The 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship makes its final stop at the iconic Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy later this evening. It is the first time in well over ten years that one of France's most famous indoor sports stadium has hosted a World championship status motorcycle sporting event.
The Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, or 'Bercy' as it is more commonly known, is instantly recognised for its striking architecture, which comprises pyramidal shapes and exterior walls covered with sloping green lawns.
Bercy first became famous within the Trial community through the FIM Indoor Trial World Championship rounds it hosted during the mid-1990s, which were also the very first events of this type to be broadcast live on television. Continuing the tradition it began all those years ago, tonight's finale at Bercy will be aired on Motors TV and Sport + (Canal +) channels.
Despite its long absence from the FIM Trial calendar, Bercy has continuously hosted Supercross events. Supercross Paris-Bercy, which is due to return to the stadium in November, is one of the most respected annual supercross events in Europe, and invites America's leading riders to compete against the continent's finest.
Bercy is also known as the 'home' of indoor windsurfing; the stadium is the venue of the Paris Masters ATP Tour tennis tournament and for many other sports including basketball, boxing and gymnastics, to name just a few. The arena has also played host to a number of famous music concerts, with the likes of Sting, Bruce Springsteen and U2 having all headlined there in the past.
So, Bercy will no doubt provide a unique setting befitting tonight's exciting final round of 2012 FIM X-Trial World Championship.