Motocross champions head for Monaco.

This weekend at Monaco will see the 2005 FIM Off Road Awards, where the new Motocross and Supermoto Champions will be formally celebrated in front of their fellow riders - plus team managers, federations, manufacturers, media and industry representatives.

"It's with great pleasure that we return to Monte-Carlo with the FIM Off Road Awards after the previous superb events held here in 1999 and 2000," declared Youthstream president Giuseppe Luongo. "This ceremony has been to many prestigious places such as St Vincent in 2001 and 2002, Dubai in 2003 and Sun City in 2004.

"Coming back to Monaco will be great in the new 'Monte-Carlo Bay'. Our guests will enjoy the luxury and comfort of this palace, Monte-Carlo itself will keep everyone occupied with the glitzy casino, glamorous boutiques, stylish restaurants, and maybe - if your feeling lively - a night of dancing at Jimmi'z!

"After a year packed with tough competition and hard work all over the world, it's fantastic to be able to have one weekend dedicated to awarding our champions, and relaxation and leisure together. This is especially dedicated to all the ladies who travel with their husbands to all the circuits all over the world.

"I would like to thank the FIM President (Francesco Zerbi), the CMS President (Wolfgang Srb), the FIM staff, all the participating riders, teams and manufacturers, sponsors, my staff, the media and the spectators, because with all their support we have made a great year to remember - we have beaten many records, such as the number of spectators, the TV audience, the media present at the grand prix - 2005 has been a fantastic year for our sports and I believe 2006 will be even better," he concluded.

"2005 was, without any doubt, a season to be remembered for a long time," stated Srb, president of the FIM Motocross Commission. "The MX1 and MX2 FIM World Championship showed Motocross at its best, on the highest possible level. The highlight was the Motocross of Nations in Ern?e with one of the biggest crowds ever in the history of Motocross.

"The MX3 FIM World Championship has again proved to be the most important series for young riders as well as for organisers and Federations. The exciting sport of SuperMoto, featuring the best parts of Motocross and Road Racing, has gained a lot of momentum in 2005 and has a great future. I am very happy that we can honour our Champions in Monte Carlo," he added.

The FIM Off Road Award Ceremony will start on Friday evening with a Press Conference in the Hotel Monte Carlo Bay, followed by a Gala Diner and the Prize Giving Ceremony.

On Saturday the guests will have the chance to take part in a meeting organised by Impecco, Youthstream and the FIM; then they will have time to explore Monaco and will end their stay with a Buffet dinner at 'Stars 'n Bars' in Monte Carlo.

The following riders will be honoured:

World Champions Stefan Everts (FIM MX1), Antonio Cairoli (FIM MX2), Sven Breugelmans (FIM MX3), Gerald Delepine (FIM S1) and Boris Chambon (FIM S2)

European Champions Jeremy Tarroux (UEM 125), Roman Morozov (UEM 250) and Mauro Fiorgentile (UEM 85)

FIM Junior Champions Dennis Verbruggen (125) and Steven Clark (85)

Womens' World Cup Winner Steffi Laier

The best young Motocross and Supermoto riders, as well as the best organiser, will also be honoured during the ceremony.