What can I say that would not be futile in the face of this life lesson that these men cut down by fate give us on a daily basis? Nothing, except that we have immense respect for them, and that their joy at the idea of participating in this weekend's celebration is truly a pleasure to see... Bravo, Gentlemen!
Here is the press release concerning this race which will take place on Saturday at 17:45 p.m.
On May 19 and 20, 2017, for the first time, disabled riders will challenge each other in a unique race in the world during the French MotoGP Grand Prix. On the program: passion and extreme sensations!
This is a first in the world! Drivers with disabilities will compete on the same dates and on the same circuit as “able-bodied” competitors in the HJC Helmets Grand Prix de France. The notoriety of this major event in the MotoGP World Championship calendar (4th in terms of attendance) will help highlight talents little known to the general public. See you on the prestigious Le Mans track on May 19 and 20, 2017.
Not such a crazy idea!
This event was made possible thanks to the stubbornness of Stéphane Paulus, a pilot who became a paraplegic and was determined to ward off fate. His passion for motorcycles did not die out with the accident and pushed him to get closer to Di Di Diversamente disabili, an Italian association which orchestrates international motorcycle races reserved for pilots with disabilities via the World Bridgestone Cup. Since 2012, Claude Michy, promoter of the French Grand Prix, has called on him for acrobatic demonstrations (photo opposite). The driver then has an idea, not so crazy: why not a disabled event in this legendary competition?
A contagious force
Claude Michy is enthusiastic about the project and also obtains the green light from Dorna (which orchestrates the world championship) to create this unique international race dedicated to disabled motorcycling. This contagious force also convinces the FIM (International Motorcycling Federation). “Stéphane's performance during the mechanical show was already a first and demonstrated a real ability to overcome his handicap. I was immediately attracted to the project when he came to talk to me about it. Events reserved for drivers with disabilities deserve to be welcomed within world-class events such as the French Grand Prix. I am very proud and happy to be able to organize this race which will, I hope, give ideas to others…” he declares.
Exception: off to a flying start!
30 “handi” drivers from 9 nations will therefore be at the start of the 2017 French MotoGP Grand Prix. They will have to complete 8 laps of the track. The only “breach” of the regulations: the authorization, in the absence of support on the legs, to make a rolling start. A high-flying team determined to prove that disability does not exclude performance! As proof, that of a pilot with an amputated leg and an arm who will also be on the starting line. Their motto: “Never give up”.
Stéphane Paulus: foolproof!
– In 2003, at the age of 21, Stéphane Paulus was the victim of a motorcycle accident. Verdict: paraplegia!
– In 2010, however, he decided to get back into the saddle on the circuit and entered competitions alongside the “able-bodied”.
– But, at the end of 2012, his license was withdrawn for security reasons. He then decided to create his own association,
the only way for him to give free rein to his passion.
– In June 2014, Handi Free Riders was born. But the young driver has only one idea in mind: to return to the circuits and to competition.
– In January 2015, he obtained a waiver from the French Motorcycling Federation to participate in a first disabled sport race in Italy in June 2015. He finished in 1st place in the paraplegic category and 4th out of 26 drivers in the general classification. A few months later, in October, he was the only disabled competitor among the 44 participants to appear on the starting line of an endurance event, the 300 km of Luis Carrera (team event of 2). His crew finished 3rd out of 22…
– In 2016, Stéphane then encouraged the FFM to launch the first two disabled sports events in France which brought together 1 and 600 cc. Building on this success, he created with his association Handi Free Riders and with the support of the FFM, the 1000st Coupe de France Handisport in 3 consisting of 1 races (2017 international and 4 in France). This disabled sport event at the French Grand Prix is an additional step, according to him “a dream come true”.
Stéphane Paulus with Emiliano Malagoli, Di Di Diversamente Disabili
