No surprises from Slovenia. For the 2026 Motocross of Nations, which will take place in Ernée on October 3-4, the Slovenian Federation has retained the same trio that lined up at the last two editions: Tim Gajser, Jan Pancar and Jaka Peklaj will once again represent their country in Mayenne.
It would have been difficult to imagine any other line-up for Slovenia. With Gajser, Pancar and Peklaj, the country is simply relying on its three best current representatives. The trio is now well accustomed to racing together, having already been selected as a team in 2024 and again in 2025.
At Ironman last year, Slovenia actually achieved the best result in its history at the Motocross of Nations. For their 28th appearance at the event, the Slovenian team secured fifth place in the overall team classification, led by a particularly strong performance from Tim Gajser.
Still with Honda HRC last year, Tim recorded 3-4 finishes in his motos, while Jan Pancar also delivered two strong results with a 3-14. Jaka Peklaj, meanwhile, endured a more difficult day with 33-37 finishes and a six-position demotion in the second moto, but the consistency of the trio allowed Slovenia to climb to fifth overall.
For Tim Gajser, Ernée will mark his 11th Motocross of Nations selection. The five-time world champion remains Slovenia’s main weapon and will once again pull on the national colours after representing his country on 10 previous occasions.
Jan Pancar is set to make his eighth appearance, having established himself in recent years as the second leading figure in Slovenian motocross. Consistent and now accustomed to competing at the highest level of the world championship with his private team, Jan should once again be an important member of the squad.
Finally, Jaka Peklaj will make his third appearance at the Motocross of Nations. The young Slovenian has had the opportunity to compete in the MX2 World Championship this season, contesting five Grands Prix. That additional experience could prove valuable when he lines up at Ernée.
Team manager, Sašo Kragelj, confirmed the team on social media:
Summer has come around again… The decision has been made. Slovenia will once again be represented at this year’s Motocross of Nations by Tim Gajser, Jan Pancar and Jaka Peklaj. As the team selector, I am aware that with every selection, everyone has their own perspective, their favourite and their opinion. And that’s how it should be.
My job, however, is not to make selections based on comments, but on results, current form, readiness, experience and what each individual can contribute to the team. I stand by my decision. Just as I have always stood by the decisions I have made in sport. In the end, the team result is what says the most anyway. Let’s go, boys!
