EMX250: Gatedrop Predictions!

Jonathan McCready: This class is impossible to predict! There are a lot of young talented riders very motivated and under pressure to prove themselves in EMX2 this year, including the two Americans Tristan Charboneau and Marshal Weltin plus Aussie Jed Beaten, who will discover the versatility needed for GP circuits. Charboneau was a top ten man in the AMA nationals in his rookie season so should be a front runner in EMX2 if he can adapt to the tracks. Young Brit Brad Todd could also be a contender in the rounds he races.

Beaton has shown good form so far but this will be his first big test in Europe. Jago Geerts is probably the biggest talent in the class but it is his first year on the 250f so he might need a bit of time to adapt. Stephen Rubini has had MX2 experience this year and Miro Sihvenen should be strong. Zach Pichon has a good ride with factory Suzuki and will be looking to be close to the front in his first season on a 250f. Miro Sihvonen is also a promising rider who could be impressive this season.

Round one

1. Rubini
2. Geerts
3. Charboneau

Championship

1. Geerts
2. Charboneau
3. Rubini

Andy McKinstry: “There are a tonne of riders that have the potential to be right at the front of the EMX250 class throughout the course of the season, there is no doubt about that. I can’t wait for the gate to drop in Italy this weekend for the first round. In terms of the championship, it’s going to come down to consistency as the class looks super stacked for the season ahead.

I am disappointed that Renaux and Van de Moosdijk have picked up injuries as I think they could have challenged. Even though they will miss the first couple of rounds expect them to be at the front when they return to racing. I can’t look past Miro Sihvonen for the season ahead, a sixth placed in the championship during his rookie year was solid but he looks to have had a very productive winter. He dominated the first round of the ADAC German Youngsters Cup.

One rider I can’t wait to see is Jago Geerts, in terms on talent he isn’t far behind Jorge Prado, in fact he might even be on power with the Spaniard. I think he will finish in the top three of the championship at the end of the season. Two other riders that I expect to be up right at the front are Jed Beaton and Stephen Rubini. Beaton looks to have adapted to the sand really well and in theory should be stronger in hard pack. Rubini should be right at the front too. Add in the likes of Tristan Charboneau, Marshal Weltin, Alberto Forato, Glenn Meier, Zach Pichon, Kim Savaste, Nick Kouwenberg and Karlis Sabulis. It’s going to provide some cracking racing throughout the course of the season.”

Round one predictions:

1. Miro Sihvonen
2. Stephen Rubini
3. Jed Beaton

Championship predictions:

1. Miro Sihvonen
2. Jago Geerts
3. Steohen Rubini