World MX 2009 PREVIEW
After a winter away spent training and re-tuning, the World Motocross Championship returns on March 29th for another season of two-wheeled, dirt based motorsport.
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FIM World MX Championship
After a winter away spent training and re-tuning, the World Motocross Championship returns on March 29th for another season of two-wheeled, dirt based motorsport.
It’s a prestigious championship with the planet’s best riders and teams competing for the biggest prize in world off-road bike racing. The rough, undulating circuits, be it purpose built or carved from the surrounding countryside, feature deep mud and ruts, jumps and whoops – a set of sharp humps repeated for some 50 metres or so and designed to test the endurance of both man and machine. Such is the scale of examination in fact that the world championship has become a great proving ground for manufacturers to test and showcase their latest models.
The 15 round calendar, which kicks off in Faenza, Italy, comprises 30 races per class – MX1 and MX2 – and travels the length and breadth of Europe, the sport’s traditional heartland, before culminating in Brazil in mid September. That’s followed less than a month later by the end of season “Motocross of Nations” where individual success is abandoned and national pride embraced.
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MX1: 450cc 4-Stroke or 250cc 2-Stroke.
MX2: 250cc 4-Stroke or 125cc 2-Stroke.
MX3: 650cc 4-Stroke or 500cc 2-Stroke.
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- The sport of Motocross originated in the UK, evolving from “Scrambler” events which were first seen in 1924. It wasn’t until 1952 however that motorcycling’s world governing body, the FIM, sanctioned the first European MX championship. A world championship was added five years later.
- The two top classes are MX1 and MX2 which both run on the same weekend. MX3 events meanwhile are held separately at different venues.
The start of an MX race can be a tricky affair as 40 riders spill out onto the track at once. Instead of using a traditional grid, all competitors line up side by side behind a low “gate” which, upon dropping, releases the riders, signalling the start.
- The championship is one of the few motorsports to offer a specific women’s competition which, although comprising only half the events, does still use the same machinery and venues as their male counterparts.
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29 Mar: Faenza, Italy.
5 Apr: Sevlievo, Bulgaria.
12 Apr: Istanbul, Turkey.
26 Apr: Valkenswaard, Benelux
10 May: Agueda, Portugal
17 May: Bellpuig, Catalunya
31 May: Mallory Park
7 June: Ernee, France
21 June: Teutschenthal, Germany
28 June: Kegums, Latvia
5 July: Uddevalla, Sweden
2 Aug: Lommel, Belgium
9 Aug: Loket, Czech Republic
30 Aug: Lierop, Netherlands
13 Sep: Canelinha, Brazil
Red Bull Moto Cross of Nations:
4 Oct: Franciacorta, Italy |
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- It might have been some time since Britain ruled the MX roost but that doesn’t mean the sport isn’t as popular as ever in the UK. Tommy Seale came closer than any British rider has to taking a first MX2 crown since James Dobb in 2001 last year before narrowly missing out to season-long rival Tyla Rattray at the final round.
- Searle’s subsequent American adventure has left the door ajar for a swathe of British riders, a queue that’s headed by national champion and early World MX2 favourite Shaun Simpson. The 21 year-old has been in red-hot pre-season form and looks set to figure prominently throughout 2009 after finishing fourth in the world standings last term. Stephen Sword should also prove a factor.
- In MX1 meanwhile, Billy Mackenzie will be keen to improve on the ninth place finish he achieved last season while Tom Church should be capable of moving into the elite group of riders above his 2009 mid-table position. The men to watch out for as ever though will be Steve Ramon, Ken de Dycker and reigning champion David Philippaerts who ended last season separated by just 19 points.
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| Catch each and every round of the World MX Championships live and exclusive, as well as comprehensive MX3 highlights, on Motors TV throughout 2009. |
Published 25/03/2009 11:53 Latest News FIM World Motocross
 FIM World Motocross organisers have revealed a number of calendar details for both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
 Team USA picked up their 22nd Motocross of Nations title at Saint Jean d’Angely after denying home favourites France in the final heat, while Australia scored their maiden MXoN rostrum.
 MX2 championship runner-up Jeffrey Herlings closed the season with victory in the Italian Grand Prix, beating Britain’s Tommy Searle to the win.
 Gautier Paulin won the final MX1 grand prix of the 2011 campaign as a number of big names withdrew from the Italian event.
 Ken Roczen claimed the MX2 World Championship on home soil on Sunday with a runner-up finish in the German-based Grand Prix of Europe.
[FIM World Motocross news] |
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International
