In the past few years, the French market has emerged as a major player on the European custom scene despite the difficulties that the market faces, including some of the most difficult regulations in Europe. Builders such as Nicholas Chauvin, Claude Babot and Bertrand Dubet have been respected for years, but success at the Official European Championship and elsewhere for the likes of Xavier Chante (Riverside Motocyclettes), Cyril Gautier (Art of Racer), Jean-Claude Passetemps (School Bar Atelier), Laurent Dutruel (Zen Motorcycles) and Fred Duban (Dub Performance) have firmly placed French customizing at the top rung in terms innovation and creativity in recent years.
In fact, 2007 saw two French builders in the top three places at the European Championships, with five in the top twenty and top ten placings at both the last World Championships.
American Motorcycle Dealer (AMD) magazine, the promoter of Official World & European Championship of Custom Bike Building is now recognizing the efforts of Wild Magazine, a popular custom motorcycle magazine in France, in forging a relationship with the picturesque town of La Clusaz and getting a new Rally underway this year. AMD will be crowning the 'VIVA LA CLUSAZ!' rally as a World Championship Affiliate event for the French market. Dates are set for June 19th to 21st. For those unfamiliar with La Clusaz, it is located in the popular motorcycle touring area of the French Alps, close to the Swiss border.
The event aims to promote domestic French customizing and attract leading competitors from elsewhere in Europe. Through the International Affiliate program, two full expense paid trips to the Sturgis Bike Rally will be awarded, one for the leading French builder, and one for the leading 'International' entrant.
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