The MXGP Academy recently conducted its inaugural “training for trainers” session in Kenya, aiming to establish a solid foundation for motocross riders and develop a comprehensive system to nurture talent across the country.
Founded in 2015, the MXGP Academy is a global initiative in collaboration with the Motocross Training Club (MTC), the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), and local motorsport federations, including the Motorcycle Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK).
The program focuses on attracting and retaining talented motocross riders through various educational programs, skills training, and training camps.
Martin van Genderen, one of the two instructors who led the training, emphasized the innovative approach taken during the sessions.
“If you look more at the past, we concentrated more on the technical part of the sport. We spent two days of the trainers’ workshop at the Federation office to help the trainers learn different training techniques for youngsters and also on the ethics side of the sport. Our objective is to develop a long-term development program for young riders,” van Genderen explained.
Van Genderen also highlighted the long-term vision of the Academy, which includes more visits and a focus on creating a “pyramid of success.”
Julie Wahome, Chairman of the Sporting Commission for MSFK, elaborated on the initiative’s goals: “The idea is actually to have a pool of FIM-qualified trainers. So that we can build a very strong foundation of riders and also develop a system where we can develop riders across the country.”
Wahome, who also serves as Chairman of ‘Beyond Sports’ for FIM Africa and a member of the FIM Women’s Commission, emphasized the importance of this specialized training for the future of motocross in Kenya.
Among the participants was Apollo Mbuki, a top MX1 category rider and trainer, who expressed his enthusiasm for the program. “It feels good to be part of this program. It opens up a lot of opportunities. You can see a different way to work which is good. If I can reach out to a wider group of riders and teach them the right techniques so that we can have more competition and more riders, that’s my main goal instead of racing for myself now.”
Kenya Team captain Githuku Mungai also shared his excitement about the new concepts and training systems introduced during the sessions.
“It’s good to see now that they are introducing a new standardized system across the globe. So internationally we will be competitive with our counterparts from other countries in South Africa, Europe, and America. For me, it was an eye-opener.”
The MXGP Academy’s initiative marks a significant step forward for motocross in Kenya, promising a future of well-trained riders and competitive excellence on both national and international stages.
