Now in his second season contesting the MX2 World Championship, Jens Walvoort is beginning to find his stride. After a challenging start to the year that included a neck injury, the Dutch rider is steadily progressing and recently showed strong form with a top-ten overall at the notoriously tough Lommel GP. We caught up with Walvoort to reflect on his move up to the world stage, the learning curve that comes with battling against factory competition, and his goals for the remainder of the season—and beyond.
GateDrop: You’ve got a few years of MX2 GP experience under your belt now-how would you sum up making the move up to MX2?
Walvoort: Making the move to the MX2 class last year was really good for me. I’ve learned and progressed a lot and as you can see, we are still progressing so a big thanks to my team for that.
GateDrop: What are some of the biggest challenges adjusting to the intensity and depth of the MX2 class?
Walvoort: The MX2 class is intense racing especially in the first laps. If you’re not used to that or if you’ve been out for a while like me it can be tough to adjust to that but it gets better every time for me. That’s also a point where I’m working on and hope to show in the upcoming races.
GateDrop: You just had a great weekend racing in Lommel. Can you talk me through your weekend?
Walvoort: Yeah, Lommel finished off well with seventh overall. On the Saturday I struggled in time practice and was not happy about it. In the qualifying moto it went a bit better but it was still not the riding that I know I can do. On Sunday, in the first moto I hit someone in the first corner which made me come a bit from the back but I finished in eighth which was good. In the second moto I started around tenth and finished ninth after a solid moto with the best riding of the weekend.
GateDrop: The start of the season was tough for you with the neck injury and then coming back in Matterley Basin. How tough was that? How is the neck now?
Walvoort: Yeah the start of the season was tough. We were a bit unlucky in Argentina with a bike problem while in sixth and a damaged bike from lap one in the second moto but after that I had a crash on training where I broke my C6 and C7 in the neck. At first it didn’t look that bad because I didn’t have much pain but unfortunately it took time to heal and get strong. We came back in Matterley Basin without expectations and improved during the weekend. We build race rhythm but it was not the result where we belong of course.
GateDrop: What’s it been like being part of the BTS KTM team? The team seems to be built around you and your manager is the boss there – so that must be nice?
Walvoort: The team is supporting me in everything and I’m really happy with my team. Everyone is working really hard for me and I appreciate that and hope I can do some good results towards the end of the season to show them my appreciation.
GateDrop: I assume your machinery is mostly stock? What’s that like when battling against the factory riders?
Walvoort: Stock is different, the team and I have developed a nice bike which I feel comfortable on so thanks to them for that. But of course it’s a bit different than a factory bike.
GateDrop: Who have you learned the most from in the paddock—whether it’s another rider or someone in your corner?
Walvoort: I’ve learned a lot from Marc de Reuver on the bike like technical stuff and riding wise, from my physical trainer Glenn I’ve also learned a lot with physical trainings. I think I have learned the most from my team boss, Sofian who is like a brother to me. He teaches me everything I need to become stronger in any way and keeps motivating me to push the limits.
GateDrop: What would you say is your biggest strength as a rider right now, and what are you still working on?
Walvoort: I think my biggest strength right now is that I’m fit and I never give up. My speed is good but I struggle with putting everything together. We are also working hard on the starts and first laps. That’s where you win or lose the race.
GateDrop: What are your goals for the rest of the season? Are you targeting specific tracks or results? I assume you’ve only got two GP’s left – Sweden and Arnhem?
Walvoort: My goals for the rest of the season is to keep improving my races, time training laps and results. For the races the start and first laps are really important and I’m working on this. For me it’s not just Sweden and Arnhem because we are doing the overseas races so I’m focused on the last five GP’s of the season.
GateDrop: Away from the track, what do you like to do to unwind and reset?
Walvoort: Away from the track I’m focused on my trainings, recovery trainings and food. To be honest there’s not much more I do, I’m focused on my program.
GateDrop: Have you got any offers looking ahead to the 2026 season yet?
Walvoort: We have had some requests, but no official offers yet. At the moment I’m focused on this season and to improve myself every time I’m on the track and show good results. Hopefully we can get something good on our path.
GateDrop: How many years have you got left in the MX2 World Championship – I guess you are motivated to remain in that class and get a good ride?
Walvoort: I’ve just turned 21 so I’ve got two more years in the MX2 World Championship. I’m really motivated and I believe we can be running up front. I hope something will cross our path for the coming two years and so we can be at the front.
GateDrop: Would you consider a domestic ride for the 2026 season if it’s a good opportunity or are you all in for the MX2 World Championship?
Walvoort: I’m open for any offer that comes my way. For now I am just focusing on my riding and having fun on my bike. So, I wanted to thank all the people who are in my corner – my team, KTM, my coaches, my family, the sponsors and everybody who is supporting me.
