MX2

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 18 January 2019 – Youthstream is pleased to announce the extension of MXGP’s Partnership with the Italian boot brand, Forma Boots. Forma Boots will continue to partner with visibility throughout the track and around the paddock each round of the upcoming 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship.

The Forma brand was born in Italy in 1999 and since then has continued growth trends.

Thanks to its own R&D and continuous technical development, the brand has been able to offer the market a complete product range. Forma is now distributed in 70 countries worldwide and the entire collection is developed in Italy, with all the boots and the majority of the shoes manufactured within the European Community.

The research shown in the product range and, the potential to offer only the best products, together with excellent assistance to the sales distribution network through sponsorship investments in the main World Championships, has made the brand even more recognizable.

Forma’s enthusiasm to produce the best product for the sport fits perfectly with MXGP and Youthstream’s goal of growing the sport and bringing it to new regions of the world.

All the Forma Off-Road and MX Riders are proud to use the new top of the line Predator 2.0 boot for the 2019 season.

Stay up-to-date with Forma Boots performance by following them and MXGP on both Facebook and Instagram.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Forma Boot

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 17 January 2019 – Youthstream is proud to announce that Polisport has again stepped up and renewed their partnership with MXGP for the upcoming seasons. Polisport has not only renewed their agreement but has made a 3-year commitment to the championship after several years of success already in the books. Polisport, a master in the production of after-market plastic, parts and accessories, will be an official partner of the FIM Motocross World Championship for the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons.

As a partner of the MXGP series Polisport’s bike stand and bike mat are featured in the MXGP podium ceremonies in addition to various advertising boards positioned at the various circuits of the championship giving the brand television coverage, as well as worldwide recognition. Polisport will also continue to have a display area inside the MXGP paddock where fans can interact and gather information about their products.

The company based in Portugal is only a short distance from the Portuguese GP in Agueda founded in 1978 with their first products being replica plastics for motorcycles. This has been the foundation of the business and now Polisport is the leading supplier for the top motorcycle brands in the industry, as well as a partner with the best teams in MXGP.

The inspiration to form a company focused on off-road bikes came from the heart, as the founder and current CEO – Pedro Araújo - was an avid off-road rider. Since its opening Polisport has made a name for itself producing high quality after market plastics for motocross, enduro and supermoto bikes. Their products include full replica plastic kits, headlights, hand guards, body protectors, along with some of the most innovative accessories on the market.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Polisport

We all remember the 2018 version of the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina. A great battle between Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli was the start of an amazing season. Argentina seems to be the perfect start to a season, and once again the GP paddock will load up and fly to the South American country.

Lucas De La Fuente, is also a key part in the promotion at the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina, the opening round of the 2019 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship, and a circuit that has brought much pleasure to riders, teams, and anyone involved in this event.

“When we started with the idea to run it here,” De La Fuente said. “We struggled to find a location. As you can imagine, it is a beautiful place, but to find a space that was big enough and could hold such an event, that wasn’t easy to find. The first stage was trying to imagine that, and I had visited Grand Prix’s, so I had an idea how I wanted to do it. We pushed a lot, we had options for different places in the province, but we knew with this location, when everyone comes, they already see something special, and you start straight away with a positive vibe.

Youthstream Vice President, Mr. David Luongo is excited to see the GP calendar have places like China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Argentina on the schedule in 2019.

“People who don’t travel, they don’t really understand how popular our sport is outside of Europe, it isn’t just in Asia, but also in South America. When we come to these places, the people are like virgin fans, they are so happy to see the best riders in the world, and they are so happy to see the tourists and this experience is unique, we don’t have this anywhere in Europe.”

For Jeffrey Herlings, it was a special weekend back in 2018. Having struggled a little early, the Dutchman proved that he was going to make 2018 something special, taking the GP win at Patagonia and setting up a great year.

“It was a good day last year,” Herlings said. “I think most people like the circuit in Argentina, and it is good for racing. I was blessed to have won the first GP of the year and the hard work of the winter showed. Again this year we head to Patagonia, and I hope we can have another great battle and we have many fans again, like we have had every year there. I look forward to returning.”

Now here we are 11 months later, and once again the MXGP paddock will start their preparation for the new season. Riders are training, mechanics are working on testing the bikes, and team owners are planning their budget for the most intense, and diverse motocross series in the World. Come March 3, and it will be Patagonia in Argentina that will once again be awoken by the sound of MXGP.

MXGP has seen many great riders over the years, but as of tonight it also has a Knight! 2018 MXGP FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings, from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, has become a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

This honor is exclusively awarded in the Netherlands to people with outstanding achievements. A requirement which Jeffrey Herlings fits perfectly, after becoming 2018 MXGP World Champion, dominating the Dutch Masters of Motocross, and taking third as a part of the Dutch team at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

Jeffrey: “What a night… amazing. To receive this honor is something very special. One of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t see this coming. I’m speechless but will go home tonight with a big smile on my face.”

Herlings received the Royal decoration at the Motorsports gala of the Royal Dutch Motorcycle Federation (KNMV) from Dutch Minister of Sports Bruno Bruins who had nothing but kind words:

“You’re a great champion and an inspiration to others. You’re an example of what it takes to be a true sportsman. Our king could not attend the Grand Prix in Assen but is well aware of your achievements. He’d like to honor you with this decoration.”

At the same event Jeffrey was also awarded the highest Dutch award in motorsports: the Hans de Beaufort trophy. KTM Motorsport’s Director Pit Beirer handed this to him saying:

“This is for being an outstanding rider and a fighter for your country. You deserve it for being an ambassador of the sport and turning over your knowledge to young riders.”

Herlings enjoyed the night but he is fully focused on the upcoming 2019 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship season kicking off on the 2^nd and 3^rd of March in Patagonia-Argentina. We just might have to call him ‘sir’ from now on…

Photo: Marvin Duiker / KNMV

The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship will be an exciting year of racing and is coming up soon! The 2019 MXGP season will return the Mantova circuit in Italy this May for the MXGP of Lombardia after a 2 year hiatus from the calendar.

MXGP is proud to announce that VIP GOLD Skybox pass sales have opened and the ultimate MXGP experience, VIP Gold SkyBox Passes can be purchased online now!

For more information about the VIP options and to purchase online now visit https://italy.motocross-viptickets.com/en/2366-italy-motocross-vip/

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 11th January 2019 – Youthstream is excited to announce the official entry lists for the opening round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship taking place at the Neuquen circuit in Patagonia-Argentina this 2nd and 3rd of March.

The MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina has made itself one of the most liked stops on the calendar since 2015 by both riders and industry members. The 2019 entry list showcases an impressive line up with the best riders in the world. The combination of an amazing venue, stacked competition, and it being the first round of the season will leave all eyes watching in anticipation of the amazing racing which will surely be produced.

While the inaugural race in 2015 was won by KTM Sarholz Racing Team’s Max Nagl the following two years were taken by the 2016 MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser, but last year an amazing comeback from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings set a tone for the remainder of his championship winning season against fellow Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Antonio Cairoli. Aside from the veterans of MXGP newcomers to the class are also on the entry list such as 2017 MX2 World Champion, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass, JWR Yamaha Racing’s Vsevolod Brylyakov, and more.

To see all those who will be lining up in Patagonia you can find both the MXGP & MX2 Entry Lists here below:

Click HERE to download the MXGP and MX2 Entry lists for the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Patagonia - Argentina

Team iFly JK Racing has announced its lineup for 2019 along with their renewed agreement with Yamaha Motor Europe. The team will be well represented in the various championships throughout Europe and the world with a diverse list of riders.

iFly JK Racing Yamaha has signed the young riders of Natanael Bres in MX2, Jere Haavisto and Manuel Iacopi in EMX250, Adam Kovacs in EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing, and Lynn Valk in WMX to compete in nearly all categories during the upcoming 2019 season.

Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee are proud to announce their rider line-up for 2019. Current MX2 Motocross Champion Conrad Mewse will team up with Dutchman Bas Vaessen to compete in the MX2 category of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship.

Team Manager Roger Magee said: “We were very happy to re-sign Conrad at Imola and then clinch his first British championship. We’ve been watching Bas for a couple of years and thought it was the right time to bring him into the KTM family. Bas has already adapted to the KTM really well and will be travelling to Redsand with Conrad and the rest of the team next week for pre-season testing with WP Suspension.”

Both riders will use the potent KTM 250 SX-F equipped with semi-factory engines. “Conrad and Bas have so much potential and we’re looking forward to seeing them push each other to the next level,” said Roger.

Graeme Irwin will compete in the MXGP category of the F.I.M. Motocross World Championship and Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship. Graeme endured a number of injuries in 2018 that cost him the chance to defend his 2017 British championship so will be looking for redemption aboard the KTM 450 SX-F. “We know Graeme has the speed to win, we just need to avoid some of the bad luck that bit him. We’re confident that Graeme will be much stronger at home and in the MXGPs this year, once he has fully recovered from the injuries sustained at Imola,” said Roger.

Troy Lee helmets and apparel, Alpinestars boots and Oakley goggles will once again provide state-of-the-art clothing and equipment for Graeme, Conrad and Bas.

Hitachi Construction Machinery and Milwaukee Power Tools will be joint title sponsors for 2019 and beyond. The new-look Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee Team will make their debut at the Hawkstone Park International on 17 February 2019.

Copyright: photo: Hitachi KTM

Following on from Mathys Boisrame’s dominant EMX250 title-winning campaign in 2018 aboard the Honda CRF250R, three teams will field a total of five riders all hopeful to replicate the Frenchman’s success.

As Boisrame is promoted to the MX2 category with Team Assomotor Redmoto Honda, his seat is taken by the Frenchman Stephen Rubini who joins the Honda stable. He will line up alongside Pierre Goupillon who won the opening EMX250 round of last year in Valencia and took five moto top-three finishes, including a moto win in Russia.

At Team Honda 114 Motorsports, 14-year-old Axel Louis, former French 85cc Champion, will join Chihiro Notsuka on another pair of Honda CRF250Rs. Having won the IA2 class in JMX in 2016 and completed an MX2 season in 2017 with Team HRC, Notsuka took five race wins in his 2018 JMX campaign.

Lining up on the Buildbase Honda Racing CRF250R is Josh Gilbert, who finished second in the MX2 class of the British Motocross championship last season as well as completing wildcards at the British and French MXGP rounds in MX2, aboard a Honda CRF250R.

The EMX250 season gets underway at the British Grand Prix at Matterley Basin on 23-24 March, with the teams testing in readiness for the eagerly anticipated first gate drop.

Copyright: Photo: Honda Pro Racing

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Jeffrey Herlings has proven time and time again in the last two years, that when it comes to who is the fastest rider in the World, he stands alone. Race or GP losses to Clement Desalle, Antonio Cairoli and Eli Tomac in the last 18 months, have not done anything to take away his claim as the fastest man on the planet. Even in 2017, without a World Championship, he proved speed wise, he was unbeatable, once recovered from injuries.

Herlings knows that when it comes to all out speed, it’s hard to beat him, his 2017 and 2018 brilliance has continued a domination that might see him one day called the greatest of all time.

As for his goal for 2019, it is to join the magnificent seven riders, who have won five or more World Motocross titles. A list of riders that are edged into the folk-lore of motocross.

“I feel like the European riders have really developed throughout the years,” Herlings said. “I have proven I have beaten the reigning World Champion, Antonio Cairoli, I have won 17 of the 19 races I attended, and the Monster Energy FIM MXoN was the only chance I had to race the American national champion (Eli Tomac) and I beat him three times, Saturday and Sunday. So if you look at the outdoors, I was the fastest. Even if you look at 2017, I raced Tomac in five races and I beat him four out of the five, and now three out of three in 2018. I beat all the top guys from the US, Barcia and Roczen and I have beaten all the Europeans all year long. So I felt I could post that with the results, but hey, in a few days it starts all over again with 2019, and it will be interesting.”

As for improvement for 2019, that is going to be a tough job, and Herlings knows better than anyone that winning won’t come easy this year.

“I feel like in 2018,” Herlings said. “I did almost everything right, apart from breaking my collarbone, but it is hard to say. I try to keep improving, but it isn’t always easy, and the season I had in 2018, it’s going to be hard to beat that. So to get better is another chapter, and you never know, some people say you are at your best between 25 and 30. I will just take it from year to year.”

With just a month before the pre-season races beginning in Europe, you can be sure when Herlings arrives at the opening round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship in Patagonia, he will be more than ready to defend his championship and go for World Title number five, something only done by seven other men. Stefan Everts with 10, Antonio Cairoli with nine, Joel Robert with six, and Roger De Coster, Joel Smets, Georges Jobe and Eric Geboers with five each.

Photo: Ray Archer