Stefan Geukens' royal mission!
A motocross race where a member of the royal family is present is not something you experience every day. And neither does an edition of the MX of Nations. The fact that Prince Filip attended the Motorcross of Nations in Lommel was big news! One of the people who managed everything behind the scenes was Stefan Geukens, well-known MX photographer and the editor-in-chief and publisher of the magazine 'Motocross is an Art'.
How did you end up on such a special mission, Stefan?
Stefan Geukens: “A week before the Motocross of Nations, I received a telephone to prepare the guidance and visit of the prince. In consultation with Eric Geboers, the BMB found that I had the right profile for this. Of course I thought it was a huge honor to be able to do that. So I didn't have to think for very long!”
What did your task specifically entail?
Stefan Geukens: “I had to coordinate the media that were allowed to visit the prince. After all, only the right people were allowed to do this. Because I know the journalists and photographers personally, it is easier to assess to the bodyguards whether everything is safe. A few days before the event, preparations were made with state security. To achieve this, a whole list of protocols must be completed. For example, the route that the prince takes is checked. The Sunday itself was completely taken up because you had to check a lot. Also with Youthstream, among others, because they were responsible for the stage. We were responsible for the princely space from which he followed the match. On the one hand you had the Royal media such as VTM and RTL that closely follow the royal family. On the other hand, sports photographers also want photos of the Prince. That is why we appointed two photographers who were allowed in the tent. We also gave a briefing before the meeting of the teams, three riders plus a team manager. If the Belgians had not been on the podium, there would have been a total of 16 people! All in all it was a very nice experience.”
Have you also spoken to Prince Philip yourself?
Stefan Geukens: “I have not had personal contact with the prince. I had been asked to accompany him when he would sign a special tribute book on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the BMB, but I thought that was much more the task of Jos Driessen, the chairman of the BMB. Moreover, the prince must speak to you. Just having a chat is not possible!”
Everything went very well, though there were a lot of people out and it was difficult to control such events perfectly...
Stefan Geukens: “That's right, afterwards I also received compliments about my contribution. That is very nice! After all, it is nice to be asked, but if something goes wrong, it is anything but positive for your image. During such an event you will also notice how incredibly professionally everything is organized around the royal family. After the podium ceremony there were so many people that I wondered how the Prince would be able to get away with his car. They assured me they had their method for that. That turned out to be true! I don't know how they did it, but in no time the road was completely clear!”
I have heard that Prince Philip's visit has come to an end.
Stefan Geukens: “Indeed, the press representative of the Royal House was present last week at the presentation of the fourth issue of “The Art Of Motocross”. That's fun, of course the prince was also on the cover. I am sure he will show our magazine to his family at home.”
King Albert is a motorcyclist himself and was present at the MX of Nations in Zolder in 2003. Is Prince Filip now a MX fan?
Stefan Geukens: “I don't think the prince would like to go racing! But he has made it clear that he would like to return to the Belgian Grand Prix and that he wants to bring his children. That's cool too, isn't it!”
Photos: CDS, Archives
More info about The Art Of Motocross here
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