Debut Race Win and Sixth Overall for Sleny Goyer in Riola Sardo Sand

Sleny Goyer of the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Team achieved a significant milestone at the third round of the 2026 EMX125 Championship in Riola Sardo, Sardegna. Despite encountering a technical problem that ended his Race One prematurely while leading, the young French rider bounced back impressively in Race Two. Starting from seventh on the grid, Goyer methodically advanced through the pack to claim his first-ever EMX125 race victory, finishing with a commanding lead of over 16 seconds. This performance secured him sixth place overall for the round and elevated him to third in the championship standings with seven rounds remaining. Goyer’s strong showing was underpinned by his sand-riding prowess, demonstrated by his fourth-fastest qualifying time and his ability to lead laps in the opening race before misfortune struck. His resilience and pace in the second race highlighted his potential as a rising star in the series. Meanwhile, in the EMX250 class, Mano Faure of the VHR Yamaha Official EMX250 Team showcased flashes of promise despite a difficult weekend. Faure’s exceptional starts saw him lead portions of both races, but crashes in each event hampered his results, culminating in a 12th place overall finish and a drop to fifth in the championship standings. Faure’s teammate Jarne Bervoets also faced challenges after a promising start to the weekend. Despite qualifying eighth, Bervoets suffered a heavy crash during the session that forced him to retire from Race One and withdraw from Race Two. The setbacks for both riders underscored the demanding nature of the deep sand track at Riola Sardo, which tested their skill and endurance. With this round concluded, both Yamaha teams will now shift focus to the next challenge on the calendar, heading to the hardpack circuit of Pietramurata for round four of the championships. The results in Sardegna have significant implications for the championship battles, particularly in EMX125 where Goyer’s breakthrough win has positioned him as a genuine contender moving forward. The contrasting fortunes of the Yamaha riders in EMX250 highlight the fine margins in the sport, where promising pace can be undone by crashes and mechanical issues. As the series progresses, consistency and adaptability across varying track conditions will be crucial for those aiming to secure titles in their respective classes. The upcoming round at Pietramurata promises to be a pivotal test for the riders and teams alike.