Save the Motocross: New promotions!
On November 13, 2009, a procession took place in Brussels past the competent ministers to express dissatisfaction with the decision of Flemish Minister for the Environment Joke Schauvliege to annul the environmental permit of the Motorcross circuit 'de Kiezelgraven' in Neeroeteren. It was the straw that broke the camel's back because the sector had already gone through a calvary of 10 years with only falls, without getting up to address the problem of the shortage of regulated training circuits with the competent government authorities.
Situation
Questions from the federations and cries for help from the various Flemish World Champions fell on deaf ears. The presence of a crowd of motorcyclists in Brussels on November 13 was the signal for the Flemish government that solutions must now be urgently worked on. A parliamentary debate took place the week after the parade and shortly afterwards, the Flemish Minister of Sport, Philippe Muyters, called the provincial governors together to do their homework again and report by March 15. In the meantime, locations were again sought and meetings were held at provincial level.
Currently we only have positive news from Limburg with the nomination of the 4 previously selected locations: the current circuits of Lommel and Genk, a new location in Kaulille and last but not least the reopening of the Kiezel Quarry in Neeroeteren. In the other provinces it is quiet for the time being and we are waiting for the first results.
Parade will continue in permanent structure
The initiators of the parade have decided to create a permanent structure, namely the 'Save the Motocross' working group composed of the 3 recognized Flemish motorsport federations (Flemish Motorcyclists' Association of Belgium (VMBB), the Federation of Amateur Motorcross Associations of Flanders (FAM) , UMC-Vlaanderen (UMC) and the former Motocross world champions Stefan Everts, Eric Geboers and Joël Smets. In this way, the sector is responding to the government's request to be able to communicate with 1 discussion partner. The 'Save the Motocross' working group will continue the actions to exert the necessary political pressure and finally unblock the training circuits file.
The following actions are planned in the short term:
– for each plenary session of the Flemish Parliament, a delegation from the working group will welcome parliamentarians at the entrance to remind them of the parade of November 13 (photo canvas, information sheet)
– during the plenary session of the Flemish Parliament where, following the report of the provincial governors, the issue of training circuits was again placed on the agenda, a delegation of the federations accompanied by the ex-world champions and current World Cup pilots will welcome the parliamentarians and discuss them during the debate. the public stands are present.
Further actions will be announced later. The 'Save the Motocross' working group would like to thank all participants (pilots, clubs, supporters, associations) in the Brussels parade on November 13 once again for their presence! It is thanks to them that there is movement again in this vital file for motocross riders.
The 'Save the Motocross' working group consists of: Flemish Motorcyclists' Association of Belgium (VMBB) Federation of Amateur Motocross Associations Flanders (FAM), UMC-Vlaanderen (UMC) Stefan Everts, Eric Geboers and Joël Smets
Photo credit: Ray Archer
Also to read
Robert Fobbe at the start in the USA!
Robert Fobbe will be in action for the first two (2) races of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship! The 23-year-old rider will…Ian Ampoorter makes his return to Portugal
After a lot of injuries, Ian Ampoorter will appear behind the starting gate next weekend. The GasGas rider travels to Agueda in good spirits for the third race of the European Championship…Australia returns to the MXGP calendar!
From 2025, Australia will be back on the FIM MXGP-MX2 World Championship calendar. After 24 years, another Grand Prix 'down-under' will be held and this will happen...Marc Antoine Rossi mist of Portugese GP
Marc-Antoine Rossi will not be in action this weekend during the fifth round of the FIM MXGP-MX2 World Championship in Portugal. The GasGas driver has to miss the race in Ageuda after his…
Your reactions