TIME TO DANCE IN THE DUNES AT THE MXGP OF SARDEGNA

The 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship returns to action with its fourth round at the Crossodromo Comunale “Le Dune” in Sardegna, Italy. Known for its demanding deep sand terrain, the Riola Sardo circuit poses a significant challenge to riders and machines alike, especially under the typically warm spring conditions. This event has become a staple on the calendar since 2021, with no single rider dominating the venue, highlighting the unpredictable and physically taxing nature of the sandy track. Several notable riders with strong histories at Sardegna will be in contention this weekend. Jeffrey Herlings, now with Honda HRC Petronas, has twice won here, including a landmark 100th GP victory in 2023, and will be eager to close the points gap to series leader Lucas Coenen. Coenen, who claimed his first MXGP race win at this circuit last year, currently leads the championship and is considered a strong favourite given his recent form on similar sand tracks. Other contenders include Tom Vialle, Kay de Wolf, and Romain Febvre, each with previous successes on the island, adding intrigue to the battle for top honours. In the MX2 class, reigning world champion Simon Längenfelder aims to improve on his past results at Riola, where he has yet to reach the podium despite extensive training on the sand. The MX2 field remains open, with no current rider having won a GP race at this venue, promising an intense competition among the younger talents. Meanwhile, the EMX250 and EMX125 European Championships also visit Sardegna, with Francisco Garcia defending his unbeaten streak in EMX250 and a tight points race unfolding in EMX125, where Austrian riders Moritz Ernecker and Ricardo Bauer lead the standings. The contrasting conditions between the recent Swiss round and the sandy Sardegna circuit will test the adaptability of the riders. Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Maxime Renaux and Tim Gajser, both consistent performers but less experienced on sand, will look to maintain their strong championship positions. Meanwhile, veterans like Romain Febvre and emerging Italian talent Andrea Adamo could capitalise on their familiarity with the terrain to secure valuable points. With the championship tightly contested, the upcoming weekend promises a thrilling display of skill and endurance in the dunes of Sardegna.