The FIVA World Motorcycle Rally 2026, held in the heart of South Bohemia, will remain unforgettable for all who took part. Bringing together 145 participants from 18 countries, the event offered four extraordinary days of riding, camaraderie, culture and heritage in the Czech Republic. With an impressive variety of motorcycles spanning many decades of motorcycling history, the rally once again demonstrated the unique ability of historic vehicles to connect people, places and traditions.
Based in České Budějovice, riders set off each morning in small groups led by experienced marshals, discovering the rich cultural and natural heritage of South Bohemia. The region proved to be an ideal setting for the event, offering winding roads, rolling hills, forests, lakes and picturesque villages under bright summer skies.
The organisation was entrusted to the Association of Historic & Classic Vehicles Clubs (AKHV) of the Czech Republic. Thanks to the dedicated leadership of Jiří Franc and his team, the rally was flawlessly organised and meticulously planned in every detail. FIVA was strongly represented by a distinguished delegation including Motorcycle Commission Director Keith Gibbins, Events Commission Chairman Malcolm Grubb and FIVA Steward Jochen Kleine. The organisers also made available two CZ two-stroke motorcycles from the 1970s, true icons of everyday mobility in their era and still great fun to ride today. Niels Hansen attended the rally representing FIM, testifying the strong synergy between the two Federations.
A special highlight was the arrival on Saturday of FIVA President Alberto Scuro who, being an accomplished motorcyclist himself, joined the rally aboard a Jawa motorcycle in tribute to the Czech Republic’s proud motorcycling tradition.
The opening day took participants to the museum of the historic CZ factory in Strakonice, a landmark of Czech industrial history and one of the country's most iconic motorcycle manufacturers. The visit provided fascinating insight into the development of Czech motorcycling and the engineering achievements that have shaped generations of riders. A stop at the distinctive pilgrimage site of the Church of Lomec added a spiritual and architectural dimension to the day before the riders proceeded ahead through the beautiful Bohemian countryside. The evening concluded with a visit to the famous Budweiser Budvar Brewery, whose history stretches back to the Middle Ages, offering yet another literal taste of Czech heritage.
The second day combined scenic riding with a rich programme of cultural discoveries. The colourful caravan of motorcycles, ranging from machines of the 1920s to models from the 1990s, attracted enthusiastic greetings from spectators along the route, including local schoolchildren. The first destination was the Veteran Museum in Jílovice, home to a varied collection of vintage vehicles and artefacts, many originating from Eastern Europe. Riders then continued to the elegant Palace of Nové Hrady, where lunch was served in a Renaissance-style garden. During the afternoon, the route crossed dense forests and challenging hills on the way to the Sanctuary of Dobrá Voda. While some of the oldest motorcycles faced a demanding climb, the efficient support team ensured that every participant reached the destination safely. The day concluded with a visit to the magnificent Hluboká Castle, one of the architectural jewels of South Bohemia.
The third day featured the longest route of the rally, covering nearly 200 kilometres through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the region. Participants enjoyed endless stretches of forest roads, peaceful countryside and historic villages while strengthening the camaraderie that is one of the hallmarks of every FIVA rally. The combination of historic motorcycles, breathtaking scenery and shared passion created unforgettable memories for riders and spectators alike. Among the highlights of this longest day of the rally was a visit to the remarkable American Car Museum in Nová Bystřice, home to an impressive collection of iconic marques including Lincoln, Cadillac, Ford and many others. Before lunch, each participant planted a tree, symbolising the historic vehicle community’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. The day concluded with a convivial barbecue, enlivened by a live performance from the Czech hard rock band Sarah.
The final day offered a fitting conclusion, blending South Bohemia’s stunning scenery with an immersion into centuries of history. Following the course of the Vltava River, participants reached the enchanting medieval town of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By fortunate coincidence, the town was hosting a medieval festival, and riders found themselves surrounded by knights, merchants and townsfolk dressed in period costume, creating an atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale.
After lunch, the rally continued to the magnificent Rožmberk Castle, where participants explored another chapter of Czech history spanning more than eight centuries.
The event concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony celebrating the passion, friendship and dedication that make the FIVA World Motorcycle Rally such a unique experience. Among the many awards presented, special recognition went to young Polish rider Michal Drabik, aged just 19, who rode a 1939 Sokol and received the prize for being the youngest participant on one of the oldest motorcycles in the rally. Close behind was Liepa Gicevicius from Lithuania, riding a DKW. The award for the participant who travelled the greatest distance was presented to Panagiotis Tsourounakis, who rode more than 2200 kilometres from Crete on his 1951 BMW R67. A certificate of appreciation was assigned to Juris Ramba for his lifetime commitment to historic motorcycles.
Beyond the kilometres travelled and the remarkable places visited, the FIVA World Motorcycle Rally 2026 once again demonstrated the enduring value of historic motorcycling. Through a unique blend of adventure, heritage and fellowship, it brought together enthusiasts from around the world, fostered international friendships and showcased how historic vehicles can serve as ambassadors for culture, tourism and heritage.
FIVA extends its sincere thanks to all participants, organisers, volunteers, marshals and partners who contributed to the success of this memorable edition. As the engines fall silent in South Bohemia, anticipation is already building for the next chapter of the adventure. We look forward to welcoming riders once again at the end of August 2027, when the FIVA World Motorcycle Rally heads to the spectacular mountains of Switzerland.