HOSTING AN FMSQ EVENT

This page lists the basic information and criteria related to hosting an event.

A SERIES AND A SPORT IN FULL GROWTH

The FMSQ is a non-profit organization founded in 1971 that organizes the largest Cross-Country racing series in Canada for motorcycles, ATVs, and electric-assist bicycles.

Each season, our events attract thousands of participants and spectators from across Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes.

With the FMSQ’s growing popularity (+36% since 2022), it is essential for us to continue strengthening our existing partnerships while developing new collaborations that will ensure the growth and evolution of our events.

WHAT IS AN FMSQ EVENT?

FMSQ events are Cross-Country–style sporting competitions — endurance-based races held over a weekend (from Friday to Sunday) at venues that are part of the FMSQ National Cross-Country Championship.

These events feature a variety of courses made up of different types of terrain, usually consisting mostly of forest trails specially designed and prepared by the FMSQ.

They are primarily designed to offer challenges suited to all levels: families, youth (from age 5), adults, and veterans (up to 70 years old), whether beginners or professional riders.

Our mission is to promote sports as a healthy means of personal development and of maintaining good physical and mental health, while presenting young people with positive role models — passionate and committed adults engaged in an action sport.

A VIDEO SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS!

To get a glimpse of the unique atmosphere at our events.

TYPES OF POTENTIAL SITES
Whether the land is municipal or privately owned, we have solutions adapted to each situation.

MUNICIPAL LAND:
With over 10 years of experience partnering with municipalities, we have the expertise to organize events that create energy, visibility, and strong community engagement in your region.

Sports tourism and regional visibility: Our largest events attract over 3,000 visitors, the majority coming from outside the region — directly contributing to the local economic activity.
Provincial and interprovincial visibility: Through our digital platforms and media coverage, host municipalities benefit from exceptional exposure.
A trusted partner: We already collaborate with municipalities such as La Tuque, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, and Saint-David-de-Falardeau, where our events have become major annual gatherings.
A structured family sport: Our events are safe, well-supervised, and promote participation from all — including youth, women, and families.

Partnerships with municipalities are generally based on the use of land owned by the municipality.

PRIVATE LAND:
Several of our events are held on private properties, where a rental agreement is established with the owner(s). This agreement covers the event weekend as well as the days required for site preparation and setup.

EVENT PLANNING AND EXECUTION

While the involvement of a municipality or a private landowner in hosting an event is always a great asset, the FMSQ is structured to handle events from A to Z thanks to its team of passionate and dedicated professionals!

Our team specializes in forest development and trail creation. In many cases, the sites we use had no prior infrastructure. We have the expertise to design and build safe, dynamic courses tailored to the specific characteristics of each terrain.

EVENT SITE SELECTION CRITERIA
Since each site is unique, certain aspects may vary from one location to another. It is therefore essential for us to individually evaluate each potential site in order to properly assess its feasibility and development potential.

Example: Site Map – Vallée des Géants, St-David-de-Falardeau 2025

SITE SIZE
A minimum area of 100 acres is generally required to host an FMSQ event.

This area allows for the proper setup of:

The various courses (Moto, Quad, E-Bike)
Parking areas for participants and spectators
Start/finish zones, paddocks, podiums, medical zones, etc.

PARKING AREA

Parking plays a central role in the comfort and smooth flow of our events. It must accommodate a large number of vehicles, trailers, and RVs while ensuring safe access regardless of weather conditions.

Main criteria:

Recommended area: 20 acres
Preferred ground types: gravel, sand, or grass
Terrain: as flat as possible to facilitate RV parking and traffic circulation
Access road: solid and usable at all times, even after heavy rain

Example: Parking and Event Site – Chainéland, Victoriaville 2024

RACE COURSES

We prioritize a diversity of natural terrain to offer riders a technical and varied challenge. Each site provides a unique experience — some courses are more technical, while others emphasize speed or flow.

Cross-Country–style competitions adapt particularly well to a wide range of soil conditions and configurations (e.g., forests, root-filled trails, sand, rocks, rolling or winding sections, etc.).

Flat terrain offers excellent potential for course design, while areas with moderate elevation changes are also generally very suitable.

Target length of the main course: between 10 and 12 km

UNSUITABLE TYPES OF TERRAIN

Certain types of land or areas are not suitable for our events and should be avoided:

Ponds or wetlands
Nature parks or protected areas
Land with inappropriate zoning (e.g., agricultural zoning in Quebec, unless an official authorization has been obtained)

REQUIRED AUTHORIZATIONS

In all cases, obtaining the necessary approvals from local authorities is mandatory for hosting an event. In the case of private property, the FMSQ ensures that all procedures are carried out in collaboration with the landowner to obtain the required permits. These may vary depending on the jurisdiction but generally concern the event’s compliance with zoning and municipal regulations governing event organization.

PREPARATION & DEVELOPMENT

Whether the land is already developed or completely untouched, what matters most is its potential. The FMSQ is equipped to adapt to different situations and find the right solutions for each site.

We prioritize a responsible development approach to minimize environmental impact and preserve the quality of the land.

Guiding principles:

Preference for wooded trail sections
No deforestation — respectful forest management
Multiple racing lines to distribute ground wear
Wide tracks ensuring rider safety
Minimal use of heavy machinery

Example: Wooded Section – Vallée des Géants, St-David-de-Falardeau 2025

INSURANCE POLICY

For each event, a certificate of liability insurance is issued by the FMSQ and its insurance provider specializing in motorized sporting events. This certificate ensures proper protection, in accordance with industry standards, for all individuals, entities, companies, municipalities, landowners, volunteers, employees, participants, and spectators involved in the organization or participation of the event.

SAFETY

The FMSQ implements a responsible and professional organization to ensure everyone’s safety. This includes the enforcement of strict regulations, the presence of an experienced on-site team, and close supervision of participants at every stage of the event. Safety is at the heart of our priorities — for both riders and spectators.

Although no sport or organization is immune to accidents or injuries related to athletic activity, the FMSQ recorded a medical intervention rate of 1.4% in 2025 — an exceptional result, even when compared to more traditional large-scale sporting events such as running races.

Measures implemented by the FMSQ:

Complete site and course signage: banners, directional arrows, and clear indications (letters, numbers, access zones, etc.)
Professional first aid services on-site throughout the entire event
Mobile patrol teams stationed along the course for rapid intervention if needed
Emergency response plan developed in collaboration with local authorities (firefighters, paramedics, public safety)

GENERAL STATISTICS

THE LARGEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS SERIES IN CANADA
Over 1,100 riders and athletes take part in our biggest events.
We bring together the best racers in the country, with athletes from Quebec, as well as Western Canada, the Maritimes, and Ontario.
50 categories offered (Moto, Quad, and E-Bike)
Participant breakdown by discipline:
- MOTO – 85%
- QUAD – 10%
- E-BIKE – 5%
A remarkable and world-unique level of female participation, with nearly 150 women of all ages competing.
The National Championship includes 8 to 9 events, held from late May to late October. Most events take place in various regions across Quebec, as well as in the Maritimes and Ontario.