In Vaulx-en-Velin, motocross to fight against urban rodeos

It is past noon and two registrants are missing so that the minibus can finally set off. Suddenly, Mehdi and Joao point the tip of their noses, sheepish but not too much: “It was the bus, sir, that was late. » Not fooled, Mohammed-Ali Hannachi answers them: “You know the price: one push-up or one burpee per minute late! » The two teenagers, hilarious, comply without hesitation. The minibus can finally set off this Thursday, August 25, towards the motocross circuit of Varennes-le-Grand (Saône-et-Loire), 120 kilometers north of Vaulx-en-Velin (Rhône), in the suburbs of Lyons.

Two hours later, the eight teenagers, aged 14 to 16, are ready, helmeted, protected at the knees, perched on Yamaha 125 cm motorcycles.³. The instructor lists those who have already ridden a motorcycle and those who are there for the first time. Half half. “You are on pro gear, motorcycles that are used in competition. Be careful, you are not here to race or play smart with your neighbor. We’re here to learn how to handle a real motorcycle on a dirt cross track with turns and bumps. It’s not difficult, but if you don’t learn slowly at first, the bowl is guaranteed. »

Nobody is being smart. To the regulars, the trainer asks them to stand up on their machine, he allows them to small jumps out of bumps. Mehdi, fluorescent yellow helmet and jacket, motorcycle no. 34, is on his fifth outing with A Vaulx Cross; her boyfriend Joao is there for the third time. ” We enjoy, rejoices Mehdi. When you have tasted the pleasure of cross country, you no longer want to make straight lines in town. »

Good wishes

Passionate about motor sports, guide Mohammed-Ali Hannachi takes part in the course and has a blast on the bumps. “It’s a precious momenthe explains. The purpose of these courses is also to put teenagers in contact with adults on an equal footing and in a relationship of trust. We teach them something, and we respect them. » Julien Dalbec, the service provider who owns the circuit and the adjoining holiday centre, has brought one of his friends who are European champions during certain sessions: his curriculum and his mastery of the machine impress the “gones” (the “kids », in Lyon slang) from the Lyon suburbs, who are not used to bowing to an adult.

Souleymane, who came today with two cousins, did a one-week internship. On the program: motocross of course, but also introduction to first aid and mechanics, scooter rides and, icing on the cake, passage, on the last day, of the AM category road safety certificate, which allows you to drive 50 cm scooters³. “Weekly stays really make it possible to start a process with some school dropoutswelcomes Mehdi Bensafi, originally, with Mohammed-Ali Hannachi, the initiative. When we see that they get hooked with mechanics, we suggest that they sign up for an apprenticeship. »

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