Alexis Fueri had become a familiar face at the front of the pack since making his European Championship debut, but the French rider struggled to break into the top ranks in 2024.
After joining Maddii Racing as a fill-in rider in 2021 before securing a full-time spot, Fueri even held the red plate in the EMX125 class in 2022. He made the step up to the EMX250 series in 2023, where he quickly showed promise and battled just outside the top five.
However, with the Maddii family moving to Ducati at the end of 2023, Fueri switched to the newly established Fantic SM Action team for the 2024 season. Unfortunately, the collaboration proved to be anything but successful.
A Difficult Transition to SM Action
“The transition from Maddii Racing to SM Action was really tough,” Fueri admitted. “I had heard good things about the team from when Adamo and Renaux were there, but for me, it was very difficult.”
Between late bike deliveries and physical setbacks, the 2023-2024 off-season was chaotic for the Frenchman. “I gave everything I had, but mentally, I struggled with everything going on. I also caught COVID-19 during the winter, which left me physically weak and overthinking everything. Then one day, while breaking in a bike, I injured my ankle. I only got back on the bike two weeks before the first EMX250 round. Even now, my ankle is still bothering me—I can’t run, and it still hurts on the bike.”
Despite his efforts and determination, 2024 turned out to be a disappointing season for Fueri. “It was a tough year. The bike wasn’t competitive, so starting up front was impossible. Given that I was already lacking pace, speed, and confidence after the winter, things quickly spiraled during the season.”
Struggling with poor results, mental setbacks, and doubts, Fueri tried to take lessons from a difficult year. “I know I share some responsibility—I wasn’t strong enough mentally. I faced setbacks all season, but unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one struggling. Braceras and Karssemakers also had a tough time. The team owner had a big accident last year and was replaced by someone less invested, which made things harder for everyone”.
“But I’m not making excuses—I know my confidence was lacking. That said, a lot also came down to the bike and the team situation. I’m trying to learn from this season without dwelling on it too much because it was mostly negative.”
A Fresh Start with Ghidinelli KTM in 2025
With 2024 behind him, Fueri is taking on a new challenge in 2025 with the Ghidinelli KTM squad. However, this move has meant parting ways with his long-time trainer, Quentin Thomas. “It’s not a complete split, but I had to move to Italy to join Ghidinelli KTM—that was part of the deal. Quentin has a family and a riding school, so he couldn’t follow me.”
Despite the distance, Thomas still plays a role in Fueri’s program. “We talk often, I send him training and race videos, and he still handles my physical training. Ghidinelli had a fitness coach, but I wasn’t happy with the support. Managing everything on my own isn’t easy, but I’m doing my best.”
A new team also means a new bike, as Fueri transitions to the KTM 250 SX-F for both the EMX250 and Italian National Championship. “Adapting to the KTM was tricky at first, but I got used to it,” Fueri explained. “I’ve spent a lot of time on the bike, trying to rack up as many hours as possible. The engine is powerful, and the chassis and suspension feel quite different from what I was used to.”
For the new Ghidinelli recruit—who will be teammates with Brando Rispoli and Elias Escandell—the biggest challenge this winter wasn’t the bike change. “The hardest part has been managing everything on my own. I also have to constantly compete with my teammates in training, which took some getting used to. But overall, the winter went well. I trained a lot, stayed physically strong, and didn’t crash or get injured like in previous years. Before the 2023 season, I dislocated my shoulder, and last year, I hurt my ankle—that injury still bothers me.”
Determined to Bounce Back in 2025
Pre-season races have reflected some of the struggles from 2024, but Fueri is determined to turn things around. “Considering all the work I put in over the winter, I didn’t expect the Italian International races to go the way they did. It felt like last year all over again—either I crashed or struggled with arm pump and rode poorly. I was completely off the pace.”
Fueri also pointed to his mental state as a key factor. “I wasn’t positive or confident enough. I tend to be a perfectionist, but sometimes that just drags me down. After Montevarchi, I injured my shoulder, which made me question everything. Spending two weeks off the bike gave me a lot to think about. I continued working on my mental approach with coaches and did a lot of self-reflection. ‘Why am I doing this? Why am I here?’ The answer: because I have the ability.”
With a fighting mindset, Fueri is aiming to start his European season on a stronger note in 2025. “For the next races, my focus is on enjoyment and confidence. Right now, I’m absolutely determined. Even though I haven’t had much bike time recently, I still know how to ride.”
His goals are clear: to regain his form and prove his potential. “I want to ride like I do in training. My aim is to fight for a podium in the EMX250 Championship. The level is going to be extremely high, but that’s my goal. The same goes for the Italian Championship, where several GP riders will be competing.”
Pumped up and aware of the work ahead, Alexis Fueri approaches the new season with determination. “We’ll fight with what we have, alongside our small but motivated team.” A crucial year awaits the French rider as he looks to leave the challenges of the past 12 months behind.
