At just 17 years old, Pelle Gundersen is already taking a different path to many of his peers. While the Norwegian youngster was still eligible to race the EMX125 championship this year, he made the decision to step up to the MX2 World Championship, choosing progression and experience at the highest level over another season in the smaller class.
The move has already paid dividends, with Gundersen making a clear step forward during his first season of Grand Prix racing. Despite battling health issues which limited his training and affected his results, the Norwegian has established himself as a regular top-15 rider and has finished the latter part of the season strongly, including a first top-10 qualifying race result in Sweden.
Away from the World Championship, Gundersen will now head to Ernee for his second Motocross of Nations appearance, where he will take on an important role for the Norwegian team following a number of rider changes.
With a clear desire to continue racing MX2 in 2027 rather than drop down to the EMX250 class, Gundersen’s ambitions are clear. We caught up with the young Norwegian to discuss his decision to step up, his development throughout the season, his MXoN goals and what comes next in his promising career.
GateDrop: Pelle, despite just being 17 years old and still able to race the EMX125 series, this year you decided to focus on the MX2 World Championship and race the majority of races in Europe. What was the reason for this decision?
Gundersen: Yes sometimes I do look back and think I can actually race a 125cc if I wanted. But I really feel like moving up early and after the big improvements I got from racing the few rounds of MX2 last year, I really wanted to go for MX2 this year. I wanted to do it mainly for progression, that’s what it’s all about.
GateDrop: You had some pretty good results, you must be happy with your development this year racing the GP’s?
Gundersen: Of course. I made a big step from last year going from a 17-20 place guy to a 10-13 place guy is a big step. But it has been a tough season struggling with some health issues that has kept me from getting the results I would like. I also haven’t been able to train as I want to but it’s also something we have learned from. I’m really happy with the step that I’ve made during the last part of the season getting top 10 in almost every timed practice. I got my first top 10 in the qualifying race at home in Sweden.
GateDrop: What was the hardest thing about racing MX2 would you say?
Gundersen: Mainly that everyone is so strong and has got so much experience. For me it’s the first time I go through this so it’s so much to learn from.
GateDrop: You also won the Norwegian title. You must feel proud to win a domestic title?
Gundersen: It was a team Norwegian championship that I won. it was awesome winning that on ateam with Martin Bredesen and Even Heibye. It was great fighting with some Dutch riders that got invited to try and win for one of the other teams, but they have to save that one for later. Honestly it was great that they came over for some good racing.
GateDrop: Sand seems to be your strong point, have you any plans to ride a lot of hard pack over the winter to try and get that on the same level?
Gundersen: Yes, sand is my strong point, being a tall and playful rider means that the sand comes natural for me. I think for sure this off season we will focus more on hard pack and rutty tracks.
GateDrop: You have the MXoN coming up and despite being the youngest you are pretty much team captain. How do you feel ahead of Ernee – are you looking forward to it?
Gundersen: The MXoN is for sure my favourite race of the season. Last year was my first year and it was absolutely crazy. We have been very unfortunate with the riders this year. First it was Cornelius Tøndel who could not go, so Hakon Østerhagen stepped in and then he broke his foot. We have got Sander Agard-Michelsen to step in but then Kevin Horgmo broke his hand in China. Now it means that both Leander Thunshelle and Sander will step in. I mean it’s a shame that Kevin and Cornelius could not make the race because that would really be a dream team. We have to make the best out of the situation and it is super good that we have 2 guys to step in. The main goal is of course to qualify as a team. I would really like to put a solid result on the board for myself, getting inside the top 10 in MX2 is the goal.
GateDrop: Have you got many options for next year yet – at 17 you have a lot of potential, so you are a good option I think…
Gundersen: I got a really good offer to do the EMX250 series, but that is just not what I want to do. I am all in for the MX2 World Championship in 2027!
