Two decades after hosting its last international event, Pernes-les-Fontaines is also making a highly anticipated return to the French calendar. The event will be reborn on February 8 and is ideally positioned between the Valence International (February 1) and the Sommières International (February 22), making it a prime stop for riders in the midst of their preparations. This joint effort aims to revitalize the southeastern quarter of France and make the French Internationals a must-see event in the off-season.
“The goal is to put on a great show for the club’s 100th anniversary,” explains Yann Piguet, president of the Moto Club de Pernes-les-Fontaines, who is busy with preparations, “but also to allow riders to ride and teams to test before the start of the season. We are offering them the chance to ride in our International races, but also to stay for the others, opening up our tracks so they can take advantage of the opportunity to fine-tune their preparation and make their final adjustments. We consulted with Valence and Sommières about the dates, because we thought it could be an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, but also a good opportunity for our motoclubs and our regions. Given that there are three International events in the area in February, the riders will be able to do a block of preparation and the spectators will be able to watch some great races. We really want to do things right, and we hope that the fans will be receptive, because it’s a long-term project.”
A strategic event to kick off the season
The calendar offers teams and riders the perfect opportunity to fine-tune their settings, validate their winter preparations, and get in some extra practice before the start of the world, European, and national championships. The club aims to restore Pernes-les-Fontaines to its former glory as a major winter event.
In 2006, when the last International was held in Pernes-les-Fontaines, Christophe Pourcel won the MX2 category ahead of Tyla Rattray and Antoine Méo. Among the big names in MX1, Stefan Everts took a clear double victory ahead of Joshua Coppins and Yves Demaria.
“When I took over as club president four years ago, my goal was to revive this international event. I started with the Minivert, then we organized the Mediterranean Trophy, and finally the French Elite,” explains Yann Piguet, who can count on the commitment of the Moto Club members to make this comeback a success. ” This year, the French Elite round went really well for us. We had good feedback, and the spectators were there. The logical next step was to roll up our sleeves and go back to the International format for the club’s 100th anniversary. Our goal is really to be able to put the International de Pernes-les-Fontaines back on the French calendar for the long term.”
A track full of history.
The Pernes track is no stranger to enthusiasts, having hosted more than ten Grand Prix races between 1960 and 1997, as well as World Sidecar Championship events. More recently, the Moto Club Pernois has refocused its efforts on organizing national events, notably hosting a round of the French Elite Championship in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2025, and setting a record for spectators at this year’s 24MX Tour.
Building on this expertise, the Moto Club de Pernes aims to reconnect with the international scene by making the event a permanent fixture. The stated goal is to reach 3,000 spectators, which is essential to ensure the event’s long-term renewal and growth.
“Organizing this event always represents a risk given the investment involved, whether for us, Valence, or Sommières,” explains Yann Piguet. “The biggest challenge is to ensure the long-term future of this type of event. That’s why we’re counting on the spectators to turn out for the return of our international race after a 20-year absence. That would be the best reward for the staff, who are doing everything they can to offer great racing, but also for Motors Academy, which manages the track and the club’s events.”
A growing entry-list
The first wave of riders is already setting the tone. The Kawasaki KRT team is expected in Pernes-les-Fontaines on February 8 with reigning MXGP world champion Romain Febvre, as well as his teammates Pauls Jonass and Mathis Valin. The presence of Maxime Renaux (Monster Energy Factory Yamaha), Thibault Benistant, and Kévin Horgmo (Honda SR Motoblouz) is also taking shape. In addition, Cédric Soubeyras, Arnaud Tonus, Maxime Desprey, and Max Nagl are the latest distinguished guests. It should be noted that the German rider was already on the track in 2006 in Pernes-les-Fontaines in the MX2 category; he was 18 years old at the time!
“We already have a few riders who have given us a positive response, others have shown some interest in our event, and we are still waiting for responses from some teams,” concludes the president of MC Pernois. “Our goal is to give French fans the opportunity to see Grand Prix riders compete in race conditions before the start of the world championship season. We’re setting the bar high, but we’re giving ourselves the means to match our ambitions, and the whole team is really motivated. The dynamic is very good. Of course, there’s bound to be a little pressure, but it’s good pressure!”
The Inter MX2/MX1 category will be contested over three 20-minute races plus two laps. Young riders will also have their moment of glory with the 125cc and 85cc categories, each competing in two races. In addition, the public will be able to enjoy a Freestyle show featuring Brice Izzo and Danny Torres.
Admission prices: €25
Reduced price (ages 6 to 12): €10
Free for children under 6.
Tickets available on site.
GPS coordinates: 43.975874172873446, 5.055357986572453
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