Watching a competition one normally thinks about those racing.
EnduroGP competitions are different to other championships: they are competitions for everyone. Every single Endurista can share the track with the world’s best riders.
This might seem rather trivial, but it really isn’t.
Therefore, it’s the organisers’ priority to enable both the participants and the spectators along the route to enjoy the events in complete security.
You’ll be thinking of the track, and you’re not wrong.
FIM provides the know-how of a Track Inspector, Maurizio Micheluz, who uses his experience to suggest fundamental precautions to the organisers in order to make the track as safe as possible.
Don’t imagine, however, that this is all the International Federation does.
Many different aspects have to be taken care of in an Enduro event. Many of these remain backstage, but they are all equally important to ensure not only smooth-running competitions, but also the continuous progress of a glorious discipline which is over a hundred years old.
Pedro Mariano is the Race Director of all EnduroGP competitions and of the ISDE. He also coordinates several people who are all specialised in fulfilling a specific function.
“There are at least five people from the International Federation at each competition: the track inspector who is in charge of the track and therefore works a lot before a competition actually takes place, a person who oversees the environmental impact of the event (ed. FIM’s KISS programme was adopted in Ambert, which was the first motorcycling race in France to receive this certification), and the undersigned. CEN’s Director John Collins is also always present, as are the technicians who need to verify the motorbikes’ compliance.”
One of the most important tasks is the interaction with the teams and their riders: thanks to this continuous exchange Pedro and Maurizio have become a central point of reference not only for those who race the competitions, but also for the commission that works day after day to make sure that the discipline grows and that the highest standards are maintained in security and, for example, in respect for the environment.
“The relationship between the Federation and the riders definitely starts with us. As the Race Direction, we are the bridge between riders, teams, and commission. Maurizio and I are always in touch with everyone and pass their feedback on to CEN.”
This continuous exchange is pure teamwork and profits from each expert’s know-how. It’s successful because the people involved have a very clear mission in their mind and because they represent the most important authority in the world of motorcycling.
This mission started more than one hundred years ago and has always witnessed women and men collaborating for the good of motorcycling. It’s not about individuals, but about embracing a community that shares an unrestrained passion for two wheels.
“Being in charge of the sporting aspects of a world championship means first and foremost being able to work in a team. In the Race Direction, I am constantly in touch with Maurizio Micheluz and with the Clerk of the Course (ed. who changes at every competition) in order to make sure that the standards set by FIM and, especially, by CEN are respected.”
Yes, passion makes everything happen.
These people do everything in their power to make the sport they love grow. They create the best possible prerequisites for, and provide all the tools to, whomever wants to contribute to the World of Motorcycling.
Pedro Mariano is one of those: he is an Enduro enthusiast.
“I have worked in Enduro for twenty years and, before that, I was a rider for eleven years. I love Enduro because it is a complete discipline. Some aspects are all about speed, others are in the Trial style, and others again are similar to MX. It’s a continuous contest between riders, bikes, and the forest. It’s also the oldest discipline in all of motorcycling… For me, Enduro is the best way of riding a bike.
Enduro is life.”
