UEM MAG 01/2012
The 2012 European Sporting Season
The new sporting season is about to start and there is no better person to introduce it in a exhaustive way than the UEM Vice President, who is also President of the Sporting Council, Mr Ted Bartlett. Together with him, some Commission Chairmen joined to present the new season and agreed to list some ideas that came after an analysis of the past year and to announce the news that will be introduced already in 2012. A warm thank you for their precious collaboration and availability, which will surely contribute to better understand the extent of the work of the Sporting Commissions aimed at assuring a rich sporting season full of attractions and technical quality.
1 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012
1 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
The coming UEM Sporting Season The UEM is the official body on behalf of the FIM empowered to organise and run motorcycle sport within Europe. 47 Federations are full members of the UEM and all of them are entitled to bid to have their events classed as UEM Championships or Cup events. We always receive bids for far more events in these categories than it is possible to include in the UEM calendars. The Chairmen of the individual Sporting Commissions have to consider a number of options in order to satisfy the requests from Federations, yet at the same time consider the costs and travel requirements of the individual competitors. In particular the educational disruption for our younger competitors must be kept to a minimum wherever possible. This means that on some occasions bids from Federations have to be turned down. It is important that we include the maximum number of Federations within our sporting calendars and Ted Bartlett at the same time do our very best to ensure that all our Championship and Cup events are I hope the above comments explain in simple organised to the very highest standards, at the terms how the UEM selects organisers and very best venues by competent Officials. Safety venues for our Championship and Cup events and medical facilities must also be taken into and understand why it is that not all events can consideration. We must at all times make sure be included in our calendars. It is not possible that the insurance cover at all events is during a sporting season of eight or nine months adequate to ensure that when an incident to expect competitors to travel from the East to occurs the injured parties are covered for all the West of Europe within a few days so we do eventualities, and receive the very best medical our very best to organise events so that we assistance at all times. We cannot of course minimise travel as much as possible. always select the organisers or venues just because they are able to provide the high Ted Bartlett standards we require. We do have to look at President of the Sporting Council venues and organisers who have never organised a UEM event. It is very important to Motocross all of us that all UEM Federations are given the opportunity to organise and compete at the very The 2011 season was very good for European top levels of our sport, we do need to encourage Motocross with the number of riders competing new organisers to come forward. In this respect staying at a good level despite the global we would request Federations to organise an financial situation. The standard of organisation event at a local level to which we would send a is at a higher level than in the past. The big UEM official as an observer to report on the success was the EMX2 championship which was event and make a recommendation as to the combined with the FIM World Championship competency of the organisers to host a UEM MX1/2 events at the instigation of our partners level event in the future.
2 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 2 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
time away from their parent's work. Another big change for 2012 sees Qualification races being introduced in the EMX65/85 and Open classes replacing timed qualification practise. Also for 2012, there is no limit on the number of riders that can be entered by the Federations but the Federations should ensure the competence and ability of their riders. The European Championship is now established as being the progression to the FIM World Championships and is also where the vast majority of MX1/2 riders come from. On behalf of the UEM, I thank Youthstream and the FIM/CMS for their partnership and for the great co operation. Eddie Herd Eddie Herd Chairman of the Motocross & Snowcross Comm. Youthstream. This produced a record number of Supermoto riders competing in this championship. The EMX125 rounds continued to be held together The 2011 season that just ended was financially with MX1/2 World Championship events difficult, but successful in terms of the sporting following the success in 2010. point of view. The SuperMoto is an expensive Also the Motocross of European Nations held at and demanding discipline and the number of Sevlievo in Bulgaria reached a much higher level riders is generally decreasing in all aspects of in 2011 thanks to the Bulgarian Federation and the motorsport. Comparing with the previous the involvement and help from Youthstream. season, in 2009 a total of 63 riders in both The combined Sidecarcross/Quadcross of classes (S3&OPEN) received points in the final European Nations held at Jauer in Germany was classification of the series, whereas in 2010 and also a big success with a record number of 2011 the number kept a steady number of National teams entered. participants in the OPEN class – 46. Of course We will continue to have great co operation and we can see this tendency in many FMN’s partnership with our promoter Youthstream and championships and probably the roots of it lays also with the FIM/CMS. In this way the in the not so positive economic situation European motocross championships will throughout Europe. continue to develop. Working with Youthstream On the other hand, the UEM OPEN SuperMoto and the CMS has enabled the UEM to be the Championship was organized as usual together leading CONU for the development of motocross with FIM S1 World SuperMoto Championship. and is the example for other CONU's to follow. This is a big advantage of the UEM SuperMoto The main changes for 2012 sees the EMX65 and riders, as they can quickly enter the top level of EMX85 championships divided into 4 the SuperMoto discipline – the world geographical zones within Europe, with the top championship, knowing the teams, the structure 10 riders from each zone being invited by of the events and of course the level that is Youthstream to compete in the finals which will required to be part of the “big game”. be held during the MX1/2 World Championship Together with the promoter Youthstream riders event in the UK. This will greatly reduce travel of the European Championship received a lot of costs, time away from the rider's school and media attention, proper management of the
3 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 3 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
events and good opportunities for the next season. Media attention is what is required nowadays for the popularization of the SuperMoto and by all means possible; the European SuperMoto riders are now “big names” in the SuperMoto World and the European Championship is considered “a must” for a successful career as a SuperMoto athlete nowadays. In 2011 for the first time in the UEM history with the support of the Promoter was established the SuperMoto Junior class as a part of the European Championship. With more than 20 participants this is the class that will produce future SuperMoto champions and will serve as a “pool” for young riders, like many other disciplines have since many years. 2011 can be considered a successful SuperMoto season in Europe, with highest possible level of organization offered to the riders, big media interest, good competitiveness – all these are the proper factors for a successful season and a interesting year ahead. In 2012 the commission will continue the stable and beneficial cooperation with the Promoter and other vital UEM bodies that define the borders of our activities by means of medical, Ivo Tzvetanov judicial and other up to date requirements. Of course the growth of the number of riders is the major goal and the Commission will work for engines will not be limited to 450cc. that in cooperation with the Promoter and FMNs. The most important change from 2011 season is Ivo Tzvetanov connected with the change of the capacity and Chairman of the SuperMoto Commission the name of the 2011 OPEN class. So from this year, the class will be called S2 and the capacity Enduro & Rallies will be limited up to 450cc (like in the world championship). This will help the riders and the UEM, through the Enduro & Rally Commission, teams, as until now many World Championship manages and coordinates various specialty off teams had to technically support different road motorcycle: Enduro, Rally Tout Terrain, capacity bikes for their riders from the world Bajas and Cross Country. Each discipline has its and the European Championship. The S2 own soul and different rules. The oldest is the European SuperMoto Championship will continue Enduro, which all fans know at least the Six to be organized with the FIM World SuperMoto Days race that celebrates 100 years in 2013. Championship. The European Enduro Championship came alive Other changes also affect the names of the with the birth of UEM in the late 90's. The classes in the UEM SuperMoto European vivacity of the European Championship is given Championship, now with classes SM JUNIOR, S3 by the fact that the races are held in many and OPEN – where the OPEN class where the European countries, which serve to grow this
4 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 4 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
discipline in their respective geographical areas participate with FIM/UEM licenses or simple and meet those who dispute the durability and national licenses. beauty, typically, crossed tracks. UEM also coordinates a Cross Country The 2011 saw the return to the Organization of Challenge, wanted by the renowned rally rider European Enduro Championship races of Ciro de Petri, who in 2011 was developed about Romania, the proven experience of Poland and 4 races, one in African land (Morocco) then in the stunning success of Final in France. It is two Italy and Spain. days races valid for the individual categories The UEM E&R Commission, composed by real and a final three days, also valid for Trophy of experts, has as objective to the Enduro, to have Nations Teams and Moto Clubs. Riders of 17 good events, well organized, but within a low Nations are confronted on beautiful locations, cost, and to have a valid participation. Europe is with special tests very valid, important very wide, and the reduction of travel expenses locations, often in cities or countries. Difficult is always kept in mind. We don’t ask events like specialties, where the rider, as always is crucial World Championship events, but at the same to success, but also the team mechanics and time, thanks – for the 2012 – to the presence of experience are also important. The European a professional press officer and a German Championship aims to be a promotion for young company that will contribute to improving the riders, Junior, which here are confronted with image of the events. The tests will be certainly the Senior or Veteran, often samples of world technically viable: Italy, Estonia, Latvia and stature. Final in Slovakia (organizing Isde2005). The Rally Tout Terrain is a discipline similar to Glad that the Estonia organize a race, but also automobile rally, through the information about has formed its own race officers with a UEM the track on "road book": a race of navigation, seminar, held in 2011 in Riga (LV). The with long special stages held on many days, Commission's philosophy is to try to have new often together with the cars. Two beautiful tests organizers, Federations that can enter the in 2011, the Carpat Rally (Romania) and the Enduro tour. There were nine requests for 4 Serres Rally (Greece), the first now traditional events and choice, as is imaginable, was not event for this discipline, longer 2400 km, and easy! the Greek rally with more than 1000 km over For 2012, 4 events are planned for Bajas UEM the mountains of Macedonia. Quiet good Championship, definitely valid, with Italy, number of riders, real specialists in the Poland, Hungary and Portugal. All strong discipline. Countries a great overall experience and Bajas: three events held. Italy, Hungary and closing in Portugal, with the support of good organizers, a promoter – Pagus Media very professional and, importantly, several battle hardened teams. The riders are really specialists, especially those with quad, and particular attention (as for the rally) is given to safety standards, with GPS and similar tools. 3 days races are combined motorcycle/quad/car, with a road book for general indications. The Cross Country is a pretty simple event to organise: a closed off road track, at least 7 km length, on which a rider compare with motorcycle Enduro or cross, in a race of at least of 2 hours. In 2011 have been organized in Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. Riders can Marco Bolzonello
5 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 5 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
organizational skills, very active in all Superbike Worldwide Championship with also disciplines. the interesting series of the Junior Cup, with Rally Tout Terrain 2012 it's a Trophy, with the young riders not more riding Kawasaki Ninja confirmation of two trials in Romania and 250cc.R bike, but KTM 690 Duke. Honda, on the Greece, which definitely deserve a higher other end, was satisfied with the results reached number of riders. The UEM Cross Country Cup with the NSF 100 Trophy and is willing to insist will be played in three races, in Poland, Hungary with the promotion of very young riders. and Slovakia, with proven and experienced The only news should come with the organizers. Cross Country Challenge by Depetri introduction of two particular championships: Adventure with 4 races, divided between Italy the TTXGP, dedicated to riders on electrical and Spain. bikes, and the CCRT for motorcycles prototype, An unwritten rule of the Commission is not a completely new innovative machine only for going to change what works well: adjustments race, a machine made of a mix of parts derived on the modalities of the inscriptions, new from the series production deeply revisited in its promotional category under 20 with bikes 2t structure and its technology to upgrade the 125cc. in Enduro. And so also for other performance. disciplines, the FIM is watching very carefully The Mini Road Racing Championship will after development and impulse given by UEM. continue to be held during one only weekend, which in reality is a limiting factor for the Marco Bolzonello diffusion of this discipline in the Continent, but Chairman of the Enduro & Rally Commission alternative solutions are under study in order to help the growth of this discipline. Other Disciplines The Dragbike Championship is starting to give growth signs: a confirmation that UEM together Regarding the other disciplines, there are no with the promoter KRB is working an effective major news to present. The 2011 season ended way. with overall satisfactory results and there was The Trial Championships had a regular no particular reason to change. There are still performance the past year, despite the crisis many problems linked to the difficult financial that affected the manufacturers of this kind of situation, which affected heavily the industry vehicles, with a worrying decrease in sales. This and that reduced and in some cases cancelled situation should be taken into consideration and investments by sponsors and cutting to riders it is necessary to find new solutions that could and organisers important financial revenues boost this discipline, making it more attractive with significant increases in costs. This is a and affordable to youngsters with new formulas, particularly difficult moment, with the hope that which are not yet planed for 2012. Some it could be overtook without further damages, controversies were already in place with FIM but it has undoubtedly affected the motorcycling due to sudden and delayed introduction in the sport at all levels. calendar of events taking place the same days In Road Racing, the adopted formula to as rounds of the European Championship, which relaunch the European Championship revealed could create embarrassment to their organisers itself to be successful and will continue next and to the riders itself who will be forced to year. The agreement with the Albacete track, divide. with Dorna and with RFME is about to expire, The main news in the Track Racing activity is but there are talks in order to assure the the agreement reached by UEM with the Polish continuity also for the next future. agency One Sport Media for the promotion The Superstock 600cc. class will continue to be starting from 2013 of the Speedway European held during the European rounds of the Championship. It will offer occasions to attract
6 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 6 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
the interest of a greater number of riders to a promotion of non competitive parades and discipline that is also living a difficult moment, historical commemoration of the most famous but is still extremely popular in countries like tracks. The same effort is also put to increase Poland. the choice of competitive events, with the Everybody hopes that the advantages coming introduction of European rounds of Enduro from this new agreement could contribute to a Vintage Cup and of Motocross Vintage, also if for new enthusiasm also for other Speedway these events arise some divergences with championships, while no major news are coming ECMO. from other classes like Ice Racing and Grass Finally, there is not much left to say regarding Track. Moto Ball. The formula to assign the title of The Vintage Commission saw a change in the European Champion does not have up to now leadership with the Portuguese José Artur alternatives and it will be continue the Campos Costa taking the position of the competition with the best national teams trying Swedish Bjőrn Weissmann. Many are the ideas to stop the continental dominance of the that could be developed, but they often clash Russian team. against an extremely conservative environment that is not keen on too fast changes. Efforts are put however to improve the evaluation of the many museums spread around Europe, for the
7 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012
The 2012 European Sporting Season
The new sporting season is about to start and there is no better person to introduce it in a exhaustive way than the UEM Vice President, who is also President of the Sporting Council, Mr Ted Bartlett. Together with him, some Commission Chairmen joined to present the new season and agreed to list some ideas that came after an analysis of the past year and to announce the news that will be introduced already in 2012. A warm thank you for their precious collaboration and availability, which will surely contribute to better understand the extent of the work of the Sporting Commissions aimed at assuring a rich sporting season full of attractions and technical quality.
1 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012
1 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
The coming UEM Sporting Season The UEM is the official body on behalf of the FIM empowered to organise and run motorcycle sport within Europe. 47 Federations are full members of the UEM an d all of them are entitled to bid to have their events classed as UEM Championships or Cup events. We always receive bids for far more events in these categories than it is possible to include in the UEM calendars. The Chairmen of the individual Sporting C ommissions have to consider a number of options in order to satisfy the requests from Federations, yet at the same time consider the costs and travel requirements of the individual competitors. In particular the educational disruption for our younger compe titors must be kept to a minimum wherever possible. This means that on some occasions bids from Federations have to be turned down. It is important that we include the maximum number of Federations within our sporting calendars and Ted Bartlett at the same time do our very best to ensure that all our Championship and Cup events are I hope the above comments explain in simple organised to the very highest standards, at the terms how the UEM selects organisers and very best venues by competent Officials. Safety venues for our Championship and Cup events and medical facilities must also be taken into and understand why it is that not all events can consideration. We must at all times make sure be included in our calendars. It is not possible that the insurance cover at all events is during a sporting season of eight or nine months adequate to ensure that when an incident to expect competitors to travel from the East to occurs the injured parties are covered for all the West of Europe within a few days so we do eventualities, and receive the very best medical our very best to organise eve nts so that we assistance at all times. We cannot of course minimise travel as much as possible. always select the organisers or v enues just because they are able to provide the high Ted Bartlett standards we require. We do have to look at President of the Sporting Council venues and organisers who have never organised a UEM event. It is very important to Motocross all of us that all UEM Federations are given the opportunity to organise an d compete at the very The 2011 season was very good for European top levels of our sport, we do need to encourage Motocross with the number of riders competing new organisers to come forward. In this respect staying at a good level despite the global we would request Federations to organise an financial s ituation. The standard of organisation event at a local level to which we would send a is at a higher level than in the past. The big UEM official as an observer to report on the success was the EMX2 championship which was event and make a recommendation as to the combined with the FIM World Championship competency of the organisers to host a UEM MX1/2 events at the instigation of our partners level event in the future.
2 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 2 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
time away from their parent's work. Another big change for 2012 see s Qualification races being introduced in the EMX65/85 and Open classes replacing timed qualification practise. Also for 2012, there is no limit on the number of riders that can be entered by the Federations but the Federations should ensure the competence and ability of their riders. The European Championship is now established as being the progression to the FIM World Championships and is also where the vast majority of MX1/2 riders come from. On behalf of the UEM, I thank Youthstream and the FIM/CMS fo r their partnership and for the great co operation. Eddie Herd Eddie Herd Chairman of the Motocross & Snowcross Comm. Youthstream. This produced a record n umber of Supermoto riders competing in this championship. The EMX125 rounds continued to be held together The 2011 season that just ended was financially with MX1/2 World Championship events difficult, but successful in terms of the sport ing following the success in 2010. point of view. The SuperMoto is an e xpensive Also the Motocross of European Nations held at and demanding discipline and the number of Sevlievo in Bulgaria reached a much higher le vel riders is generally decreasing in all aspects of in 2011 thanks to the Bulgarian Federation and the motorsport. Comparing with the previous the involvement and help from Youthstream. season, in 2009 a total of 63 riders in both The combined Sidecarcross/Quadcross of classes (S3&OPEN) received points in the final European Nations held at Jauer in Germany was classification of t he series, whereas in 2010 and also a big success with a record number of 2011 the number kept a steady number of National teams entered. participants in the OPEN class – 46. Of course We will continue to have great co operation and we can see this tendency in many FMN’s partnership with our promoter Youthstream and championships and probably the roots of it lays also with the FIM/CMS. In this way the in the not so positive economic situation European motocross championships will throughout Europe. continue to develop. Working with Youthstream On the other hand, the UEM OPEN SuperMoto and the CMS has enabled the UEM to be the Championship was organized as usual together leadi ng CONU for the development of motocross with FIM S1 World SuperMoto Championship. and is the example for other CONU's to follow. This is a big advantage of the UEM SuperMoto The main changes for 2012 sees the EMX65 and riders, as they can quickly enter the top level of EMX85 championships divided into 4 the SuperMoto discipline – the world geographical zones within Europe, with the top championship, knowing the teams, the structure 10 riders from each zone being invited by of the events and of course the level that is Youthstream to compete in the finals which will required to be part of the “big game”. be held during the MX1/2 World Championship Together with the promoter Youthstream riders event in the UK. This will greatly reduce travel of the European Championship received a lot of costs, time away from the rider's school and media attentio n, proper management of the
3 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 3 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
events and good opportunities for the next season. Media attention is what is required nowadays for the popularization of the SuperMoto and by all means possible; the European SuperMoto riders are now “big names” in the SuperMot o World and the European Championship is considered “a must” for a successful career as a SuperMoto athlete nowadays. In 2011 for the first time in the UEM history with the support of the Promoter was established the SuperMoto Junior class as a part of the European Championship. With more than 20 participants this is the class that will produce future SuperMoto champions and will serve as a “pool” for young riders, like many other disciplines have since many years. 2011 can be considered a successful SuperM oto season in Europe, with highest possible level of organization offered to the riders, big media interest, good competitiveness – all these are the proper factors for a successful season and a interesting year ahead. In 2012 the commission will continue the stable and beneficial cooperation with the Promoter and other vital UEM bodies that define the borders of our activities by means of medical, Ivo Tzvetanov judicial and other up to date requirements. Of course the growth of the number of riders is the major goal and the Commission will work for engines will not be limited to 450cc. that in cooperation with the Promoter and FMNs. The most important change from 2011 season is Ivo Tzvetanov connected with the change of the capacity and Chairman of the SuperMoto Commission the name of the 2011 OPEN class. So from this year, the class will be called S2 and th e capacity Enduro & Rallies will be limited up to 450cc (like in the world championship). This will help the riders and the UEM, through the Enduro & Rally Commission, teams, as until now many World Championship manages and coordinates various specialty off teams had to technically support different road motorcycle: Enduro, Rally Tout Terrain, capacity bikes for their riders from the world Bajas and Cross Country. Each discipline has its and the Europea n Championship. The S2 own soul and different rules. The oldest is the European SuperMoto Championship will continue Enduro, which all fans know at least the Six to be organized with the FIM World SuperMoto Days race that celebrates 100 years in 2013. Championship. The European Enduro Championship came al ive Other changes also affect the names of the with the birth of UEM in the late 90's. The classes in the UEM SuperMoto European vivacity of the European Championship is given Championship, now with classes SM JUNIOR, S3 by the fact that the races are held in many and OPEN – where the OPEN class where the European countries, which serve to grow this
4 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 4 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
discipline in their respective geographical areas partici pate with FIM/UEM licenses or simple and meet those who dis pute the durability and national licenses. beauty, typically, crossed tracks. UEM also coordinates a Cross Country The 2011 saw the return to the Organization of Challenge, wanted by the renowned rally rider European Enduro Championship races of Ciro de Petri, who in 2011 was developed about Romania, the proven experience of Poland and 4 races, one in African land (Morocco) then in the stunning success of Final in France. It is two Italy and Spain. days races valid for the individual categories The U EM E&R Commission, composed by real and a final three days, also valid for Trophy of experts, has as objective to the Enduro, to have Nations Teams and Moto Clubs. Riders of 17 good events, well organized, but within a low Nations are confronted on beautiful locations, cost, and to have a valid participation. Europe is with special tests very valid, important very wide, and the reduction of travel expenses locations, often in cities or countries. Diff icult is always kept in mind. We don’t ask events like specialties, where the rider, as always is crucial World Championship events, but at the same to success, but also the team mechanics and time, thanks – for the 2012 – to the presence of experience are also important. The European a professional press officer and a German Championship aims to be a promotion for young company that will contribute to improving the riders, Junior, which here are confronted with image of the events. The tests will be certainly the Senior or Vete ran, often samples of world tech nically viable: Italy, Estonia, Latvia and stature. Final in Slovakia (organizing Isde2005). The Rally Tout Terrain is a discipline similar to Glad that the Estonia organize a race, but also automobile rally, through the information about has formed its own race officers with a UEM the track on "road book": a race of navigation, seminar, held in 2011 in Riga (LV). The with long special stages held on many days, Commission's philosophy is to try to ha ve new often together with the cars. Two beautiful tests organizers, Federations that can enter the in 2011, the Carpat Rally (Romania) and the Enduro tour. There were nine requests for 4 Serres Rally (Greece), the first now traditional events and choice, as is imaginable, was not event for this discipline, longer 2400 km, and easy! the Greek rally with more than 1000 km over For 2012, 4 events are planned for Bajas UEM the mountains of Macedonia. Quiet good Championship, definitely valid, with Italy, number of ri ders, real specialists in the Poland, Hungary and P ortugal. All strong discipline. Countries a great overall experience and Bajas: three events held. Italy, Hungary and closing in Portugal, with the support of good organizers, a promoter – Pagus Media very professional and, importantly, several battle hardened teams. The riders are re ally specialists, especially those with quad, and particular attention (as for the rally) is given to safety standards, with GPS and similar tools. 3 days races are combined motorcycle/quad/car, with a road book for general indications. The Cross Country is a pretty simple event to organise: a closed off road track, at least 7 km length, on which a rider compare with motorcycle Enduro or cross, in a race of at least of 2 hours. In 2011 have been organized in Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. Riders can Marco Bolzonello
5 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 5 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
organizational skills, very active in all the interesting series of the Junior Cup, with disciplines. young riders not more riding Kawasaki Ninja Rally Tout Terrain 2012 it's a Trophy, with the 250cc.R bike, but K TM 690 Duke. Honda, on the confirmation of two trials in Romania and other end, was satisfied with the results reached Greece, which definitely deserve a higher with the NSF 100 Trophy and is willing to insist number of riders. The UEM Cross Country Cup with the promotion of very young riders. will be played in three races, in Poland, Hungary The only news should come with the and Slovakia, with proven and experienced introduction of two particular championships: organizers. Cross Country Challenge by Depetri the TTXG P, dedicated to riders on electrical Adventure with 4 races, divided between Italy bikes, and the CCRT for motorcycles prototype, and Spain. a completely new innovative machine only for An unwritten rule of t he Commission is not race, a machine made of a mix of parts derived going to change what works well: adjustments from the series production deeply revisited in its on the modalities of the inscriptions, new structure and its technology to upgrade the promotional category under 20 with bikes 2t performance. 125cc. in Enduro. And so also for other The Mini Road Racing Championship will disciplines, the FIM is watching very carefully continue to be held during one only weekend, after development and impulse given by UEM. which in reality is a limiting factor for the diffusion of this discipline in the Continent, but Marco Bolzonello alternative solutions are under study in order to Chairman of the Enduro & Rally Commission help the growth of this discipline. The Dragbike Championship is starting to give Other Disciplines growth signs: a confirmation that UEM together with the promoter KRB is working an effective Regarding the other disciplines, there are no way. major news for year 2012 . The 2011 season The Trial Championships had a regular ended with overall satisfactory results and there performance the past year, despit e the crisis were no particular reasons for a change. There that particularly affected the manufacturers of are still many problems linked to the difficult this kind of vehicles, with a worrying decrease in financial situation, which affected heavily the sales. This situation should be taken into industry and that reduced, and in some cases consideration and it is necessary to find new cancelled, investments by sponsors with a deep solutions that could boost this discipline, making impact on riders and organisers . This is a it more attractiv e and affordable to youngsters particularly difficult moment and it has with new formulas, which are not yet planned undoubtedly affected the motorcycling sport at for 2012. In addition, some controversies can all levels. The hope is that 2012 could pass impact the Trial world with the unexpected and without further damages. delayed introduction by FIM in the calendar of In Road Racing, the adopted formula to boost events taking place the same days as rounds of the European Championship revealed itself to be the European Cha mpionship, which could create successful and will continue next year. The embarrassment to their organisers and to the agreement with the Albacete track, with Dorna riders itself who will be forced to divide. and with RFME is about to expire, but there are The main news in the Track Racing activity is talks in order to assure the continuity also for the agreement reached by UEM with the Polish the next future. agency One Sport Media for the promotion The Superstock 600cc. class will continue to be start ing from 2013 of the Speedway European held during the European rounds of the Championship. It will offer occasions to attract Superbike Worldwide Championship with also the interest of a greater number of riders to a
6 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)
UEM MAG 01/2012 6 THE 2012 EUROPEAN SPORTING SEASON
discipline that is also living a difficult moment, historical commemoration of the most famous but is still extremely popular in countries like tracks. The same effort is also put to increase Poland. the choice of competitive events, with the Everybody ho pes that the advantages coming introducti on of European rounds of Enduro from this new agreement could contribute to a Vintage Cup and of Motocross Vintage, also if for new enthusiasm also for other Speedway these events arise some divergences with championships, while no major news are coming ECMO. from other classes like Ice Racing and Grass Finally, there is not much left to say regarding Track. Moto Ball. The formula to assign the title of The Vintage Commission saw a change in the European Champion does not have up to now leadership with the Portuguese José Artur alternatives and year 2012 will see again a Campos Costa taking the position of the competition with the best national teams trying Swedish Bjőrn Weissmann. Many are the ideas to stop the continental dominance of the that could be developed, but they often clash Russian team. against an extremely conservative environment that is not keen on too fast changes. Efforts are put however to imp rove the evaluation of the many museums spread around Europe, for the promotion of non competitive parades and
7 UEM MAG 01/2012 UEM – European Motorcycling Union (www.uem moto.eu)