A strategic meeting to discuss the evolution of the FIM Sand Races World Cups was held recently at the FIM Headquarters in Mies, Switzerland, attended in person and via Zoom by interested parties including organisers of the 2024 series and representatives from Spain and Lithuania, countries that have expressed an interest in potentially hosting future events.
The FIM was represented by FIM Sports Director Jean-Paul Gombeaud, FIM Cross Country Commission (CTT) Director Jean-François Wulveryck, CTT Coordinator Arnaud Crépin, FIM Sand Race Jury President Larbi Rida-Sbaï and representatives from the FIM Marketing and Communications departments.
The positive and friendly atmosphere resulted in a very constructive meeting that covered the ongoing 2024 season along with discussions regarding improvements and preparations for the series’ next steps.
The first subject for discussion was the origins of the FIM Sand Race project and goals and the roadmap for the development of the sport that was followed by a review of the 2023 season and a mid-season review of this year’s expanded series.
Also under discussion was the harmonisation of the sport and the discipline that covered Sporting and Technical rules along with matters including age limits, FIM licences and track standards.
The meeting then discussed the proposed 2025 FIM titles and next year’s draft calendar along with communication on the series, including team manager and rider briefings, communication with organisers, the Sportity App and online registration.
Also under discussion was the new brand identity and new logo before the meeting closed with a conversation on communication, media and social media.
An ongoing commitment was also made regarding organising more Zoom meetings in the near future, so these discussions can be continued.
The attendees at the recent meeting included:
– Enduropale du Touquet (FRA): David Hauquier/Denis Guerin
– Enduro del Verano (ARG): Josi Zen
– Bibione Sand (ITA): Massimo Zamparo/Maria Giulia Padovani/Claudio Martin
– Monte Gordo Sand Experience (POR): Orlando Romana/Marcio Santos (Zoom)
– Ronde des Sables Hossegor-Capbreton (FRA): Cédric Boizieau
– Beach of Valdelagrana (ESP): Alberto Gomez
– Auto Moto Parkas (LTU): Lukas Perminas (Zoom)
– LMSF (LTU): Rusne Jankunaite, Lithuanian Motorcycling Federation Secretary General (Zoom)
– Honda France: Bruno Stocknicki (Zoom)
– Honda Wonderbike: Steeve Coquet (Zoom)
– Team Chapelière: Eric Chapelière/Camille Chapelière (Zoom)
– DRAG’ON: Frank Violet
– Yamaha Europe: Alexandre Kowalski
– Michael Jacobi: French Rider
– Benoit Sebert: Co Promoter French Sand Race Championship
