As we promised, the 5^th Bikers’ Classics will like no other. A large number of contacts have been made with a whole galaxy of exceptional champions and the least you could say is that the stage set for this anniversary will be quite simply the best. In fact, as well as Giacomo Agostini and his 15 world titles, the huge crowd will be able to rediscover the generous style of Steve Baker, the first American rider to have won a world title.

Christian Sarron will be making his big comeback at Spa in the company of Jean-Claude Chemarin, a real living legend in Endurance, just like Alain Genoud who will also be starting off from the foot of the hill.  Apart from these confirmed appearances, other exceptional champions are still likely to be joining us in the Ardennes. Even though it is the same weekend as the Assen Grand Prix, a return flight in a helicopter could make it possible for Kenny Roberts Senior to take part in this Classics anniversary. Even though negotiations are still under way with the “King”, other renowned colossi have been contacted, such as Franco Uncini, Marco Lucchinelli, Johnny Cecotto and Anton Mang!

On the Belgian side, Richard Hubin could again be taking the handlebars of the Suzuki which he rode for the Endurance World Title, Stéphane Mertens will be getting onto the Honda RC30 which took him to second place in the World Superbike Championship, as well as the TZ 250 which he rode in the Grand Prix races. As for Didier de Radiguès, he will be trading in his commentator’s microphone for a set of riding leathers.

No doubt you know that the Spa-Francorchamps circuit has just had a facelift. If the rider’s safety has been increased, their comfort has not been forgotten either. For the Bikers’ Classics, the new F1 pits will be centre stage. Given the amount of space available, the organisers have had the good idea of suggesting to the teams that they display additional machines.  So more than 350 motorbikes of all types will be making the fans happy.

Given the success of last year, the 50cc bikes will be at the celebrations again, but will be sharing their parade with the 125cc bikes. Whilst the 50cc World Champions De Vries and Van Kessel have already confirmed they will be taking part, talks are under way with Lazzarini and Bianchi, the former 125cc World Champions. There will also be a large number of sidecars present, and the organisers are hoping to attract a world champion for this discipline to Spa.       

As you can see, anyone who misses the 5^th Bikers’ Classics will be passing on a unique event!                            

Steve Baker