Source: Supplied.

Motorcycling Australia’s high performance and international teams have been cast into uncertainty for 2016 as the sport’s governing body seeks to revise its strategy following a significant reduction in funding from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC).

Funding from the ASC to support Australia’s international motocross, enduro, trials and speedway individuals and teams has been reduced by around $300,000 for 2016. As a result, there’s insufficient funds to cover all associated costs.

MA’s backing from the ASC has been slashed from approximately $400,000 to $100,000 entering the new year, meaning the majority of next year’s budget will have to be sourced by competing racers and teams with assistance to be provided by the governing body.

“MA definitely does want Australian teams to attend the ’16 MXoN and ISDE and I believe the board/CEO are looking into funding alternatives for future years to assist in meeting the costs involved,” MA high performance and events manager Bronwyn Sorensen told MotoOnline.com.au.

“MA had a staff member dedicated to the international teams for all the years they had been sent, but unfortunately with the cut in funding this position was made redundant. The flow on effect of this is that if teams are sent they will need to make their own travel, transport and accommodation arrangements, etc.

“MA used to meet all the large expense items and team-based expenses – flights, accommodation, transport – which was around $60k for the MXoN and around $160k for the ISDE. MA also sent teams each year for Trial des Nations (around $60k) and World Junior MX (around $55k) and funded the Australian Speedway team (around $60k).

“As you can see, the entire funding received by the Australian Sports Commission has previously been dedicated to sending our teams to world events, plus some of the cost being contributed by MA general revenue.”

Source: Supplied.

The news comes following Team Australia’s incredible results at this year’s International Six Day Enduro (ISDE), where the squad became world champions in the World, Junior and Women’s Trophy competitions.

Australian athletes have also rated as world-class in the Motocross of Nations (MXoN), World Junior Motocross Championships (WJMX) and other disciplines – winning multiple championships and races against the best of competing countries.

For 2017 and beyond, MA has plans in place to implement a thorough review of the national junior development pathway, high performance and international programs, which could effectively safeguard the future of Australia’s international motorcycle racing activity.

“We regard these programs as essential, however we also recognise a new approach is needed to achieve a positive and sustainable outcome that delivers world-class results for both local and international participants,” stated acting MA CEO Jeremy Kann.

“These decisions have not been taken lightly and are a result of many months of review and analysis by the board and MA management. We will now look to finalise our national strategy that we are developing collaboratively with the State Controlling Bodies to ensure the sustainable growth and success of our sport.”

Details on the process to secure available grants supporting Australians competing overseas at the highest level internationally in 2016 will be available soon, according to a recent announcement by MA. Further information on the revamped development pathway and international programs is due to be released in the new year.