MJC Yamaha continues its mission of developing young talent in Europe and has officially announced the signing of Sleny Goyer for the 2026 season. The French rider will line up alongside New Zealander Levi Townley, who has been renewed for a second season under the structure led by Loïc Le Foll.
A promising duo for 2026
After a 2025 season marked by a few injuries, but highlighted by a Junior World Championship title and a vice-European Championship finish in 125cc, MJC Yamaha has decided to focus its 2026 program around two riders.
Levi Townley, 2024 Junior 85cc World Champion and Blu Cru Cup 125cc runner-up, will continue his journey with the French team. Having stepped into the EMX125 scene this year, the young Kiwi was unable to fully showcase his potential due to two successive injuries, the second occurring just as he was preparing his return to racing.
Alongside him, Sleny Goyer will represent the French talent pipeline within the official Yamaha Europe 125 program. Vice-World Champion in 65cc in 2021 and 2024 European 85cc Champion, the French rider made his debut in the European 125 championship this year with a private program, delivering promising results including top 10 finishes at Saint-Jean-d’Angély and Riola Sardo. Unfortunately, a crash during testing in Germany forced him to miss the second half of the season.
MJC: still at the heart of Yamaha’s European program
True to its role as a talent incubator, MJC Yamaha remains a key step in Yamaha’s European pathway. In 2025, the team came very close to winning the EMX125 European Championship with Mano Faure, who ultimately finished runner-up to Nicolo Alvisi, but claimed the Junior World Championship crown in Romagné.
In 2026, Mano Faure will naturally move up to EMX250, and while there was some discussion about him becoming a support rider with Hutten Metaal, the VHR team has retained its status as the official Yamaha team in EMX250. He is expected to line up alongside Jarne Bervoets, while Hutten Metaal will continue developing the Reisulis brothers – Janis and Karlis – in MX2.
One arrival, one departure
With Levi Townley extended and Sleny Goyer signed, and Mano Faure promoted to EMX250 alongside Jarne Bervoets, the question remains about Dani Heitink. The Dutch rider is also set to move up to EMX250 next season, but he will no longer wear the MJC blue: he is expected to join the EMX250 program supported by Nestaan and Motovation Motorsport, alongside Dean Gregoire.
