The 2024 FIM Commissions Conference, that ran from 16-18 February in Lyon (France), brought together 380 members of the FIM Family – including Board of Directors Members, Commissions Directors, members and experts – for three days of high-level discussions, including the first-ever FIM Medical Summit, with the purpose of sharing ideas and skills to advance motorcycle sport.
With the 2024 FIM Commissions Conference preceded by the first meeting this year of the FIM Board of Directors and several Committee meetings, the agenda got under way with a Superlicence Seminars Plenary Session opened by FIM President Mr Jorge Viegas on Friday 16 February. Several topics were addressed such as the sound reduction campaign, the phase 2 of the helmets’ homologation programme as well as airbags and concussion detection and management. Updates on the competitions featuring motorcycles with electric and internal combustion engines as well as on the E‑bike Technical Steward seminar were shared. Amendments to the FIM seminar guidelines were presented.
On 17 February, the Commissions Members Plenary Session started with the presentation of the initiatives to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the FIM. These included the new Headquarters, the Motorcycle Sport Museum, the FIM Hospitality Unit, an anniversary book, the new FIM brand identity, a mosaic regrouping the entire FIM Family and the organisation of Intercontinental Games. The FIM Trophies candidatures as well as the FIM’s OTT Platform were mentioned, in addition to the new travel management platform to be launched in the near future. The FIM riders’ insurance programme was shared with the cooperation of Mr Yann Caillet (Development Director for insurance experts at Mutuaide). The Officials’ insurance programme was presented in this context.
FIM CEO Mrs Françoise Emery delivered a keynote speech entitled ‘Why is Diversity and Inclusion in Sports Important?’. She was then joined for a roundtable discussion on the subject by Ms Sara Mariani (FIA Sustainability and Diversity and Inclusion Director) along with Mr Simone Folgori (FMI Sport Director, Circuit Racing (CCR) Commission Member and SBK Permanent Steward) and Ms Janika Judeika (FIM Women Commission (CFM) Director).
The session ended with a section dedicated to FIM Distinctions and Recognitions.
The Honorary Members approved during the 2024 FIM General Assembly were awarded their FIM Distinctions and Recognitions on stage, namely:
Mr John PINEO (CMA) – CTL Honorary Member
Mr Jesús PLAZA (RFME) – CTR Honorary Member (posthumously), presented to his widow Ms Teresa Jacob Alda de Plaza and their two children, Jesús and Mencia.
Diplomas were awarded to the Directors and Members of the following Commissions/List, in recognition of their outstanding years of service:
30 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Mr Niels HANSEN (DMU) – CTL
Mr David MCMANUS (MCUI) – CMI
Mr Ignacio VERNEDA – FIM Deputy President
Mr Jorge VIEGAS – FIM President
25 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Mr Peter GREGORY (ACU) – CID
Ms Kattia JUÁREZ DUBÓN (FESAMOTO) – CID
Mr Santiago PUIG I VILADOMIU (RFME) – LJI
Mr Heinrich SCHMIDT (SMF) – CEN
20 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Mr Mick BATES – CCP EXPERT
Ms Hong Guo GONG (CAMF) – CMS
Mr Michel GRAVÉ (FFM) – LJI
Mr Chun YUAN (CAMF) – CEB
15 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Mr Christian DEJASSE (FMB) – CEN
Mr Christian FROSCHAUER (DMSB) – CCP
Mr Harald HERTZ (AMF) – CMI
Mr Andrew SUMMERS (ACU) – CTI
Mr Kraitos WONGSAWAN (FMSCT) – CEB
The agenda of Sunday 18 February was dedicated to the first-ever FIM Medical Summit, which brought together doctors along with representatives from all sporting disciplines. Updates on the Medical and Anti-Doping Codes across all disciplines were provided. The FIM insurance riders’ programme and phase 2 of the FIM helmet homologation programme were presented. In addition, the subject of airbags was addressed.
FIM Medical Director Dr McManus conducted a panel of medical experts with leading specialists, who delivered a packed programme of insightful sessions that covered broad-ranging topics, including forearm chronic exertional compartment syndrome, concussion management, safety protocols related to medical intervention involving electric vehicles, injury and illness surveillance and head injury research. Following a questions and answers session, Dr McManus concluded the first ever FIM Medical Summit by delivering the closing address.
FIM President Mr Jorge Viegas said: “The FIM Commissions Conference presents the perfect opportunity for the FIM Family to come together to prepare for the forthcoming season and, as such, is of unparalleled importance. This year’s edition has proved to be ground-breaking with the inclusion of the very first FIM Medical Summit which has given experienced doctors the opportunity to share experiences and best practices while also being informed by experts on a range of diverse subjects that affect motorcycle sport.
On behalf of the FIM I would like to thank the Commissions Directors and Members for their hard work, continued commitment and for sharing their expertise. I am confident that we can all look forward to another very positive, successful season of top-level FIM sporting events and programmes.”