation President), Nicoleta Olariu (Romanian Federation Vice-President), Marcel Ciolacu (President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania), Jorge Viegas (FIM President), Nicu Nita (Romanian Deputy), Alin Chitu (Secretary of State Ministry of Finance).

2024 FIM Europe Club Lapland Experience

From 19th to 23rd March has been held in Rovaniemi (Finland) the 2024 FIM Europe Club Lapland Experience. The Santa Claus Holiday Village in Rovaniemi host the meeting organised by FIM Europe and Finnish Motorcycling Federation, in co-operation with Snowmobile Guide Association of Finland. The opportunity to live a unique experience on snowmobiles in Finnish Lapland also represented, as in the past, an opportunity to develop cooperation between the European Federations, share ideas and discuss issues related to Sport and Beyond Sport Motorcycling.

On the occasion of the dinner that celebrated the closing of the experience, SML wanted to share with the participants, many of whom knew him, a memory of Jorgen Bitsch, who passed away last year, an enthusiastic and assiduous participant in recent years.

From the left: Gianluca Avenoso – FMI, Alessandro Sambuco – FIM Europe, Ingrida Visockiene – LMSF, Virginijus Visockis – LMSF, Ville Salonen – SML, Tapio Nevala – SML, Juhani Halme – SML, Jari Heinila – SGAF, Jukka Lainkari – SML

VILLE SALONEN

SML Finnish Motorcycling Federation Secretary General

“Once again it has been a real honor for Finland and the SGAF to host the FIM Europe Club Experience in Rovaniemi Finland. I want to thank the FIM Europe for having the event as one of the great ways to promote the co-operation between the member countries to share and evaluate the international co-operation in motorsports. The event is also a great way to meet in a completely different and exotic environment and at the same time enjoy snowmobiling in the beautiful landscape of the arctic circle and the Finnish Lapland. I especially want to thank the Snowmobile Guide Association of Finland and the snowmobile guides for keeping everyone safe on the tours around the arctic nature of Rovaniemi region! Truly an event to remember!”

ALESSANDRO SAMBUCO

FIM Europe Secretary General

"We are now at the sixth edition of this experience which I can define as absolutely extraordinary for those, like me, are not coming from Scandinavian Countries. Extraordinary for several reasons: first of all, it is not one of the many snowmobile safaris organized for tourists. Our SGAF guides, under the guidance of Jukka Lainkari, coordinator of the Lapland Experience for the FIM Europe Touring Commission, always offers us tours outside the ordinary circuits and a dynamism in transfers not comparable to tourist safaris. Secondly, the charm of the snowy landscapes (forests, lakes and rivers) crossed represents for many of us a full immersion in a fairy tale world. Finally, finding ourselves sharing these days improves the personal relationships between us, strengthening the concept of family that we often use. I would like to renew the invitation to Directors and Officials of the European Federations to join a group that I now have no hesitation in defining as friends and colleagues".

Xavier Leon makes it double in Germany

#02

round

06th January Riesa, Germany

The 2024 has just started, but the sporting season is already underway.

After the inaugural round in Kraków, Poland, the second round of the SuperEnduro Cup was raced in Riesa, Germany.

The German public witnessed a real show, as the season guarantees to be one of the best of SuperEnduro with its unpredictable and dramatic racing.

Championship leader Xavier Leon (GasGas) claimed again

the overall thanks to the victory in the first final and the second place in final 2. Second overall home hero Max Faude (KTM), who despite the seventh position in the final 1, grabbed the win in final 2. Third overall another German rider: Henry Strauss (KTM) thanks to a second and a fifth position.

The top five was completed by Alessandro Azzalini (GasGas) from Italy and Polish rider Damian Broniewski (Husqvarna).

Event classification - Top five

1. Xavier Leon, SPA, 72 points

2.

3.

Xavier Leon keeps on ruling in Romania

#03

round

20th January

Cluj Napoca, Romania

The third round of the SuperEnduro Cup visited the BT Arena in Cluj Napoca, Romania, for the first time. A very demanding race, with many big wooden logs, designed for the heroes of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, who also struggled with the complicated corners.

As in the previous events in Poland and Germany, the Romanian Grand Prix saw again the Spanish leader Xavi León (GasGas) took a double win and another overall victory ahead of the American Dustin Mccarthy (Beta) and the Polish rider Maciej Wieckowski (Gas Gas). Poland ruled the top five with Damian Broniewski (Husqvarna), fourth overall with the second position in Race 2 and the sixth in Race 1, and Kacper Baklarz (Gas Gas).

Italian rider Alessandro Azzalini (Gas Gas), who arrived in Cluj Napoca second in the standings, finished twice fifth taking the sixth position overall.

Tough event for home hero Sergiu Grecu (KTM), who started the season in Kraków with a good fifth position: in front of his large audience the Romanian rider just rider hit the top ten.

Event classification - Top five

1. Xavier Leon, SPA, 112 points

2. Maciej Wieckowski, POL, 81, p

3. Alessandro Azzalin, ITA, 80 p

4. Hubert Zbikowski, POL, 61 p

5. Kacper Baklarz, POL, 58 p

Amazing Xavier Leon claims 2024 title

#04

round

03rd February

The SuperEnduro Cup concluded in Budapest, Hungary, with the fourth and final round of the 2024 season.

A fast, flowing track inside the impressive MVM Dome looked almost EnduroCross-like, bringing out the best in Xavi León (GasGas).

As in the previous events (Poland, Germany, Romania) where the Spanish leader dominated the series, in Hungary he ruled carrying a 31 points advantage into the night. A measured ride saw the race one win come to him while rivals faltered, and the 2024 European title was his

Budapest, Hungary

in easy fashion.

Messing with our mojos a little, American Dustin McCarthy (Beta) took the overall European win on the night with a 2-1 scorecard ahead of Xavi. Third position for Hubert Zbikowski (KTM) from Poland.

Arrived in Hungary with the third overall position, just one point from the second place, Italian rider Alessandro Azzalini (Gas Gas) succeeded in taking the silver medal thanks to the fifth position. Third final place in the standings for Maciej Wieckowski (POL), just ninth in Budapest.

Event classification - Top five

1. Xavier Leon, SPA, 149 points

2. Alessandro Azzalin, ITA, 101 p

3. Maciej Wieckowski, POL, 98 p

4. Hubert Zbikowski, POL, 91 p

5. Dustin McCarthy, USA, 79 p

Now available the FIM Europe 2024 Yearbook

The FIM Europe is glad to inform that the 2024 Yearbook is available.

The open version can be downloaded from the FIM Europe website, while the full edition is available in the reserved area.

In the table of contents, the welcome from the FIM Europe President Michal Sikora, the story, the organization and the structure of the FIM Europe, as well as info about International and National Organizations, Federations and Regional Associations.

The Yearbook also contains the 2023 sporting results, the roll of honour of the European Championships and Cups and a preview on the 2024 sporting season and events.

Double win for Andrea Verona in Italy

#01

round

23th-24th March

The 2024 24MX Enduro European Championship kicked off in Castiglion Fiorentino, which returned to the European scene after the excellent organization of the final round in 2009. On the same routes faced by many enduro champions and the great Fabrizio Meoni, riders faced three special tests in a lap of 54 km repeated 3 time: Extreme Test, designed on rocks and natural stones, highlighting the technical skills; Enduro Test, 8 km long and characterized by a rocky surface and undergrowth; Cross Test of 3 km.

Day 1

Andrea Verona, who took part in this event to train for the World Championship, ruled the overall standing ahead of Samuele Bernardini, also in Castiglion Fiorentino to train for the World Championship. Italy completed the podium with Davide Soreca, who finished a few seconds behind Bernardini.

Davide Soreca won the E1 class ahead of Italian riders Davide Mei and Jacopo Traini.

Andrea Verona, in addition to winning the overall of day 1, also won the E2 class, always ahead of Bernardini, while Daniel Mundell finished third, back to the European championship after one year.

In the E3 class the French national anthem echoed thanks to the determination of Anthony Geslin, who won by 14 seconds ahead of Mattia Capuzzo at the end of a hard-fought day. Andrea Castellana was third on the podium. The young riders from Youth class gave an intense show.

Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy

The top three was within seven seconds: Riccardo Pasquato first, Luca Piersigilli second and Valentino Corsi third.

Great return to the European stage for Killian Lunier. The French rider won the Junior1 category ahead of his compatriot David Scheid Guillemot and the British Charlie Charter. Off the podium Kevin Cristino due to a TC penalty.

Thrilling race in Junior2 too, with Riccardo Fabris and Matej Skuta: at the end the 2023 Champion Fabris managed to take the victory by less than three seconds. The Finnish flag flied on the third step thanks to Samuli Puhakainen, third ahead of Matyas Chlum by just two seconds.

In the Senior first place for the veteran Maurizio Micheluz, reigning Champion of this class. The Italian won ahead of the German rider Nico Rambow and Martin Gottvald. Between the women Tanja Schlosser set the best time. The young German had no rivals and won the class with over one minute on Mauricette Brisebard. Third on the podium the Argentine Carla Scaglioni.

Andrea Verona

Tanja Schlosser

Day 2

Under a cloudy sky without rain Verona set another overall victory, but this time with a gap of just 25 seconds on Bernardini. The two Italian riders battled throughout the day, ensuring a great show.

In the E1 class once again Soreca won easily, while behind him great battle for P2 between with Traini and Mei fighting until the last special test.

As in the overall, Verona and Bernardini took the first two positions of the E2 class, with Daniel Mundell third.

In the E3 class one more victory for Gaslin ahead of Capuzzo (over one minute and a half) and Robert Riedel (over 2 minutes).

Double victory for Micheluz in the Senior class. The Italian riders took his second victory of the season, putting behind Rambow and Gottvald.

Another win also for Schlosser, this time ahead of Sara Traini and Brisebard.

Davide Soreca

Antoine Geslin

Gold triplete for Franz Zorn

#01

round

24th-25th February Sanok, Poland

For the sixth time and the third consecutive year the city of Sanok, in the south-eastern Poland, hosted the European Individual Ice Speedway Championship.

Three seems to be a magic number, as the Austrian rider Franz Zorn claimed his third European Individual Ice Speedway Championship title after defeating his opposition in the impressive Mosir Sanok Arena. Zorn won the first European title in Sanok in 2008 and 15 years later, last year, the now 53-year-old from Saalfelden stood on the top step of the podium for the second time.

In Day 1 the ice warriors took to the track in front of a warm crowd, excited to see a great show. Taking advantage of the excellent track conditions, they push till the limits, with many heats seeing positions swapped lap after lap. Franz Zorn push hard winning easily ahead of Max Niedermaier and Jimmy Olsén. The German and the Swedish rider tried to put pressure, however, the Austrian had the perfect answer.

Day 2 was again a great show made of 8 heat. Spectators lost count of the number of the continuous overtakes between Maximilian Niedermaier Jr and Jimmy Hörnell Lidfalk, before Niedermaier Jr took the win on the last lap. But the racing didn’t end so easy: heat 14 saw the finest display of ice racing between the three German riders on track, side by side for several laps, and at the end Luca Bauer won.

All was decided in the final heat of the day, where Franz Zorn won ahead of Jimmy Olsén and Niedermaier Jr, claiming for the third time the crown as European Ice Speedway Champion.

Final top three

1. Franz Zorn, AUT

2. Jimmy Olsen, SWE

3. Max Niedermaier, GER

Lata makes amazing comeback to win it all on the opening round

#01

round

The EMX250 Motocross European Championship season kicked off at Intu-Xanadú Spain with electrifying races, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive and exhilarating season. With a lineup packed with talent, the EMX250 ignited the season with a thrilling round of races.

It was Beddini GASGAS Factory Juniors’ Valerio Lata who showed great character throughout the weekend to win the overall and take the Red Plate on the opening round in Spain.

Lata was the big winner of the day after an impressive come back. Mathisse Valin stepped in the second step of the podium showing a solid performance, while Ivano Van Erp finished third overall.

24th March

Intu Xanadu Arroyomolinos, Spain

This exciting opening round was a stunning indication of the highly competitiveness we will expect this season.

Green Education Strategy 10 years anniversary

GRAŻYNA MAKOWSKA

Chairwoman of the Environment Commission

Education is one of the main goals of the FIM Europe Environment Commission.

Since 10 years we have been promoting environmental education in motorcycle sport.

We evaluate the environment check-list dedicated to the FIM Europe motorcycle events. Then we communicate with the delegated environmental stewards or the national federations.

We inform about the positive steps taken by the organisers of FIM Europe events to protect the environment on the website of FIM Europe and on the Facebook profile of our Commission – FIM-Europe Environment Commission. You can give us your LIKE!

We promote the philosophy of sustainable development based on the FIM models.

We want our races to be friendly for environment, don‘t cost a lot of money and attract a lot of riders and spectators. Sustainable development allows the needs of present generations to be met without compromising the demands of fu-

ture generations to meet their needs.

The Commission prepared the Manual for Environmental Stewards – a document is published on the FIM Europe website under Beyond Sport – Environment

What to do before the event – a manual for organizers will be published soon on the FIM Europe website under Beyond Sport – Environment. We believe it will be very useful tool for the organisers of motorsport events.

Activities organised by the national federations

"We respect the environment" the idea that can be promoted by the national federations, organisers, promotors of the European motorcycle events. At the meetings with the riders, officials, members of the international Jury, VIPs you may emphasize the importance of respecting the protection of the environment. Make photos and publish them on the Federation's website and in social media. Prepare similar photos and we will put them on the FIM Europe website or/ and our Facebook profile to promote the idea of sustainability in motorcycle sport.

THE FIM ADVANTAGE CARD WITH EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS FOR RIDERS!

Motorcyclists share benefits for motorcyclists. With the new FIM Advantage Card touring motorcyclists can gain access to a unique universe of travel insurance and assistance as well as discounts on international level buying motorcycling equipment and services when travelling by motorcycle.

Since the new year a unique opportunity for the touring motorcyclists has been available worldwide The FIM Advantage Card, this card is the work of the FIM Touring Commission and is now available in four levels:

WISH Card: the basic level allows access only to the trading benefits.

DREAM Card: the second level, in addition to the above, includes roadside

A unique feature of the card is that the coverage is for every rider in all countries of the world and is valid in all countries as well, with the exception of those countries where armed conflict is taking place.

For the Touring Commission achieving this unique multinational coverage has been of highest priority, and the director of the commission, Nuno Trêpa Leite is extremely pleased with the launch:

”We have worked hard with this project in recent years and now we are finally able to introduce the Nuno Trêpa

He explains, that the price range for the four levels of cover goes from 20 Euros to 295 Euros and the first two levels operate solely as a digital card for a smartphone, while the top two levels of cover also come with a physical card.

At the moment the benefits range from international hotel chains to online shops for motorcycle clothing, smaller business such as restaurants and other types of local touristic services for the travelling motorcyclist. At the moment the advantage card has agreements with 5%, 10% or more as discounts for the cardholders.

Another unique feature of this card is that it is offered to motorcyclists by motorcyclists!

If riders have interest in this scheme they can go to the FIM Touring Website (www.fim-touring.com) and get more information about the levels of coverage and the various companies, which are supporting this scheme.

MAGAZINE

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