Motorcycle Olympics?
By TMX Archives on 17th Aug 12
Like most of the rest of the country I have to admit to being glued to the old telly for the past fortnight watching the many and various sports in the Olympics until the early hours of the morning.
Just as I had never even heard of some of the countries taking part, never mind being able to point them out within, say, 3000 miles on a map of the world, the same could also be said of some of the sports.
There are plenty I don't have a deal of time for (handball for instance and anything to do with the word ‘synchronised' obviously).
And the Modern Pentathlon's scoring system baffled me totally – although I'll quickly admit that doesn't necessarily mean it is difficult.
But having said that, I take my hat off to anyone prepared to put themselves through the physical and mental mill that leads to simply participating, never mind medal winning.
There aren't too many Mo Farah's or Jessica Ennis's in the world that's for sure. And just think if that Bolt fella was ever fully fit or bothered to train half as hard as his buddies!
Still, four years to pick a sport and go for it in Rio. Sitting on a very clever, exceedingly slow horse does it for me. I suggest any fit young bloods (like the rest of you) try sprint canoeing...
I touched on the subject of the possibility of motorcycle sports in the Olympics a couple of weeks ago, pointing out that Toni Bou strutting his stuff up and over impossible objects would fit the bill. I still think it would.
Cycling is now very well established, even the BMX went down really well this year, all we need now is to introduce an engine...
I pointed out that Motorcycle Trials was actually included in the World Games of 2005, staged in Germany, when Dougie Lampkin took part.
The World Games are (were?) for events not included in the Olympics – but may wish to be considered.
Several readers kindly responded to the article and informed me that the FIM had indeed been
approached regarding the possibility of motorcycle events being included in the Olympics.
I understand that the FIM (this was back in 2009) concluded that, while they enjoyed friendly, cooperative relations with the Olympic movement, a better plan of action would be to collaborate with other motoring bodies to hopefully create our own high-profile world class event.
Presumably this would include motorcycle road racing, car racing, motocross, trials, sprint rallying, drag racing, enduro (extreme or otherwise) and any other motorised sports that you could dream up.
The idea would be to create a motorised World Cup that could be sold to the media, sponsors and public as a kind of soccer World Cup on wheels.
The idea has merit... where do we start?
