Bastogne launches the Battle of the Ardennes!!!
The press conference last Friday following the Grand Prix of Belgium motorcoss was an absolute success! At the same time, the starting signal was also given for the final straight line to the GP in Bastogne, which will take place on June 16 and 17 at the military domain 'Sans Souci. For the well-attended press conference, more than 60 guests, including about thirty media people, came to the town hall of Bastogne.
André Malherbe as godfather of the GP motocross in Bastogne, this could of course not be missed. The three-time world champion talked about his love for motocross and how pleased he was to see a Belgian Grand Prix on the calendar after persistent doubts. “It certainly gives me great pleasure to see a competition at the highest level in this region. Because as a novice motocross rider I took my first steps in the AMPL, the amateur federation of the province of Luxembourg!”
Also our current standard bearer of Belgian motocross Clément Desalle was present. A very relaxed Desalle indicated that he was very much looking forward to a GP in front of his own audience. In addition to Desalle, the young talents Julien and Cédric Lieber were also present. Michel Fiéknow, represented the Belgian Motorcyclists Association. “This Grand Prize is the most beautiful gift we could imagine, exactly in the anniversary year of the federation. Motocross has played an important role in the 100-year history of the BMB. At the same time, the Belgians have always been at the forefront in the history of the MX. With this Belgian GP we return to our roots; a competition that takes place in a natural setting. Just like on the Citadel of Namur and during the golden years of motocross in the past.
To indicate the importance of motorsport in general within the Belgian sporting landscape, underlined Paul Janssens from the FIM environmental committee the 89 world titles that Belgians have won since the introduction of the world championship! Janssens: “This makes us the most decorated Belgian sports federation at world level. That is something to be proud of, but we must also look to the future. By organizing this GP, André Mathieu and Edmond Detry show that they pay ample attention to the environment and promotion.”
Mayor Philippe Collard welcomed everyone to Bastogne. Mr Collard also outlined the context of the Grand Prix for the city and the region. “Many people when they think of Bastogne automatically think of the battle that was fought here in the area during the Second World War. But sporting history has already been written here. For example, every year there is the passage of the cycling classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège. We have a beautiful multi-sport complex and our Olympic champion Fredje Deburghgraeve broke the breaststroke world record here in Bastogne in 1996! Just bringing an event here is not our style. We wanted a high-level event that fits perfectly with the image and dynamics of the city of Bastogne. The GP of Belgium Motocross answers this perfectly. Of course it's all about top sport, but there is also an element of struggle. Crossers are modern gladiators, that's why we chose the 'Motocross Battle of the Ardennes' as our slogan!” The mayor added that the city intends to develop a regulated motocross practice circuit in Bastogne.
A very important aspect of the Belgian GP in Bastogne is the solidarity that was created between the national motorsport organizations. Local promoter Dema wants to actively contribute to the image and promotion of motorsport and motorcycling in general. As a result, the Belgian GP on June 16 and 17 will not only function as an international 'showroom', but will also offer the sector in its own country a media platform!
Equally original is the 360° approach that involves new partners in the organization. Football club Standard-Liège, road racing promoter DG Sport, Moto2 racing team Marc VDS Racing and motocross GP team LS Honda Racing, among others, have also contributed to drawing attention to the Belgian GP in Bastogne.
Photos: Olivier Evrard
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