A genuine 2018 Romain Febvre factory Yamaha YZ450FM and four VIP Gold tickets to the Swiss GP reached just £9600 at an auction to raise funds for spinal research. As the VIP tickets cost £1400 alone, it means the bike went for £8200 – around £900 more than a stock bike despite it being packed with exotic goodies.

The machine was donated by Yamaha Europe and was auctioned at the 20th annual ‘Bal de Printemps’ event at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland where both GP organisers Youthstream and FIM Europe took part.

Organised by IRP (International Foundation for Research in Paraplegia), the prestigious evening is an event to collect funds for the research of Paraplegia. In 2018 important representatives from the world of motocross included Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo, Youthstream Vice President David Luongo, FIM Europe President Wolfgang Srb, Yamaha MX Racing Manager Eric Eggens, MXGP Organiser Stefano Avandero and Former Motocross Champion and IRP Ambassador Marc Ristori. They were welcomed by IRP General Secretary Philippe Boissonnas together with world famous delegates such as Tiffany’s Patrick Steinvoorte and HE Ambassador Republic of Honduras WTO Dacio Castillo.

Since 2016, Youthstream has partnered with IRP and continue to help raise funds for basic and clinical research in the field of paraplegia in order to contribute to improve the lives of people affected by injuries to the spinal cord.

IRP organises projects throughout the year aimed at raising funds for financing projects in the field of research into spinal injuries. Giuseppe Luongo, President of Youthstream, said: “IRP’s work is impressive and already the scientists are making encouraging steps forward.  I invite everybody to visit IRP’s web-site (www.irp.ch) to see what they do more in detail. Youthstream is very sensitive to this important research which IRP is doing and we will do our best to continue to support them.  We are very proud to be a partner of this active foundation and we are also proud to be partners with Wings for Life and Road 2 Recovery”.

Dr Wolfgang Srb, President of FIM Europe, stated: “This is a most important initiative which deserves our full attention and permanent support. A lot has already been achieved; however, there is still so much more work to be done. Research is going on and one day the dream will come true: to stand up and walk again”.