The first-ever FIM Intercontinental Games (ICG) takes place this coming weekend (30 November and 1 December) when forty-eight riders from across the world will converge on the iconic Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto to decide which of the FIM’s six Continental Unions (CONU) can legitimately lay claim to being number one.
First envisaged by current FIM President Jorge Viegas back in 2002, it is very fitting that the inaugural ICG – the City of Jerez FIM Intercontinental Games – is taking place towards the conclusion of the FIM’s one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary year and will bring together competitors from the CONUs of Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and Oceania, for two days of sporting celebrations.
For the first edition of this biennial event, competition will be limited to Supersport and Supersport 300 classes with R7 and R3 machines provided by ICG Official Partner Yamaha Motor Europe although, as the ICG becomes more established, other disciplines will be added. In keeping with the FIM’s ethos of encouraging diversity, the ICG provides an inclusive platform and each eight-rider team includes two female racers in their line-ups with one in each class.
Each CONU will race in its own colours – Asia in yellow, Latin America in purple, Oceania in green, Europe in blue, Africa in black and North America in red – with bespoke race suits with electronic airbags along with chest and back protectors and gloves provided by SPIDI, custom GP 800 FIM Racing #1 helmets from Airoh and XP9-R boots from XPD. Dunlop will supply the tyres, Beta the tools and Panta Racing Fuel the petrol.
With team line-ups already published, there are two late changes to the entry list. Replacing Spain’s Maria Herrera as FIM Europe’s woman rider on an R7, is twenty-eight-year-old Roberta Ponziani from Italy who finished fifth this year in the first-ever FIM Women’s Circuit World Championship and scored two fourth-placed finishes at Jerez at the series finale last month.
The other change is to FIM North America where, also in the Supersport class, Andrew Lee has been brought in to replace Rocco Landers. A two-time MotoAmerica Stock 1000 Champion, Lee is hugely experienced and this year contested the fabled 8 Hours of Spa Motos at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Yesterday saw FIM officials conduct the riders’ briefing to explain the rules and provide important information ahead of this afternoon’s initial hour long non-timed Practice sessions for each category. This allowed the riders the chance to familiarise themselves with the circuit, their motorcycles and equipment before the first Free Practice session tomorrow. Tomorrow each class will get two thirty-minute Free Practice sessions followed in the afternoon by four twenty-minute Qualifying sessions. With Qualifying taken care of, the serious business of scoring points gets under way on Sunday (1 December) at 11am (local time) with the first of two fourteen-lap races for Supersport 300 riders. Competitors in the Supersport class will compete over two sixteen-lap races and at the conclusion of racing all scores will be combined to decide the first-ever FIM Intercontinental Games champion CONU.
With so many talented riders from across the planet involved, at this stage it is impossible to identify a pre-Games favourite although what is guaranteed is that the combination of youth and experience will make for a thrilling and very fascinating contest that will help lay the foundations of this new and exciting event for many years to come.
Organised with the support of the City of Jerez and the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, the FIM Intercontinental Games brings together forty-eight riders from nineteen countries and takes place on 30 November and 1 December 2024.
Don’t miss out on the first-ever edition of FIM Intercontinental Games! • Live Timing Available HERE • Watch all the action live worldwide on FIM-MOTO.TV, in Europe on Discovery+and Max and in Australia on FOX Sports and Kayo Sports. Please check the availability of these platforms in your regions. • Access regulations and the latest information through the Sportity app using the password FIMICG.
Don’t miss out on the first-ever edition of FIM Intercontinental Games, stream LIVE on FIM-MOTO.TV, Discovery+, Max, FOX Sports and Kayo Sports.
The FIM Intercontinental Games, held at Circuito de Jerez on November 30 and December 1, unites riders from all six FIM Continental Unions. Witness the excitement as they compete in Supersport and Supersport 300 on Yamaha R7 and R3 machines. Don’t miss a moment!
On-track activity on the Saturday (30 November) gets under way at 9:30am with the first of four thirty-minute Free Practice sessions, two per class, before the first of four twenty-minute afternoon Qualifying sessions.
The points-paying action is scheduled to start on Sunday (1 December) at 11am with a fourteen-lap Supersport 300 race followed by the opening sixteen-lap Supersport race that gets under way at noon. Each class will then race once more with the combined scores deciding the overall finishing positions.
Click the links to watch all the action live worldwide on FIM-MOTO.TV, in Europe on Discovery+ and Max and in Australia on FOX Sports and Kayo Sports. Please check the availability of these platforms in your regions.
Published by Isabelle Larivière – FIM Communications Manager
The first-ever FIM Intercontinental Games (ICG) takes place on 30 November and 1 December 2024 at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Spain, bringing together all six of the FIM’s Continental Unions (CONU) for a weekend celebrating the FIM Family’s core ethical values and ongoing commitment to diversity.
Representing a major element of the FIM’s one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary year activities, for the first edition of this biennial event the competition is limited to Supersport and Supersport 300 categories, although more classes will be added as the ICG becomes established.
The event is a huge investment – logistically and financially – and would not be possible without the support of the FIM’s committed ICG Official Partners. Additionally, the FIM also wishes to acknowledge the invaluable support received from the City of Jerez for its help with accommodation and logistics for CONUs teams and FIM organisation, the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto for providing free admission to the public for the ICG, Dorna for its expertise in TV production and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports for broadcasting the event on its digital and linear channels.
A spokesperson for Jerez City Hall welcomed the news, saying: “This event is a great opportunity for our track as we will be the premier circuit of this new project, which will also be held on very important dates for the city. The FIM Intercontinental Games is an event that will turn us into the world capital of motorcycling since riders from six continents will be represented. It is important because it is also conceived as an riders’ academy, a promotion of the promises of motorcycling. It is also an egalitarian competition where women will have their rightful place.
“We thank the FIM and all the promoters of this initiative for having chosen Jerez as the venue for this international event and we encourage all motorcycling fans to accompany these promising young riders who have come to Jerez from all over the world.”
These views were echoed by a spokesperson for the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, who said: “What better way to close our racing season than with a new international competition that brings together riders from all six FIM Continental Unions. From the Circuito de Jerez we welcome the FIM and its project FIM Intercontinental Games with the express wish that these first Intercontinental Games are a success and lay the foundations for a sporting event that will continue to grow in the future and provide opportunities for young riders. We encourage the fans to join us at the circuit because we are sure that some of the drivers representing the different continents will be stars of this sport in the near future.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, commented: “We’re delighted to be part of the Intercontinental Games. Even as they celebrate 120 years of history, the FIM are continuing to add to the sport’s future and we are proud to join them as a partner from this very first edition. We’re looking forward to watching the action, which is now just around the corner at the iconic Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, and can’t wait to see the results. Best of luck to all the competitors and congratulations to the FIM on this project.”
Jean-Baptiste Ley, Motorsport Events Director at Warner Bros Discovery Sports, added: “At the completion of the tenth season promoting the FIM Endurance World Championship, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports is delighted to be supporting the inaugural FIM Intercontinental Games. As the official broadcast partner, we’ll be giving viewers of our Max platform the chance to watch all the races live from Jerez. And with teams from the six FIM Continental Unions taking part, there’ll be riders from around the world in action, making the FIM Intercontinental Games an exciting celebration of international motorcycle racing and an event that’s not to be missed.”
Yamaha is providing the R7 and R3 motorcycles used by riders across both classes. Always at the forefront of innovation, Yamaha has enjoyed incredible success both on and off-road and its R7 and R3 motorcycles are the perfect choice for the ICG’s Supersport and Supersport 300 classes.
“While the FIM reached its remarkable one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary, the launch of the FIM Intercontinental Games is yet another innovative step in showcasing the growth and diversity of motorcycle racing under the FIM’s guidance,” said Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing. “The first edition, ‘the City of Jerez FIM Intercontinental Games’, will bring together all six FIM Continental Unions (FIM Asia, FIM Africa, FIM Europe, FIM Oceania, FIM North America and FIM Latin America) in a celebration of motorsport’s core values – sportsmanship, innovation, inclusivity and collaboration – while introducing a new and thrilling competition.
“Yamaha is proud to be an Official Partner of this exciting new series, providing R7 and R3 machines for riders coming to race in Jerez from all over the world. The Games’ unique format not only highlights the inclusivity of our sport, from fostering the participation of women racers to discovering emerging talents, but it also brings to road racing the concept of competing to represent the territory where riders are coming from, which is already well established in other motorcycle disciplines.
“Yamaha looks forward to seeing how this new concept can evolve and to support the FIM in promoting a more accessible and diverse access to motorcycle racing, following the path of the ongoing successful cooperations on series such as the FIM R3 World Cup and the FIM YZ SuperFinale event at the MXoN.”
Helping to keep the R7 and R3 machines anchored to the racetrack at the inaugural ICG, Dunlop Tyres has steered countless riders to FIM World Championship titles and is one of the most iconic and recognisable tyre brands in the world with an unbroken history going back over one-hundred-and-thirty years.
Race suits with electronic airbags in the different CONU colours along with back and chest protectors and gloves are being provided by Italian specialist SPIDI. Globally renowned for its passion, commitment and the development and production of world-class products, SPIDI has been at the forefront of rider protection since 1977.
“SPIDI is proud to partner with FIM to increase the safety level of all riders taking part in the first edition of the FIM Intercontinental Games,” said Mr. Nicola Dalla Grana, SPIDI President. “We share their same enthusiasm for speed, adrenaline, success, and team spirit. Since 1977, our company is active in motorcycle racing, that we consider an unmatchable inspiration to innovate in the field of riders’ safety. Next week the forty-eight riders will be protected by SPIDI custom-made suits specifically designed with FIM Intercontinental Games dedicated livery; each suit will feature the latest version of SPIDI electronic Air Bag, the ultimate protective system we developed in MotoGP and WSBK races in the last ten years.”
XPD boots will ensure ICG competitors enjoy the best possible foot protection available. Founded by SPIDI President Nicola Della Grana in 2000, XPD takes a high-tech approach to research and development and is constantly innovating with the aim of combining safety and comfort across its range of products.
“XPD is proud to announce that XP9-R is the official racing boot chosen by the FIM to equip the forty-eight riders competing in the first edition of the FIM Intercontinental Games,” said Mr. Nicola Dalla Grana. “XP9-R is the benchmark in motorcycle racing boots, the most innovative protective boot designed to protect racers maintaining an extreme comfort. To maximise riders’ comfort, the inner safety boot featuring the anti-torsion protective system is easily removable, washable and customisable.”
Producing high-quality products that are synonymous with safety, design and performance, Italian manufacturer AIROH is providing all competitors with its new GP 800 FIM Racing #1 crash helmet with bespoke ICG graphics. Founded in 1997, AIROH is committed to the constant development of its products utilising ultra-high-tech Fdu materials and cutting-edge processes as it continues to set new standards of safety and usability.
“We are deeply grateful to the Federation for choosing us as official partners of this ‘zero edition’ of the FIM Intercontinental Games, an innovative, inspiring event with talented riders from all continents,” commented Antonio Locatelli, founder and CEO of AIROH, “and being alongside FIM in such an important moment is a source of pride for us and it is a recognition of the high quality of our products. All the riders of the competition will use the new AIROH GP 800 FIM Racing #1 with graphics specifically created for the event.”
Helping to keep the wheels of the ICG turning smoothly, CONU mechanics will have a range of Beta Tools at their disposal to ensure the R7 and R3 motorcycles perform at their best. The Italian company specialises in the production of professional working tools and instruments with emphasis placed on its values of audacity, commitment, harmony and talent.
Providing the petrol for the fleet of R7 and R3 motorcycles used at the ICG, Panta Racing Fuel is the official supplier of fuel for some of the biggest Italian, European and International motorsport competitions and is at the cutting edge of innovation and development in this highly-specialised field.
“We are thrilled to be part of the FIM Intercontinental Games, a truly exciting event that brings together diverse Federations and fosters global collaboration,” said Luca Monico, Head of Panta Racing Fuel. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase talent, teamwork and the spirit of healthy competition. We look forward to the continued success and growth of the Games.”
Jorge Viegas, FIM President, stated: “The inaugural FIM Intercontinental Games is tremendously exciting and I cannot think of a better way to help set the seal on the FIM’s one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary year. However, without the assistance of our committed Official Partners – all leaders in their respective fields – it would not be possible so with this in mind and on behalf of the FIM I would like to thank them for their ongoing support and for helping us turn a dream into reality.”
Published by: Isabelle Lariviere – FIM Communications Manager
Completing the line-up of all six FIM Continental Unions (CONU) that are contesting the historic first edition of the biennial FIM Intercontinental Games (ICG), FIM Latin America is fielding a strong eight-rider team drawn from five South and Central American countries.
The City of Jerez FIM Intercontinental Games takes place on 30 November and 1 December 2024 at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Southern Spain and forms a major part of celebrations to mark the FIM’s one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary year. Limited to Supersport and Supersport 300 classes for its inaugural edition with Yamaha Europe, as Official Partner, providing R7 and R3 machines, more disciplines – including Motocross and Enduro – will be added as the event becomes established.
In keeping with the spirit of the ICG to provide a gender-neutral platform for riders to showcase their talents on an international stage, FIM Latin America is managed by Alan Douglas Dos Santos who will steer his team as it takes on the other CONUs of Asia, North America, Europe, Africa and Oceania.
Captaining the team’s effort in the Supersport 300 class, eighteen-year-old Kevin Santos Fontainha from Brazil has experience of the famous Jerez circuit having competed there this year in the FIM Supersport 300 World Championship, as has twenty-four-year-old Chilean racer Isis Carreño who finished twelfth in the 2024 FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
The pair will be joined on R3 machinery by twenty-year-old Jerónimo González from Columbia and twenty-three-year-old Argentinian Nahuel Santamaria who have both contested the 2024 Yamalube R3 bLU cRU Latinoamérica series.
The most experienced member of the team, forty-two-year-old Brazilian Fabricio Zamperetti is Captain of FIM Latin America’s Supersport riders and he will compete alongside twenty-four-year-old Mexican Astrid Madrigal who has also raced at Jerez this year on her way to eighth in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
The team is completed by nineteen-year-old Humberto Cezar Maier Neto from Brazil – a wild card rider in the 2024 FIM Supersport 300 World Championship – and twenty-seven-year-old Lucas Adrian Gutierrez from Brazil.
Pedro Venturo Jr, FIM Latin America President, said: “The FIM Intercontinental Games are a great opportunity to show the progress and quality of the FIM Latin America team riders who I am sure will offer very close and exciting races at the Jerez circuit. We have the best young talents in the region and we know that with teamwork we will win. It will be an exciting event.”
Organised with the support of la Junta de Andalucía, the City of Jerez FIM Intercontinental Games brings together forty-eight riders from nineteen countries and takes place on 30 November and 1 December 2024 at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Southern Spain.
Published by: Isabelle Larivière – FIM Communications Manager
Aiming to bring the thunder from Down Under to the first-ever FIM Intercontinental Games (ICG), FIM Oceania has assembled a talented eight-rider team that fuses together youth and experience for the event scheduled for 30 November and 1 December 2024 at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Southern Spain.
The inaugural ICG – officially entitled the City of Jerez FIM Intercontinental Games – will feature Supersport and Supersport 300 classes with R7 and R3 machines provided by ICG Official Partner Yamaha Europe. As this biennial event becomes established, plans are in place to add further sports – including off-road disciplines such as Motocross and Enduro – to the schedule.
Bringing together all six FIM Continental Unions (CONU) for a weekend that celebrates the FIM Family’s core ethical values and ongoing commitment to diversity, the ICG will see the Oceania team managed by double FIM Supersport World Champion Andrew Pitt take on teams from the other CONUs of Asia, North America, Europe, Africa and Latin America and represents a major part of the FIM’s one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary year activities.
At just sixteen years of age, the youngest member of the team is Australia’s Cameron Swain who is a former FIM Oceania Junior Cup winner who this year finished the FIM R3 bLU cRU World Cup in ninth. Swain will contest the Supersport 300 class alongside his eighteen-year-old compatriot and Oceania R3 Captain Archie McDonald and twenty-two-year-old Kiwi racer Jesse Stroud who is the current New Zealand Supersport 300 Champion.
The final member of FIM Oceania’s effort in the Supersport 300 category is nineteen-year-old Tara Morrison who has valuable international experience as well as being a three-time winner of the South Australian Women’s Cup.
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In the Supersport category, thirty-year-old Mike Jones – a three-time Australian Superbike champion and former MotoGP™ rider – has taken on the role of Captain with back-up from twenty-seven-year-old Tayla Relph who this season has finished seventh in the FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship.
They will be joined in action on R7 machinery by fellow Australians Tom Toparis and Max Stauffer. A two-time Australian Supersport champion, twenty-four-year-old Toparis also has experience of international racing while twenty-year-old Stauffer is a former national Dirt Track champion who this year made his FIM World Championship debut with a wild card ride at the famous Coca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours in Japan.
Peter Doyle, FIM Oceania President, said: “The FIM Intercontinental Games is a superb addition to the FIM motorcycle racing calendar and I’m sure it will deliver exceptionally close racing at one of the world’s great circuits. The quality and depth in the FIM Oceania team is outstanding and I know the riders are desperate to etch their names into the history books as the first-ever winners of the FIM Intercontinental Games. It’s going to be a thrilling event.”
Organised with the support of la Junta de Andalucía, the City of Jerez FIM Intercontinental Games brings together forty-eight riders from nineteen countries and takes place on 30 November and 1 December 2024 at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Southern Spain.
Published by: Isabelle Lariviere – Communications Manager
