MX2

SAINT JEAN D’ANGELY (France) 24 May 2019 – It is time for the 7^th round of the 2019 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship, the MXGP of France! For the third weekend in a row MXGP and MX2 stars will battle but this time it will be with the always amazing French fans creating the unique atmosphere their known for.

TV coverage from the hillsides of the French circuit will again be broadcasted to Youthstream’s traditional TV partners around the world. This weekend special coverage will also come from Bulgaria’s BNT as they will show live coverage of FIM Europe’s EMX250 racing on both Saturday and Sunday.

Additionally, the entire event including Saturday’s Qualifying races and the additional classes of EMX250 and EMX125 presented by FMF Racing will be streamed LIVE around the world on MXGP’s own online TV service, www.MXGP-TV.com.

As always fans can also watch the 26min Behind the Gate special feature via our TV partners or on MXGP-TV the Tuesday following the event. To find out when, where, and how to watch in your home country check the listings below.

USA - CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 2 – 10:00 am ET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 11:00 am ET – Live

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 1 – 21:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 21:30 CET – Delayed 

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 2 – 22:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 22:30 CET – Delayed

BALTICS (Estonia – Latvia - Lithuania)

TV Play Sports + 

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

TV Play Premium

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

BELGIUM 

PLAY SPORTS 1

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

CANVAS

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Highlight 20mn

BULGARIA

BNT

Saturday 25 May – EMX 250 Race 1 – 17:00 Bulgaria timing – Live

Sunday 26 May – EMX 250 Race 2 – 12:25 Bulgaria timing – Live

FRANCE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 1 – 23:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 23:30 CET – Delayed 

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 2 – 00:00 CET – Delayed

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 00:30 CET (Monday 27^thMay) – Delayed

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE 

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

LA CHAINE L’EQUIPE 

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 18:15 CET – Delayed

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 19:15 CET – Delayed

ITALY

RAI SPORT+ HD

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 15:45 CET – Delayed

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 22:45 CET – Delayed

RAI SPORT WEB

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 22:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 22:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 23:00 CET – Delayed 

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 23:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 00:00 CET – Delayed

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 GMT – Live Streaming

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 GMT – Live

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 5

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 GMT – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 GMT – Live

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 CET – Live

Sunday 26 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 CET – Live

ASIA

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia)

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 04:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 05:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 06:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 07:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 14:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 15:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORTS INDONESIA 

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 04:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 05:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 06:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 07:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 14:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 15:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORTS SEA (Hong Kong – Macau – Thailand)

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 04:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 05:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 06:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 07:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 14:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 15:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 HKT – Delayed

FOX SPORTS ASIA 

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 04:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 05:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 06:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 07:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 14:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 15:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 HKT – Delayed

CHINA

Star Sports China 

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 04:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 05:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 06:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 07:30 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 1 – 14:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 1 – 15:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MX2 Race 2 – 16:00 HKT – Delayed

Monday 27 May – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 HKT – Delayed

26min “Behind the gate” partners: 

USA – Canada: Motortrend // MAV TV 

Europe: Motorsport TV – Motortrend 

Croatia: Kreator TV 

Finland: MTV 

France: Automoto la Chaine 

Italy: Automototv 

Portugal: Sport TV 

Netherland: RTL 

Portugal: Sport TV 

Slovenia: Sport TV 

Spain: Movistar 

Latin America: FOX Sports

Brazil: Bandsports

Caribbean: Flow Sports 

Asia: FOX Sports 

Africa: Sport connect

MXGP is available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

MXGP of France LIVE Streaming on MXGP-TV.com

Timetable Local Time/CET

SATURDAY: 07:45 EMX125 Group 1 Free Practice, 08:10 EMX125 Group 2 Free Practice, 08:35 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 09:00 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:40 EMX125 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 10:20 EMX125 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 11:00 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 11:40 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 12:30 MX2 Free Practice, 13:00 MXGP Free Practice, 13:55 EMX125 Race 1, 14:40 MX2 Time Practice, 15:15 MXGP Time Practice, 16:05 EMX250 Race 1, 16:55 MX2 Qualifying Race, 17:40 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 09:45 EMX125 Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of France

The FIM Motocross World Championship is well into the 2019 season and has been packed with epic racing! The MXGP Championship still has plenty of racing left though and tickets are now available to purchase forthe 2019 MXGP of Italy happening this 17th and 18th of August in Imola!

MXGP is making its way back to the famous motorsports circuit of Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari and so too is the brand new FIM E-XBike World Cup! Tickets are on now available to purchase for the weekend which will be filled with not only the best motocross racing and riders but also a crowd of electric bicycle riders and racers fighting to be crowned the first FIM E-XBike World Cup winner. The 2019 Motocross Grand Prix of Italy will be one of the most interesting and action-packed weekends of the year so be sure not to miss it!

For more information about the ticketing options for the MXGP of Italy or to purchase online now visit https://imola.motocross-tickets.com/en/22541-mxgp-of-imola/

Get your VIP GOLD SKYBOX Pass for Imola by clicking HERE

The FIM Motocross World Championship is very much the pinnacle of our sport, with riders from all over the world competing to become the best motocross rider in the world. Whether Australian Mitchell Evans, or South African Calvin Vlaanderen, the dream is to be World Champion.

A handful of American riders are also putting their best efforts forward, and in the last two weeks, two of those, Mitchell Harrison and Austin Root, both battled the hard truths of the very tough MXGP and MX2 classes.

For Harrison just the qualification in MX2 has set up some problems, although in Portugal last weekend, he was able to finish 10^th overall on Sunday, and is working hard to get his one lap charge improved on the Saturday.

“The qualifying has always been a weakness for me,” Harrison said. “I struggle to do just the one fast lap. I have been working hard with that, because two seconds can put you in a completely different place. It isn’t the same in America. Long hard races I can do, my endurance has always been good, but that one lap I need to work on. I need to pin it for a lap.”

What Harrison isn’t having trouble with is the lifestyle in Europe. Living in the south of France the Bud Racing Kawasaki rider is loving life.

“It has been rather easy. Where I am living in France a lot of people speak English. I have been trying to learn French, but it is really hard to learn a language. Getting around is easy, the team take care of everything. The Bud Kawasaki team is really an amazing team and make it easy for me, coming over from America and not knowing anything. The transition has been nice, and I have my girlfriend over here now and that makes it a lot easier. I love it, it is beautiful here. The food is better here, and I am right on the beach, so that is great.”

As for Root, he rode the Mantova round of the MXGP Championship, a tall order as he arrived alone, with a small van, his own bike and a lot of hope. Not surprisingly, he struggled with 34^th place overall. The difference from his domestic championship and the World Championship is miles apart and twice as much work.

“Oh yes,” Root said. “A big difference from America. I think that is why it is so hard for Americans over here. We are used to flying in Friday night, doing two practices in the morning and two races in the afternoon and then getting the heck out of there. You get it done and leave. MXGP you are there Friday for test, Saturday for two practice and a qualifying, then you race on Sunday. For me I am so used to go, go, go I am sort of over it by Sunday night. I thought if I had ridden at my best, I could have scored points. That was my goal to score points and that was my main goal. I didn’t get to show that, but a lot of people don’t know what I am going through. Being so far from home, it is very challenging. I was at MXGP this weekend and you see all the top riders there, and they all have their family there. When I see that, and I am there on my own. I love my girlfriends’ family to death, but they speak another language, they have another culture. They don’t speak English and they try and help me as much as possible. I still feel alone.”

Although two American riders, Mitchell Harrison and Darian Sanayei, are racing in the MX2 World Championship, Root hasn’t had the chance to catch up with his fellow countrymen.

“I never talked to those guys. I would love to ride with those guys and hang out. I am sure they feel the same way I do. It is a totally different racing, different tracks. It would be better to talk to somebody and understand where we are coming from. You have to have the right people around you. Because if you don’t, it isn’t easy. I am not with the team; I am so far away from the team. It is a good team, and they give me what I need, but it isn’t a high budget team. I just wanted to try and race over here and show I can ride around the World and do good. I want to learn.”

Now, as Harrison prepares for the MX2 class at the Grand Prix of France this weekend, Root will be working away in Italy, trying to gain speed and confidence so he can try to return to the FIM Motocross World Championship and once again give it his best shot.

SAINT JEAN D’ANGELY (France) 22 May 2019 – As the third round in a three week-three GP stretch MXGP returns to Saint Jean d’Angely this weekend to host the MXGP of France for the 2^nd consecutive year. The French GP is sure to impress with its amazing atmosphere as the nation hosts some of the most enthusiastic motocross fans in the world.

On the West of France, the circuit of Saint Jean d’Angely is one of the best venues on the calendar for spectating with a beautiful hillside layout and this weekend will host not only the FIM MXGP and MX2 World Championships but also the European Championship classes of EMX250 and EMX125 presented by FMF Racing.

In EMX250 it is Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna’s Alberto Forato dominating the class so far with 4 race wins and two overall victories from the first two rounds in Great Britain and Trentino. This week we may see the two French riders, Stephen Rubini and Pierre Goupillon both from Honda Redmoto Assomotor, and 2^ndand 3^rdin the points step up in front of their home crowd.

EMX125 presented by FMF Racing returns for its 4^th round of 2019 and just as in EMX250 the 125 championship is led by a Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna rider, the young Mattia Guadagnini. Guadagnini just like his EMX250 teammate has dominated his category so far this year with 5 of 6 race wins. Over 90 others have entered into this weekend’s competition though and whether it’s a French rider like Team VRT’s Tom Guyon or one of the other young rippers Guadagnini well surely have his hands full.

The 2019 MXGP action continues to bring surprises, only one week after a difficult 6^th overall in Lombardia, Italy, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser rode to a perfect 1-1 finish in Portugal just days ago. Gajser’s French resume puts him with 2 podium finishes, a 3^rd in 2018 and a 2^nd in 2016.

Meanwhile Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli made the best of costly mistakes to take 2^nd and maintain his championship points lead but it was Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Arnaud Tonus making his long-awaited return to the podium. Cairoli has reached the podium 6 times of his 9 visits to Saint Jean d’Angely including 2 overall wins and has never missed the top 10. Tonus on the other hand hasn’t raced in Saint Jean d’Angely since 2014 when he took 2^nd. 

Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha official MXGP team’s Gautier Paulin currently holds third in the points but will be looking for his best result of the year this weekend for his home GP. Paulin has been on the French podium in Saint Jean d’Angely twice, once in 2012 on the 450 and once the year before in the MX2 category but last year only came away with a 7^th.

Fellow Frenchman Romain Febvre from the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team will be back in action on home soil this weekend after returning from injury just last week in Portugal. Febvre won this event in 2016 and has made the top five two other times with his worst result in 2012 still being a top ten. After showing he hasn’t lost the pace with 8^th overall last weekend Febvre may be an unlikely podium contender this Sunday.

Other riders to look out for include Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer. Desalle has a strong track record here with an overall win in 2014 in addition to 2 other podium finishes and 3 more top 5 results including 4^th last year. Seewer on the other hand was in the top ten here during his rookie MXGP season last year along with his MX2 podium in 2016, not to mention both him and Desalle were fighting in top 5 positions last weekend.

2018 MXGP MXGP of France MXGP Podium:

1. Jeffrey Herlings
2. Antonio Cairoli
3. Tim Gajser

MXGP ChampionshipTop Ten: 1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 285 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 251 p.; 3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 197 p.; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 175 p.; 5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 166 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 153 p.; 7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 137 p.; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 136 p.; 9. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 122 p.; 10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 120 p.

Main Photo: MXGP Start MXGP of France 2018

Bottom Photos: 1. Antonio Cairoli; 2. Romain Febvre

The last weekend in Portugal was pivotal in the MX2 World Championship as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado claimed his 5^th overall win of the season via 1-1 scores. The dominance of Prado also stole away the championship leader’s red plate from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen.

Both Olsen and Prado were on the podium here last season but Prado again was the better of the pair taking the win while Olsen came away 3^rd. The perfection seen by Prado’s racing performances so far this year leaves many to question how long he can maintain it and whether Olsen or someone else will end his winning streak.

F&H Kawasaki Racing Team’s Henry Jacobi is showing both speed and consistency that in seasons past was hit or miss. As the third place rider in the championship it will be interesting to watch the German this weekend seeing he has two results on record here and both leave much to be desired, 28^th in 2018 and 15^th in 2016.

Riding in his first ever home GP is Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s MX2 rookie Tom Vialle who holds 5^th in the standings behind Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts. Vialle suffered a heavy hit in Mantova two weeks ago and was 7^thin Portugal last weekend but with the home crowd behind the already impressive rookie the French GP could provide him with the best result yet.

One more rider to follow this weekend is the Team Honda 114 Motorsport rookie, Mitchell Evans. Evans reached the podium for his 2^nd time last week and though he is Australian he will consider this his home GP as him and his team is now based in France.

2018 MXGP MXGP of France MX2 Podium: 

1. Jorge Prado
2. Thomas Covington
3. Thomas Kjer Olsen

MX2 ChampionshipTop Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 250 points; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 247 p.; 3. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 193 p.; 4. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 170 p.; 5. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 164 p.; 6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 155 p.; 7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 155 p.; 8. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 128 p.; 9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 127 p.; 10. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED,HON), 122 p.

Main Photo: MX2 Start St.Jean d'Angely 2018

Bottom Photos: 1. Jorge Prado; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen

Timetable

SATURDAY: 07:45 EMX125 Group 1 Free Practice, 08:10 EMX125 Group 2 Free Practice, 08:35 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 09:00 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:40 EMX125 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 10:20 EMX125 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 11:00 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 11:40 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 12:30 MX2 Free Practice, 13:00 MXGP Free Practice, 13:55 EMX125 Race 1, 14:40 MX2 Time Practice, 15:15 MXGP Time Practice, 16:05 EMX250 Race 1, 16:55 MX2 Qualifying Race, 17:40 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 09:45 EMX125 Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of France

The last of the 3 back to back racing weekend is taking place this weekend, 25th and 26th May in St.Jean d'Angely for the MXGP of France. 

Timetable & Entry Lists for the event are available for download in PDF format here below: 

TIMETABLE

MXGP Entry List

MX2 Entry List

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Entry List

EMX250 Entry List

MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings has at last returned to the saddle of his Red Bull KTM 450SX-F after recovering from surgery on his right foot in January.

The 24-year old has been completing short practice races on the #84 machine for almost three weeks. Herlings has recovered enough strength and stability in his foot in the wake of surgery at the beginning of the year to repair several fractures. The Dutchman sustained the injury three weeks before the start of the 2019 season in Argentina after a training accident in Spain.

The reigning #1 is in the later phases of his recovery but still has to confirm a Grand Prix for his return to MXGP action. 

Jeffrey Herlings: “It feels great to be back on the bike again but I have to take things slowly and listen to what my body is saying. Sometimes I still have some pain in my foot and I need to train and get good time on the bike after three months of almost doing nothing. Basically I need to ride myself into shape. I want to come back to the track when I am 100% but I know I won’t be able to return and win; it will take a few races to get back up to a good level and the rest of the guys are already pushing hard and have the rhythm of regular racing. I’m working hard and will be back as soon as possible.”

MXGP is happy to keep running the FOX Holeshot competition trough the 19 rounds of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season together with MXGP Partner FOX. 

The way it works is that 1 point is awarded per MXGP or MX2 championship race. The first rider who cross the white line painted on the ground at the exit of the first corner will be given a point. At the end of the season, the 2 riders – one per category - with the most FOX Holeshot points will win a mega prize. 

At the MXGP of Portugal taking place on May the 19^th in Agueda Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli took the FOX Holeshots in race 1 while Monster Energy Yamaha Wilvo’s Arnaud Tonus took it in Race 2. 

In MX2 class Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and F&H Racing Kawasaki’s Roan Van de Moosdijk took the FOX Holeshots in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively.

Watch the FOX Holeshots Films HERE below

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

Heading into this weekend’s MXGP of France, set for the undulating circuit of St Jean d’Angely, it isn’t hard to look back at the history of the French motocross riders and feel they have done their share in making the FIM Motocross World Championship a better championship.

Nine Frenchman have tasted victory at the end of a GP season and been crowned FIM Motocross World Champion. The French have picked up 14 titles in total as many of their world champs scored more than one championship in their careers.

Back in 1986 Jacky Vimond became the first ever French rider to win a FIM Motocross World Championship. He did so in the 250cc class, and while Vimond was the pioneer of success for French riders it was Jean Michele Bayle who won 125cc and 250cc titles in 1988 and 1989 and started a frenzy of interest and success for the tri-color riders.

Bayle, who moved to America soon after his GP success in 1988, did still compete in Europe in the winter at the annual Bercy Supercross. Beating the big-name American riders and making a long list of young French kids in attendance wish they could be like the good looking and very marketable Bayle.

It didn’t come straight away though, and while names like David Vuillemin, Stephane Roncada, and Mickael Pichon looked to become the next J.M. Bayle it wasn’t until the summer of 1996 that another amazingly talented Frenchman stole the hearts of the motocross world.

When a 16-year-old Sebastien Tortelli picked up the 125cc World Championship ahead of British rider Paul Malin a new era in French motocross was born. Tortelli added the 250 title in 1998 after a season long battle with Stefan Everts and this opened the floodgates for French success.

Soon to follow came world titles for Frederic Bolley in the 250cc class in 1999 and 2000, Mickael Pichon also in the 250cc class in 2001 and 2002, Mickael Maschio in MX2 in 2002, and Marvin Musquin and Jordi Tixier in the MX2 class in 2009 and 2010 and 2014. Of course, the last Frenchman to be claimed World Motocross Champion was Romain Febvre in 2015 when he won the MXGP Championship.

The French have also won the FIM Motocross of Nations on six occasions, in 2001 at the famous Namur circuit and then they started their domination of the event with wins in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Now in 2019 the French have a couple of riders capable of winning GP races and taking overall victories. Gautier Paulin and Romain Febvre have all scored well in recent years and hold a special place in the hearts of the French public.

You can be sure when the Grand Prix of France fires up on Saturday morning the always large crowd will be standing as close as possible to the circuit to cheer on their local heroes, and you can be sure names like Paulin and Febvre will be wanting more than anything to repay their countrymen with victory come Sunday night.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 20 May 2019 - Youthstream is proud to announce the venue and timing of the 2019 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship and FIM Junior Motocross World Cup! On the 13-14th of July 2019 Junior Motocross riders from around the world will head to the famous circuit of Trentino in Italy’s North.

The event will return to Italy 8 years after its last visit in 2011. The 2019 edition will take place at the same venue as the MXGP and MX2 World Championship of Pietramurata. The two-day event will host practice and qualifying sessions Saturday followed by racing of the three classes, 125cc, 85cc, and 65cc, on Sunday. Riding for themselves and also their country with the results of nations makes the event one of a kind and always creates a great atmosphere of both comradery and competition. 

The world class facility has been a long time favorite of riders and fans with its stunning backdrop and amazing surroundings. The venue, aside from being in one of the most passionate motocross countries in the world, is easily accessible from the nearby cities of Milan, Venice, and Verona.

The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship includes the 125cc and 85cc two stroke categories plus the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup. Along with returning competitors and even previous champions the junior rising talents of motocross will all be going to Trentino from different countries racing at the unique race for the chance to become an FIM Junior Motocross World Champion!

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Junior Motocross World Championship Trentino