IMMINENT BOARDING
Yesterday was the FISE World Montpellier’s official launch press conference at the Montpellier Méditerranée Airport, with speakers such as Hervé André-Benoît (FISE founder), Carole Delga (Région Languedoc-Roussillon - Midi-Pyrénées President), Phillippe Saurel (Mayor of the City of Montpellier and Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole President), Emmanuel Brehmer (Aéroport de Montpellier Méditerranée President) but also Alexandre Jumelin, BMX Flatland professional rider. The choice of the place was unusual, but not insignificant : the Montpellier airport is, like the FISE, in full development and they are both an open window on the World.
What’s new in 2016 with this 20th edition ?
• Big news this year, the Opening of the FISE surfs the wave : this week-end belongs to the Wakesurfing World Cup on the south channel of Grau du Roi Port Camargue.
• A first ever, the UCI BMX Freestyle Park World Cup 2016 which results of the new joint effort between the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the FISE. For the first time in its history, BMX Freestyle Park becomes a recognized discipline UCI approved. A true revolution in BMX Freestyle setting the discipline on the Youth Olympics tracks in 2018.
• Street art with the 3rd edition of Art N’ FISE. The concept is in full swing : from ephemeral exhibits to live painting, the crowd will get the chance to discover street-art everyday. Also introductions and a Stand Up Paddle Polo (Water Polo on Paddle) tournament, Stand Up Paddle Yoga introductions will be organized. Last but not least there will be a Kayak polo on a fun course with prizes to win.
Riders at the heart of the FISE’s development process
Alexandre Jumelin, BMX Flat rider, (4 times FISE World Montpellier winner) could share his experience, as he was already there at the very first FISE in Palavas-Les-Flots. He also performed a BMX Flat demo in front of the check-in counters, for the public’s pleasure. "The FISE is a major event for all the riders (over 1800 athletes in 2015), professionals or amateurs. As Alexandre Jumelin said, « The pro and amateur riders perform on the same ramps. It’s the chance for an amateur to be noticed by sponsors. »
What are the economic and touristic benefits for Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole and the city of Montpellier ?
Philippe Saurel, Mayor of Montpellier, insisted on the FISE’s impact on the city and the « Métropole de Montpellier ». Economic and touristic benefits are indeed very important :
a study led by LRSet in 2014, showed that for every spent euro comes a benefit of 23 euros. The international development will certainly reinforce the city’s fame. As Mr Saurel said, Montpellier is a young, dynamic city where urban cultures proliferate. It’s « the land of the riders » and the FISE has become the yearly must-go rendez-vous.
Boosting Région Languedoc Roussillon Midi Pyrénées
The region’s president, Carole Delga, expressed her will for the Région to push cultureand sport. That’s also the FISE’s particularity, to integrate cultural events within a sports
event. Ms Delga also mentioned again that the FISE is a free event, which is important for the Région who strives for the access to sports for everyone.
Now here we are, the scene is set. First of all this week-end we have the Opening at Le Grau du Roi and from wednesday the 4th of may, on the Lez riversides it’s the FISE World
Montpellier’s kick-off !
