Vitebsk DOSAAF revives motocross in memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Minay Shmyrev

May 14, Vitebsk / Sergey Kochetov - BELTA /. After a ten-year break, the Vitebsk regional organizational structure of DOSAAF is reviving the motocross in memory of Hero of the Soviet Union Minay Shmyrev, once popular among racers and fans of this sport. The competition will be held on May 15 on a track near Vitebsk and is dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Victory, the chairman of the regional DOSAAF Vasily Korobov told a BELTA correspondent. The history of motocross competitions in the regional center dates back to 1975, when for the 30th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, it was decided to organize competitions in memory of the famous partisan brigade commander. Over time, the tournament gained recognition from racers from all over the Soviet Union and became a favorite among Vitebsk residents. After the collapse of the USSR, the organizers faced a number of difficulties, but thanks to the enthusiasts of this sport, motocross competitions were held until 1999. In the year of another Victory anniversary, Vitebsk DOSAAF decided to revive the competition with the support of the city executive committee and the inexhaustible love for motocross of ardent admirers and veterans of this sport, Vasily Korobov noted. About 100 athletes from all regions of Belarus, as well as from the Smolensk, Pskov, and Moscow regions of Russia, showed interest in the revived races. The motocross will be held in seven classes of motorcycles, from an engine displacement of 50 cubic cm to machines up to 500 cubic cm, and motorcycles with sidecars with an engine displacement of up to 1,000 cubic cm. For the first time, the organizers decided to include quad bike races (engine displacement up to 700 cubic cm) in the program. Two races will be held in each class of motorcycles. Based on the results of the competition, the winners and prize-winners will be awarded cups and medals specially made for the revived races. The winner of the main prize - the Vitebsk Cup - will be determined by the two best results shown by the team's racers in all heats. The organizers of the competition are the Vitebsk regional organizational structure of DOSAAF and the Vitebsk City Executive Committee. -0-