Even before the paddock-GP site existed, our journalistic background had already led us to closely follow all French initiatives in motorcycle sport which could encourage vocations and promote the rise of our young riders to the Grands Prix. .
We did the same during the 2016 season, focusing on various advances in this area, starting with the Vitesse traveling school and French championship Grand Prix objective, two of the initiatives of the French Motorcycling Federation which seem interesting to us, but also the FFM Detection Days which bring together a large number of practitioners, whether beginners or more experienced.
1/ the FFM Speed Traveling Motorcycling School
“If you don’t come to the motorcycle, the motorcycle will go to you!” » This is a bit like the credo of this other initiative of the FFM which is the FFM Traveling Motorcycling School.
Indeed, in order to introduce as many people as possible to what motorcycling and motorcycling sport can be, a structure was set up in 2015, accessible to children aged 6 to 13 and supervised by certified personnel from State.
It travels to different French circuits providing motorcycles and equipment, all at a very attractive price varying between 30 and 60 euros depending on the circuits used and the motorcycle clubs which are concretely involved in these operations.
Whether the children have never done it or whether they already come from another discipline, such as cross-country, they will find the advice and all the equipment to taste speed in complete safety.
Initiated two years ago, the operation gained momentum in 2016, to the point that certain circuits are on the verge of making the concept permanent.
From 9 dates in 2015, and given the success encountered, the Traveling School has increased to 17 meetings scheduled this year, and demand is ever greater.
We were around these children making contact with the motorbike on the Carole circuit and on the Alès circuit: it was obvious that their eyes shone with happiness, once the first stress had passed (see photo gallery at the end of the article) . Listening to advice, application and concentration immediately bore fruit, thus constituting an excellent life lesson, just like overcoming the possible first little antics, once the tears of vexation were wiped away: “I fell, but I want to start again”.
The parents were torn between observing with their mouths open and taking photos on cell phones. For everyone, the reward was the laps of the Carole circuit, instead of the plateau demarcated by the cones.
Successful operation: everyone was delighted, and some of the most seasoned are already moving towards the logical next step, namely the French 25 Power FFM Championship.
As for the speakers, this time we questioned Mike Di Meglio – 125cc World Champion in 2008, who participated in several performances of the Traveling School.
Mike Di Meglio: “I started this experience two years ago on the Muret circuit. I wanted to share my passion for motorcycles and therefore introduce young people to motorcycles. Like in a sort of recreational center where they come and discover a sport, before seeing if they like it. When people look at it from the outside, they think that it is not affordable in terms of prices. So with the FFM and the Muret circuit, we managed to have very affordable prices so that we could reach as many people as possible.
Everything went very well and we got a lot of very good feedback.
So we added dates last year, and I participated twice on the Pau circuit, and once on the Muret circuit. Once again, it worked very well and it was great to see the children's smiles, to see how they evolved, often starting from zero, how they progressed run after run, and to help them improve. . The goal is to ensure that when they leave, they have had a good time and leave with the banana. »
It must be impressive to ride under the watchful eye of Mike Di Meglio. Do some come specifically to ask you for advice?
" Yes. There are some who already train quite a bit with their parents and who come so that I can try to teach them little points. Plus, at the end of the day, I try to ride with them and they are super happy. »
So are you back for this year?
“Yes, still the same. We have dates for Pau and Muret. The goal is really to introduce people to motorcycles and we are not yet at the point of doing something more frequently. Afterwards, if they develop a taste for motorcycling, there will be some who will enter championships like the 25 Power.
I didn't know anything about working with children, but I really like it. I discovered this two years ago and I really liked it, especially since I have two little boys, a five-year-old and a one-year-old. My pleasure is to explain the bike, accelerate, brake, and see the happiness in their eyes. They were captivated by what we told them, they got on very quickly, and it's very gratifying to see that. »
2/ The French 25 Power Championship
If children develop a taste for speed motorcycle sport, after having gone through the traveling school or not, they have the opportunity to participate in the different French 25 Power Championship.
As we admit not knowing them, we asked
Alain Bronec to enlighten us on the subject:
“the 25 Power championship is the first French speed championship that children can do from the age of seven. As at this period of their lives, children evolve very quickly, there are several groups which correspond to different ages and capacities, but each group is a championship in itself and gives the right to compete for a title of Champion of France. The 25 Power therefore brings together beginners, or almost beginners, up to seasoned drivers who will move on to the Objective Grand Prix Championship or brand cups subsequently. Regarding children, because there are also groups for adults, there are three groups and it starts with 65cc 2-strokes or 110cc 4-strokes.
The championship has nine dates in 2017, spread across France, which take place on karting tracks. Generally, children start with an extremely low level but get hooked and progress very quickly over the months and years. When they are old enough to move into the French Objectif Grand Prix (OGP) championship, they have a certain level, which allows them to be immediately competitive on a real competition bike.
At the other end of these championships, we will note that more and more children are registering after having gone through the traveling school. »
Calendar
Rules: http://www.ffmoto.org
To be continued…
