The history of motocross in Ape dates back to 1971, and since the very first Vaidava Cup, there has not been a single year without the competition. Over time, the number of participants and spectators has grown, making the Vaidava Cup one of the largest and most anticipated sporting events, not only in Ape but across Smiltene Municipality.

Ape Motocross Track is built on natural terrain and offers excellent visibility. It is recognised as one of the most challenging tracks in Latvia.

 

On motocross history in Ape and the legendary Vaidava Cup competition:

• Motocross in Ape began with motorised bicycles constructed by the local boys. Supported by their parents, the boys raced their bikes and trained… The first motocross track was located near the Kaktiņi family home on Klusā Street, where the first small competition was held in 1971. The winners received a cup made by O. Kaktiņš; later, the prizes included cups, medals, and souvenirs handcrafted by the boys themselves.
• Over the next two years, races were moved to the outskirts of Ape near “Mežmalītes”, so that the engine noise would not disturb the town’s residents.
• Nearly every boy in Ape at that time was interested in motorised bicycles and mopeds. And not only in Ape – in Vireši, Gaujiena, Zeltiņi, and other places, a “noise boom” spread, inspiring many to develop an interest in engines and mechanics. Several Ape athletes who were involved from the very beginnings of the competitions still compete enthusiastically in moped races today alongside the younger generation, while also being skilled moped mechanics.

• This was followed by a period when technical motorsport in Ape – and across the entire Alūksne District – was led by Arvīds Levans.
  Together with Egons Laicens, Ojārs Slapjums, other helpers, and the enthusiastic involvement of the young riders themselves, he established the Ape Motocross Track at its current location, on the open slopes of “Dauškani”.
  Each year, competitions of ever-increasing scale were held there.
• At first, at the republic level, and later across the entire Soviet Union, the young motocross riders of Ape (and Alūksne District), including Ainārs Karro, Mairis Levans, Indulis Kārkliņš, Aivars Miks, and others, began to make a name for themselves.
• “On a voluntary basis, youth leadership was taken on by A. Levans, as the only thing his son could talk about was mopeds. Since all the moped riders studied at Ape Secondary School, with the support of the headmistress, a small motorsport group was formed, bringing together eleven enthusiasts. (…) After the first competitions, seeing that the boys were not only interested in riding but also in repairing their machines, parents began lending their support. It was precisely in Ape that the greatest enthusiasts were found, and it was here that not only the very first traditions emerged but also a certain technical base – admittedly quite modest and funded by the parents of the young athletes, yet a base, nonetheless. The wish to remain unbeaten at the Biķernieki Track was fulfilled. In the moped class, first place went to I. Palkavnieks, second to I. Karro, fourth to G. Levans, and fifth to A. Slapjums.” I. Klajums, “Oktobra Karogs”, 1 August 1976.
• 1990. 1990 For the first time, the Vaidava Cup was organised by Gundars and Mairis, the sons of Arvīds Levans, taking over the role previously held by their father.
• 1995. 1995 In this year, the Vaidava Cup became truly international, with riders not only participating from Latvia and Estonia but also from Belgium and France. The race, however, was heavily affected by poor weather conditions, particularly rain.
• In the years that followed, the Vaidava Cup continued to grow in international stature, while preserving long-standing traditions and introducing new ones. The number of participants and spectators increased year by year.
• Since its beginnings, the Vaidava Cup has been held without interruption, and in 2025, it took place for the 52nd time.