MASSE Mr. (France)
Special recoqnition European Hall of Fame
Indoor de TOURS - Tours, France
Mrs. Morain and Masse (original founders), Mr. Perraquin
The fundament for this prestigious event was laid down by 5 clubs from the region d'Indre-et-Loire. In 1984 the Rochecorbon BMX clubs organised the first event with 200 entree and around 2000 spectators.
In February 1986 four clubs organised the French National Indoor Championship Superclass. Main sponsor was Credit Agricole 'd Indre-et-Loire.
The 3rd Indoor de Tours was organised in March of 1987 and for the first time foreign riders were allowed to compete. A new concept was introduced, "Le Trophée des As". In this open class riders of 16 year and older were able to compete against each other.
In 1989, the 5th indoor in Tours had grown to almost 800 entries and more then 6000 spectators came to watch the racing. It was for the first time also that the original BMX organisation AFB, worked together with the French cycling federation, the FFC.
The 6th Indoor de Tours in 1990 did hold the 1st. leg of the I.BMX.F. European Championship Superclass and also included the 3rd. round for the French National Indoor Championship title. Around 1300 entries and 7000 spectators.
Up and till this year (2001), this prestigious event has been organised 17 times now. This is truly unique for Europe. This top event with an average even now of over 1000 entries, draws a lot of interest from outside BMX people. On Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon, many people from the city of TOURS come to the hall to see spectacular BMX racing.
It is very special that an organisation last this long.
It has everything to do with the enthusiasm and love for the sport put into this by the original founders of the organisation Mr. Morain and Masse and also by the present president of the organising committee Mr. Perraquin and his staff.
All 3 organisations and named organisers are true Hall of Fame members and unique in their kind. Proud to have them as nominees.