The FIM ratchets up support for the Handy Race at Le Mans

The first international motorcycling race for disabled riders had its maiden run at Le Mans last year – and there’s more to come

For the second consecutive year, the FIM is joining forces with Handi Free Riders & Diversamente Disabili to support the development of the International Bridgestone Handy Race, which started life in May 2017 as a support race for the 2017 Grand Prix de France in Le Mans.

This first international motorcycling race for disabled riders is the brainchild of Stéphane Paulus (Handi Free Riders) and Emiliano Malagoli (Diversamente Disabili).

Staged with the support of the FIM, the FFM and Claude Michy, organiser of the Grand Prix de France, last year’s maiden edition attracted 30 riders from Belgium, Colombia, Spain, Finland, France, the UK and Italy, who raced in front of packed stands at the legendary circuit of Le Mans.

At the press conference announcing the 2018 edition of the Grand Prix de France, FIM Programmes Director Damiano Zamana welcomed the second edition of this race for disabled riders, which exemplifies the FIM’s strategic ambition to broaden the practice of motorcycle sport and open it up to everyone. This ambition is part of the FIM’s long-term social responsibility vision that calls for the involvement of all sectors of society in the Federation’s sporting and beyond sport activities.

Inclusivity flows naturally from one of the FIM’s aim of rallying fans of motorcycling around the values of respect for diversity, solidarity and fair play.

In addition to the financial support provided by the FIM Fund for the Promotion of Motorcyclists’ Activities, the FIM’s sports, medical and technical departments are working with Diversamente Disabili and Handi Free Riders to draw up a set of regulations as a framework for the future development of the International Bridgestone Handy Race. The FIM will also encourage its national motorcycling federations to help spread this type of event all over the world.

Speaking on behalf of Handi Free Riders & Diversamente Disabili, Stéphane Paulus thanked the FIM for supporting the development of the championship at international level. Both associations organise initiatives to help disabled motorcyclists, following life-changing accidents to experience circuit racing.

In 2018 the calendar of the International Bridgestone Handy Race is made up of three races. After a return to Le Mans for the Grand Prix de France on 19 and 20 May, the race will be staged at the Mugello Circuit in Italy on 25 and 26 August for the FMI Cup and on 29 and 30 September in Magny-Cours as a support race for the FIM Superbike World Championship.