PRESS KIT
 

At midday on 29 August, this year’s official race starter and esteemed figure of endurance Dominique Méliand will signal the start of the 43rd Le Mans 24 Hours Motos. Alessandra Sublet, who had initially accepted the invitation, has had to step down due to unforeseen circumstances.
Founder of the Suzuki Endurance Racing Team (SERT) and ten-time winner of the 24 Hours Motos, Méliand handed over to Damien Saulnier last year. Incredibly shrewd and a precise tactician, known in the pit lane as “le chef” (the boss), the team manager revealed the potential of a host of talented riders, among them Christian Lavieille, Vincent Philippe, Sébastien Gimbert, Nicolas Dussauge, Guillaume Dietrich and more recently Etienne Masson, Anthony Delhalle and Gregg Black. Under Méliand’s leadership, the SERT won 15 world titles between 1983 and 2016. Inducted into the 24 Hours Motos Hall of Fame in 2019, Méliand will have the privilege of waving off the field to start the 2020 24H Motos at midday on Saturday 29 August.

Dominique Méliand: "I’ve taken part in every 24 Hours Motos since the race began in 1978. This year, I’ll be experiencing the event from a different angle, as official starter. I think it’s going to be moving, especially as it was unexpected. Will my hand tremble when I lower the flag? I don’t think so. I’ve always been able to overcome stress. But I’ll let you know just after 12 on Saturday!"