The first-ever FIM Intercontinental Games (ICG) takes place on 30 November and 1 December 2024 at the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto in Spain, bringing together all six of the FIM’s Continental Unions (CONU) for a weekend celebrating the FIM Family’s core ethical values and ongoing commitment to diversity.
Representing a major element of the FIM’s one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary year activities, for the first edition of this biennial event the competition is limited to Supersport and Supersport 300 categories, although more classes will be added as the ICG becomes established.
The event is a huge investment – logistically and financially – and would not be possible without the support of the FIM’s committed ICG Official Partners. Additionally, the FIM also wishes to acknowledge the invaluable support received from the City of Jerez for its help with accommodation and logistics for CONUs teams and FIM organisation, the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto for providing free admission to the public for the ICG, Dorna for its expertise in TV production and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports for broadcasting the event on its digital and linear channels.
A spokesperson for Jerez City Hall welcomed the news, saying: “This event is a great opportunity for our track as we will be the premier circuit of this new project, which will also be held on very important dates for the city. The FIM Intercontinental Games is an event that will turn us into the world capital of motorcycling since riders from six continents will be represented. It is important because it is also conceived as an riders’ academy, a promotion of the promises of motorcycling. It is also an egalitarian competition where women will have their rightful place.
“We thank the FIM and all the promoters of this initiative for having chosen Jerez as the venue for this international event and we encourage all motorcycling fans to accompany these promising young riders who have come to Jerez from all over the world.”
These views were echoed by a spokesperson for the Circuito de Jerez – Ángel Nieto, who said: “What better way to close our racing season than with a new international competition that brings together riders from all six FIM Continental Unions. From the Circuito de Jerez we welcome the FIM and its project FIM Intercontinental Games with the express wish that these first Intercontinental Games are a success and lay the foundations for a sporting event that will continue to grow in the future and provide opportunities for young riders. We encourage the fans to join us at the circuit because we are sure that some of the drivers representing the different continents will be stars of this sport in the near future.”
Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, commented: “We’re delighted to be part of the Intercontinental Games. Even as they celebrate 120 years of history, the FIM are continuing to add to the sport’s future and we are proud to join them as a partner from this very first edition. We’re looking forward to watching the action, which is now just around the corner at the iconic Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, and can’t wait to see the results. Best of luck to all the competitors and congratulations to the FIM on this project.”
Jean-Baptiste Ley, Motorsport Events Director at Warner Bros Discovery Sports, added: “At the completion of the tenth season promoting the FIM Endurance World Championship, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports is delighted to be supporting the inaugural FIM Intercontinental Games. As the official broadcast partner, we’ll be giving viewers of our Max platform the chance to watch all the races live from Jerez. And with teams from the six FIM Continental Unions taking part, there’ll be riders from around the world in action, making the FIM Intercontinental Games an exciting celebration of international motorcycle racing and an event that’s not to be missed.”
Yamaha is providing the R7 and R3 motorcycles used by riders across both classes. Always at the forefront of innovation, Yamaha has enjoyed incredible success both on and off-road and its R7 and R3 motorcycles are the perfect choice for the ICG’s Supersport and Supersport 300 classes.
“While the FIM reached its remarkable one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary, the launch of the FIM Intercontinental Games is yet another innovative step in showcasing the growth and diversity of motorcycle racing under the FIM’s guidance,” said Paolo Pavesio, Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing. “The first edition, ‘the City of Jerez FIM Intercontinental Games’, will bring together all six FIM Continental Unions (FIM Asia, FIM Africa, FIM Europe, FIM Oceania, FIM North America and FIM Latin America) in a celebration of motorsport’s core values – sportsmanship, innovation, inclusivity and collaboration – while introducing a new and thrilling competition.
“Yamaha is proud to be an Official Partner of this exciting new series, providing R7 and R3 machines for riders coming to race in Jerez from all over the world. The Games’ unique format not only highlights the inclusivity of our sport, from fostering the participation of women racers to discovering emerging talents, but it also brings to road racing the concept of competing to represent the territory where riders are coming from, which is already well established in other motorcycle disciplines.
“Yamaha looks forward to seeing how this new concept can evolve and to support the FIM in promoting a more accessible and diverse access to motorcycle racing, following the path of the ongoing successful cooperations on series such as the FIM R3 World Cup and the FIM YZ SuperFinale event at the MXoN.”
Helping to keep the R7 and R3 machines anchored to the racetrack at the inaugural ICG, Dunlop Tyres has steered countless riders to FIM World Championship titles and is one of the most iconic and recognisable tyre brands in the world with an unbroken history going back over one-hundred-and-thirty years.
Race suits with electronic airbags in the different CONU colours along with back and chest protectors and gloves are being provided by Italian specialist SPIDI. Globally renowned for its passion, commitment and the development and production of world-class products, SPIDI has been at the forefront of rider protection since 1977.
“SPIDI is proud to partner with FIM to increase the safety level of all riders taking part in the first edition of the FIM Intercontinental Games,” said Mr. Nicola Dalla Grana, SPIDI President. “We share their same enthusiasm for speed, adrenaline, success, and team spirit. Since 1977, our company is active in motorcycle racing, that we consider an unmatchable inspiration to innovate in the field of riders’ safety. Next week the forty-eight riders will be protected by SPIDI custom-made suits specifically designed with FIM Intercontinental Games dedicated livery; each suit will feature the latest version of SPIDI electronic Air Bag, the ultimate protective system we developed in MotoGP and WSBK races in the last ten years.”
XPD boots will ensure ICG competitors enjoy the best possible foot protection available. Founded by SPIDI President Nicola Della Grana in 2000, XPD takes a high-tech approach to research and development and is constantly innovating with the aim of combining safety and comfort across its range of products.
“XPD is proud to announce that XP9-R is the official racing boot chosen by the FIM to equip the forty-eight riders competing in the first edition of the FIM Intercontinental Games,” said Mr. Nicola Dalla Grana. “XP9-R is the benchmark in motorcycle racing boots, the most innovative protective boot designed to protect racers maintaining an extreme comfort. To maximise riders’ comfort, the inner safety boot featuring the anti-torsion protective system is easily removable, washable and customisable.”
Producing high-quality products that are synonymous with safety, design and performance, Italian manufacturer AIROH is providing all competitors with its new GP 800 FIM Racing #1 crash helmet with bespoke ICG graphics. Founded in 1997, AIROH is committed to the constant development of its products utilising ultra-high-tech Fdu materials and cutting-edge processes as it continues to set new standards of safety and usability.
“We are deeply grateful to the Federation for choosing us as official partners of this ‘zero edition’ of the FIM Intercontinental Games, an innovative, inspiring event with talented riders from all continents,” commented Antonio Locatelli, founder and CEO of AIROH, “and being alongside FIM in such an important moment is a source of pride for us and it is a recognition of the high quality of our products. All the riders of the competition will use the new AIROH GP 800 FIM Racing #1 with graphics specifically created for the event.”
Helping to keep the wheels of the ICG turning smoothly, CONU mechanics will have a range of Beta Tools at their disposal to ensure the R7 and R3 motorcycles perform at their best. The Italian company specialises in the production of professional working tools and instruments with emphasis placed on its values of audacity, commitment, harmony and talent.
Providing the petrol for the fleet of R7 and R3 motorcycles used at the ICG, Panta Racing Fuel is the official supplier of fuel for some of the biggest Italian, European and International motorsport competitions and is at the cutting edge of innovation and development in this highly-specialised field.
“We are thrilled to be part of the FIM Intercontinental Games, a truly exciting event that brings together diverse Federations and fosters global collaboration,” said Luca Monico, Head of Panta Racing Fuel. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase talent, teamwork and the spirit of healthy competition. We look forward to the continued success and growth of the Games.”
Jorge Viegas, FIM President, stated: “The inaugural FIM Intercontinental Games is tremendously exciting and I cannot think of a better way to help set the seal on the FIM’s one-hundred-and-twentieth anniversary year. However, without the assistance of our committed Official Partners – all leaders in their respective fields – it would not be possible so with this in mind and on behalf of the FIM I would like to thank them for their ongoing support and for helping us turn a dream into reality.”
Published by: Isabelle Lariviere – FIM Communications Manager