Interview: Guillem Farres – “I was expecting to challenge, that was the goal”

Guillem Farres has made significant progress heading into the 2026 MX2 season, building on a strong 2025 campaign in Europe. His recent performance at Arco di Trento, where he secured second overall despite challenging starts, demonstrated both his raw speed and increasing consistency across varied track conditions. Farres’s rise in the championship standings reflects not only his personal development but also notable technical improvements in Triumph’s MX2 bike, which has become more competitive following a focused winter of enhancements. Farres attributed much of his improvement to a combination of injury-free training and technical upgrades to his machine, including advancements in the frame and engine. He emphasised the importance of confidence in the highly competitive MX2 class, explaining that he approaches racing with a calm mindset, avoiding nerves and simply enjoying the process. His winter preparation was rigorous, involving intense training sessions with teammate Clement Desalle, whose presence and pace pushed Farres to maintain race-level intensity every day without the need for pre-season races. Working alongside Desalle has been a key factor in Farres’s development, with the pair spending significant time training together near Desalle’s home. Farres praised the Belgian’s speed and professionalism, noting their strong relationship both on and off the bike. Despite the high calibre of competition in MX2 this year, Farres remains confident and focused on his goal of contending for the title, unaffected by the pressure of the championship or the constraints of the MX2 age rule. Regarding the MX2 age limit, Farres expressed his disagreement with the current regulations, suggesting that an under-25 category would be more appropriate to accommodate riders who have worked hard to stay injury free and develop their careers. Looking ahead, Farres is concentrating solely on the current season and has not yet considered his future plans beyond MX2. While he is open to moving up to the 450cc class or potentially racing in America, his immediate focus remains on maintaining momentum and battling for the championship.