Winners are grinners: Lucky MCN readers meet 2023 world champions at exclusive FIM autograph session in Liverpool

Over 40 motorcycling world champions gathered in Liverpool last Saturday for the prestigious FIM Awards, and 12 lucky MCN competition winners got the chance to meet them in an exclusive pre-awards autograph session.

World Superbike champion, Alvaro Bautista, Moto2 champ Pedro Acosta, Moto3 king Jaume Masia, World Supersport star Nicolo Bulega, MXGP champion Jorge Prado, and many more were available for selfies and autographs at the special session inside Liverpool’s ACC Convention Centre.

The biggest single gathering of champions that Britain has ever seen, the event was a unique experience for fans, as MCN winner Dean Robinson from Lincoln says: “I am a sad autograph collector, so this prize couldn’t have gone to a more appreciative addict! I had gone there well prepared with hats and books… but the special poster pad we were given was the icing on the cake.”

“It’s been absolutely brilliant,” echoed MCN competition winners Angela and Steve Fitzgerald from Southampton. “We go to a lot of races and GPs, but this is the first time we’ve actually met any grand prix riders. It’s been an amazing experience, and it’s nice because it gives you an appreciation of all the different forms of bike sport, too.”

Being held in Britain for the very first time, the FIM Awards is the annual presentation by motorcycle sport’s governing body and sees all racing’s world champions receive their world titles in a glitzy ceremony, this year hosted by Matt Roberts, Rachel Stringer and double World Superbike champion James Toseland.

As well as celebrating the riders, the FIM Awards also acknowledges outstanding contributions in other spheres of motorcycling, and this year saw The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride earn the FIM’s Fair Play Trophy for their decade of tireless work raising money for mens’ health charities and also promoting motorcycling in a positive light.

“We’re absolutely blown away,” DGR’s Mark Hawwa told MCN. “This award belongs to the thousands of riders and volunteers who helped make DGR happen.”

MCN sport contributor, Michael Scott was also honoured with the Gold Medal Nicolas Rodil des Valle for his long-standing contribution to journalism. Former IRTA CEO and founder Mike Trimby was also posthumously honoured.