In a sport where full factory backing is often seen as the golden ticket to success, Julius Mikula is busy rewriting that narrative. The young Czech has emerged as one of the standout stories in the early stages of the MX2 World Championship, delivering a string of eye-catching performances that have turned heads throughout the paddock. From battling deep inside the top five to proving his speed across vastly different terrains, Mikula’s rise hasn’t come by chance—it’s the result of persistence, belief, and a team punching well above its weight.
Racing for the Osicka Racing Team on a KTM 250 SX-F, Mikula has shown that determination and the right environment can close the gap to the sport’s elite. After a challenging few years that nearly pushed him away from racing altogether, his recent form represents both a personal breakthrough and a powerful statement to the wider motocross world.
Kevin Frelaud caught up with Mikula as he opens up about the key changes behind his impressive progress, the mentality shift driving his performances, and what it means to carry the Czech flag at the highest level.
Julius, you had shown some of your potential last year, but you’ve made a massive step this off-season to score your best-ever results in MX2 back to back. What has changed during the off-season to explain this improvement? You’ve been killing it lately!
Mikula: My training has been more or less the same as in the previous season, but the key change was switching back to the KTM 250. This bike suits me much better, and together with my team we were able to find the ideal setup. It also makes a big difference to have great people around me and a really positive team atmosphere. At the same time, I’ve worked a lot on my mindset—I believe in myself more and have a stronger desire to fight for the top positions.
For the longest time, we’ve heard it’s almost impossible to battle with factory guys in MX2 without factory support. You are actually proving them wrong. Does that feel like the cherry on top, also knowing everybody is there, fit, and you are just battling with them fair and square?
Mikula: It’s definitely a great feeling. We’re a small team with only a few people, but very capable ones, and we’re still able to bring our bike to the top positions. We’re giving it everything, and it’s starting to show in the results. It’s a big motivation for us and also proof that it’s possible to fight fairly with the factory riders.
Let’s talk about your 250 SX-F from the Osicka Racing Team – who you are back with this season. How different is that bike compared to a factory one? I’m sure it isn’t standard, but it’s also not close to a factory bike, right?
Mikula: The engine is at a semi-factory level. The rest of the bike, however, is prepared in smaller workshops. So it’s not a full factory bike, but we’re doing our best to get it as close as possible to that top level.
Are you hoping those results might lead to more support?
Mikula: These results have definitely helped raise my profile and move my name forward. But it’s still only been two races, so I’m staying grounded. Of course, more support would be very helpful and welcome, so we can keep improving and moving forward.
If it wasn’t for those two DNFs at the beginning of the season, you would be the best non-factory rider of the season so far (actually, only one point behind Karssemakers). Were you expecting to do that well before the season started, or was it more of a dream scenario?
Mikula: My goal before the season was to get as many top 10 finishes as possible and ideally achieve at least one top 5 result. I managed to reach that quite quickly, so now I’m trying to push my goals even higher. I did expect some improvement, but I didn’t expect it to come this soon.
In which area would you say you’ve made the most improvement since last season? It was amazing seeing you ride that well in Riola, then in Arco, which are two very different tracks and surfaces.
Mikula: I’d say the biggest improvement has been in my mindset. I feel mentally stronger, I believe in myself more, and I can stay focused throughout the whole race. At the same time, I’ve improved my riding and feel much more connected with the bike. I really value the fact that I was able to get strong results on both sand and hardpack—it shows that it wasn’t just a one-off and that I can be competitive in different conditions.
You got 6th in Riola, and 4th in Arco. Let’s address the elephant in the room: what is it going to take for you to either keep fighting in that top 5 or battle for your first-ever podium?
Mikula: I think I’m on the right path right now, so I don’t want to change too much. I just want to keep improving the small details and build even more confidence. Once everything comes together and I stay consistent, I believe the podium will come.
It’s clear you are the biggest surprise of the beginning of the season. But are you surprising yourself? I heard you scream in your helmet after moto 2 in Arco. It seemed this result meant a lot to you!
Mikula: I was a bit surprised, but at the same time it meant a lot to me. I’ve been through some tough three to four years, when the thought of quitting was really strong. It was very emotional because I realized that all the sleepless nights, the pain, the injuries, and the struggles were worth it. It’s also a result of the hard work from my whole team and my family, who have supported me all the way. To achieve a result like this coming from a small village in the Czech Republic is an incredible feeling. I had goosebumps and so much joy. At the same time, I know I still have more to give, so this is definitely not the end.
How is it carrying the Czech flag by yourself this season? There is only one other Czech rider in the points (MXGP, MX2, EMX125 & 250 combined) this year so far — Rathousky — who scored a point in Switzerland. You are putting your country on the map lately !
Mikula: On one hand, it’s a good feeling, but at the same time I would be happy if there were more regular Czech riders in the paddock. It looked like it might be the case for a while, but unfortunately Víťa Marek got injured and can’t race right now or carry the Czech flag with me. So I’m carrying it mainly for him and for Czech motocross as a whole. I’m doing my best to represent it as well as possible.
Let’s talk about Czech history actually. You are the best-performing Czech rider in the World Championship in decades. Coming from a smaller country, racing for a Czech team, battling with the best riders and best teams, you must be proud to be carrying the flag. Hopefully, you’ll get recognition for your achievements this year.
Mikula: Unfortunately, there aren’t many riders from the Czech Republic who consistently compete at the world motocross level, so I truly appreciate being able to represent my country at this level. I take comparisons with the past with a grain of salt—people sometimes mention riders like Jaroslav Falta, but I believe every rider and every era is completely different, so it’s not really something that can be directly compared.
At the same time, we do have strong riders like Jakub Terešák in MXGP, who I train with and who really pushes me forward. Thanks to people like him, I can keep improving. I’m proud to represent the Czech flag at this level.
Are you now looking forward to racing your home GP and racing in front of your home crowd? Loket must be a special place for you, and it’s expected to be even more special this season!
Mikula: I’m really looking forward to it. The Czech fans are always amazing and give me a lot of energy, so I want to repay them with my best performance. At the same time, I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on myself—I want to approach it like any other race and let it flow naturally. Whatever happens, I mainly want to enjoy it.
How’s the atmosphere within the team lately? I’m sure you have performed above expectations so far. Sometimes this sport can be tough, but I guess for now it’s all fun and games!
Mikula: For a small team, it was definitely a challenging journey to get here. Even when there were tougher moments, we never stopped giving our maximum. That’s why I really appreciate the current atmosphere in the team—it’s great, and everyone is doing their best. At the same time, we stay grounded; we are still at the beginning and there is a lot to improve. We want to keep progressing step by step and push our limits further.
