First: two permanent circuits in Wallonia!
Many happy faces this afternoon at Minister André Antoine's press conference in Mont-Saint Guibert. After all, there was big news today because the minister formally pledged his support for the implantation of two permanent motocross circuits. This concerns the project of RMC Pierreux in Mont-Saint Guibert (Walloon Brabant) and Rognée (province of Namur).
Level accommodation
Of course, this is primarily great news for French-speaking motocross riders, but both tracks are also easily accessible for Flemish riders! Moreover, they are both courses that are very complementary to the other available, permanent circuits in Belgium. With this announcement, the minister has completed the first stage after 12 months ago he launched a call for municipalities that were willing to receive an MX circuit.
A jury of experts has examined the various files to assess their suitability. The Minister of Sports pointed out the importance of the Infrasports service, which is a driving force in Wallonia when it comes to developing (new) sports accommodation, often on the basis of public-private partnerships. Minister Antoine: “We have approximately 3.000 license holders in Wallonia and motocross is without a doubt the most successful sport in Belgium in terms of the number of world titles and champions. It is important that riders can practice their sport in a good and safe manner, of course taking into account the concerns of local residents.” In addition to motocross, locations where enduro, trial or supermoto can be ridden were also looked at. Multifunctional locations were therefore preferred. The strict specifications also took into account the infrastructure itself (parking, washing area, permanent building) that will be built later and the possibility of using the site at least 5 days a week.
Direct investment of 5 million euros
Both Rognée (municipality of Walcourt) and Mont-Saint Guibert meet all requirements. It is possible that other circuits will also submit their candidacy again next year as the aim is to have at least one circuit in each Walloon province. Nicola Baratucci, who runs the Rognée circuit, was very pleased because after years of struggle it will finally be possible to further develop the site. No less than 2 million euros will be invested in Rognée in two years.
RMC Pierreux's plans for the Shanks site in Mont-Saint Guibert look impressive. Didier Gelders, chairman of RMC Pierreux: “The extraction of the sand quarry should be completed at the end of 2012, after which the works can start.” Mont-Saint Guibert is already geographically the center of Belgium, but once the works are completed, MSG will also become the center for stud sports! RMC Pierreux wants to build a total of six circuits, including one supermoto track, a trial, enduro and mountain bike zone. This involves just 6 million euros, half of which is provided by subsidies. “I would like to emphasize that we have made a major commitment, because these two projects have a budget of 5 million euros,” said Minister Antoine. “After the construction of the Jules Tacheny circuit in Mettet, we will also continue there in terms of development for speed. As we do for other sports, there will be an ADEPS center (Walloon counterpart of BLOSO) in Mettet specifically for road racing.”
Individual support for French-speaking motor athletes
Following the example of the government contracts for top athletes in cycling (Topsport Vlaanderen in Flanders and Wallonie-Bruxelles Crédit Agricole), the Walloon government will also financially support individual motor athletes with temporary contracts. Clément Desalle will receive support linked to his status as a top athlete, and five promising prospects will also be supported next year: Jéremy Delincé, Eric Foguenne, Fabrice Louis, Nathan Renkens and Maxime Warenghien. Belgian road racing pride Xavier Siméon (Moto2) will also receive a grant. Nice detail: the minister himself is also familiar with motocross. Dad Antoine was a farmer and his great sporting passion was motorcross! As a child, André would watch all the matches in the four corners of Belgium. In short, someone with a (motor)sports heart in the right place! Hopefully the Walloon example will inspire our Flemish politicians...
Photos: Olivier Evrard
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