The FIM Africa Train the Trainer programme recently took place in Kitwe, Zambia, with three days focused on rider development, coaching education and practical training.
Facilitated by FIM Africa and the FIM Africa Women in Motorcycling Commission, the programme was hosted by Copperbelt Dirt Bike Riders from 28 to 30 April under the guidance of Andre Dearden.
Throughout the programme, participants explored a variety of important topics including nutrition, hydration, WADA education, braking techniques, body positioning, balance and training schedules. The sessions were designed to provide parents, trainers and rider supporters with practical knowledge to assist riders both on and off the motorcycle.
The learning continues this weekend as participants move into practical trackside sessions and hands on rider coaching, further building on the knowledge gained during the classroom component of the programme.
For those who don’t know this past weekend, June 1st and 2nd, I headed to Germany to participate in the 4th round of the FIM WMX World Championship in Teutschenthal. Preparations were all last-minute as I wasn’t sure we would be able to arrange everything needed, like bike hire, pits, etc., but it all worked out. I wasn’t able to test ride the bike, but luckily, I was able to bring my front suspension with me and set the rear as best we could.
On Thursday, we went to the welcome office and picked up all the passes. This included the car pass, rider, and mechanic passes. Friday was busy, but overall, it was a good day. I got to set up my bike, put a sticker kit on it, walk the track, and do scrutineering. Overall, it was a great day and a wonderful experience.
The rain had arrived, which meant that the track preparations had to change. We watched the crew clear the track of mud and basically bulldoze all the mud they could off the track.
Saturday was when everything started: free practice, timed practice, and finally a race. I knew the track was going to be muddy as the ladies were first out, and my plan was just to learn the track—and that’s what I did. I came out with a P18 in free practice and a big smile on my face.
By timed practice, the track had dried out, but I let all the nerves get to me, and I rode terribly. Luckily, I was still able to qualify with a P33. Following this, I knew I had so much more in me and that I could do much better. The sun was out, and the track was completely different from the one I rode in the morning. With deep breaths and a lot of heart and belief, I raced heat 1 as well as I could. I got a great start and just kept consistent to work my way to 20th in heat 1, scoring my first-ever world championship point. I was filled with lots of emotion and gratitude that I was able to do this race, and I hoped I could do the same the next day. Sunday was a later start, very different from what I’m used to. I only had to be at the track at 8 am. The track had been prepped again, but the rain had also fallen throughout the night, meaning the track was going to be completely different from the day before. I decided not to go out on the warm-up laps to keep the mud off my bike as much as possible.
I lined up, and it was cold and wet, but I wanted to give it everything. I got a good start and just put my head down, riding as best I could through all the mud. It was tough, and I felt like I was all over the place, but I pushed on, only to see the pit board on my last lap say P14. I was over the moon. I was so shocked and proud to have competed against the best women in the world and come out with an overall of P16.
This would have never been possible without all the companies, friends, family, and organizations that supported me. To everyone, my deepest thank you for letting me live my dream—I am so, so grateful.
Special thanks to:
• REMA TIP TOP • JCB • SPECTRA • LINER INVESTMENTS and family • Uncle Graham • The Lubinkhof family • Uncle Paul • The Reeves family • 12 Designs
To my family: my brother and dad for coming with me, and my mum for everything she does—I wish she could have been with us. Thank you for helping me follow my dreams and supporting me every moment.
To Carmen at MSA for organizing my license and everything so quickly, thank you.
To the Becker Racing team that welcomed me into the pits and made me feel like family, thank you for everything. And of course, my mechanic Lars—thank you for everything you did for me this weekend. It was so great working with you, and I had the best time.
Lastly, thank you to all the people that have sent messages and supported me from all over the world. I appreciate all of you and all the support.
Zambian Motocross and Enduro Riders have recently achieved outstanding results on and off the track. We see great potential and aim to provide opportunities, especially in 2024, for the Riders and Zambia to shine. Uplifting the profile of Motocross and Enduro in Zambia and inspiring young Zambians to reach their goals.
Her jaw clenches, staring ahead at the first bend. The ground starts to thunder, each rumble, a vicious threat. The war zone is splayed out, ready to devour those brave enough to try. The courageous child in her pounds on the walls of her heart. The rumbling grows louder. 5 seconds to go. The gates open; a mother trembles with her nails between her teeth. Let the games begin.
Saturday
“Thank you all for being here. Let’s go out there and give it our all. One Zambia! One Nation!” Smiles beam and hands clap as she looks around, memorising the crinkle of familiar eyes, hoping they’ll still be there when the weekend is over. It’s an honour to support, compete and represent their country together. Sharing the same goals, wearing the same colours, living the same dream. This year in Cape Town, for the Motocross of African Nations.
Sunday
She races round each dreaded corner, braces against each jump in the sky and each hesitant turn of the throttle. But, still, they keep coming, one by one, blurred spots of colour flashing past until all she can see ahead of her is the shine of the motorbikes. The rush of the race begins to fade, and her erratic heart starts to slow. Yet, no… she was told: ‘go out there and give it your all’. Is this it? This couldn’t be how it ends… She did the early mornings, the ‘one more rep’s. It’s only her fault for aiming for the stars and falling before she could even leave the ground.
Overwhelmed, frustrated, and disappointed, she returns to her Zambian team where words of comfort and encouragement coax a wavering smile from her previously downturned lips. They all walk together and gather near the medic tent – a fellow junior rider had a bad crash. Although their spirits are fragile, they stand together and attempt to ignite one another’s hearts regardless. There, her previously extinguished fire starts to splutter, burning courage and hope where there wasn’t before.
“All right, boys and girls, this is the last round. Give it all you’ve got. You need to start taking the inside line in the corners and being more aggressive. Leah: really good start, keep it up. Watch the breaking bumps. As we’ve said, each of your names are on your bikes, that’s who you are racing. You are not riding somebody else’s race. Race the track. And, finally, do not leave here with regrets!” For the last few races of the day, they gather by the side-lines, cheering for Zambia, proudly waving their flag, screaming ‘one Zambian. One Nation!’, propelling their team to produce the best results they can.
She hangs on, knees clenched to the bike. Her hand is stuck on the throttle. Faster. She’s the first around the corner. Holeshot! She switches to the inside line and tears down the first bend, letting the jump propel her through the air. She can do this. 15 laps. Let’s go. Shift a gear down. Break. Breathe. Angle the bike through the uphill bend. Shift a gear higher. Stand up. Hold tight with your knees. She lets the bike flow over the bumps. She can hear the other riders’ provoked engines growling behind her, inching closer and closer. Nevertheless, still, she dances, up the hill and in the air. Pushing faster. Moving. On and on. She will not give up on herself. The chequered finish flag waves ahead of her as she rides over the last jump, pumping her fist in the air. Proud to be wearing these colours.
At the end of the day, there is only us and our relentless hope: reluctantly dancing, trying to avoid stepping on each other’s toes, and occasionally failing. And I know people quiet the song, pause the dance – but when you go home and fall asleep, hope will gently shake you awake and you’ll have no choice but to dance again, your footsteps echoing with the weight of it all.
