Published on 6 October 2023

One to watch at MXoN: Janis Reisulis

If you want a rider (and a team) who might shock the world this weekend, look no further than Janis Reisulis and team Lativa.

At the British GP, Reisulis, who is just turned 15, destroyed the EMX125 field on his way to clinching the title with lap times that would have got him in the points in MX2! His momentum was unbelievable around the turns and he was a joy to watch. This kid is a super special talent, potentially on the level of a Herlings, Prado and Jett Lawrence or more recently, Lucas Coenen.

This weekend, Janis will jump up to the 250f for the first time (a bike he will race in EMX250 next year) he had already ridden the bike prior to the his last EMX125 ride at Matterley Basin and has had two more weeks to get acquainted since. He is already tall so the bike should suit him size and strength-wise and, if he can go points scoring MX2 speed on a 125, his debut on a 250f could be pretty special!

The world might know who Janis Reisulis after this weekend, especially if he gets away with the top MX2 guys (that could be hard with 35th gate pick tomorrow), but this kid has the talent to figure out the pace quickly. For me he would be good enough to jump straight inot MX2 next season.

And, like the Coenen brothers, Janis has a fast brother too, Karlis Reisulis, who was fourth overall in EMX250 at Matterley but will ride a 450 this weekend, and he has the height, skill and strength to adapt well to it. Of course, the team leader is Pauls Jonass, the former world champion has had a tough year in 2023 but he has the speed to get amongst it in Ernee. If all three perform, Latvia could sneak into top ten this year and for the next decade be a regular disrupter of the top five leading Nations!

What a generation coming through in Latvia!

Andy McKinstry spoke to Janis at Matterley Basin after he wrapped the EMX125 title, read here or listen below:

Article: Jonathan McCready

Image: Nigel McKinstry