motocross
Published on 25/10/2016 Belgian Masters of Motocross-BMMX , BMB BK Motocross , BMB-Belgian Motorcyclists' Union , BMB-FMBRelaunch of Belgian motocross: what will change in 2017?
Belgian motocross is currently facing numerous difficulties. There is a reduction in the number of participants, spectators and competitions. There is a definite lack of media interest, too few training circuits and the clubs are experiencing increasing difficulties in finding enough volunteers to set up an organization. Moreover, additional efforts are necessary to create a new generation of top riders who, thanks to their results, can rekindle interest among the general public.
To relaunch motocross in Belgium, the new BMB chairman, Olivier Rougraff, has consulted the main players in the motocross world: the riders, the organizers, external and internal experts.
After a thorough analysis of the collected proposals and advice, an action plan was drawn up. This global plan received a positive advice from the BMB Board of Directors during its meeting on Wednesday last. The BMB motocross working group was tasked to further refine the various proposals and integrate them into the regulations for 2017.
What will change in 2017?
There will be 3 more competition types:
- Belgian Motocross Championship
- Belgian Masters of Motocross
- International competitions
Belgian Motocross Championship
As for the Belgian Championship, the current classes will be retained but during the competitions they will be grouped according to their engine capacity. After all, the driver survey has shown that they are not in favor of mixing the engine capacities. A system will be put in place to ensure that they can compete with riders of an equivalent level within their class. The duration of practices and competitions will be increased, another demand reflected in the rider survey.
Belgian Masters of Motocross
The Belgian Masters of Motocross, the championship for the top riders, will consist of a maximum of 2 races. This formula will ensure a more efficient promotion of this championship and also facilitate the participation of the Grand Prix riders given their increasingly difficult World Championship program. These competitions will in principle be spread over 2 days in order to accommodate a maximum number of riders and to make the program on Sunday even more attractive to the public.
There are 2 categories, the Belgian Masters of Motocross MX1 and Belgian Masters of Motocross MX2, each with 2 separate competitions. The nationals and inters will have to qualify for the Belgian Masters competitions. At the end of the day, the best MX1 and MX2 riders will compete during a super final. A very interesting prize pool will be provided for this super final with a total amount of EUR 18.000,00 per race divided among the first 5 riders.
A novelty is the introduction of 'holeshot' premiums for drivers who make the best start.
In addition, the best Belgian rider of the Superfinal classification, drawn up over the 2 races, will be guaranteed to be part of the Belgian team of the Motocross of Nations.
Finally, to launch the new formula of the Belgian Masters of Motocross, the intention is to add a 'motocross legends' competition to the program. Ten-time world champion, Stefan Everts, has committed to participate. He will undoubtedly be able to motivate other former stars to join the ride.
International competitions
The third type of competitions are international competitions with a specific program according to the wishes of the organizer. Of course, the Future Cup will take place again, the national competition for young people, but new formulas such as a brand trophy, a regional trophy, and an MX1/MX2 trophy are possible.
Quality of the matches
An important item in the plan concerns the quality of the matches. A specifications with the standards for the circuit, the paddock but also the promotion will be drawn up.
A national champion's jersey for the Belgian champion of each class, a red plate for the leader in the classification of his class, a starting jingle are some interesting novelties for the spectators. The BMB will also have a more visible presence.
A system will be introduced whereby riders can purchase an annual pass for him/her and his/her mechanic. This annual pass will of course be cheaper than registration on site. Its revenues will be shared equally among the organizers.
Motocross landscape
The general plan also contains the chairman's vision of the current motocross landscape. We are without a doubt one of the most divisive sports at the moment and at a time when it is under threat. The VMBB and the FMWB have already taken many initiatives in the past to bring together all enthusiast associations, but unfortunately no definitive, structural solution was found. The chairman shared his vision with the two regional associations and launched a call to try again to find a solution so that the motocross world would be united. This is the only way to follow to keep this beautiful sport moving forward. Further negotiations with the other unions will take place this autumn.
Belgian Junior Knights
There are currently several initiatives to support young motocross riders. The BMB coach, Yves Devlaminck, has organized 14 internship days this year for the young 65cc and 85cc talents. A selection of potential riders (125cc) is guided by Motorsport Future, an initiative supported by the Flemish government and in Wallonia Thierry Klutz organizes initiations with the support of the FMWB and Adeps.
The programs of each initiative should be better coordinated so that the available resources are used more efficiently. The creation of the Belgian Junior Knights to create a new generation of talented riders is therefore the ultimate goal. An even more extensive internship program led by the BMB coach with the help of an additional trainer will be set up in 2017. A group of 65cc/85cc riders (9 to 14 years) and a group of 125cc/250cc will be provided.
Training circuits
There is an evident shortage of training circuits, especially in West and East Flanders and Wallonia. The BMB is currently represented in the 'Save Motocross' working group active in Flanders on the initiative of Eric Geboers, Joel Smets and Stefan Everts. There are ongoing initiatives for the search for new sites in port areas (Muyters Cabinet/sport) and sand extraction (Schauvliege Cabinet). In Wallonia, Thierry Klutz was tasked by ADEPS to investigate the possibilities. Studies for several new potential training areas are underway.
It is clear that despite there being a political will, the recurring problem is the acceptance of a circuit by local residents and municipal authorities. The BMB and its affiliated unions will further monitor and support the ongoing files. The organizers will be encouraged to provide free training as part of their event in order to provide additional training opportunities.
Next stages
The BMB Motocross working group will meet on November 7 to finalize the 2017 sporting and technical regulations. A meeting with all organizers and potential organizers will also be scheduled to explain the plan and changes. The calendar will be published by the end of November.
It goes without saying that not all points included in the global plan can actually be achieved immediately in 2017, which is why a step-by-step plan will be drawn up.
We will keep you informed of further developments via the BMB Facebook page and the website.
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