WMX

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 30 March 2022 – It has been three years since the FIM Motocross World Championship took place in Agueda, Portugal and finally, this weekend, MXGP will see the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Agueda has been on the MXGP calendar since 1985, with the inaugural event won by David Strijbos in the 125cc division. Since then, the Portuguese circuit, known for its distinctive orange clay base has hosted 22 FIM Motocross World Championship events, with this weekend's race being the 23^rd time.

As it stands, Antonio Cairoli holds the record for the most Grand Prix victories at the venue, having won five in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2017. While in the Women’s Motocross World Championship, it’s Courtney Duncan of Big Van World MTX Kawasaki who has the most victories having won the previous two events that took place there.

Last time around in 2019, the MXGP of Portugal saw Team HRC’s Tim Gajser go 1-1 for the second time that season in MXGP, while in MX2, Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado won both of his races too and went on to claim the red plate from Diga Procross KTM Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen for the first time that season.

Heading into the races this weekend, there is no doubt that Gajser is the top favourite to win. The Slovenian is yet to let anybody else win a GP this season, having won the last three out of three events. He is without a doubt in great form and positive memories from the last time that he visited Agueda will only add to his strength.

When it comes to the championship standings, Gajser also holds a 17-point lead over Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Maxime Renaux, but he will need to be careful of the Frenchman this weekend, after we witnessed him secure his first race victory in the MXGP category less than two weeks ago. Renaux has certainly made some heads turn as he has solidified himself as a true MXGP competitor and title contender for 2022. He has also shown time and time again that he has the strength, speed and the mentality to run with the front-runners of the premier class and therefore could be a big threat for the championship.

Meanwhile Prado will take the opportunity to bounce back from a tough Argentinian Grand Prix. Despite landing on the podium, the Spaniard did not look like his usual self throughout the weekend, confirming the feeling himself at the post-race press conference, he also declared that he is excited to return to Portugal, a place that holds nice memories. Last time around Prado took the red plate in MX2 and continued the season with a string of victories to dominate the championship and claim his second world title. He will no doubt use those memories to his advantage this weekend as he will look to come back with a strong result.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer had an unlucky weekend at the previous round in Villa La Angostura, as a crash in the second race with Olsen went on to cost both riders valuable points. Seewer is currently fourth in the standings and will need a good result in Portugal in order to not lose the group ahead of him and stay within contention of the title this season. Meanwhile Olsen is seventh and has shown some positive results this season and it will be interesting to see what more he can deliver.

Standing Construct Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass may have surprised a few people in Argentina, after he claimed the MXGP qualifying race win and led 11 laps of the first race. The Latvian struggled with injury in the off-season and admitted that a lack of bike time was an issue, but despite his wound opening up in Mantova and needing further surgery to fix that, Jonass came to Argentina without any pressure, and that certainly paid off. Now it will be interesting to see if he can carry this momentum to Agueda and continue his year in a positive direction. Meanwhile his teammate Brian Bogers did not get so lucky. After coming close to a podium finish in Mantova, Bogers drew some attention by the time we arrive to Argentina. Things were looking positive until a big crash with F&H Kawasaki Racing Team’s Jed Beaton in the qualifying race saw the Dutchman dislocate his shoulder and not line up for the races. It is unclear how Bogers is at the moment, but his name remains on the entry list for the weekend.

Another name to look out for in MXGP is Honda 114 Motorsports Ruben Fernandez who has finished well inside the top 10 during the last two GP’s. This is Fernandez’s rookie season, but already he has shown a glimpse of what can be expected for the future as he gains more experience and confidence in the category.

Meanwhile, finally making his return to MXGP and his debut with the JM Honda Racing Team is Ivo Monticelli who due to injury was missing from the first three rounds of the season. But now back on the bike and ready to go, it will be interesting to see how Monticelli will match up against his competitors and his teammate Henry Jacobi who has been strong out of the gate the last couple of rounds as he claimed two Fox Holeshot’s this year so far.

2019 MXGP of Portugal Top 3 – MXGP:

1. Tim Gajser

2. Antonio Cairoli

3. Arnaud Tonus

Main Photo: MXGP Start 2019 Agueda

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser 2. Maxime Renaux

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 141 points; 2. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 124 p.; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 118 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 94 p.; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, BET), 76 p.; 6. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, HON), 74 p.; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, KTM), 73 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 71 p.; 9. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 58 p.; 10. Alberto Forato (ITA, GAS), 58 p.;

In MX2, things are also getting interesting as we finally witnessed Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle make his much-anticipated return to the top step of the podium after a tough couple of weeks. The Frenchman struggled with injury in the off-season and then upon his return had some big crashes, most notably the crash in Mantova and another in the last lap of practice in Argentina. But he bounced back with a win in the second heat to steal the overall victory from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts.

Three rounds in, Geerts leads the MX2 standings by 26 points over Vialle, who is just a point ahead of Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Simon Längenfelder. As it stands, the trio have a GP victory each to their names, while Geerts is slightly ahead with 3 podiums and 3 race victories. But those stats don’t mean a lot at the moment as there are still plenty of rounds to go.

Riders who could challenge the top three include the likes of SM Action Racing Team YUASA Battery’s Andrea Adamo who has caught attention of many in the first few races this season, along with Big Van World MTX Kawasaki’s Mikkel Haarup who celebrated his first podium since 2020 after finishing third overall in Argentina. It will be interesting to see if he can carry on with this momentum and who knows maybe this could be a start of string of podiums for the Dane and regular top five finishes, as he has shown that he has the ability to run at the sharp end.

And the same goes for F&H Kawasaki Racing Team’s Kevin Horgmo who has demonstrated that he can battle with the riders at the front, though crashes have proven to be costly for him. Nonetheless, he has made a lot of progress over the off-season that is evident, and a podium finish is likely on its way.

Despite struggling in the first few races this season, there is still a lot of hope that Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Mattia Guadagnini will turn things around and get back up to podium fighting positions, where he deserved to be. Last season Guadagnini racked up a nice number of podiums, before struggling in the latter part of the season and it’s still unclear what has been holding him back this year, but one thing for sure is if things come together he can run at the front.

Last time around in Argentina, it seemed like the MX2 category took a big hit as two of the top stars, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Kay de Wolf and Roan Van de Moosdijk suffered crashes and went out with injuries. Now news comes that de Wolf will aim to make a return for Portugal, which is great news as he was among the top guys in the class, while Van de Moosdijk underwent surgery on his shoulder and is nursing a broken collarbone and fracture wrist as well. His return is not yet known.

On a more positive note, this weekend we will see the return of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Thibault Benistant who was another rider who missed the start of the season due to injury.

Hitachi KTM Fuelled by Milwaukee rider Isak Gifting and Gianluca Facchetti of KTM Beddini MX2 will miss the upcoming GP due to injuries sustained in Argentina. Their return is not yet confirmed.

2019 MXGP of Portugal Top 3 – MX2:

1. Jorge Prado

2. Thomas Kjer Olsen

3. Mitch Evans

Main Photo: MX2 Start 2019 Agueda

Bottom Photos: 1. Tom Vialle 2. Jago Geerts

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 137 points; 2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 111 p.; 3. Simon Längenfelder (GER, GAS), 110 p.; 4. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 92 p.; 5. Andrea Adamo (ITA, GAS), 85 p.; 6. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, GAS), 81 p.; 7. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 78 p.; 8. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KAW), 78 p.; 9. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 69 p.; 10. Isak Gifting (SWE, KTM), 67 p.;

Joining the main action this weekend will also be the EMX250 and WMX riders, with Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing’s Rick Elzinga and Ceres 71 Racing’s Nancy Van De Ven currently leading the standings. It will be interesting to see whether the pair can hold on to the red plate after this weekend or whether they will be challenge by the rest of the field.

TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC+1)

SATURDAY: 08:45 WMX Free Practice, 09:10 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 09:35 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 10:05 WMX Qualifying Practice, 10:50 MX2 Free Practice, 11:20 MXGP Free Practice, 12:10 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 12:45 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 13:25 MX2 Time Practice, 14:00 MXGP Time Practice, 14:45 WMX Race 1, 15:30 EMX250 Race 1, 16:25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 17:10 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 09:45 WMX 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.

All the photos from the MXGP of Portugal will be available HERE.

You can find the complete results HERE.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Portugal

The FIM Motocross World Championship continues this weekend on the 2^nd and 3^rd of April in Agueda for the MXGP of Portugal.

Take a look at the timetable and entry lists below:

Timetable

MXGP Entry List

MX2 Entry List

EMX250 Entry List

WMX Entry List

MANTOVA (Lombardia) 6 March 2022 – The opening round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship in Lombardia has come to an end, with Ceres 71 Racing rider Nancy Van De Ven securing her 29^th career podium with the overall round victory ahead of JK Racing Yamaha’s Lynn Valk and Honda 114 Motorsports’ Martine Hughes.

The defending World Champion, Courtney Duncan of Big Van World MTX Kawasaki had an unlucky start to her 2022 campaign as she placed sixth overall, following a tough second race.

As the gate dropped for WMX race one, it was Duncan who grabbed the holeshot ahead of Valk and Van De Ven.

Amandine Verstappen was another rider to get a good start and was right there with the leaders before slipping down to fifth as Martine Hughes of Honda 114 Motorsports went by.

Yamaha Racing 423 rider Larissa Papenmeier was among the few ladies who were not so lucky out of the gate, as she crossed the line on the opening lap down in 30^th position and had a long way to come back.

After applying constant pressure, we saw Valk take over the lead from Duncan on the second lap. And a lap or so later she clocked the fastest lap time of the race and already had a nice 2.347 second gap.

Valk then continued her charge at the front as Duncan started to come under fire from Van De Ven and on lap five we saw the defending world champion slipped down another position.

By that point it was too late for Van De Ven to make a difference as Valk was already eight seconds ahead. In the end Valk crossed the finish line first, with Van De Ven second, Duncan third and Verstappen managing to get back into fourth after passing Hughes back. Meanwhile Papenmeier managed to come back to 11^th in the end.

In race two, it was Papenmeier who grabbed the holeshot from Shana van der Vlist, Sandra Keller of SK Racing and Van De Ven. Though Van De Ven was quick to make some passes and get herself into second. She then pursued Papenmeier and after several attempts was able to get the job done and move into the lead on the lap one.

Duncan meanwhile was unlucky in the start and was among the few riders that crashed in the first corner on the start. By the end of lap one she was 26^th.

At that point, race one winner, Valk was in fifth but was also quick to make passes as she got by both Elisa Galvagno and van der Vlist and was applying the pressure onto Papenmeier for second. She later made the pass.

Hughes was also looking strong in race two as she battled with van der Vlist for fourth. The Norwegian was able to make a pass stick and then set her sights on Papenmeier ahead.

By that point Van De Ven was already more than 3 seconds ahead, but Valk was able to bring the gap down by going purple in sector three and setting the fastest lap of the race.

As the race progressed, Duncan was fighting her way into the top 10 and after making a couple of more passes, she eventually finished in ninth place.

But back with the leaders, towards the closing stages of the race we saw Hughes continue her charge forward as she pushed Papenmeier down to fourth. By that point she was already too far behind the leaders so had to settle for third.

Papenmeier came under more fire in the closing stages, as she dropped to fifth, while van der Vlist move into fourth.

In the end it was Nancy Van De Ven who took her 17^th career race win, as Valk finished second and Hughes was third.

A 2-1 result gave Van De Ven the upper hand over Valk’s 1-2, as she took to the top step of the podium and secured the red plate at the opening round of the Women’s Motocross World Championship. Second overall was Valk, meanwhile Hughes made her very first podium appearance on her WMX debut!

The next round of the Women’s Motocross World Championship will take place in Portugal on the 2^nd / 3^rd of April.

Nancy Van De Ven: “I’m so happy. I worked so hard in the last years. I had so much bad luck and setbacks and now finally since 2018 I win a Grand Prix and I win a race again and I am incredibly happy”.

Main Photo: Nancy Van De Ven

Top Photos: 1. WMX Start; 2. WMX Podium

Bottom Photos: 1.Lynn Valk; 2. Martine Hughes

WMX - Race 1 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), 25:10.327; 2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:06.374; 3. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), +0:06.658; 4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:34.221; 5. Martine Hughes (NOR, Honda), +0:37.406; 6. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:02.150; 7. Giorgia Blasigh (ITA, Yamaha), +1:20.566; 8. Malou Jakobsen (DEN, KTM), +1:22.264; 9. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +1:24.444; 10. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:28.519;

WMX - Race 2 – Top 10 Classification: 1. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), 25:38.399; 2. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +0:07.896; 3. Martine Hughes (NOR, Honda), +0:13.879; 4. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +0:17.672; 5. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:30.600; 6. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:35.046; 7. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +0:51.401; 8. Elisa Galvagno (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:56.345; 9. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), +1:01.276; 10. Mathea Seleboe (NOR, Yamaha), +1:17.014;

WMX - Overall Top 10 Classification: 1. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 47 points; 2. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 47 p.; 3. Martine Hughes (NOR, HON), 36 p.; 4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, KAW), 34 p.; 5. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 33 p.; 6. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 32 p.; 7. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 26 p.; 8. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 25 p.; 9. Malou Jakobsen (DEN, KTM), 23 p.; 10. Giorgia Blasigh (ITA, YAM), 21 p.;

WMX - Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 47 points; 2. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 47 p.; 3. Martine Hughes (NOR, HON), 36 p.; 4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, KAW), 34 p.; 5. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 33 p.; 6. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 32 p.; 7. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 26 p.; 8. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 25 p.; 9. Malou Jakobsen (DEN, KTM), 23 p.; 10. Giorgia Blasigh (ITA, YAM), 21 p.;

WMX - Manufacturers Classification: 1. Yamaha, 50 points; 2. Honda, 36 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 36 p.; 4. KTM, 33 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 19 p.; 6. Suzuki, 16 p.; 7. GASGAS, 1 p.;

All the photos from the MXGP of Lombardia will be available HERE.

You can find the complete results HERE.

MXGP OF LOMBARDIA QUICK FACTS:

Circuit length: 1670m

Type of ground: Hard Sand

Temperature: 10° C

Weather conditions: Mostly Cloudy

Crowd Attendance: Limited to 5,000 spectators per day due to COVID restrictions.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Lombardia

MANTOVA (Italy) 4 March 2022 – The FIM Motocross World Championship carries momentums into the second round of the series, this weekend, taking place in Mantova for the MXGP of Lombardia.

In 2021, Mantova was at the forefront of some of the most memorable moments; being the host of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations and the home of the spectacular season finale where we watched Jeffrey Herlings take the crown in MXGP.

While this time around the stakes are not so high, the action still promises to be intense as Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Simon Längenfelder will aim for two on the bounce, while the likes of Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer, Maxime Renaux and Jago Geerts will fight for their place on the top step.

Below you can also find a list of TV channels that will air LIVE and delayed action of the MXGP of Lombardia, along with the 26min Behind-the-Gate magazine, available to enjoy on MXGP-TV.com and via our TV magazine partners following the GP weekend, featuring the best moments from the races and exclusive interviews, plus more!

This weekend Italy’s RAI, with whom MXGP renewed their TV partnership for another two years, will be onsite to provide coverage of the event with their very own Italian commentary. Details of how to watch the races on RAI can be found below.

As always, MXGP fans can follow the races LIVE throughout the weekend, all you need to do is log onto www.MXGP-TV.com this Saturday and Sunday to watch the MXGP,MX2, EMX250 and WMX action from the comfort of your home.

USA CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 00:30 pm ET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 01:30 am ET – Delayed

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Monday 7 March 2022 – MX2 Race 1 – 10:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MXGP Race 1 – 11:00 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MX2 Race 2 – 11:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 CET - Delayed

BELGIUM 

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET - LIVE

VRT

Sunday 6 March 2022  – 20mn highlights

ESTONIA

Go3

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET - LIVE

FINLAND

MTV Max

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:00 Finnish timing - LIVE

FRANCE

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE 

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET - LIVE

EUROSPORT 2

Monday 7 March 2022 – MX2 Race 1 – 10:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MXGP Race 1 – 11:00 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MX2 Race 2 – 11:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 CET - Delayed

ITALY

RAI SPORT HD

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 17:10 CET – Delayed

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 18:10 CET – Delayed

RAI STREAMING

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE Streaming

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE Streaming

EUROSPORT 2

Monday 7 March 2022 – MX2 Race 1 – 10:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MXGP Race 1 – 11:00 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MX2 Race 2 – 11:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 CET - Delayed

LATVIA

TV3 Sport Open

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET - LIVE

LITHUANIA

Go3

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET - LIVE

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Sunday 6 March 2022  2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE Streaming

Sunday 6 March 2022  2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE Streaming

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET - LIVE

SPAIN

TV Galicia

Sunday 6 March 2022  2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

Teledeporte

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 14:05 CET – Delayed

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 17:10 CET – Delayed

RTVE Play

Sunday 6 March 2022  2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE Streaming

Sunday 6 March 2022  2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE Streaming

BRAZIL

Bandsports

Sunday 6 March 2022  2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET – LIVE

ASIA

Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand

EUROSPORT ASIA

Monday 7 March 2022 – MX2 Race 1 – 10:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MXGP Race 1 – 11:00 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MX2 Race 2 – 11:30 CET – Delayed

Monday 7 March 2022 – MXGP Race 2 – 12:00 CET - Delayed

INDIA and Subcontinent (Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives)

VIACOM 18

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET - LIVE

PACIFIC

AUSTRALIA

STAN SPORTS

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET – LIVE

Sunday 6 March 2022  – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET - LIVE

26min Behind-the-Gate Magazine Partners:

AMERICA

Direct TV                     Latin America                         Thursday after each MXGP 8:30pm

USA                             MAV TV                                   During the week after the event

AFRICA

Africa                           AXP                                          During the week after the event

EUROPE

Albania                        Kreator TV                               Thursday after each event at 20:15

Austria                        Kreator TV                               Thursday after each event at 20:15

Baltics                          TV3 Sport Open                      Thursday after each MXGP

Belgium                       SPORT TEN                              tba

Bosnia                         Kreator TV                               Thursday after each event at 20:15

Croatia                        Kreator TV                               Thursday after each event at 20:15

Finland                        MTV                                         During the week after the event

Hungary                      Kreator TV                               Thursday after each event at 20:15

Kosovo                        Kreator TV                               Thursday after each event at 20:15

Montenegro                Kreator TV                               Thursday after each event at 20:15

Northern Macedonia  Kreator TV                                Thursday after each event at 20:15

Portugal                      SPORT TV                                Tuesday after the event        

Romania                      Look Sport                               Wednesday after each event

Serbia                          Kreator TV                               Thursday after each event at 20:15

Slovenia                      Sport TV                                  Tuesday after the event

Spain                           Movistar                                  Friday after each event at 12am

INDIA and Subcontinent (Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives)

VIACOM 18                                                                 TBC

WORLDWIDE

Worldwide                  Motorvision                             During the week after the event

                                    Redbull TV                              Race Craft and Vlog

MXGP of Lombardia LIVE MXGP-TV Timetable

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CET)

SATURDAY: 07:50 WMX Free Practice, 08:15 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 08:40 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:05 WMX Qualifying Practice, 09:50 MX2 Free Practice, 10:20 MXGP Free Practice, 11:10 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 11:45 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 12:25 MX2 Time Practice, 13:00 MXGP Time Practice, 13:45 WMX Race 1, 14:30 EMX250 Race 1, 15:25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 08:45 WMX Race 2, 09:25 MX2 Warm-up, 09:45 MXGP Warm-up, 10:30 EMX250 Race 2, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Lombardia

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 2 March 2022 – The FIM Motocross World Championship continues this weekend with the second round of the series heading to Mantova for the MXGP of Lombardia.

Last season, Mantova was at the forefront of some of the most memorable moments from the 2021 season and even in history of the sport, including the victory of Team Italy on home soil at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, the intense title showdown between Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings, Kawasaki Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and the last race of the legendary Antonio Cairoli.

This time around Mantova will have a lot to live up to but if the actions of the British Grand Prix last weekend, are anything to go by, nothing less can be expected!

Joining the MXGP and MX2 stars this weekend will be the EMX250 and Women’s Motocross World Championship riders for their opening rounds of the 2021 season.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser will enter the second round with the red plate on his CRF450R. There is no doubt that the Slovenian will look for that 1-1 that he so narrowly missed out on in Matterley Basin, after crashing out of the lead in race two. Gajser has won twice in Mantova, which was back in 2016 and 2020 but another win could be highly likely if he carries the same momentum as he had in Great Britain.

There to keep him on his toes once again will be Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado who finished second on the box last weekend and won the second race after fending off Gajser for most of the race. The starts have been a big advantage for Prado who has been able to get out in front early doors, so the same can be expected this weekend as he will once again battle for the podium, especially the top step which he is yet to achieve in Mantova in the MXGP category (he has won in MX2 in 2019).

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP’s Romain Febvre will once again miss out on the Grand Prix, with their return yet to be confirmed.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer, Maxime Renaux and Glenn Coldenhoff were out in full force in Great Britain with the trio finishing third, fourth and fifth respectively. For Seewer, it was his first time ever finishing on the box at the opening round of the championship and he will no doubt be motivated to make it back-to-back podiums and add a second GP win in Mantova, to the one he got in 2020, which was also his first ever GP victory in the MXGP class. Meanwhile Renaux was impressive to say the least on his first outing in the MXGP class, so it will be interesting to see if he can bring this competitiveness once again.

MXGP rookie Jed Beaton from F&H Kawasaki Racing Team delivered some strong results during his first race in the premiere class finishing sixth overall. It would be nice to see him at the sharp end again this weekend as he gets to grips with the new category.

Same goes for Honda 114 Motorsports’ Ruben Fernandez who looked promising in Matterley Basin. The Spaniard got unlucky in race one but had a much stronger second race where he placed fifth and definitely has the potential for something more in Mantova.

Alberto Forato of SM Action Racing Team YUASA Battery was also impressive at the British round as he delivered his first top 10 overall result of the season, finishing seventh. Heading to his home round, it would be nice to see him build upon his previous result.

While his fellow countryman Alessandro Lupino of Beta SDM Corse will hope to bounce back after a disastrous first outing with the new team. Lupino did not finish either of the MXGP races and therefore scoring 0 points last weekend.

For Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis it was much of the same, as the Lithuanian struggled in both races. He DNF’d race one and place 20^th in race to and will no doubt be looking to improve in Mantova.

2021 MXGP of Città di Mantova – Top 3 MXGP:

1. Jeffrey Herlings 50pts

2. Tim Gajser 42pts

3. Romain Febvre 42pts

Main Photo: MXGP Start 2021

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser 2. Jorge Prado

MXGP - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 47 points; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, GAS), 43 p.; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 40 p.; 4. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 35 p.; 5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, YAM), 32 p.; 6. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 30 p.; 7. Alberto Forato (ITA, GAS), 28 p.; 8. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, KTM), 24 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, BET), 23 p.; 10. Brian Bogers (NED, HUS), 23 p.;

MXGP - Manufacturers Classification: 1. Honda, 47 points; 2. GASGAS, 43 p.; 3. Yamaha, 42 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 30 p.; 5. KTM, 24 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 23 p.; 7. Beta, 23 p.;

In MX2, the second round of the MX2 World Championship will be interesting to see whether Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing’s Simon Längenfelder can bring the same type of dominance that we saw in Matterley Basin. The young German won the qualifying race, both races, took both Fox Hoelshots and left the first round with the red plate. Pressure will be high to deliver something along the same lines, so it will be interesting to see how he can adapt to the more sandy circuit.

Meanwhile, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle will look for every opportunity to fight back and get himself a race win and on the top step of the podium. The Frenchman confirmed in a press conference that he was not feeling 100% after his foot injury last year but is hoping to re-group in Mantova. Vialle is yet to win in Mantova but has come close before, so maybe this time will be his turn.  

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jago Geerts will look to repeat his podium success in Mantova as he continues to get back to strength after his arm surgery that only saw him back on the bike days before the first GP. Geerts has the potential to be strong in the sand of Mantova as he has won the Grand Prix there three times before, twice in 2021 and once in 2020 so as far as favourites go, Geerts is among the top to win.

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing duo of Kay de Wolf and Roan Van De Moosdijk will be looking for that podium spot this weekend after tying on points in fourth last weekend. Both are strong sand riders so could be serious contenders for race wins and certainly for the podium.

F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Kevin Horgmo showed a lot of promise at the opening round, as he finished eighth overall but ran with the leaders in both races. This is Horgmo’s first season back in MX2 after he made the move back down to EMX250 in 2021. Now part of the F&H squad and under the guidance of former GP rider Marc De Reuver, it will be interesting to see how Horgmo will match up in the sand.

Big Ban World MTX Kawasaki Racing’s Mikkel Haarup also showed what could be in store as he finished sixth overall with an 8-7 result in the races. As did Stephen Rubini of Team Ship to Cycle Honda who was 7^th overall and Isak Gifting of Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee who ended his weekend 9^th overall. All three of the riders were right in the mix during the weekend and much of the same could be expected this time too.

Meanwhile home rider Mattia Guadagnini from Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing will need to re-group and bounce back as he currently sits 10^th in the MX2 World Championship standings. Many may have expected Guadagnini to be on the podium at the opening round, since he podiumed in Great Britain last year. But that was not the reality, as a 13-8 result was the best he could do. The MXGP of Lombardia will be an opportunity for Guadagnini to fight back and one that he will need to make the most of, in order to keep with the title contenders this year. He has previously won in Mantova in the EMX125 and EMX250 categories, which means he’s no stranger to winning in  the hard sand, and it could be just what he needs to boost his confidence for the remainder of the year.

Another name to look out for at the Italian Grand Prix is SM Action Racing Team YUASA Battery rider Andrea Adamo who has picked up pretty much where he left off in 2021. On his first outing in 2022, the Italian has finished 10^th overall, which is a nice result to build upon this season.

2021 MXGP of Città di Mantova – Top 3 MX2:

1. Jago Geerts 47pts

2. Maxime Renaux 45pts

3. Kay de Wolf 37pts

Main Photo: MX2 Start 2021

Bottom Photos: 1. Jago Geerts 2. Mattia Guadagnini

MX2 - World Championship Top 10 Classification: 1. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, GAS), 50 points; 2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 42 p.; 3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 40 p.; 4. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 36 p.; 5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, HUS), 33 p.; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 27 p.; 7. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 27 p.; 8. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KAW), 26 p.; 9. Isak Gifting (SWE, KTM), 22 p.; 10. Andrea Adamo (ITA, GAS), 22 p.;

MX2 - Manufacturers Classification: 1. GASGAS, 50 points; 2. KTM, 42 p.; 3. Yamaha, 40 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 38 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 28 p.; 6. Honda, 27 p.;

TIMETABLE (Local Timing CET)

SATURDAY: 07:50 WMX Free Practice, 08:15 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 08:40 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:05 WMX Qualifying Practice, 09:50 MX2 Free Practice, 10:20 MXGP Free Practice, 11:10 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying Practice, 11:45 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying Practice, 12:25 MX2 Time Practice, 13:00 MXGP Time Practice, 13:45 WMX Race 1, 14:30 EMX250 Race 1, 15:25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:10 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 08:45 WMX Race 2, 09:25 MX2 Warm-up, 09:45 MXGP Warm-up, 10:30 EMX250 Race 2, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Lombardia

The second round of the 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship heads to Mantova this weekend for the MXGP of Lombardia.

Timetable and entry lists for the MXGP of Lombardia can be found at the links below:

TIMETABLE

MXGP ENTRY LIST

MX2 ENTRY LIST

EMX250 ENTRY LIST

WMX ENTRY LIST

Kiara Fontanesi, a savage WMX rider, is Back on Track in her 2021 season. If we’ve come to expect anything from watching her maverick performances over the years, it won’t be a gentle ride to the top. Going for glory will be all dirt, pain, sweat, tears and putting her body on the line. But that’s what it takes to compete at the top.  

“Elbows flying between Fontanesi and Duncan, touching wheels too”, came the commentary last September in Turkey, with “a drag race to the final corner” where agitator Fontanesi just nabbed the victory. The rankings hang in the balance with fights such as these where everything is up in the air until the last possible moment. Bringing sporadic energy like this to the sport is Fontanesi’s hallmark, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the race is said and done.

A sunny October day in Trentino, the trees are shimmering in the warm breeze, and a horde of the world’s top WMX riders are lined up at the gate, to fight it out across the 1550m of hard pack soil. Stretches done, body armour on and ready to do battle, Kiara Fontanesi begins the race in pole position, as she is accustomed to doing. But after being wiped out early on in the competition, her hopes are dashed. “When you win you don’t get stronger”, comes the sage advice from the experienced veteran. Words such as these are little comfort though for a competitor who is by now used to winning big and in badass style. Coming off the track, the mud settled, fatigues torn, she is battle-hardened.

That day saw fellow Monster athlete Courtney Duncan being crowned the 2021 WMX World Champion for the third time. For Fontanesi though, it was a time of reflection, explored in detail in the video she is now releasing. “Motorcycle racing is my lifestyle, not my life”: a sentiment that we get to grips with in this personal portrayal of Fontanesi’s life, both on and off the bike.

It’s always been a family affair at the Fontanesi paddock. Her father making sure the suspension is up to scratch and her brother holding the electricals down. In this video Fontanesi touches on how motherhood has impacted her career as a professional WMX rider and how actually it was the best possible move for her, taking time off to reset and come back stronger than ever. Family business aside, in this video Fontanesi is back on track and riding with a vengeance.     

To the fans it is her stunning performances over the years that matter above all else. An absolute renegade on the bike, Fontanesi has been the FIM women’s motocross World Champion a staggering six times, a historical record that will take some beating.

After pushing her body and mind to the limit in 2017 and feeling shaky on the bike for an excruciating moment - “I lost focus” - she needed a break. We might expect someone pushing it as hard as she did to burn out, what is less expected though is how quickly she was back on the bike. “My body needed a shock and to reset”, and reset she did. Just three months after giving birth she was lining up for the gates at Matterley Basin in 2020. Her first win of that season came a week later at Valkenswaard where she absolutely ripped through the track, proving she is a serious threat in the world of WMX.

In a sport where on race day it’s just you out there, alone on your bike, pitted against everyone around you, there is nothing more crucial than a support network. Fontanesi’s academy, which she describes in the video, is about giving back to young people. They come to the academy for training, both physically and mentally. And as someone with a story to tell and some seriously badass credentials, Fontanesi is the perfect figure to look up to for the young hopefuls. They take her seriously both on the bike and off.

Fontanesi gets back on track and goes for glory in this unbridled deep dive into her life.

After a very successful 2021 season highlighted by the 5 podiums of the rising Spanish talent, Ruben Fernandez in the MX2 World Championship, Team Honda 114 Motorsports will be even stronger for the new 2022 campaign!

After a stunning debut in Mantova this year in the MXGP class Ruben Fernandez will step up to MXGP World Championship for 2022 on board his new CRF450RW ready to fight for the top positions of the most competitive class on the planet.

Besides Fernandez in MXGP, Team 114 Motorsports will line up in the MX2 class the young, Norwegian talent, Hakon Fredriksen who impressed this year securing 2 wins and 4 podiums in the EMX250 despite being only 19 years old.

Again, for the 2022 season Team 114 Motorsports will line up two ladies in the WMX World Championship with the confirmation of the Aussie, Tahlia O’Hare who finished in the top 10 in the championship this year and looking for more in 2022 and the new recruit, the very young Norwegian Martine Hughes who will make her debut in this class in 2022.

Ruben: “I will be riding for 114 motorsports for the 2022 season. Considering the good results, we got last year and how good I felt with everyone on the team I am happy I am able to work with them for another year. Looking forward to this upcoming new season”.

Hakon: I’’m really excited about the new team and the new challenge stepping up to MX2. I really appreciate the opportunity! Everyone is super nice and motivated so I think we can do great things together. Also having Ruben and TJ as teammates is going to be good, I think we can push each other to a higher level. It’s cool going back to the roots riding Honda again, it’s where my racing career started. The new bike feels amazing, I’ve ridden it a few times now and already from the first test I felt comfortable! Looking forward to make it even better over the winter with the crew. Can’t wait to go racing!”

TJ: “I’m excited for the second year together with the team to keep making progress and putting some nice races together. I like how everyone in the team works together and am happy to have the opportunity to continue”.

Livia Lancelot Team Manager: “After a successful season in 2021 , I’m really happy to line up next season with Ruben again but on the 450cc this time. I’m sure that this class will suit him better. I’m also really happy to keep working with Tahlia, she didn’t have the time to show all her potential yet so I’m happy that we have more time. Then we have Two new riders in the Team with Hakon and Martine, I can’t wait to start working with all of them”.

Gordon Crockard: “With the 2021 season concluded only some weeks ago and the 2022 season set to start racing soon, the off season is minimal and the team have little time to rest and recharge. We have confidence that the team will be ready and give our riders their best opportunity to maximise their potential entering into the up-shift of categories for both Ruben to MXGP and Hakon to MX2. Ruben has the task of mastering the mighty 450 class and showed us already he has the minerals necessary, however this is his rookie year and with such a short off season we have to act with patience and take steps respectfully. Hakon returns to the Honda family onboard the all new CRF250R, colours I fondly remember him representing as an EMX150 race winner in the Honda 150 European Championship. MX2 is a step up for Hakon, but with the new CRF250R and the team structure, I think he has his best opportunity to showcase himself well”.