When rumours first emerged at the end of the 2018 season that young French talent Tom Vialle was being linked to the Factory KTM team for 2019, eyebrows were raised across the paddock. At the time, Vialle was competing in the EMX250 series and flying relatively under the radar. Many questioned KTM’s decision, asking: why Tom Vialle? In the end, the main contenders for the spot boiled down to Vialle and fellow Frenchman Brian Moreau. KTM decided to sign up Vialle for the 2019 season.
That decision, as it turns out, was the beginning of something special.
Vialle entered the 2019 MX2 World Championship as a rookie, stepping up from what had essentially been a privateer background. The move to factory equipment, paired with close guidance from the experienced Joel Smets, marked a huge leap forward. In his very first MX2 GP season, Vialle impressed by finishing fourth in the championship – a clear signal that KTM had made the right call.
From there, the trajectory continued upward. In 2020, Vialle captured his first MX2 World Championship title, showcasing his ability to not only win races but manage a full campaign like a seasoned pro. Although injury troubles disrupted his 2021 season and denied him a title defence, he bounced back in 2022 with one of the most intense MX2 title battles in recent memory.
That year, Vialle and Jago Geerts went toe-to-toe, with the championship going right down to the wire at the final round in Turkey. Under immense pressure, Vialle delivered a clutch 1-1 performance to secure his second world title. While many would argue Geerts had the edge on raw speed, it was Vialle’s mental strength that tipped the balance.
And that mental fortitude is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Valentina Ragni, the long-time KTM team coordinator, recently told us that Vialle is one of the most mentally strong riders she’s ever worked with – high praise given the calibre of talent she’s been around.
Originally, the plan was for Vialle to step up to MXGP in 2023. He was not only forced to move out of the MX2 class due to the title rule, but had also aged out of the category. However, a new opportunity came knocking – this time from across the Atlantic.
With zero prior Supercross experience, Vialle made the bold decision to move to the United States. It meant adapting to an entirely new racing culture racing in stadiums and a steep learning curve. But once again, he embraced the challenge head-on.
In his debut 2023 season, Vialle finished eighth in the 250SX East Coast Supercross championship and followed it up with sixth overall in the AMA Pro Motocross series. It was a solid foundation, but more importantly, it laid the groundwork for what was to come.
In 2024, Vialle stunned many by winning his first Supercross title in the 250SX East division. For a rider who had never raced a Supercross prior to 2023, it was a remarkable achievement. But Vialle wasn’t finished there – he doubled down and clinched his second consecutive 250SX East title in 2025, going back-to-back.
Many had questioned whether he’d ever be capable of winning in America, let alone claiming titles. But Vialle continues to prove the doubters wrong – just as he’s done since that initial KTM signing back in 2019.
Looking ahead, the next chapter will bring its own challenges. Vialle will move up to the premier 450SX class in 2026. It’s a big step, and he may well need a season to adjust. But based on his track record, it would be foolish to bet against him. He’s a quick learner, a highly technical rider, and above all, mentally tough. Sure, winning a 450SX title will be incredibly difficult but there’s no reason why he can’t be competitive and a front runner in the future.
If Vialle’s journey so far tells us anything, it’s this: never underestimate Tom Vialle.
