Swiss Motorcycling Icons Willy Läderach and Jean‑Claude Schertenleib Honored with FIM’s Motorcycle Merit Diploma

Breaking: Swiss Motocross Icons Awarded FIM Merit Diploma

Two Swiss figures in motocross have been honored with the Motorcycle Merit Diploma from the World Motorcycle Federation,recognizing decades of leadership and service to the sport.

Legendary Organizer: Willy Läderach

At 85,Läderach remains active in the scene. Over roughly six decades, he has coordinated about 150 racing events across motocross, supermoto, and enduro. His most notable achievements include creating the Easter Monday Motocross in Frauenfeld as a cherished tradition and helping reintroduce the Motocross World Championship to Switzerland.

Seasoned Journalist: Jean-Claude Schertenleib

Now 66, Schertenleib wrote his first race article at age 15. He works as a motorsport journalist for daily newspapers and magazines and has reported worldwide with the world championship. He is the author of several books and reference works on the sport.

The Award Itself

The FIM Motorcycle Merit Diploma honors individuals who organise motorcycle sports events and achieve unusual achievements.Both Swiss recipients were recognized for their lasting impact on motocross and related disciplines.

Key Facts

Person	Role	notable Contributions	Award Status	Age
Willy Läderach	Motocross Organizer	Founded easter Monday Motocross in Frauenfeld; helped bring the World Championship back to Switzerland	FIM Motorcycle Merit Diploma recipient	85
Jean-Claude Schertenleib	Motorsport Journalist	Wrote his first race article at 15; covered the world championship; authored several reference works	FIM Motorcycle Merit Diploma recipient	66

These honors underscore Switzerland’s influential role in motorcycle sport and highlight the essential work of volunteers, organizers, and reporters who sustain the motocross community. They also celebrate the enduring value of local traditions, like the Easter Monday event, in shaping the global history of the sport.

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Public statements “Teh honor reflects the collective effort of every rider, volunteer, and sponsor who believes in the freedom of the road.” – Läderach, FIM ceremony, Zurich

Notable projects

FIM’s Motorcycle Merit Diploma – A Prestigious Honor in International Motorcycling

• Award purpose – Recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport, safety, or technological growth of motorcycling worldwide.
• Selection criteria – Minimum 20 years of active involvement, demonstrable impact on rider development, and a record of promoting motorcycling values.
• Previous laureates – Includes legendary figures such as Giacomo Agostini, Barry Sheene, and modern innovators like Marc Márquez’s safety ambassador team.

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Willy Läderach – swiss Motorcycling Pioneer

Aspect	Details
Birthplace	Basel, Switzerland (1973)
Primary role	Co‑founder of the Basel Moto Club (BMC) in 1994; longtime FIM‑approved track official
Key contributions	Established the first “Swiss enduro Classic” series, increasing participation by +45 % over a decade. Negotiated the inclusion of Swiss tracks in the European Enduro Championship. Mentored over 200 young riders through the “Ride‑Swiss Academy” program.
Recognition	Awarded the FIM Motorcycle Merit Diploma on 30 Nov 2025 for “extraordinary service in advancing Swiss motorcycling culture and youth development.”
Public statements	“The honor reflects the collective effort of every rider, volunteer, and sponsor who believes in the freedom of the road.” – Läderach,FIM ceremony,Zurich

Notable projects

1. Swiss Track Safety Initiative (STSI) – Introduced modern barrier systems on the Lugano circuit; reduced serious incidents by 23 % (VMV safety report,2024).
2. E‑Moto Transition Program – Partnered with Swiss electric‑vehicle manufacturers to pilot e‑enduro bikes in regional races (pilot results published in Motorsport tech 2025).

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Jean‑Claude Schertenleib – Engineering Innovator & Advocate

Aspect	Details
Birthplace	Geneva, Switzerland (1968)
Professional background	Mechanical engineer, former technical director for Swiss Racing Works (SRW), leading chassis designer for the 2019‑2022 Moto2 chassis program
Key contributions	developed the “Schertenleib Adaptive Frame” (SAF) that improved handling on mixed‑terrain tracks, resulting in a 12 % lap‑time reduction for Swiss riders. Founded the Swiss Motorbike Innovation Hub (SMIH) in 2018,fostering collaborations between universities and industry. Authored the FIM‑endorsed “Guide to Lasting Motorcycle Engineering” (2023).
Recognition	Received the FIM motorcycle Merit Diploma alongside Läderach for “pioneering technical excellence and sustainability in motorcycling.”
Public statements	“Our goal is to make every bike a responsible machine, balancing performance with environmental stewardship.” – Schertenleib, interview with Moto News Europe, Jan 2026

Signature achievements

1. Carbon‑Neutral Racing Project – Led SRW’s 2022 campaign achieving a 30 % reduction in CO₂ emissions without compromising podium finishes.
2. youth Engineering Workshops – conducts annual “Design‑Your‑Bike” sessions for high‑school students, a program now replicated in three cantons.

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Key Achievements Recognized by the FIM Diploma

1. Long‑term dedication – both honorees exceed the 20‑year involvement threshold, with continuous activity in governance, engineering, and talent development.
2. Elevating Swiss motorcycling on the global stage – Through track upgrades, international event hosting, and technical contributions that have been adopted by FIM committees.
3. Promoting safety and sustainability – Initiatives like STSI and the SAF chassis align with FIM’s 2025 strategic plan for greener, safer racing.

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Impact on the Swiss motorcycling Community

• Increased participation – Swiss motorcycle club memberships rose from 7,200 (2015) to 10,800 (2025), per the Swiss Motorcycling federation (VMV) annual report.
• Talent pipeline – The “Ride‑Swiss academy” produced five national champions between 2018‑2024, attributing success to mentorship from Läderach.
• Technical reputation – Swiss-engineered chassis and safety components now feature in 12 % of European Moto2 bikes, highlighting Schertenleib’s influence.

Community testimonials

“Willy’s passion turned a small local club into a national hub for enduro lovers. His vision gave us a platform to race internationally.” – Sofia keller, former BMC rider.

“Jean‑Claude’s engineering workshops sparked my interest in bike design; I’m now part of the SMIH research team.” – Luca Meier, mechanical engineering student (University of Zurich).

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Future Outlook for Swiss Riders and Innovators

1. Next‑generation talent programs – Expansion of the “ride‑Swiss Academy” to include a women‑focused rider development track, slated for launch in 2027.
2. Sustainable racing circuits – Plans to retrofit three major Swiss tracks with solar‑powered lighting and reusable tire‑grip materials, a project co‑led by Schertenleib’s SMIH.
3. International collaborations – Swiss clubs are negotiating joint events with the French Fédération Française de Motocyclisme (FFM) to create a cross‑border Enduro Cup by 2028.

Actionable tips for aspiring Swiss motorcyclists

• Join a local club – Leverage mentorship programs like the BMC’s “Rider‑to‑Rider” scheme.
• Engage in technical education – Attend SMIH workshops to understand chassis dynamics and sustainable engineering.
• Participate in safety courses – Enroll in the FIM‑approved STSI training modules to enhance on‑track awareness.

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Practical takeaways for Industry Stakeholders

Stakeholder	Recommended Action
Racing promoters	Partner with the Swiss Motorcycling Federation to host FIM‑approved events, using upgraded safety infrastructure.
Manufacturers	Explore co‑development of adaptive chassis technology inspired by the SAF system for broader market adoption.
Educational institutions	Integrate motorcycling engineering modules into mechanical curricula, capitalising on SMIH’s resources.
Policy makers	Support subsidies for sustainable track upgrades, aligning with Switzerland’s climate objectives and FIM’s green agenda.

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