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Sep 29
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trial de nations

Trial des Nations: Canadian team facing the best in the world in Portugal

By Competition, News

By François Cominardi, Written for Cycle Canada

The Canadian trials team had a date with the best teams in the world for the Trial des Nations, which took place this year from September 17 to 19 in Gouveia, Portugal. The team was made up of three riders: Félix and Michel Fortin-Bélanger on Beta, and Jonathan English on GasGas. The team was led by Derek Thomas.

This year’s 2021 event drew participants from 16 countries and three continents. In total, more than 70 male and female riders were present. The competition, won by the team from Spain, included Toni Bou (Repsol Honda), Adam Raga (TRRS) and Jaime Busto (Vertigo), who currently occupy the top three places in the 2021 FIM Trial World Championship. Tony Bou is the most successful rider in the history of trials, with 29 world titles (15 outdoor and 14 indoor). Spain has won every competition since 2004 and has taken the title 26 times since the inaugural event in 1984.

The Canadian team placed in 12th position, and though it was not the finish they were hoping for, the three riders experienced a wonderful, intensive weekend of learning and best performances.

By participating in this competition, Canada demonstrated its desire to be represented at the international level. In this regard, the MCC (Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada) has approached the CMA to consider a new dynamic for the representation of the FIM within Canada. As such, MCC sponsored the Canadian trials team financially with a $5,000 sponsorship. Other Canadian team sponsors include Beta Canada, GasGas / KTM, Lepage Millwork, Univers Traction Sport, L’ATAQ and TREQMOTO. Michel Fortin-Bélanger said he was privileged to have worked with the best in the world and that he is motivated to work even harder for the future. As for his brother Felix, he took notes to help his team perform better for the next few seasons. “The level of riding is very high in Europe, and it opens up new prospects for improving practices in Canada.”

Jonathan English recalled that this was his eighth participation in TDN, and certainly the most enjoyable. “It was not a normal year where we could plan everything well in advance. A lot came together in a short time, and we can be proud of having reached the starting line. The result is not what we hoped for, and it does not reflect the efforts of everyone involved. That’s sport sometimes. Team Canada was there, and we will be back!”

Manager Derek Thomas added: “It was a pleasure working with this team. We had a team represented by Quebec, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. A true national effort, really in the spirit of the event. It was a complicated year. It was the first big competition for our Canadians in two years, unlike the other competing teams. We will have the return of national trials in October and hopefully more Canadian teams for future international competitions.”

“It was almost unreal to be able to compete in the city, in a historic environment. ” commented Nancy Fortin, who went to support her sons. “The proximity of the spectators, the accessible facilities, everything was there to make this trial a success. Congratulations to the organizers.”

At the awards ceremony on Sunday, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) announced that the 2022 edition of the Trial des Nations (TDN) will take place in Italy.

 

To see a round of the Trial des Nations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvx1iCilyPc 

Photos Nancy Fortin and D.R.

Sep 07
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CMA and MCC Work Together to Support Canadian Riders at Trial des Nations

By Competition, News

Joint Discussions Underway for a New Future for Canadian Motorcycling

Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) Media Release, September 7, 2021

FOREST, ON – September 7, 2021:

Canada currently has two well-established not-for-profit organizations for motorcycling. The Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA) was founded in 1946. Since 1950 CMA has been the Canadian affiliate with the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme, better known as FIM, the World Governing Body for motorcycling.

The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) began in 2004 with a goal of fostering the growth and development of motorcycling, lobbying for changes to restrictive legislation, and promoting motorcycle safety across Canada.

Today, the two organizations are making history with the announcement of a Memorandum of Understanding between CMA and MCC to work together. The first project is in support of the Canadian team participating in the 2021 Trial des Nations being held in Portugal. MCC has committed financial support to offset costs of transportation of machines, equipment and participants, accommodations, registration, and other expenses.

On July 22 of this year, CMA announced that a team of three riders were selected to represent Canada in this year’s FIM Trial des Nations in Gouveia, Portugal September 17 to 19. Team Manager Derek Thomas stated, “…the Trial des Nations, was our best opportunity for our membership and the best opportunity for the CMA to begin a longer-term commitment to the Canadian trials community, sister national federations, and to our FIM International governing body. We look forward to creating the stepping stones for both men and women to have opportunities into the future.”

For those new to the sport, motorcycle trials, also referred to as observed trials, is a non-speed event conducted on specialized motorcycles. The bikes are extremely lightweight and have no seating, as they are designed to be ridden standing up. Competitors ride through an obstacle course as they attempt to avoid touching the ground with their feet. Each time a competitor touches the ground with a foot (referred to as “dabs” or “prods”), the penalty is one point. The sport is most popular in the United Kingdom and Spain, and there are participants around the globe.

The future of motorcycling in Canada looks very bright indeed. Both CMA and MCC have made commitments to meet on a monthly basis for the remainder of 2021 to explore options aimed at determining the best and most advantageous course of action.

MCC: motorcycling.ca CMA: motorcyclingcanada.ca

Apr 28
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MAY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH | Let’s Watch Out For Each Other

By News, Safety
To say that the past year has been impactful for everyone is an understatement. One of the positive outcomes of the rollercoaster ride of living in a pandemic is that we have come to recognize that, now more than ever, we truly are all in this together. Just as the pandemic has made us aware that we all have our part to play in keeping ourselves and each other safe, the same applies to motorcycling, both on- and off-road.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Canada and the United States. The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) annual safety campaign message for 2021 is “Watch Out For Each Other”. We all have a responsibility to help keep each other safe on our roads and out on the trails.
MCC Chair Chris Bourque says “For the past five years our message to riders and drivers is that motorcycle safety is everyone’s responsibility. For 2021 we encourage all on road and off-road users to Watch Out For Each Other. Rather than adding to people’s sense of anxiety and feeling like we are being told what to do, we simply ask that everyone doubles down on being safe.”
Chris has a great point. Nobody wants to end up in the emergency room, but right now it’s more important than ever to do everything possible to avoid burdening our healthcare systems with a preventable injury.
As always, motorists are reminded to Watch Out for motorcycles on the road. May is the start of peak riding season and there are more motorcycles on our city streets, country roads, and highways. Take a second look to better judge the speed and distance of a motorcyclist in your vicinity. Always check mirrors and blind spots, especially before turning or changing lanes. Allow extra room to avoid cutting off a motorcyclist and allow extra space when driving behind a motorcycle.
Riders can look for ways to Watch Out For Each Other too. Motorcycling has enjoyed a significant increase in popularity as people look for ways to get fresh air, exercise, and a sense of freedom. There has been an uptick in commuting by motorcycle as it is a practical and environmentally responsible form of transportation. As of March 2021, MMIC, the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council, reports double- and triple-digit year-over-year sales growth in Canada across all types of bikes, including Street, Dual Purpose, Competition, Off-Road Recreational, Mini Bikes and Scooters. So far this year motorcycle sales are up almost 75%.
There are many new riders experiencing the pleasures of motorcycling right across the country. If you’re an experienced rider, you can Watch Out for new riders by encouraging them to ride safely, ride within their skill limits, and according to the road conditions. Encourage them to wear “ATGATT” (All the gear, all the time). And don’t forget to direct them to the MCC website for great information and resources for Canadian motorcyclists.
We are all in this together. Let’s Watch Out For Each Other.

Feb 04
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Media Release: MCC to Continue Bid for FIM Affiliation - Image of MCC-CMC official logo

Media Release: MCC to Continue Bid for FIM Affiliation

By Competition, MCC in the News, News

Date: February 4, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MCC TO CONTINUE BID FOR FIM AFFILIATION

Canadian motorcycle racing has a big problem.

 

FOREST, ON – February 4, 2021: On January 29, 2021, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM, International Motorcycling Federation) convened via video conference for their annual General Assembly. MCC (Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada) has been petitioning to become the Canadian FIM Affiliate for several years now. FIM allows one affiliate in each country. For the last 70 years, Canada’s representative has been the CMA (Canadian Motorcycle Association). CMA has had little participation in international racing for the last few decades. During this time, there has been an overwhelming desire to rekindle international competition in Canada across all disciplines.

 

MCC’s quest to become Canada’s affiliate requires that the CMA first lose their standing with FIM. In 2020, FIM leadership made a motion to Expel CMA from FIM. This motion was brought to the floor on January 29, 2021. The motion required a two-thirds majority of votes by the FIM Voting Delegates present to pass, as opposed to a simple majority. The vote fell short by 5 votes and although a majority was reached with 59% voting in favour of removing CMA, it did not meet the required threshold of 66%. 11 members abstained from voting, thus making the odds of reaching a two-thirds majority difficult to achieve. MCC was not afforded the opportunity to be considered because CMA was not expelled as the current Canadian FIM Affiliate.

 

While MCC is disappointed that it will not become the FIM Affiliate for Canada at this time, the membership continues to focus on positioning the organization to be the obvious and logical choice for this important role. MCC Board Chair Chris Bourque states, “I continue to be baffled by an organization like CMA, that does nothing with their affiliation, yet refuses to let it go. All the while, young and upcoming competitors are hamstrung to test their mettle against global competitors.”

 

There is also frustration within the Canadian motorcycle racing community, including racers and promoters. Veteran motorcycle journalist Colin Fraser, who produces the Canadian Superbike series for TSN says “The path for Canadian racers to the world stage has been severely compromised for the last 4 decades, and we really need to change with the times.” Justin Thompson, CEO at Jetwerx International and the Triple Crown Series states, “Jetwerx continues to support the MCC bid for FIM Affiliation, for the good of the sport and for Canada.”

 

For now, MCC will continue to work diligently on behalf of racers and riders across Canada. According to Bourque, “In 2021 we will continue to make MCC stronger and even better positioned to take on the responsibility of leading Canada back to competitive motorcycling at the international level through FIM Affiliation.”

 

About FIM
FIM is the global governing/sanctioning body of motorcycle racing. It represents 111 national motorcycle federations that are divided into six regional continental unions. FIM not only serves as a racing sanctioning body but also has non-sporting initiatives such as: Women Riders, Ride True (without impairment), Motorcycle Tourism opportunities, Public Affairs, Ride Green.

 

About the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada
The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) is the voice of motorcycling in Canada. Our purpose is to create a better riding experience for all Canadians and to make Canada one of the safest countries in the world to ride a motorcycle. Today, there are close to one million motorcyclists riding on and off-road motorcycles across Canada.

Apr 14
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motorcycling during the pandemic - Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada - image of a motorcyclist wearing his helmet, sitting on stairs next to his bike, looking sad

Motorcycling During the Pandemic – Safe At Home is Best

By MCC in the News, News, Off-road, On-road, Safety

Canadian riders thinking about motorcycling during the pandemic: MCC supports the position of the International Motorcycling Federation. FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) is the global governing body for motorcycle racing. We think the following release is the correct global response to what is obviously a global health emergency:

On April 1, 2020 FIM announced its #RidersAtHome initiative. The campaign encourages all types of riders around the world, from professionals to everyday commuters, to share messages of support and to behave in a responsible manner to take care of each other. In the official release, the FIM said, “Even though riding is still permitted in some countries – the FIM is requesting that ALL riders keep their motorcycles parked in order to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries that could take up valuable healthcare resources during a period when they are already under great pressure.” Read More