The TdN will take place in Tolmezzo Italy on the 17th and 18th of September this year. Tolmezzo is located in the North East of Italy about 450 kms East of Milan. 2011 will see a change to the team structure, and all potential applicants are urged to read through the new requirements.
The plan at this early stage is for the Manager’s to fly to Barcelona for bike collection on Thursday 8th of September then onto Milan where all other team members will arrive on Monday 12th. A two day training session will be organised for the 13th and 14th the women may wish to compete (at their own cost) in a WWTC event on Friday the 16th at Tolmezzo prior to the TdN events on the 17th and 18th. The return flights will be on Monday the 19th from Milan for the competitors and minders and the Managers will return the bikes to the manufacturers.
For 2011 Motorcycling Australia, in consultation with the Trials Commissioners, has decided that all team members are required to provide a minder/mechanic. This decision runs in line with the ISDE team members who, for a number of years, have been required to provide an assistant/mechanic.
Historically the manager and whoever else is available on the day, has been responsible to mind, catch and mechanic for up to four riders on the day of competition and in most instances they are doing so for riders who they would have had very little previous experience fulfilling such a role. Therefore by restructuring the team dynamics with the addition of minders who personally understand the rider’s expectations and idiosyncrasies the outcome should provide positive results.
This will also free up the Manager and Deputy Manager to carryout important supportive roles on the day of competition e.g. preparing food, drinks, fuel and providing spare parts.
Each rider who applies for the TdN this year must nominate their minder on their application and our expectations are that this will be a person whom they have worked with as a team over some period of time, rather than a mate with little experience who sees this as an opportunity to have a holiday in Italy.
As this is the first year that this rider/minder scenario will be instigated and acknowledging that it represents a substantial cost to the rider the commission is open to the sharing of a minder between a member of the men’s team and a member of the women’s team. Those who consider sharing as an option need to be aware that in sharing a minder some compromises will need to be agreed on prior to the individual’s events.
The minder must:
• Be aware that they will be considered and treated as a team member.
• Be prepared to follow team orders.
• Abide with Motorcycling Australia’s code of conduct.
• Pay for their own air travel – approx $2,500 (organised by MA)
• Pay for their own bike hire-approx $1,000 (organised by distributor)
• Pay a proportion of AON insurance
• Share in accommodation costs
• Share in on ground transport costs
Motorcycling Australia will cover:
• FIM Licence
• Part of AON insurance costs.
• Provide a team riding top and cap.
• Book flights to coincide with team.
• Book accommodation to coincide with team.
• Transport motorcycle.
It’s important to note that your chosen minder is your responsibility and as their behaviour has a direct impact on the team any indiscretions will carry severe consequences.
Our endeavours to have all teams continue to compete and behave in a professional, well organised manner is paramount and we’re confident that a combined team effort of potentially 16 members will continue this Australian tradition.
We encourage all riders who feel they meet the criteria to apply for a position on the squad by completing the documentation presented by Motorcycling Australia on the web site. www.ma.org.au
MotoTrials Commission
19-1-2011