Georges Jobé
Georges Jobé (6 January 1961 – 19 December 2012) was a Belgian professional motocross racer. He competed in the Motocross World Championships from 1979 to 1992. Jobé is notable for being a five-time FIM motocross world champion.[1]
| Georges Jobé | |
|---|---|
 George Jobé on the Suzuki with motonumber 1 at the Circuit Vallès in 1981 | |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Born | 6 January 1961 Retinne, Belgium |
| Died | 19 December 2012 (aged 51) Brussels, Belgium |
| Motocross career | |
| Years active | 1979 - 1992 |
| Teams | Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda |
| Championships | 250cc- 1980, 1983 500cc- 1987, 1991, 1992 |
| Wins | 31 |
Biography
Born in Retinne, Belgium, Jobé was crowned FIM World 250cc Motocross Champion in 1980 and 1983, and later went on to be crowned FIM World 500cc Motocross Champion in 1987, 1991 and 1992.[2] Jobé's 1987 500cc championship was notable as he won riding a privateer Honda CR500. Most of his rivals were on the official works teams of Honda, Kawasaki or KTM. In 1988, having been crowned World Champion in the 500cc class, Jobe competed in the 125cc World Championship to attempt to win the "Triple Crown" (FIM 125, 250 and 500cc world titles). He was unsuccessful, with countryman Eric Geboers achieving the feat by winning the 500cc World championship in that same year (Geboers having previously won world 125 and 250cc titles). Geboers was a member of the victorious Belgian team at the 1980 Motocross des Nations.
Jobé is known for a famous incident that occurred during the 1984 500cc British Motocross Grand Prix, held at Hawkstone Park, Shropshire, England. In 1984, the Hawkstone Park circuit included a large "double jump" (before they were customary on top motocross circuits). Few riders had the courage to attempt to clear the jump during practice, let alone during the actual race. However, during the second race of the Grand Prix, Jobe passed rival André Malherbe by clearing the double jump, physically jumping over his rival in the process. Photographer Nick Haskell captured the moment, and the image of Jobé flying over Malherbe, with the crowd cheering on is often seen by some as one of motocross's most iconic images (a copy of the picture can be viewed on Jobé's official website).
In 2007 Jobe was paralyzed while training young riders in Dubai. After four years of intense rehabilitation, he recovered his strength and became able to walk and ride his bicycle again. However, in 2011 he was diagnosed with leukemia. Jobe died from his illness in Brussels on 19 December 2012 at the age of 51.[3]
Professional Honours
- FIM World Motocross Champion
250cc 1980, 1983 500cc 1987, 1991, 1992
- Belgian National Motocross Champion
250cc 1978,1980,1981,1982,1983 500cc 1984,1989
- Italian National Motocross Champion
500cc 1986
- FIM Trophee des Nations
1980, Member of Team Belgium
References
- "Motorcrosser Georges Jobé (51) overleden". Het Laatste Nieuws. 19 December 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
- Georges Jobé career profile
- "Death of Georges Jobé, former FIM Motocross World Champion". fim-live.com. Retrieved 17 December 2015.