The fourth edition of the MXGP Women’s Academy took place alongside the MXGP of France at Ernée last weekend where sixteen riders benefitted from a comprehensive Motocross masterclass designed to encourage diversity and provide women riders with essential skills development.
With support from the FIM, French Motorcycling Federation (FFM), MXGP Promoter Infront Moto Racing and the MXGP Academy, participants were schooled in aspects of the sport that included riding technique and flag signals. There was also a paddock team visit and riders’ parents attended a workshop aimed at improving communication skills.
The three-person team of expert instructors comprised Jan Postema, Livia Lancelot and Martin van Genderen.
A professional MT-3 level trainer, coach and the MXGP Academy’s main trainer since 2015, Postema is a former 125cc and 250cc Grand Prix racer who was a member of the victorious Dutch team at the 1984 FIM Coupe des Nations.
French heroine Lancelot is a two-time FIM Women’s Motocross World Champion (WMX) and seven-time national champion who made history as the first female competitor to score points in the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship.
Also a professional MT-3 level trainer and coach, Van Genderen coordinates the MXGP Academy’s activities and is a former FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship passenger with an extensive background in professional team management in both Motocross and Circuit Racing.
Lancelot, the WMX champion in 2008 and again in 2016, was delighted to share her years of racing experience with Academy members.
“I am very happy to have participated in the MXGP Women’s Academy during the MXGP of France this year,” she said. “Ernée has a special flavour for me and to be able to share my experience and this atmosphere with young riders is great. In addition to the technical approach with the educators present, the girls were able to see from the inside what the life of a world championship rider represents. Through this weekend we were able to transmit a positive message to the participants and also to their parents and we clearly showed that the FIM is passionate about women's Motocross.”
Janika Judeika, FIM Women's Commission Director, said: “I am truly proud and deeply grateful to Infront Moto Racing for making it possible to bring the MXGP Women’s Academy to Ernée. It is incredibly inspiring to witness the growing number of girls and women stepping into the world of motocross, proof that the sport is becoming more inclusive, diverse and globally embraced than before. This special edition of the Academy was more than just a training ground, it provided a platform where talented young riders could shine, build confidence and deepen their knowledge – both on and off the track – while a dedicated educational programme for parents will ensure a strong, supportive community around these rising athletes.”
“This initiative is a powerful reminder of the bright, exciting future ahead for Motocross and of the incredible potential that lies in empowering women within the sport.”