Motorbike

A demonstration of « Freestyle » motorcycling organised by the festival committee

The Bize-Minervois festival committee has organised a motorcycle freestyle event : the acrobatics only limited by the skill of the riders. The track for this motorbike show was constructed in the Cesse river bed, visible from the Promenade. The outstanding event forms part of the festivities for July 14th (Bastille Day).

Jérôme Barbera starts his training with a warm-up on the motocross style track, flat and hilly. He is totally at ease and at one with his machine. On the small bumps, he lifts off with full throttle and leaps ten metres or more. The engine roars up and down, as it does the turns, fast and almost unmeasurable. The air is full of dust. The wind carries the smell of engine oil. Instantly, the spectator is gripped. He is there at this event, he knows what is going to happen, and he holds his breath.

The modern day cavalryman seems almost unreal on his mount. He puts his foot on the gas, the adrenalin runs in his veins : this is lift-off.

Jérôme Barbera is often accompanied by some of his fans during his training sessions. One of them has set up a website dedicated to Jérôme and his freestyle. You can see photos on it, as well as two videos of the show at Bize-Minervois on July 13th 2007.

Friday July 13th 2007 evening : Motorbike acrobatic show

The financing of the exceptional show is due, in a large part, to almost forty sponsors and partners, who have pushed the boat out. « One can always count on them for next year, 2008 » said Jean Philippe Badia, the president of the festival committee. Mr. Badia also warmly thanked the council and the technical services of Bize-Minervois for allowing this high quality event to take place.

Before the event, one could see the council « JCB » in action in the Cesse river bed, building a ramp from several tens of cubic metres of earth. In fact, it is a track for these two-wheeled machines. It has been shown that these twin stroke 250cc motorbikes are truly « explosive », capable of rising up in dazzling figures, using a blast of power to take off. Just before the show, a metal springboard was erected and secured. The Bize fire and rescue service, accompanied by a specialist nurse, took up their positions, with their first aid kit, ready to help if needed. Particularly as sudden gusts of wind made it difficult to control the motorbikes.

There was a large crowd of between 1000 and 1500 people, according to the mairie. The crowd was packed on the banks of the Cesse, on the bridge, on the Promenade. The PA system boomed into action.

With speed and extravanganza, the dust flying around, the motorised ballet continued without a break. On their motorbikes, the riders delivered lightning stops and starts, pushing the machines to the limit. The public have a huge ovation.

Once the last wheels had turned, the public went down on to the track to meet and congratulate the riders, and to get autographs.

Never before has this type of show taken place in the Languedoc and is exclusive to Bize-Minervois. What's more, Jérémy Rouanet has suggested a return visit in the summer of 2008, along with the highest ranked competitors at world level. Undoubtedly, this will once again be a show not to miss.

Show moto 2008 (Un article de presse par Jacques Soleilhavoup.)

Last Updated (Monday, 16 March 2009 15:24)