HIt is no longer a secret: motocross in our country is in crisis. It is becoming increasingly difficult to organize an event, whether it is at national or regional level. Johan Troch wrote an article on MXVintage.be a few weeks ago about the disappearance of motocross competitions in Belgium. Thierry Materne then contacted their editorial team to follow up on Johan's comments and make a concrete appeal to the motocross world.
Below is Thierry Materne's conversation with the editors of MXVintage.
MXV: Hello Thierry, do I need to introduce you? You are the organizer of the Namur Legend event, which has brought us so much pleasure for over 10 years.
Thierry Materne: "Yes, that's right! I am also an engineer by training and above all I have been passionate about motorcycles since I was young and it saddens me to see the evolution of this sport."
MXV: After reading Johan Troch's comments, you wanted to say a few words. Does it have to do with the difficulties that come with the sport we love?
Thierry Materne: "I find the analysis in this article very interesting. The conclusion, which is consistent with the observations about the state of our favorite sport, is negative: difficulties to obtain permits, difficulties for organizers to meet the expectations of the public, permanent circuits disappearing, a disastrous image of our sport, and so on."
MXV: And what is your response?
Thierry Materne: "My reaction is “And what do we do with these observations? Either we remain as we are: everyone in their own corner, good initiatives but not publicized, one-off unstructured financial support, …. Or we bring together people of good will, good ideas and financial resources to bundle initiatives, information, procedures, needs, environmental objectives, finances, timelines, advice, etc."
MXV: How do you see things? What are your ideas? What do you propose?
Thierry Materne: "Since money is the sinews of war, I am thinking of establishing a permanent fund that would consist of several sources:
The federations: The AMPL and the FPCNA have already occasionally given financial support for one-off initiatives. It seems to me that the support of all federations should be made permanent by a contribution to this fund of 5% of the amount of all licenses. This amounts to +/- 10 euros for an annual license.
Organizers: To start with, they could contribute 5% per paid registration for all offroad motorcycle events in Belgium or Wallonia.
The various sports ministries: The political authorities of Wallonia have already provided financial support, on an ad hoc basis, for one-off initiatives involving applications for environmental permits. It seems to me that the annual support for this fund should become permanent among all regional and even federal actors.
Importers and distributors: Many distributors help organizations from time to time (sponsoring, ribbons, party tents, etc.). It seems to me that a recurring annual contribution from “sellers” of off-road motorcycles would also be justified. This could be in the form of a contribution of 10 euros per sale or distribution of motorcycles.
Donations: Enthusiasts may also contribute to this fund from time to time.
Without being too optimistic, I think an annual amount of 40.000 euros can be raised and form a reasonable annual basis."
MXV: And how will the money raised be used?
Thierry Materne: "The money raised must be used to:
Support for organisers: Regarding permit applications, it is essential to join forces involved in formalising applications, procedures, contacts and advice. Regarding the organisation of events, the FMWB is currently working on drawing up specifications for the medical staff required for our type of event. In order to improve the image of our sport, we must also study a list of actions to be taken when organising events (relations with agricultural land owners, reusable cups, selective waste sorting, planting of hedges, respect for breeding periods and places, planting of dead wood, etc.). Financial support must also be provided for the initial organisation of an event.
Support for the creation of a permanent circuit: In the context of the permit application for the Lierneux circuit, the Walloon Region has provided one-off funding for the impact study required for this type of permit. It is necessary to join forces involved in formalising applications, procedures, contacts and advice. Pilots, enthusiasts, etc. who know of a meadow, agricultural land, etc. that could be suitable for the creation of a permanent circuit (far from homes, with a natural relief that is of little interest for agriculture, etc.) must also inform a contact point.
Support for a communication body: There are a number of communication associations, bodies, sites, etc. that do a fantastic job. What is missing is information to communicate with these different players. Regular press releases are needed to provide the media with positive information about our sport. We should not only give space to the opponents of our sport. We should highlight the positive initiatives of many enthusiasts.
In short, we need to bring together the financial resources, the people, the initiatives, the ideas, the support to unite us and not divide us… so that we can pull our sport out of the doldrums."
MXV: How are you going to approach this in practice?
Thierry Materne: "I think that, after my reaction, the first thing we need to do is to get all the players around the table. We need to see if my thoughts can give the impetus to launch this project, which is really aimed at bringing together the driving forces of our sport."
MXV: Have you made any contacts yet?
Thierry Materne: "Yes, I have already contacted an organizer, a representative organization and a federation. Their feedback seems positive. That is why I will continue! Mind you, I am not here to organize a mega meeting that will lead to nothing. Everyone at the table is there to make concrete progress. I hate meetings that are held for the sake of 'blah blah blah' and do not produce anything concrete."
MXV: How can people reading this contact you?
Thierry Materne: "YES! I suggest they contact me via my email address, which everyone can find on the website namurlegend.be! I would love to hear your reactions and suggestions!"
Link to the Namur Legend website: namurlegend.be
Email: tdmaterne@msn.com
Interview: Manu Jacques / Photos: Manu Jacques
Tekst: Manu Jacques and Danny Hermans
