The African tour began with an official visit to the Federação Angolana de Motociclismo (FAM), renamed following the reorganisation of the automotive and motorcycle activities in 2024. The programme concluded with FIM President Jorge Viegas and FIM Africa President Marco Comana attending the 2026 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) in Namibia.
During the visit to Angola, Jorge Viegas and FAM President Marcos Fonseca met Angola’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Rui Falcão Pinto de Andrade. Discussions focused on securing government support for the redevelopment of the local motocross circuit, with a view to Angola hosting the FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations in 2027.
The Minister pledged his assistance and support for the venue. He also presented plans for a government project to construct a new circuit in southern Angola designed to host Formula 1 and MotoGP events. The delegation subsequently visited the Luanda motocross track, where the Federação Angolana de Motociclismo hopes to stage next year’s MXoAN.
The FIM President then travelled to Namibia for the 2026 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations. First held in Zimbabwe in 1999, this year’s event marked the twenty seventh edition of the competition and the third time it had been hosted in Namibia.
From 28 to 30 August, one hundred and eighty riders representing Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe gathered at Gallina Motocross Park in Windhoek. Competition took place across nine categories: MX50, Women’s MX50, MX65, MX Lites, WMX, Veterans and Masters, MX125, MX2 and MX1.
MXoAN 2026 also marked an important milestone for FIM Africa’s growing sustainability movement with the inaugural presentation of the FIM Africa Sustainability Award. FIM Ride Green Ambassador Ross Branch was present throughout the weekend, engaging with riders, families and fans to raise awareness of sustainability and the shared responsibility of the motorcycling community to protect the environments in which it is privileged to race. The inaugural Sustainability Award was presented to Angola, adding another significant moment to the country’s return to the MXoAN.
After three exceptional days of competition, South Africa was crowned the 2026 FIM Africa Motocross of African Nations Champion, with Namibia finishing second and Uganda taking third place. However, some of the weekend’s most memorable moments took place away from the racing.
Jorge Viegas – FIM President said: “This visit to Africa was extremely productive, and I received a very warm welcome throughout the tour. It was particularly important for me to visit the FAM for the first time, to learn more about its ambition to develop motorcycling in Angola and to hear about its preparations to host the MXoAN in 2027.”
“The twenty seventh edition of the MXoAN in Namibia lived up to every expectation. I was impressed by the professionalism of the organisers and the enthusiasm of the participants. I would like to congratulate and thank all the participating federations, as well as the riders, their families and everyone who contributed to this intense weekend of competition. My thanks also go to all those I met during this unforgettable visit to Angola and Namibia.”
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.
The FIM marks a major milestone during Sustainability Week with the appointment of two new high-profile Sustainability Ambassadors: Berta Abellán (Spain) and Ross Branch (Botswana) — a strategic expansion that reinforces the organisation’s global commitment to sustainability in motorcycling.
These two outstanding athletes represent both the new generation of riders and the growing international scope of the programme, bringing fresh energy, authenticity, and powerful regional representation.
Berta Abellán is the 2025 FIM TrialGP Women’s World Champion, having finished as vice World Champion the previous four seasons. As a leading female rider, Berta is an important voice for the growing role of women in motorcycling and sustainable sport.
Ross Branch, as runner-up in the 2024 Dakar Rally and with five stage wins to his name over recent years, stands as one of Africa’s most prominent motorsport figures and will serve as a key voice for sustainability across the African continent with the support of FIM Africa.
Jorge Viegas, FIM President, stated: “The appointment of Berta Abellán and Ross Branch as FIM Sustainability Ambassadors represents a significant step forward in strengthening our global commitment to sustainability. They embody not only sporting excellence but also the values of responsibility, respect, and leadership that are essential for the future of motorcycling.
Through their voices, we can reach new audiences and reinforce the message that sustainability is a shared responsibility across all disciplines and continents. Berta’s role as a female athlete and role model, and Ross’s representation of the African continent, highlight the diversity and inclusiveness that are key to driving meaningful change.”
Ambassadors’ Voices Berta Abellán emphasised not only environmental responsibility but also the role of women as drivers of change in the sport: “I would like to thank the FIM very much for trusting me to be an FIM Sustainability Ambassador. For me, it is very important to take care of the environment where we practice our sport and in relation to motorcycling in general.
As a female rider, I also feel a responsibility to help inspire more women and show that we can be part of the positive change our sport needs. Sustainability is about respect – for nature, for people, and for the future – and I will do everything in my power to raise awareness and contribute as much as possible in this space.”
Ross Branch highlighted both the honour and responsibility of his new role: “I am truly honoured to have been selected for this programme, and I am very proud to accept this role. Being recognised by the FIM, with the recommendation and support of FIM Africa, means a great deal to me.
Sustainability and environmental awareness have always been close to my heart. I call Africa home, and I feel incredibly grateful to have grown up training and competing in places of such raw beauty, wildlife and open landscapes.
As rally riders, we are privileged to travel through some of the most remote and stunning regions of the world. I believe we also share a responsibility to help protect them. If I can use my voice to promote responsible practices, raise awareness and support positive change within our sport and across Africa, I will do so with great commitment.”
