With just over
a week to go the British Supermoto Community are building the anticipation
toward what is arguably the biggest and most prestigious event on their
calendar, The Supermoto Des Nations.
2019 will see
another three-man Great Britain Team make the trip to the stunning Circuit
Carole based on the fringe of the city of romance, Paris, where they will stand
proud on the grid alongside similar teams from around the globe. In fact this
event is referred to by many as ‘the Olympics of Supermoto.’
Taking the helm
is team manager Christine Blakeman, supported by assistant manager Neil Jay
both are determined to show the rest of the world that Team GB can, and will
run at the front of the event. However, they are under no illusion that a
tough task lies ahead as multi Supermoto Des Nations winners Team France will
be on home ground and as ever fielding a team containing Thomas Charayre, who
holds a multitude of World and European titles to his name.
As in previous
years team selection posed some difficulties with so many strong riders to
select from. This year the process was guided by consultation with
leading names in the Supermoto field here in the UK, and the unanimous
conclusion resulted in a Team suited to not only the Carole Circuit, but those
who can also bring international experience to the Team.
Richard
Blakeman, Jordan Bannon and Jamie Duncan take the honour to represent Team GB
and a strong reserve rider, Richard Sharp is sitting in the wings should there
be any injuries sustained in the run up to the event by the main three.
All of course are proud and honoured to be representing their country and all
can be assured they will be aiming for a foot on the podium.
As with any
major event like the Supermoto Des Nations the logistics, fundraising and many
element’s never seen make a significant contribution toward the success of the
Team and this year is no different. Drivers such as Robin
Brown who will lead the small convoy of vehicles containing bike and equipment,
the mechanics James Taylor, Ian Collins and Scott Murray all play a substantial
part of the event and the success. Without this support, and that from
many of the British Supermoto Community the challenge to take on the world
would not be possible.
The event
itself takes place on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd
September, so with just over a week to go the team are busy making final
preparations and ensuring the daily fitness regime is in place to take on the
demanding races.
For all the up
to date information and live updates over the race weekend why not drop in on
the Supermoto Team GB social media page:
www.facebook.com/SMoNteamGB
All the team
would like to thank the following organisations for their generous support:
Matssura
Auto Cycle
Union
Falcon
Scaffolding
Contract
Solutions
Jolly Giraffes
Want to Live
Afloat
First Form
Builders
Response UK
Acerbis
Battle Ready
Fuel
RipnRoll
Goggles
Merniox
Soul Beach
Cruisers
Bathmate
GB Photography
Tom Laycock
Andrew Hawking
Karen and Daren Bayfield