Valery Chkalov, a legendary Soviet pre-WWII test pilot who was the first aviator to fly solo from Moscow to the US, also pioneered motorcycle racing in the Soviet Union. Today, in addition to streets throughout Russia, one of the country's biggest off-road motorcycle races is named after him.
Participants in the 2017 Chkalov National Motocross Championship at the GALLAX motorcycle racing track in Moscow Region. About 400 athletes from 12 regions of the country took part in the fifth year of the annual competition.
The motocross championship attracted a record number of fans and spectators, and even -10 C weather didn’t stop them from enjoying the event.
The youngest riders on the track were 14-16-year-old boys, while the eldest participant was 63.
Motocross provides participants with trampolines and the opportunity to land on a slippery track, but this only challenged the participants, and entertained the audience.
Participants in the 2017 Chkalov National Motocross Championship at the GALLAX motorcycle racing track in Moscow Region.
One of the riders unfortunately fell off his bike on the last turn before the finish line. Another participant ran into him simply because he didn’t have enough time to stop. However, he helped the fallen rider to overcome his pain and to sit back in the saddle, demonstrating the sportsman-like qualities of solidarity and mutual assistance.
During sharp turns, some prudent riders chose a safe speed, while others took a larger arc and overtook them without reducing speed, securing their victory.
Participants in the 2017 Chkalov National Motocross Championship at GALLAX motorcycle racing track in Moscow Region.
The participants proved that motocross is one of the most masculine sports, demonstrating its best qualities: passion, love of risk, a competitive spirit and endurance.
These manly qualities also distinguished Valery Chkalov, the legendary Soviet pilot, who was decorated as a Hero of the USSR and one of the founders of the Russian aerobatic school. Being a pilot in the 1930s was a risk, a strenuous one requiring teamwork. Chkalov was fond of motocross sports, too. The first winter race for the prize named after him took place after his death, in 1939. A huge porcelain cup is passed on to the winners of the contest from year to year as a precious heirloom.
