By Can Erozden
ANKARA (AA) - Turkey is set to host twin Grands Prix competitions in the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship as the Round 9 (Bitci MXGP of Turkey) will start on Saturday.
The sporting event held under the auspices of Turkey's Presidency will run until Sept. 8 in the western province of Afyonkarahisar as two consecutive races: Bitci MXGP of Turkey on Sept. 4-5 and next week's Bitci MXGP of Afyon on Sept. 7-8.
Both Grands Prix will take place at the Afyonkarahisar Motor Sports Center, with nearly 150 motocross riders expected to join.
Turkish racer Irmak Yildirim, 16, will be the first in the country to compete in the women's championship.
The Turkish Motorcycling Federation's deputy chief had previously told reporters that this would be "the largest sporting event and festival in Europe."
"We are expecting at least 100,000 people," Mahmut Nedim Akulke said on Wednesday, adding that spectators would be thrilled in the adrenaline-filled experience.
Slovenian motocross racer Tim Gajser, who is among the competitors, is the reigning MXGP champion.
Gajser previously won the 2016 and 2019 titles.
Another notable racer, Italy's Antonio Cairoli, is the world record holder with nine titles.
Both Gajser and Cairoli will compete in the Turkish Grands Prix.