Interview: Malou Jakobsen – “A lot of hard work has gone into getting here”

Malou Jakobsen has emerged as one of the standout performers in the early stages of the 2026 WMX World Championship season. The young Danish rider finds herself tied for third in the championship standings after just two rounds, a remarkable achievement given her modest resources. Racing with a small father-daughter team, Jakobsen’s rise is a testament to hard work, sacrifice, and determination, proving that talent and perseverance can challenge even the best-funded competitors in the sport. Jakobsen’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. Unlike many of her rivals, she has had to forgo winter training camps in southern Europe due to budget constraints, instead preparing in Denmark’s less favourable conditions and making a late start to her season. Despite these obstacles, she has consistently delivered strong performances, often making up ground after less-than-ideal race starts by relying on fitness and racecraft to overtake rivals. Jakobsen admits that while her starts could improve, her ability to pass riders mid-race has boosted her confidence and demonstrated her speed and stamina. The rider also highlighted the nuances of her performance across different race conditions. She feels more comfortable on rough, technical tracks where she can exploit her skills, rather than on heavily watered, flat circuits that tend to feature in second motos. This self-awareness points to areas for future development as she continues to gain experience at the highest level. Jakobsen’s approach to the season is grounded in enjoying the racing despite the pressures and uncertainties inherent in a costly sport, focusing on giving her best effort every time she competes. Looking ahead, Jakobsen remains optimistic but realistic about her prospects. While she acknowledges there is still a long way to go in the championship, she is keen to maintain her momentum and build on her breakthrough start. Her partnership with her father, who plays a crucial role in managing their modest operation, remains a key factor in her progress. Jakobsen’s story is a compelling example of how dedication and resilience can carve a path to success in elite motorsport, even without the backing of a large team or extensive resources.