The 'MXGP Academy' is similar, in many ways, to the bLU cRU program, in that they both operate at national level targeting the next generation of motocross racing talent. Both projects havebeen designed to introduce the stars of tomorrow to the highly competitive world of racing and have been designed by professionals to guide and develop young talented riders in all areas of their very early careers.
The MXGP academy and the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup both offer opportunities for young riders to experience life inside the paddock at selected rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship.
The YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup goes the extra mile in that it offers 120 YZ riders, that are younger than 16 years old, a chance to race on the world stage at the biggest and most prestigious event of the year, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, with full television coverage of the race, whereas the MXGP Academy invites a small group of 65cc and 85cc riders to attend and ride the track at selected Grand Prix rounds. This year, three of the elected MXGP Academy riders were YZ65 and/or YZ85 riders that are competing in the bLU cRU program.) The riders that attend the MXGP Academy activity arrive at the Grand Prix on Friday before the GP commences and meet at the Media Center where the coaches explain the schedule for the weekend. After the run-down, the young stars are able to gear up and ride on the Grand Prix circuit.
Once out on the MXGP circuit, the coaches focus on particular sections of the track, where they use an abundance of unique training techniques to demonstrate specific skills that will benefit the riders in shaving seconds off of their lap times. On Saturday, the MXGP Academy and bLU cRU riders are taken on an exclusive tour through the paddock where they are able to meet and observe their favorite riders on 'Race Day'. They are also offered and in depth look at the trucks and set-ups of the biggest teams such as the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team.
On Sunday, the young stars are able to observe and enjoy the racing along with their families and the rest of the Yamaha Family. This season, the project has taken place at MXGP rounds in Portugal, Russia, Latvia, Germany, and Czech Republic. The final round of the MXGP Academy took place at the MXGP of Imola in Italy on the weekend of August 18th. The next big event for the bLU cRU will be the most exciting race of their 2019 seasons. It will be the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale which will take place at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Assen, The Netherlands, on the weekend of September 28th. It is at this event that 120 of Europe's fastest bLU cRU YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 riders will race for a place at the bLU cRU Masterclass. The top three finishers in each class at the SuperFinale and two wildcard riders will move on to take part in a unique Yamaha bLU cRU Masterclass under the guidance, supervision and advise of the bLU cRU Ambassadors, such as Jeremy Seewer, Arnaud Tonus and Gautier Paulin. From this, one lucky rider will win the ultimate prize where he or she will be picked to receive support in their quests to contest the European Championship.
For the winner of the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, he or she will join the MJC Yamaha EMX125 team, while the EMX85 and EMX65 riders will receive support for Yamaha Motor Europe for the 2020 season.
