2019 Motocross Of Nations | Team France Change MX2 Rider
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INSTAGRAM | @tomvialle
INSTAGRAM | @maximerenaux959
2019 MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS | COMPLETE COVERAGE
PHOTOS | KTM & Yamaha
Over the weekend rumor circulated through European circles that the FFM (Fédération Française de Motocyclisme, the country’s organization of all motorcycle competition) and energy drink Red Bull were in the middle of a dispute regarding Tom Vialle. Since the FFM is in charge of Team France’s effort at the Motocross of Nations, the Fédération has certain requirements for the look of the riders which range from the graphics on the bike to a uniform jersey design (bleu-blanc-rouge with the French rooster) on all three competitors to pit wear. Most of the time it’s not an issue, but in this instance, the Fédération mandated their branding be the most prominent in the jersey/helmet/hat which caused concern from Red Bull, the title sponsor to Vialle’s Red Bull KTM team. When the two parties could not come to an agreement on logo size and placement, it was decided that the ultimatum would be Vialle’s inclusion on the team in the MX2 role.
By Tuesday both parties reached a stalemate and the Fédération announced that Vialle would be removed from his spot on the team and that Maxime Renaux had been selected as a replacement. In a press release released by the Fédération the issue is summarized, “Following the refusal of one of the KTM team’s commercial partners to accept the FFM’s proposal for the Team de France outfits, the Federation is forced to replace Tom Vialle by Maxime Renaux to represent France in Assen in MX2 September 28th and 29th.” Jacques Bolle, a former road racer and the current president of the Fédération, was quoted in the release, “I am really saddened by this situation, especially for Tom, but for my part, I consider that the drivers must first wear the colors of France at the MXDN. Trademarks are necessary but they can not impose their diktat at the expense of the national colors.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Vialle issued his own statement on the matter and confirmed that the dispute regarded logos on his hat (anyone that knows moto knows that is a prime place for Red Bull) “Yes I will not ride at the MXON for a cap. To be precise we are talking about some centimeter on the cap, but the French federation does not accept….. the only one nations that not accept it!!! I’m very disappointed because I was motivated to ride at this race Thank you everybody for support.”
For reference, here is what Team France’s FFM-designed hats looked like in 2018.
Vialle has been one of the more interesting figures of the MX2 division in the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross World Championship this year. Signed by the factory Red Bull KTM squad as their next young star, the French teenager has posted podium finishes through the year and claimed his first career overall win at the 2019 MXGP of Sweden. He is currently ranked fourth in the MX2 point standings.
Renaux has started his own sort of breakout as of late. The SM Action/McMigliori/Yamaha rider finished on the podium in two of the four motos at the MXGP races in Indonesia and has maintained a spot in the top-10 in recent races, which has put him seventh in the MX2 point standings.
A translation of the press release from the FFM and Vialle’s statement is posted below…
Following the refusal of one of the KTM team’s commercial partners to accept the FFM’s proposal for the Team de France outfits, the Federation is forced to replace Tom Vialle by Maxime Renaux to represent France in Assen in MX2 September 28th and 29th.
Gautier PAULIN (YAMAHA) – Category MXGP – Captain
Maxime RENAUX (YAMAHA) – Category MX2
Jordi TIXIER (KTM) – Category OPEN
The President of the FFM, Jacques Bolle
“I am really saddened by this situation, especially for Tom, but for my part, I consider that the drivers must first wear the colors of France at the MXDN. Trademarks are necessary but they can not impose their diktat at the expense of national colors. ”
French federation should be part of the Kardashians.