Despite uncertainties and multiple postponements, the Valence International finally returned to action this Sunday on the Drôme circuit. Conditions were far from easy for both riders and organizers — with a soaked track early in the morning and a strong mistral wind — but the Motoclub Valentinois held firm. While the wind initially complicated preparations, it ultimately helped dry the track, which developed progressively over a particularly busy day of racing.
With five categories on track and over 150 riders, no fewer than fifteen starts were held on the Valence circuit. It was a packed program that saw Grégory Aranda emerge victorious in the Inter category, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the day. Racing under the colors of 595 Racing, Aranda finished ahead of Maxime Desprey and Jules Piètre after three intense motos.
Before heading to Brazil for a second season abroad, Grégory Aranda claimed the Valence International thanks to flawless consistency. While he didn’t win a single moto — though he did secure a Superpole — the 595 Racing rider consistently placed in the top three: third in the opening moto won by a surprising Jules Piètre, then runner-up to Maxime Desprey in the next two motos, ultimately securing the overall victory with 127 points.
Maxime Desprey’s persistence paid off on Sunday. Although a crash in the first moto left him a lap down after starting in the lead group, he went on to win the next two motos convincingly. Under the new points system introduced in 2025, his results (22-1-1) earned him 114 points, tying with Jules Piètre, who fell short due to Desprey’s moto victories.
Jules Piètre, recently making appearances in the 450 class in multiple International races, demonstrated his full potential in the first moto: grabbing the holeshot, he led every lap without yielding to pressure from Arnaud Tonus and Aranda. Finishing seventh in the second moto after battling Maylin and Guyon, he closed the day with a strong fourth in the final, securing the third spot overall with 114 points.
For Arnaud Tonus, misfortune struck in the final moto with a rear brake issue. After solid performances in the first (2nd) and second (3rd) motos, the Swiss rider was well-placed for the last race of the day before mechanical troubles forced him down the order, ultimately finishing 10th and leaving the overall win to Aranda.
In the top five, Triumph rider Tom Guyon also faced setbacks. Second place seemed within reach in the first moto, but a rear brake problem three laps from the end forced him to slow down, letting Tonus and Aranda pass. Guyon finished fourth in the first moto, fifth in the second, and third in the final — unable to deter Aranda — ending the day with 106 points, just three behind Tonus.
Other notable performances included Brice Maylin (5-6-5), who rode a solid weekend on Valence’s technical track. Close to home, Jimmy Clochet (6-4-7) finished seventh overall despite early issues with his goggles in the first moto and a holeshot in the last moto.
Newcomer in the 450 class, Calvin Fonv
ieille (7-8-6) steadily improved across the motos, claiming eighth ahead of Julien Lebeau (8-10-8) and Mickael Lamarque (11-9-9).
Rounding out the top 15 were Mathis Barthez (11th on a 250 two-stroke), Yannis Lopez (Stark), Julien Pelletier, Enzo Dubois, and Dylan Conti.
