Bradley Thompson has enjoyed a strong 2026 season in Ireland and the UK, securing an Irish Championship 85cc title while also proving himself at the sharp end of the Plews British Masters series.
The young Irish rider finished sixth in the highly competitive championship, with his best overall result coming at Hawkstone Park where he claimed a strong fourth overall. Now, with the domestic season behind him, Thompson has another exciting opportunity ahead as he heads to the Netherlands this weekend to contest the Dutch National series at the iconic Valkenswaard circuit.
The former Grand Prix venue will provide Thompson with valuable experience of European racing, and the the young Irish rider is heading into the weekend with a clear focus on learning as much as possible.
“I am really looking forward to racing at Valkenswaard this weekend. I’m so thankful to the Irish Youth MX Development Programme, the MRA and the MCUI for giving me this opportunity. I’m going with no big expectations, just to learn a bit more about European racing, have fun and find out what we need to work on over the winter. I know it’s going to be tough, but we’ll give it everything like we always do”, Thompson told GateDrop.com.
Looking back on his season, Thompson is understandably pleased with what he has achieved, particularly after having to overcome a broken arm and a change of machinery at the start of the year.
“It’s been a brilliant year for us, winning the Irish Championship and finishing 6th in the Plews British Masters, with my best result being 4th overall at Hawkstone. That was a bit of a surprise because I normally prefer hard-pack tracks. We kept working hard and didn’t give up. Dad always says that’s the most important thing — never give up. A big thank you to all the organisers, clubs, sponsors, MRA and MCUI for putting on such great championships. We’ve really enjoyed racing this year, made new friends and had some brilliant weekends. We couldn’t have done it without all our sponsors, the coaches at EMXDP and Emma at The Daily Grind for keeping us fit, strong and ready to race”, added Thompson.
The Valkenswaard outing will also serve as an important opportunity to gain experience ahead of what is shaping up to be an ambitious 2027 programme for Thompson. The Irish rider plans to contest the three European qualifying rounds in an attempt to race at Loket – alongside the Dutch Masters, British, Ulster and Irish Championships, while continuing with JR Fluid Plews Racing and using the same equipment across his programme.
“Next year we’re planning to race the three European qualifying rounds, Dutch Masters, British, Ulster and Irish Championships, all on the same equipment with JR Fluid Plews Racing. Can’t wait to get started! But first, let’s get through this weekend at Valkenswaard (laughs). I would also like to wish Dan Devine and James McCann a fast recovery as both were supposed to race Valkenswaard as well”, Thompson concluded.
With another Irish championship title already secured and another season of valuable experience under his belt, Thompson now has the chance to test himself on one of Europe’s most famous motocross circuits. Valkenswaard will provide another important step in his development as he looks towards an even bigger 2027 season.
