While the Supercross season is in full swing in America, European motocross fans won’t have to wait long for the action to return. The first major event in Europe is set for 1st February, when the opening round of the International Italian Championship takes place in Alghero.
The event promises a strong entry list, but the spotlight will be on the 450cc class, where two elite riders are expected to make an impact. Tim Gajser will make his highly anticipated Yamaha debut, while Lucas Coenen will also be in action, giving fans an early taste of some heavy-hitting competition. There was a chance that the Coenen’s could have raced some AMA Supercross events but instead the full focus is on MXGP.
The series then heads to Mantova the following week. While the Coenens have opted to race the Pernes-les-Fontaines International in France instead, the Honda HRC MXGP team will be in full force. That means fans will get to see Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Gajser battle it out on their new machinery for the very first time. It will also mark Tom Vialle’s Motocross debut on the Honda 450cc, adding another storyline to watch.
The following week brings the Hawkstone International, featuring an impressive entry list with the likes of Herlings, Vialle, Febvre, Jonass, Renaux, De Wolf and many more all signed up.
The Sommieres International in France takes place the week after which offers another high-quality event on hard pack terrain, attracting top riders and giving them crucial race preparation.
Finally, the week before the MXGP season opener, the gnarly sand of Lierop will host another elite gathering, with Herlings, de Wolf, Coldenhoff and many others already confirmed.
With racing scheduled every weekend from 1st February until the MXGP opener, European riders are spoilt for choice this year, with plenty of opportunities to fine-tune their speed and set up before the championship begins. Fans can expect a packed calendar of high-level motocross action leading straight into the start of the MXGP season.
See the options that the MXGP and EMX riders will have before the start of the season gets underway and MXGP is back.
1st of February
International Italian Championship RD1 – Alghero
Valence International (France)
8th of February
International Italian Championship RD2 – Mantova
Pernes-les-Fontaines International (France)
15th of February
Hawkstone International (UK)
Spanish Championship RD1
22nd of February
Sommieres International (France)
1st of March
Lierop International (Netherlands)
Spanish Championship RD2
7th/8th of March
MXGP Round One – Argentina
