History of La Chinelle

It was in 1975 that Joël Robert and his team from the Motor Union du Pays Noir embarked on a somewhat crazy challenge and decided to organize an enduro event. La Chinelle drew inspiration from French, Spanish, and Italian competitions, but today, it is the only one of its kind still running. Who would have thought that this 12-hour off-road race would enjoy such longevity?

Joël Robert, one of the earliest legends of world motocross, began his career on the world circuit riding a CZ motorcycle, the brand with which he won his first 250cc world title in 1964. His victories continued, becoming world champion again in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972.

The first edition of La Chinelle took place on the Franchimont esplanade in August 1980. Following its tremendous success, Joël Robert continued the adventure. Year after year, the event has endured and grown stronger. Indeed, enduro races of this scale are rare events.

In 2010, the company Event See took over the organization, successfully carrying on this enduro, which has become a benchmark event in Belgium and beyond. One of the keys to the success of the largest enduro in Belgium and the second-largest in Europe is the mix of professional riders and a host of amateurs competing together. Its list of winners includes prestigious names such as Stéphane Melotte, David Frétigné, Fabien Planet, David Knight, Magain, Thierry Klutz, Jeff Goblet, Caps, Steve Godfroid, Debroux, Martens, Cremer, and many others.