JOHANNESBURG (South Africa), 3rd July, 2026 – The Opening Press Conference on Friday afternoon has officially kicked off the MXGP of South Africa in Johannesburg. At the Terra Topia circuit, all teams gathered to set up their bikes and take a first look at a track and preparing for the racing weekend.
The Opening Ceremony welcomed two national heroes, Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing’s Calvin Vlaanderen and Triumph Factory Racing’s Camden McLellan, who will take part in their first ever home Grand Prix as riders, marking the FIM Motocross World Championship’s return to South Africa after 18 years. They were joined by David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO & President, FIM Motocross Commission Director’s Antonio Alia, MXGP of South Africa General Manager Rudy Muntonbo and CEO of Mlimi Racing Co Joshua Mlimi.
The press conference closed with a family photo bringing together all the wildcard South African riders taking part in this weekend’s Grand Prix.
Main Photo: (left to right) Joshua Mlimi, Calvin Vlaanderen, David Luongo, Rudy Mutonbo, Camden Mc Lellan, Antonio Alia Head Photo: Family photo with South African Riders
Quotes from the Opening Press Conference: David Luongo: “It’s a great day for motocross. It was a long wait to be back in South Africa, a country that’s genuinely one of the top markets in the world for bikes, riders and the passion of the fans. Getting back on the Grand Prix map here was only possible thanks to Rudy and his team, who worked incredibly hard to put all the pieces together. The track is wide, fast and full of character, and with two championships still wide open, this weekend promises great racing. For our two local heroes, racing in front of their own fans and family is a huge achievement.”
Antonio Alia: “It’s very important for the FIM to be here on this fabulous continent, where two riders who were kids not long ago are now fighting for world titles. Thank you to Rudy and everyone behind him for putting this together and making us feel so welcome. From what we’ve seen of the track so far, it’s long, wide and amazing. I wish these two guys, racing at home with plenty of supporters behind them, all the best this weekend.”
Rudy Mutombo: “It’s exciting to be part of the team that’s brought MXGP back to Africa after 18 years. It was a big challenge but seeing how people have responded makes it all worth it. We’re just excited to get things started and have fun with this.”
Joshua Mlimi: “Having raced with Calvin and Camden earlier in my career, I always knew we needed to bring international racing back to South Africa. Taking over this track in 2024, the idea was riders building it for riders, and we’ve beefed it up to reach international standards. Our local riders now have something to race towards at home. After 18 years, we’re finally back.”
Calvin Vlaanderen:“To race in front of my home crowd, in the country where I grew up, with my family and friends here, is honestly a dream come true. I was at Sun City in 2005 as a little kid watching my heroes race and asking for autographs. Now, 15 years into my own career in the paddock, to line up for a Grand Prix in South Africa with people cheering for me is something special. I just want to enjoy every moment, but it’s still a GP weekend, I’m focused, and my goal is to fight for a top five in front of my family and friends.”
Camden McLellan: “The timing feels close to perfect. I grew up 45 minutes from here and used to ride this track, it’s changed a lot since then, credit to Josh and everyone involved. Having my family here, my brother, my grandpa, my uncles, means everything. I don’t approach this weekend any differently, I’m here to win, like I am at every GP, and with the championship battle heating up as we get closer to Australia, this is the perfect time to get back to winning.”
The FIM Motocross World Championship is back in South Africa after a 18-year wait! The MXGP and MX2 classes will rip the South African dirt on 4-5 July on the reshaped Terra Topia MX Track near Johannesburg!
On the seventh and final day of FIM Sustainability Week, the focus turns to a project that brings the organisation closer to where decisions are made, and events unfold: the FIM Hospitality initiative.
Taking FIM hospitality to the heart of the action
The concept is straightforward – to establish a functional FIM presence at the paddock, positioning a “home on the road” at the centre of operations. This space provides FIM stakeholders with an opportunity to meet, collaborate, and share perspectives on technical, sporting, sustainability, mobility, and many other topics within a setting closely connected to the event environment.
“When we embarked on this project, one of our primary goals was to achieve self-sufficient units that are more energy-efficient and operate in a more sustainable way. We needed a solution that aligned with FIM’s sustainability policy while also being financially viable,” explains Isabelle Larivière, FIM Communications Manager.
From operational sustainability to a broader vision
The development of this model has been supported by Continuous Events, a company specialising in hospitality operations with more than eight years of experience in the sector. Its work has focused on adapting event structures to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on external resources, while maintaining service standards.
Over time, the collaboration between FIM and Continuous Events has evolved beyond operational improvements. The current phase introduces a broader perspective on sustainability, incorporating not only environmental considerations but also social factors linked to people, training and long-term workforce development.
This shift is reflected in the introduction of an educational framework based on “value spheres”. The model understands value as the outcome of interconnected relationships rather than isolated processes.
At its centre is the client, identified as the priority for both the FIM and the operator. Surrounding this are successive layers: staff responsible for delivering and safeguarding the experience of stakeholders and the wider FIM family, and a third sphere composed of suppliers and strategic partners, who provide resources, tools and knowledge while participating in a model that prioritises local sourcing.
As the structure expands, it integrates the broader community and industry actors. Within this approach, management is not positioned as the focal point but as a coordinating function — facilitating connections and ensuring that value flows consistently across all levels.
Addressing structural challenges in the sector
The initiative also responds to structural dynamics within the hospitality sector. The industry is currently facing constraints related to talent availability and a workforce characterised by high mobility between providers.
These conditions are influenced by market factors such as compensation, career progression and the seasonal nature of event-based work. In this context, there is increasing recognition of the need to strengthen professional development pathways and create more stable working environments.
Continuous Events Academy: training in real conditions
Against this backdrop, the Continuous Events Academy was launched in 2025. The programme aims to develop professionals capable of operating in complex, high-pressure environments such as international motorsport events.
Its distinguishing feature lies in its integration with academic institutions, bridging formal education with practical experience. The FIM’s role is to provide institutional support and helps define a structured pathway for participants.
The Academy currently collaborates with the University of Twente in the Netherlands and Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) in Peru. Each partnership addresses a different gap: while Twente contributes strong theoretical foundations in event management, the programme introduces hands-on experience in live environments. In Peru, students with culinary expertise gain exposure to the operational demands of international events.
Participants are selected through a joint process with partner institutions and are integrated into events such as 24h Le Mans and MotoGP. There, they work under real conditions, developing operational skills including adaptability, decision-making and problem-solving.
Operational learning and mentorship
The programme also incorporates a rotating system of chefs and event managers. In the case of FIM events, chefs are tasked with designing menus that reflect local contexts while working with available resources, following a “zero-kilometre” sourcing approach.
Alongside them, a permanent operational team ensures continuity in service delivery and acts as a mentoring structure for participants. This combination of stability and rotation allows knowledge transfer without compromising the customer experience.
The initiative reflects a shift in approach — from short-term operational efficiency to longer-term investment in human capital.
“Our vision with Continuous Events Academy is fully aligned with the FIM’s commitment to sustainability – not only in how we operate, but in how we develop people. We believe that investing in talent, creating real opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture of responsibility and adaptability is key to building a stronger future for the industry,” says Marcelo Carballar, CEO of Continuous Events.
For FIM, the project also connects directly with service standards.
“Sustainability at FIM goes beyond environmental responsibility – it is equally about people and the excellence of the service we provide to our FIM family. Through initiatives like the Continuous Events Academy, we are investing in talent, developing key skills, and ensuring that every touchpoint reflects the level of quality, care and professionalism that defines our organisation,” adds Larivière.
FIM Women’s Commission – 20 Years: Past, Present and Future
As part of the FIM Sustainability Week, the FIM Women’s Commission proudly marks its twentieth anniversary by highlighting the essential role of women in leadership and sustainability across the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, recognise the present, and look towards the future, demonstrating how inclusion, education and leadership are fundamental to building a more sustainable motorcycling ecosystem.
At the heart of the FIM’s sustainability strategy lies the understanding that sustainability cannot be achieved without addressing inequality. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are embedded across the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing that social sustainability is inseparable from environmental and economic progress. Women are not only affected by global challenges such as climate change, inequality and economic instability, they are also key contributors to the solutions. As highlighted by UN Women, women play a vital role in addressing these challenges through leadership, innovation and knowledge sharing.
The FIM embraces this principle by actively working to increase the representation of women in leadership roles across the motorcycling ecosystem. This includes technical positions such as doctors, officials and sustainability officers, as well as administrative, governance and decision making roles within National Federations, Continental Unions, Boards of Directors and FIM Commissions. Encouraging more women to lead is a core recommendation of the FIM’s Equal Gender Opportunities framework, and one that continues to be translated into concrete action through education, pathways and support structures.
Since its creation, the FIM Women’s Commission has played a central role in driving this progress. Over the past twenty years, the Commission has contributed to the development of women’s championships across disciplines including motocross, enduro, trial, speedway and circuit racing. These initiatives have opened opportunities for female athletes while also strengthening governance, education and leadership pathways, laying the foundations for long term inclusion and sustainable development within the sport.
In 2026, the Commission proudly aligns its anniversary celebrations with FIM Sustainability Week, amplifying the voices of women in leadership across the FIM Family. Representatives from Continental Unions, National Federations, the FIM Administration and Sports Commissions will share their experiences and perspectives, helping to inspire future generations and reinforce the message that leadership, education and knowledge transfer are powerful drivers of sustainability.
The FIM invites the wider motorcycling community to explore the FIM Sustainability Report, which highlights concrete examples of progress and demonstrates how the Women’s Commission continues to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable and resilient future for motorcycling.
Janika Judeika, Director of the FIM Women’s Commission, stated: “Sustainability is not only about protecting our environment, it is also about creating equal opportunities, empowering people through education, and ensuring that future generations can see themselves represented in every level of our sport. Over the last twenty years, the FIM Women’s Commission has shown that when women are given opportunities to lead, inspire and contribute, motorcycling becomes stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable for everyone.”
Kattia Juárez Dubón, Director of the FIM International Sustainability Commission, added: “Climate change affects everyone, but its impact is often greater on women, who play a crucial role in building community resilience. At the FIM, we recognise our responsibility to act – by promoting alternative energies and embedding sustainability into the future of motorcycling. Women are not only participants in this transformation; they are essential leaders driving meaningful change.”
Through this campaign, the FIM Women’s Commission is supported by leading voices from across the motorcycling ecosystem, individuals and organisations who are already part of the solution and who demonstrate that women’s leadership and sustainability move forward together.
On World Environment Day, motorcycle sport shifts from narrative to evidence. Across championships, teams and federations, FIM Sustainability Week serves as a working platform where initiatives are implemented, examined and shared, reflecting continuous work rather than a symbolic moment.
WorldSBK marks the day with a structural milestone: entry into the Top ten of the 2026 Sustainable Championships Index™, rising from eighteenth place and positioning itself among the most improved international series.
The recognition reflects the integration of sustainability within governance, operations and event delivery, supported by certifications such as ISO 20121 and ISO 45001.
At paddock level, this direction translates into operational choices. The bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team continues deploying solar-powered systems combining bifacial panels, battery storage and smart energy management, reducing reliance on external supply while supporting hospitality and technical operations.
In parallel, GYTR GRT Yamaha has become the first team in the championship to complete an independently verified ESG assessment, establishing measurable baselines across key areas such as waste, safety and governance, and defining a structured roadmap for improvement.
Collaboration with SUBARU, the official safety car provider, introduces electrified vehicle technology into the championship, aligning motorsport with broader mobility transitions and long-term environmental objectives.
Taken together, these actions reflect a shift toward data-driven, operational sustainability.
No nature, no motorcycling: the sport looks to its environment to evolve
As part of FIM Sustainability Week, the FIM Sustainability Commission will host a dedicated online session today – 5 June 2026 at 12:00 (CEST), inviting the global FIM Family to engage in a technical discussion on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) applied to motorcycle sport.
The session will be led by Dr. Gustavo Duque Estrada, Biodiversity lead at WSP and member of the IUCN, bringing scientific and applied expertise to the conversation.
The focus reflects a core operational reality: motorcycle events depend on the integrity of natural environments. From circuits to off-road terrains, challenges such as erosion, biodiversity loss and land degradation directly affect the sustainability and viability of events.
Key topics include: • Erosion control and ecosystem protection • Sustainable off-road and trail management • Habitat restoration around tracks and venues • Carbon offsetting through nature • IUCN Global Standard for NbS • Alignment with the TNFD framework The session also acts as an open invitation to align environmental knowledge with practice, reinforcing the role of science-based approaches in event planning and delivery.
Damiano Zamana, FIM Deputy CEO and Operations Director said: “Motorcycle sport is deeply connected to the natural environments in which it takes place. As we celebrate World Environment Day and FIM Sustainability Week, this session provides a valuable opportunity to explore practical and innovative approaches that help protect and restore nature while supporting the sustainable development of our events and activities.
I encourage all members of the FIM Family and our Stewards to join this important discussion and contribute to our shared commitment to a more resilient, responsible, and nature-positive future for motorcycle sport.”
RFME: practical guidance for immediate implementation
The Real Federación Motociclista Española (RFME) is contributing to World Environment Day with a pragmatic approach, centred on five sets of operational guidelines addressed to organisers, officials and members.
These “Ten Commandments” translate sustainability into clear, structured and achievable actions, designed to be implemented directly at event level without requiring complex resources or structural changes.
The measures focus on areas such as resource efficiency, waste reduction, responsible behaviour in paddock and venue environments, and improved environmental awareness among participants and officials. By targeting everyday practices rather than isolated initiatives, the RFME approach seeks to embed sustainability into the routine management of events.
The initiative also recognises the operational realities faced by organisers, particularly at national and regional levels, where constraints in logistics, budget and infrastructure require solutions that are both practical and scalable.
Rather than positioning sustainability as a separate layer of requirements, the guidelines aim to integrate it into existing workflows, reinforcing a model based on incremental improvement and consistency over time.
In this context, the RFME action reflects a broader shift within the sport: moving from high-level commitments to accessible tools that enable implementation across the full calendar, ensuring that progress is not limited to flagship events but extended throughout the entire ecosystem.
ACU: awareness built on long-standing environmental action
The Auto Cycle Union (ACU) is marking World Environment Day with a broad awareness campaign engaging riders, clubs and organisers, promoting sustainability as a shared responsibility across the sport.
This initiative builds on more than three decades of environmental work. Since establishing its Environment Working Group in 1993 and introducing its first Environment Code in 1995, the ACU has progressively integrated sustainability into event management.
From early milestones such as hosting the first FIM Environmental Seminar in 1997, creating Environmental Stewards, and introducing practical measures like ground protection systems, to more recent actions including noise reduction targets, electric racing initiatives, and carbon measurement pilots, the organisation has maintained a continuous approach.
Today, supported by a network of trained officials and updated sustainability frameworks, the ACU’s campaign reflects a long-term model where progress is driven by consistent action, technical development and community engagement.
World Environment Day serves as a checkpoint within a broader, ongoing process across the motorcycle community.
Kattia Juárez, FIM Sustainability Commission Director concluded: “World Environment Day is an opportunity to come together as a global motorcycling community — not only to raise awareness, but to demonstrate that concrete actions are already taking place across the sport.
The level of engagement and enthusiasm we have seen throughout this week confirms that sustainability is a shared effort. Each initiative contributes to a collective impact that extends well beyond a single day.”
With further activities still ahead, Sustainability Week reinforces a consistent message: sustainability in motorcycle sport is built progressively, through coordinated actions, practical solutions and shared responsibility.
