Column: Geert Gelaude April 2018.
We fans have known for a long time that motocross is one of the toughest sports. Yet we also have to swallow it every time we see images, hear stories, or are confronted with the reality that our sport entails. Every season, every association, all categories suffer from it, namely the list of injured. That is why it is good that stricter safety standards are applied every year.
In recent years they have tried to raise the level of safety to a higher level for both riders and supporters. This is only possible if there is good cooperation between all parties. And that it is necessary is evident from the numerous accidents that have occurred in the past. Will this reduce all serious falls to zero? Take it from me, no, we are not going to do that, but it is certain that something has to be done in that direction. The circuits must be more spectacular, the drivers reach unprecedented speeds, and the fans crave more. Reason enough to work on a well-structured safety procedure. They have been working on these procedures in Grand Prix competitions for some time, just look at the medical staff at every competition. They can put a fallen rider under the scan at any time to immediately communicate with the nearest hospital. But there is more, much more even. Wearing a body protector, for example, is very high on that list. This has proven to be useful in the past, which is why it is once again mandatory. In recent years it was no longer cool to run around in circles with something like that under your shirt. But it does have its uses. Another news this year during the Grand Prix competitions is that track officials are also required to wear a helmet during their duties. This is still encountering some opposition here and there, but I think it will also find its way into national competitions in the near future.
Something that will certainly be addressed in no time is the crazy, self-absorbed superfans with the crossing tree chainsaws. In recent years, our sport has no longer had the wind in a direction where we can say, look, this is favorable. No, not at all, because if you look at Belgium, the cross country par excellence, it is no longer what it once was. No, it has become a declining old lady where anyone who wants to break through to the top is obliged to move to other countries! Circuit after circuit they close for one reason or another. Yet the main reason is and remains noise pollution. And that's exactly what those crazy superfans apparently don't understand, that they are ruining it in this way!!! Those guys don't think anything about it because yes, they are tough with their chainsaw in hand, making noise for a minute every round.
Have they ever wondered whether the drivers themselves like it that much? Anyone who participates in competition will agree that when you are involved in a fierce battle during a race, you need all your concentration. And therefore you can miss the super irritating sound of a saw as a toothache. But have those superfans also considered the fact that if another circuit comes under fire for noise pollution, it might be partly thanks to them? Imagine that after the last Dutch Master in beautiful Oldebroek, a lot of complaints come from the neighborhood about nuisance, and some local residents start a petition and start working on it... I can't bear to think that we Due to some adolescent behavior we had to say goodbye to even more circuits!
In this column I would also like to take a moment to think about the track officials who sometimes don't have it easy. These people spend an entire day in all weather conditions to guarantee us as fans a smooth match. When I sometimes see or experience how supporters act towards these people, I have big questions. Rules have been imposed and we must adhere to them. We also have to do this in everyday life, so why not during our beloved sport. The problem is that these track officials can only point this out to the person in question and cannot take any measures. They can report it to the competition management, but the question is whether they can change anything about it. That is why I urge all fans to respect the many volunteers who contribute to the success of your weekend every match.
By: Geert Gelaude
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: #FVDEPhotography
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