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#135 2025

JAGO GEERTS

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044 RIDER OF THE MONTH JAGO GEERTS

050 SPECIAL FEATURE TEAM PLAYERS 2024

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SPECIAL FEATURE ALBERTO FORATO

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066 SPECIAL FEATURE MIPS

072 BLOG VALENTINA RAGNI

064 SPECIAL FEATURE YAMAHA YZ125 2005

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HALL OF FAME KENNETH GUNDERSEN

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TEAM PLAYERS 2025

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RIDER OF THE MONTH MXGP MAG

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Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: MXGP

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HALL OF FAME

INFRONT MOTO RACING MEDIA World Trade Center II Rte de Pré-Bois 29 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland MXGP Mag #135 2025 The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of Infront Moto Racing.

Then content of this publication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written.

The copying of articles and photos even partially is forbidden unless permission has ben requested from Infront Moto Racing in advance and reference is made to the source (©MXGP).

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DEAR MXGP FANS, IN LESS THAN A MONTH, THE MXGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILL START IN ARGENTINA, ON A BRAND-NEW TRACK CLOSE TO THE CITY OF CORDOBA. THIS GRAND PRIX WILL MARK A NEW STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOTOCROSS IN A COUNTRY FULL OF MOTORSPORT FANS. THANKS TO THE PASSION AND PROFESSIONALISM OF MAS EVENTOS, THE ORGANIZER OF THE GRAND PRIX, WE WILL VISIT ARGENTINA FOR THE 8TH YEAR, ALWAYS WITH THE SAME PLEASURE AND EXCITEMENT.

After Argentina, the MXGP will touch ground in Europe for a comeback to Cozar – Spain on the track where both MX2 and MXGP titles were decided and celebrated last year. Throughout the twenty Grand Prix schedule on the 2025 season, we will visit 4 continents, an amazing variety of track and soil, which make this championship so unique. This great journey will bring us to a fantastic final in Australia where we will be back after more than 20 years of waiting. It will be a nice bridge before the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations in Ironman – USA where the Australian Team will have to defend last year first victory.

This season is going to be unpredictable with a lot of favorite riders in the MXGP class. Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Romain Febvre and Maxime Renaux, all have been already crowned World Champions during their career. Jago Geerts will be another important favorite. Then Jeremy Seewer will have the great honor of guiding the arrival of Ducati in MXGP and Lucas Coenen will be for sure a strong new challenger to the class. In MX2, Kay De Wolf will defend his title, and we can count on many talented contenders to challenge his domination.

In 2024 we had Triumph entering the MX2 class, and in 2025 Ducati is entering the MXGP category with two riders, Jeremy Seewer and Mattia Guadagnini, and also TM is back in the MX2 class bringing the number of Official Manufacturers to ten. MXGP is making history

to be one of the motorsports championships with the biggest number of brands entering the competition.

The championship will continue to increase its TV visibility impact in 2025 with a bigger presence on important channels like Eurosport, CBS SN, L’Equipe, Stan Sport and more. But the biggest novelty will be the new LIVE broadcasting of the Time Practice session of the MX2 and MXGP category on Saturday.

In addition to our global package, and after successfully growing during the past years, the Junior World Championship will also turn LIVE on MXGP-TV. com from this season. The event is hosting more than 300 kids coming from all over the World, so we thought it was time to bring this event into a new dimension by broadcasting it and showcasing all those amazing talent worldwide. They are the future of our sport.

All this new content will be available on www.MXGPTV.com.

I would like to wish to the riders, the teams and all the stakeholders of the MXGP a great season.

See you in Argentina!

David Luongo CEO of Infront Moto Racing

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RACING CATCH UP

MXGP 2025 ALl SET FOR LIFT OFf –

BY NOW, 2024 IS ALREADY A DISTANT MEMORY AND JUST A FEW WEEKS FROM NOW WE WILL BE LINING UP BEHIND THE GATE IN ARGENTINA FOR THE OPENING ROUND OF THE SEASON. TWENTY ROUNDS OF FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION, AND IF YOU GET YOUR FIX FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR LIVING ROOM THEN YOU KNOW THAT THE BEST PLACE TO ENJOY IT IS ON WWW.MXGP-TV.COM.

However, if you’re a bit more adventurous and prefer to see the action up close and personal, then head to www.mxgp.com take a look at the calendar, and if there is a particular event you fancy, click the venue, and all the info you need will be right there at the click of a button. But, if you need a bit more convincing, then take a look at our mini guide below.

ROUND 1: ARGENTINA, CORDOBA – MARCH 2ND • A brand-new venue for 2025 – moving from Villa la Angostura to the Infinito Race Track.

• This will be the first time for MXGP in Cordoba, a city in central Argentina, in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas on the Suquia River, and we can’t wait to get there.

• It might not be as picturesque as Villa la Angostura, where we were spoiled rotten by lakes and mountains, but this GP will pack one almighty punch as the season opener.

• In action: MXGP, MX2 ROUND 2: CASTILLA LA MANCHA, COZAR – MARCH 16TH • The venue of the 2024 season finale where Jorge Prado and Kay De Wolf were crowned world champions.

• In between Madrid and Valencia if you want to fly – at 230km Madrid is the closer of the two, but why not make a mini holiday out of it? Fly in a couple days early or stay on for a couple days after, and take in some of the Spanish capital, and all that it has to offer.

• 20km from Cordoba International Airport.

• 700km, northwest of Buenos Aires.

• 17th GP in Argentina.

• Depending on the location, the riders could be racing anywhere between 352m and 544m above sea level (1155 and 1785 feet).

• On the side of a hill, as a first attempt, last year’s event was 10 out of 10.

• This round also marks the beginning of the EMX125 and EMX250 championship seasons.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX125, EMX250

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ROUND 3: EUROPE, SAINT JEAN D’ANGELY – MARCH 23RD • One week later and the first back-to-back rounds of 2025 as we head to southwest France and Saint Jean d’Angely.

• A venue steeped in history with its first ever grand prix staged back in 1984, with this year being its 19th grand prix held at the venue.

• A typical French track set in a valley location where the enthusiastic fans can sit on one side, as their idols and heroes do battle on the other.

Always a great atmosphere and a circuit we cannot wait to get back to for Round three.

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• 150km from Bordeaux Airport, which is motorway almost the entire way, and a couple kilometres from the exit you will see the impressive venue on the right-hand side of the A10. If you don’t fancy the drive from Bordeaux, then how about La Rochelle, the wonderful, picturesque town on the Bay of Biscay overlooking the Atlantic Ocean?

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX125, EMX250 ROUND 4: SARDEGNA, RIOLA SARDO – APRIL 6TH • After a one-week break, we continue into round four and our first of three-in-a-row rounds, two

of which are on Italian territory; the first being in the deep sand of Riola Sardo on the island of Sardegna.

• A beautiful island location, this venue is the first real test of a rider’s fitness due to its deep sandy terrain; hardly surprising really, given its very close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, in the sand dunes.

• Travel-wise you can fly to the south of the island into Cagliari, a beautiful city which overlooks the Bay of Angels, or to the north west, into Alghero.

• One of the islands best kept secrets is that it is pretty self-sufficient and whilst some of

the island’s ingredients come from the Italian mainland, the majority come from the island itself.

• A truly wonderful location. Round four is where we also get to welcome the start of WMX. • In action: MXGP, MX2, WMX, EMX125.

ROUND 5: TRENTINO, PIETRAMURATA – APRIL 13TH • From one fabulous location to another, as we head into northern Italy and the MXGP of Trentino.

• From Sardegna, the teams will head around two hours to the north east of the island to the Port of

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Olbia where they will take the nine-hour ferry to Pisa on the west coast of Italy.

• Once off the boat, it’s around 500km to Pietramurata, but all-in-all, from Riola, the entire journey is almost 1000km.

• If you prefer to fly, the closest airport is Verona, about 80km south of the venue. However, if you fancy a bit of romance in your life, then why not head to Venice instead? Okay, a bit further to drive, but if you’ve never seen the floating city before, then go on! You know you want to.

• The ‘il ciclamino’ circuit is located in the shadow of the Dolomite Mountain range which is an area renowned for its outdoor activities, including basejumping, mountain biking, skiing and hiking.

• If you want to be a bit more ‘off the pace’ then why not head twenty minutes or so south to the north shore of Lake Garda, a magnificent lake set in the most stunning surroundings.

• Great Italian food, wine, Prosecco … what more could you ask for?

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX125, EMX250.

ROUND 6: SWITZERLAND, FRAUENFELD – APRIL 19 & 21 • A quick six-hour drive (450km) northwest, and we are into north-eastern Switzerland and the venue of Frauenfeld.

• TAKE NOTE: This GP is held on a bank holiday weekend in Switzerland. Just as we did in 2023, the program will run on Saturday and MONDAY. No racing on Sunday.

• Travel-wise, the closest airport is Zurich, about 40km/35 minutes away.

• In 2024 Jeremy Seewer lined up for his 200th consecutive grand prix start, and has twice finished on the podium. This year he will bring added interest as he lines up on his Ducati.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX125, EMX250.

ROUND 7: PORTUGAL, AGUEDA – MAY 4 • To all of you Star Wars fans out there … May the 4th be with you!

• By now we are well into the thick of the action as we near the halfway stage of the season.

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• Back-to-back once again, starting in Portugal where the fans will be next level, especially if Ruben Fernandez is on form. Yes, he is from Spain, but only just, due to his close proximity to the border.

• Porto is another delightful coastal city, overlooking the Atlantic so as this GP is back-toback, why not take some down-time on your way to, or between rounds?

• From Porto to Agueda is around 100km, and this red clay surface has always provided some great racing.

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• The circuit is situated in a bowl with easy, accessible viewing from both sides of the valley.

• The first GP in Agueda was in 1985, FORTY YEARS AGO, and last year’s edition was the 25th grand prix to be held here, and there has only ever been one home winner when Rui Gonçalves claimed victory in 2009.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX125, EMX250.

ROUND 8: SPAIN, LUGO – MAY 11 • Did we just mention back-to-back? We believe we did. From Agueda to Lugo is only a four-hour drive north, so if you didn’t manage to visit Porto

yet, then now is the time. From Porto to Lugo is less than three and a half hours drive.

• The closest airport though is Santiago, just over an hour away.

• Great history with Lugo City filled with so much history, with the still intact impressive Romain Walls and Cathedral amongst other impressive structures.

• So much to see and do, it would be rude not to!

• Lugo is in the region of Galicia, and what a fabulous region it is too. On our first visit, it was very apparent that it’s much greener than the rest of Spain.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, WMX, EMX250.

ROUND 9: FRANCE, ERNEE – MAY 25

• Last year was our first visit to the ‘Circuito Municipal Jorge Prado’ and what a weekend of racing that was too.

• After a weekend off, we fire back into life with three-in-a-row, starting with the MXGP of France at Ernee.

• A great track, great racing, great location.

• A place which needs no introduction, but despite its place in history, we have only ever had twelve

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GP’s here, the first of which was in 1990, thirtyfive years ago.

• The late Donny Schmit (USA) was the first ever winner in 1990, but the last GP was back in 2022 and was memorable for a Tom Vialle victory in MX2, to become the fourth home rider to win here. Mickael Pichon (2001), Thierry Bethys (2004) and Marvin Musquin (2009) were the other three French winners.

• If you like a GP packed full of atmosphere, then this one might be for you.

• Rennes is the closest airport at just 80km away, and if you’ve never been, then delay your return journey until Tuesday and take Monday to visit the very impressive Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy.

You will not be disappointed.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX125, EMX250.

ROUND 10: GERMANY, TEUTSCHENTHAL – JUNE 1 • As soon as the racing is over, the teams will be on the road for the twelve-hour drive to Germany, where they will arrive 1200km later at the Talkessel Circuit, Teutschenthal.

• By plane you can fly to Berlin – and what a fantastic city that is, if you’ve never been. Again, don’t just make this about MXGP when you can broaden your horizons on travel, history and culture. From the airport, it’s a two-hour drive to the track.

• If you prefer the ‘in and out’ option, then LeipzigHalle Airport is just 30km away.

• Another easy-to-view circuit where the fans watch from the opposite side of the shallow valley, with an atmosphere which is always on point.

• The paddock is very close to the track, and so too is the Kovo Bar, which is an essential part of this German GP. • In action: MXGP, MX2, WMX, EMX125.

ROUND 11: LATVIA, KEGUMS – JUNE 8 • Honestly, some of the venues that we go to during the MXGP season are just amazing, and Latvia is one of those places that is a must-see.

• For the teams, the drive is around fifteen hours/1400km, passing through Poland and Lithuania on the way to the track.

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• If you’re a first timer, then why not fly into Riga, the capital city, where you can be into the city centre in around twenty minutes or so.

• Comprising of the Old Town and New Town, Riga is full of character, with great restaurants and bars aplenty. Latvia is one of three countries which make up the Baltic States.

• From here, it’s a straightforward drive to Kegums, following the River Daugava right up until you turn off the main road to the circuit.

• A sand track which always provides great racing and a venue which we have been to every year since 2009, including the MXoN in 2014.

• During the first Covid year in 2020, Kegums was the first circuit to welcome the one-day format, and three rounds in a week schedule.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX250, EMX125 ROUND 12: GREAT BRITAIN, MATTERLEY BASIN – JUNE 22 • Finally, it’s back; a British Grand-prix in the SUMMER!!

• What a venue we have in Matterley Basin, possibly one of the finest circuit layouts on the calendar.

• Easy viewing, great racing and some of the best fans in the world.

• Again, if you’ve never been and want to don your tourist hat as well as your MXGP hat, then there is plenty to do either side of this weekend.

• You can fly into London Heathrow where the drive south-west is about an hour from the airport.

Why not spend a day in London and check out the sights and sounds of some the country’s best landmarks?

• Alternatively, you can fly into London Gatwick, which is about thirty minutes extra on your journey, but here you are close to the south coast town of Brighton, which is full of character.

• Close to the circuit of Matterley though is the medieval city of Winchester, where there is plenty to see and do, including a visit to Stonehenge, which is a short drive north-west of the city.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX250, EMX125

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ROUND 13: INDONESIA, TBA – JULY 6 • Deep into the season and it’s time to put Europe on hold briefly, as we head to Indonesia.

• With no races either side of the Indonesian GP, there is a bit more time to enjoy a bit more of the local surroundings, whether that is in the neighbouring islands of Bali, or the Gili Islands for a bit of downtime R&R. • This is always a tough GP for the riders due to the heat and humidity compared to a typical European summer, but that’s what makes MXGP so interesting, coming to places like this. As this is a fly away, just the two main classes will be in action this weekend.

• In action: MXGP, MX2.

ROUND 14: CZECH REPUBLIC, LOKET – JULY 27 • After two rounds in six weeks, things start to ramp up once again, starting with Czech Republic.

• A venue, which despite its location, is easy enough to reach by car – taking around seven hours or so from the team bases in the Lommel area, as an example.

• With your tourist hat on, a flight into Prague for a quick tour of the city is a must, otherwise, just jump in the rental car, and head for Loket.

• NOTE: There is more than one Loket in Czech Republic, so make sure you enter Loket Castle into your sat nav system to be sure.

• How about a bit more tourism though? Enter Karlovy Vary into your system, and you will be about twenty minutes from the track, but this town has a few more spa hotels in which to stay – it is a spa town, after all.

• Fans of James Bond (Daniel Craig) will know that Loket was used as a backdrop for one of the scenes in the Casino Royale movie when the characters were in ‘Montenegro’, and the more astute will know that the casino scenes were filmed in the Grand Hotel in Karlovy Vary.

• Loket itself is a stone’s throw away from the circuit and is dominated by the castle. Quaint little restaurants and bars give the town a nice buzzy atmosphere, and you can even see the track from the bridge, and therefore the fireworks display from the track on Saturday night.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX65, EMX85, EMX2T

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ROUND 15: FLANDERS, LOMMEL – AUGUST 3 • From old school hard pack to the deep, bottomless sands of Lommel in Belgium for the MXGP of Flanders, and a quick drive back west to get there.

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you go to, to either marvel at how the best riders just dance their way around the toughest track in the world, or chuckle inwardly as you watch them suffer.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX125, EMX Open

•Belgium is at the heart of motocross and the place where a multitude of factory teams are based, making this a kind of home GP for the majority of the paddock. KTM, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Fantic, Kawasaki, JM Honda are just a few of the teams close by.

ROUND 16: SWEDEN, UDDEVALLA – AUGUST 17

• Lommel itself on GP weekend is a hive of activity, and for the hardcore fan, it’s the place

• For the teams it’s around 1300km drive, passing through The Netherlands, Germany and Denmark

• A brief one-week break and we head north to Scandinavia and the circuit of Uddevalla in Sweden.

in order to get there. Ferries are also needed between Denmark and Sweden.

• By plane, a quick flight to Gothenburg and from there, about a one hour thirty-minute drive to the track.

• Another beautiful part of the world where the track is a short drive away from the coast of the North Sea, to the west of the country.

• Yamaha’s first ever world champion Håkan Andersson hails from Uddevalla and is still very much a part of the club which runs the grand prix and you will see him rushing around enthusiastically, or maybe even on the podium at the prize giving ceremony.

• The venue is also famous for its Hill People, the fans who flock to the quarry rock face which overlooks the circuit, in order to get the best view of the action.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, EMX250, Yamaha bLUcRu Superfinale ROUND 17: THE NETHERLANDS, ARNHEM – AUGUST 24 • As soon as the action is done on Sunday, the teams will head immediately to the ferry port for the first boat out of Sweden to get back to Holland for the MXGP of The Netherlands in Arnhem, a drive of around thirteen hours.

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• Arnhem is relatively new to the MXGP calendar having hosted just two GP’s in recent years.

• Last year, the stars of the show were Jeffrey Herlings and Lotte Van Drunen but there will be a host of Dutch talent on display once again, including defending MX2 world champ Kay De Wolf, and on that basis, you can guarantee a great fan turn out as always.

• Amsterdam (1h15) or Eindhoven (1h10) will be the best airports if you choose not to drive.

• Sadly, this will be the last grand prix on European soil as from here we have the busiest end of season run of races in GP history, and all of them flyaways.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, WMX, EMX250 ROUND 18: TURKIYE, AFYON – SEPTEMBER 7 • The last three rounds are all back-to-back, and what a run of venues and countries we will be heading to, so, strap yourselves in.

• First up, Turkeye and the circuit of Afyon.

• As venues go, the location is just off the main road through town and is surrounded completely by spa hotels. Tick.

• If you only plan to come to this event, then you can fly into Istanbul (5 hours drive) or Antalya on the south coast (3h30 drive). Either way, both locations are perfect for a mini getaway either side of the grand prix.

• The GP is tied in with MotoFest which is a threeday festival next to the circuit, so the evening is particularly busy with a live stage and music.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, WMX, EMX250 ROUND 19: CHINA, SHANGHAI – SEPTEMBER 14 • These last three rounds are all considered flyaway events, which means the teams will be operating out of flight cases as opposed to the usual surroundings of the race trucks.

• Sunday night, immediately after the race, the flight cases need to be packed, collected and transported to the nearest airport and shipped to China for the next round. The bikes should arrive at the circuit by Thursday.

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• A collective dilemma for the paddock: do we fly back to Europe (4 hour flight) for a day or so, before heading to China? Or, do we stay a day or two in Turkey or just go directly to China? Either way, we are on the road, heading to the next race.

• Flight time from Istanbul to Shanghai is around ten and a half hours, with a five-hour time difference between the two countries. Jet lag will be a slight issue.

• The circuit in China is about an hour from Shanghai International airport, and has great facilities. Soft, loamy dirt makes for decent racing too, but no sooner than we arrive, we are headed back to the airport to head east … to Australia.

known as the Darwin Triple Crown, where tens of thousands of petrol heads show up for some high-octane action. With this being the final round of MXGP, MX2 and WMX, and with no Aussie champs in action that weekend as well, this final weekend should be one to remember.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, WMX FIM MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS, IRONMAN RACEWAY, USA – OCTOBER 5 • Just as we thought we could switch off, turns out we are wrong. A long-haul trip back to Europe to sort life out after three weeks living on the road will be much appreciated and needed.

• In action: MXGP, MX2

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ROUND 20: AUSTRALIA, DARWIN – SEPTEMBER 21

• After less than one week at home, we will head across the Atlantic to America for the biggest race on the planet.

• The final round brings us to Australia, to the Northern Territory of Darwin, where the Hidden Valley Motorsports Complex awaits.

• Chicago O’Hare International is about three hours north of the venue, or you could connect to Indianapolis which is less than an hour away.

• A brand-new venue and the first time MXGP has been to Australia since 2001, making this just the fourth Aussie grand prix in history.

• Either way, the MXoN will be HUGE!

• 1993, 2000 and 2001 were the previous visits, although there was a FIM Junior World Championship in 2018, held at Horsham.

• The good news is that after another longhaul flight, the circuit is only 10km from Darwin International.

As we mentioned at the head of the article, for all information regarding the 2025 calendar, head to www.mxgp.com click a venue on the calendar, and the page opens up for all of your travel and road network information, along with circuit location and Welcome Office if you need to collect tickets.

• The motorsports complex plays host to a round of the Australian Supercars Championship

The countdown has officially begun. Next stop, Argentina.

• In action: MXGP, MX2, OPEN

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MONSTER GIRLS

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MONSTER GIRLS

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RIDER OF THE MONTH

JAGO GEERTS – RESET AND RESTART Just over two years ago, the quiet, determined, and immensely fast young Belgian Jago Geerts seemed to have the world at his feet. Although narrowly missing out on a World MX2 title for the third time in a heart-breaking final round of 2022, he had picked himself up to shock the world with an astounding performance at the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations. He defeated home hero Eli Tomac at RedBud in the MXGP class Qualifying race, and saw only the American icon in front of him in Sunday’s first full race, Jago’s first world-class event on a 450cc.

It was surmised among observers that the 450cc might tame Jago’s aggressive style, might cut out the sort of crashes that had cost him the chance of becoming his country’s first World Champion since Steve Ramon, and ending Belgium’s longest ever wait for another title. However, the temptation of going for one last attempt at that elusive MX2 Championship proved too much, and despite winning a further eight GPs to put his career total up to a staggering 24, Geerts once more had to settle for the silver medal at the end of 2023.

The YZ450FM beckoned for 2024, however, and a fit-looking Jago arrived in Argentina as part of a stacked, five-World-Championfilled MXGP division, and at the end of his first Time Practice session he nestled snugly between Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado in a respectable seventh position, ahead of his more experienced teammates Maxime Renaux and Calvin Vlaanderen.

INJURIES That was, sadly, as good as it got for Jago last year. A bruising Argentine RAM Qualifying Race saw him down in a tangle on the exit to turn one, with a further crash on the following

lap putting him instantly out of the series with serious elbow and collarbone injuries. It left the Belgian with his first bare trophy shelf, for a whole season, since he had started racing, having taking EMX85 and EMX125 titles in his teenage years, as well as the Junior World 125 title in 2016.

Jago himself is typically matter-of-fact about his worst season to date: “I took a long break.

I think I was out for almost four months. I came back at Lommel, but we had some other difficulties. I only did a few races. The Nations went quite OK, not perfect but I was coming back, and now I’m looking forward to my second season and hope to be just healthy, and to show what I can do again.”

The 24-year-old is now looking to reset, reboot, and restart his career in the MXGP division. That long-running drought of Belgian success is still in place, and despite many younger chargers seeking to stake their claim to that glory, Geerts could still very much be a contender if he can bring his former top 250cc pace to the big division.

“Yeah, I think 2025 will be my first real season in the MXGP class, so now I just want to do every race, that’s my first goal, and then get some good results because I’m feeling good again on the bike, and feeling good physically, so I’m looking forward to it.”

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COMPETITIVE In the history of the MX2 class in its current form, Geerts is level on GP wins with double Champions Antonio Cairoli and Tom Vialle, with only Prado and Herlings above him. He is used to being a top-level player. How close does he feel to being the Jago that won all those races, and can he carry that success to MXGP just as those above him did?

“I’m now almost at the same level as I was for the last few years in the MX2 class. The training has gone really well, I feel good on the bike, the setup is good, and yeah I feel better and better every time I step on the bike. I feel that I will be competitive this year and it should be fun to fight again for top five positions and podiums, so I think I can do it. It might take me a few races to get the intensity back and arrive at the front again, but it should be good.”

Speaking of the differences between the two machines, Jago seems confident of his ability to step up to the bigger bike; “I had to adapt a bit to the 450cc, it’s different to ride than a 250cc, and in the beginning I was maybe a bit too aggressive, and also the power delivery was new to me so I had to get used to it. For this season though, we have a completely different bike than last year actually. I can ride it more like a 250cc, riding more aggressive and playing with the bike which was also something I wanted to do, while still using the extra power of the bigger engine.”

MONACO Like his younger compatriots Lucas and Sacha Coenen, who have moved to the Italian base of the De Carli KTM team, Geerts has moved away from Belgium for the good of his sport, and seems to be in a good place. Although he doesn’t speak much about his relationship with pro cyclist Louhanna Duplouy, he seems to be quietly happy about his life and the prospects for his career as he approaches the age of 25 in April.

“I’m currently living in Monaco and I stay here most of the time for training because there are a lot of tracks close by, it’s easy to go to France or Italy for training on the bike. When I go to Belgium I am only 45 minutes from the team, and they have a gym at the new workshop so I can train there, which is also fun, but the weather and everything is better in Monaco. In Belgium it’s getting more and more difficult to ride every year, it’s a strange situation, we only have two or three tracks

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available in the country at the moment. It’s a tough situation for kids who want to come up, they have to go to France or Germany or north to the Netherlands, which is probably why we haven’t had a World Champion for so long. You have to sacrifice a lot to be a good Motocross rider in Belgium today.”

The chain of success that has carried Belgian athletes to the top of World Motocross for its entire history has had its strength tested, but for sure the family connection has helped Jago in his choice of career, although he acknowledges that it’s not the case for most young kids in his country: “My Dad was a rider before, and a mechanic at World Championship level, so I only saw bikes when I was young and wanted to start riding as soon as I could. I got fast quite quickly because I did most of my races in the Netherlands, and then I started in the European and World Championship. For me it came naturally, but it was also easier for me with my dad, as a mechanic he knows all about Motocross, so it’s more difficult when you’re not from a Motocross family.”

YAMAHA One thing that has stayed constant throughout Jago’s career has been the colour of his bike.

Snapped up by Yamaha for his full-time debut season in 2018, the MXGP branch of the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory squad is still under the watchful eye of Hans Corvers, who has worked with the Belgian ever since. It’s

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clearly a relationship that Jago trusts to see him through the roughest period of his career.

“They were really supportive last year, after my injury they said it was no pressure, we put everything on 2025 and they helped me with adapting to the 450cc at the same time.” The team even wanted him to put off his return to racing, but the lure of Lommel and his home fans was too much. However, with a good winter of preparation behind him, he is definitely looking forward to the 2025 season.

“Th calendar looks really good, with the last few races it should be really fun to go to Australia, I have never been before, although it is a lot of travelling it will be good to go to many cool places, so it’s nice.”

That desire to succeed is absolutely evident in one of the most underrated riders of his generation. Although many will have their eyes drawn to his 18-year-old compatriot Lucas Coenen as he moves into MXGP for the first time, that will suit this most humble of warriors down to the ground. His riding will speak for itself, and while it may be a surprise to see Jago emerge back onto the podium on a regular basis, it would certainly be a welcome sight. If he finds the form that won him an average of six GPs per season from 2020 to ’23, then we could even see him competing at the very top for the rest of this decade at least, and for all the misfortune that has plagued him so far, he deserves every shred of success that comes his way. If you like to cheer for a quiet underdog, look no further than the number 93 in 2025.

Photo: Taglioni

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SPECIAL FEATURE

TEAM PLAYERS 2025 WITH THE NEW MXGP SEASON QUITE LITERALLY JUST AROUND THE CORNER, LET’S TAKE A QUICK LOOK AS TO WHO IS RIDING WHAT AND WHERE IN 2025. HERE’S THE LIST OF OAT’S OR OFFICIALLY APPROVED TEAMS, AND FROM LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR, THERE HAVE BEEN QUITE A FEW CHANGES, AS YOU WILL SEE.

We have compiled this list based on where riders placed last year, so if we start with MX2, as defending champions we will start with Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing.

returns from an injury plagued US adventure. Farres is fast, and should be a good fit at Triumph.

OATS MX2

2023 MX2 World Champion Andrea Adamo remains underneath the Dutch side of the awning at Red Bull KTM and will be hoping for better than the 6th overall he finished last season. The #80 struggled to find his form last year, but if he can get back to 2023 Adamo, the Italian could be a force to be reckoned with once more.

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing The defending MX2 World Champion, Kay De Wolf, will line up once again with the team that he’s been with since he was racing the 85cc class. With 7 GP wins under his belt in 2024, the Dutchman lines up as the favourite, only this year De Wolf has a new sparring partner in the form of Liam Everts who moves across from KTM. The Belgian also swaps his #72 for #26 for 2025.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING Simon Laengenfelder secured 3rd overall in MX2 in 2024 for the third successive season, but after three years with GASGAS, the German will be a Red Bull KTM rider for the first time in his career. However, Simon will remain with the De Carli Racing side of the awning, so apart from a fresh lick of paint, it’s as he was for the past three years. Oh, and he also has a new riding number, swapping his #516 for #27.

Joining ‘Langers’ on the team will be Sacha Coenen, who moves from the Dutch side of the Red Bull awning to the Italian side. Sacha claimed two GP wins last year and will be looking to improve on that particular stat.

MONSTER ENERGY TRIUMPH RACING With Mikkel Haarup ‘aged out’ of the MX2 class where the Dane placed 5th in the overall standings, the weight of expectation now falls to Camden Mc Lellan, who remains with the team for the second year. The #8 claimed 9th overall in 2024, despite missing five rounds through injury. It’s also a welcome return to MX2 for Cam’s new teammate, as Spain’s Guillem Farres

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

Adamo’s teammate will be the young French ace MarcAntoine Rossi who after a bright start to his MX2 career in 2024, was forced to sit on the side lines after picking a season-long injury. Rossi moves across from De Carli’s GASGAS team to KTM. MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA FACTORY MX2 TEAM Top Yamaha rider in 2024 was Dutchman Rick Elzinga, who placed 7th in the overall standings, and he will lead the charge into 2025 knowing that after his two podium finishes last year, anything is possible. The 2022 EMX250 champion just needs to have faith in his own ability and he will be a contender for sure.

Thibault Benistant started 2024 as a title contender until injury forced him to miss ten rounds, but the Frenchman, who remains with the factory team, knows he has everything at his disposal to ‘make it happen’ in 2025. Can he though, that is the question?

After moving up from EMX250 to MX2 mid-way through the season, Latvia’s Karlis Reisulis’ hard work was rewarded with a new contract, and the #47 will begin the season as a regular podium contender, after just missing out in Switzerland.

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TEAM HRC HONDA 2024 saw a return to factory status for Honda who nurtured Italian hopeful Ferruccio Zanchi to a top ten overall finish in his rookie season, despite missing three rounds through injury. One year older and wiser, the Honda journey continues for the #73, who is looking to make that next step to be a regular top five finisher, or better.

The HRC budget has been increased to support a second rider on the team in the form of another young Italian, Valerio Lata, who steps into MX2 full time. Lata has ditched his #53 for the #18 and will be keen to land on the podium again, just as he did as a wildcard in Maggiora last year.

BTS RACING TEAM A new team in the paddock, but not really, as BTS sees two former teams, SB Racing and BT Racing combine to give its riders the best possible shot at success.

Jens Walvoort (SB Racing in 2024) continues with his familiar surroundings and will aim to improve on 15th overall, in a year where he took an impressive 6th overall in Portugal.

Joining Walvoort will be Oriol Oliver, who after the last few years at WZ Racing, remains on KTM. The Spaniard is a regular visitor to the top ten, but can this new team bring him closer to the top five and beyond?

WZ RACING KTM Replacing Oriol Oliver at WZ Racing KTM is QuentinMarc Prugnieres of France, who had a tough rookie season last year at F&H Racing, on his way to 13th overall. WZ will field an all-French team as they continue with the services of Maxime Grau, who secured a couple of EMX250 podiums in 2024. Grau moves full time into MX2.

JM HONDA RACING Heading into 2025, Spain’s David Braceras will base himself in Belgium as he joins Jacky Martens’ JM Honda Racing Team where he hopes to put what was a difficult 2024 behind him. Braceras moves from Fantic as he looks to get his MX2 aspirations back on track.

KAWASAKI RACING TEAM MX2 New to the paddock but not necessarily new to the championship, Kawasaki returs to MX2 with a factory team. Last years EMX250 Champion Mathis Valin is the chosen one as he moves from BUD Racing and the south of France to the slightly chillier climes of Belgium.

2024 was a dream season for the young Frenchie who

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took nine podiums, including four victories on his way to the title.

HAAZ RACING KAWASAKI There will be two Kawasaki teams in MX2 in 2025 with the introduction of Haaz Racing Kawasaki, who join the championship with two talented youngsters. In 2023, Karssemakers placed 2nd overall in EMX250 behind Andrea Bonacorsi and on his last full season in MX2, Tom Guyon placed 4th overall at his home GP at Saint Jean d’Angely, so both riders have the potential to impress on the world stage.

VENROOY KTM The last time Venrooy was in the paddock, the team was supporting Calvin Vlaanderen in MXGP, but after taking a year out, the team returns to action partnered up with KTM. The Dutch team has chosen one of its own in the form of Cas Valk, who has had an impressive EMX career which includes winning the EMX125 championship a couple of years ago. Valk steps full time into MX2 where the likeable rider could be an instant hit.

TM MOTO CRD MOTOSPORT Czech rider Julius Mikula jumped head first into MX2 last year and was making steady progress until a crash at his home GP ruled him out for the rest of the season. Previously on KTM, the teenager will line up for TM Moto CRD Motosport as he hopes to make his mark at world level. Mikula has previously podiumed in the EMX125 class, so the potential to mix it is there.

KL RACING TEAM Magnus Smith placed 18th overall in EMX250 in 2024 and enters the new season very much as a class rookie, although he has previously placed 6th overall at the FIM Junior World Championship in 2017 when the event was held in Estonia.

The rider who finished behind him in 7th that day was none other than the defending MX2 world champion, by the name of De Wolf. Kay De Wolf.

VNT RACING KTM Rounding out our MX2 OAT list is VNT Racing KTM who will line up with the Belgian rider Nicolas Vennekens.

OAT’S MXGP RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

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With 2024 MXGP world champion Jorge Prado racing in America, the De Carli Team which took him to both of his MXGP titles, returns to orange and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. No number one plate, no Prado and no GASGAS. Instead, the team lines up with a class rookie by the name of Lucas Coenen! The Belgian won nine GP’s on his way to 2nd overall in MX2, and feels the time is right to enter the premier class. Watch this space!

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TEAM HRC Looking to recapture the title he last won in 2022, Slovenia’s Tim Gjaser remains with Giacomo Gariboldi’s HRC Team which has guided him to all five of his world titles, and you can expect the #243 to be challenging for title number six.

Gajser narrowly missed out on that opportunity in 2024, and will be looking for some kind of redemption in 2025.

Gajser’s wingman will once again be the Spaniard Ruben Fernandez, who will be looking to bounce back to form after missing most of last season recovering from injury.

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING Yes, we know! Just like in MX2 there are two factory KTM teams on the grid in 2025, but for the past 16 years the Dutch side of the awning has had the permanent fixture that is Jeffrey Herlings underneath their side. Last year, The Bullet completed his first full season since 2017 on his way to 3rd overall, but an end of season knee injury sustained in a Dutch race after the MXoN leaves him in a race against time to be ready for the start of 2025. If he does make it to Argentina, the big question is ‘how fit will he be, and will his injury be 100% recovered?’ Time will tell.

DUCATI FACTORY MX TEAM Last year we saw the introduction of road bike manufacturer Triumph to MXGP, and for 2025 we welcome another, DUCATI. The biggest team in MotoGP in recent years has swapped asphalt for dirt after spending the past twelve months developing the machine in the hands of Antonio Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino.

Jeremy Seewer placed 4th overall in 2024 and has never missed a GP since he turned professional, and it’s that kind of consistency which convinced the Italian brand to sign their man. Are podiums on the cards though, that is the question?

Backing Seewer up is Italian Mattia Guadagnini, who has traded Husqvarna and Belgium, for Ducati and a return to his native Italy. For Guada, an Italian on an Italian brand, and the most iconic at that must be a feeling of immense pride, and that will no doubt give him an extra few tenths out on track.

KAWASAKI RACING TEAM MXGP Fifth overall in 2024 is not where Romain Febvre expected to be, but that’s what happens when you miss five rounds through injury. The hunger is there and so is the speed.

All he needs now is that little bit of luck. If he stays out of trouble then the #3 is a contender again for sure.

Photo: Ducati

With Seewer moving across to Ducati, and with the demise of Standing Construct Honda, Portuguese GP winner Pauls Jonass has landed the second seat at KRT and will no

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doubt be a valuable asset to a team which can boast two former world champions in its line up. 2025 has the makings of being an exciting year for Kawasaki.

FANTIC FACTORY RACING MXGP Fantic entered the MXGP paddock for the first time last year, with the Dutch pairing of Glenn Coldenhoff and Brian Bogers. Both riders remain for 2025 where they will be joined by a new addition in the form of Andrea Bonacorsi.

The former EMX125 and EMX250 champion is an exciting prospect and it’s great to see this three-pronged attack on the title from the Louis Vosters owned team. The Hoff came close to a podium on two occasions last year, but did manage to help The Netherlands to the podium at the motocross of Nations, a result which will no doubt have a positive effect on this team going forward.

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA FACTORY MXGP TEAM After being brought into the Factory Yamaha team for 2024, Calvin Vlaanderen did not disappoint. The #10 had taken two podiums mid-season and was in a comfortable 4th in the championship before he was forced out of the campaign with four rounds to go.

CV10 will be back to prove he has what it takes to be a contender in 2025.

For Jago Geerts and Maxime Renaux, 2024 was a year to forget, but fingers crossed, they have already put those disappointments behind them as they look confidently towards the news season. If all three riders are firing on all cylinders come round one, it could be a very good season for the boys in blue.

TEAM HONDA MOTOBLOUZ SR MOTUL As a class rookie, Kevin Horgmo had a solid season in 2024, coming home as best non-factory racer in 8th overall, and that is a pretty solid foundation from which to start in 2025. A year older, wiser and stronger, the Norwegian will be keen to impress once again with the team which guided him every step of the way in 2024.

Horgmo will be joined by Alberto Forato, who will be keen to put last year behind him. It might be a new team for the Italian, but crucially he remains with Honda, where the likeable character will be looking to impress.

You have to have nothing but respect for Jan Pancar. The Slovenian continues to back himself by running his own program alongside his father, which in today’s world is not an easy thing to do. The privateer outfit placed 13th overall in his rookie season in the premier class, which included a solid 5th overall in China, with 8-5 finishes. In MX2 he was on the fringes of breaking into the top ten, so will we see him break down these barriers in MXGP? Let’s hope so.

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Photo: Kawasaki

TEM JP253 KTM RACING TEAM

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In many ways, 2024 was a breakout year for Cornelius Toendel who bagged himself a 5th overall in the mud in Portugal in 2024. Not only that, he did so with a 3rd place finish in the second race, and for a privateer, that was impressive. The Norwegian is back with JWR Honda for 2025, and with the right support, it will be cool to see where this journey takes them.

JK RACING YAMAHA The JK Racing Yamaha team was a good fit for class rookie Isak Gifting, but his 18th overall in the championship doesn’t do him any justice. There were some solid performances with his home GP a particular highlight, where he got to lead for a few laps. If he cleans up the mistakes, the Swede could be a top ten contender, and how cool would that be?

MRT RACING TEAM BETA After years of juggling the national championship and MXGP, Tom Koch’s time as a privateer comes to an end as he moves into the MRT Racing Team as a Beta factory rider, proving that hard work really does pay off.

Alongside Koch is Ben Watson, who remains with MRT for a third term. After two years though, can the Brit improve on his 13th from 2023 where he also managed a 9th overall in Switzerland?

JM HONDA RACING

It’s been a tough couple of seasons for Brent Van doninck but despite that, JM Honda team boss Jacky Martens continues to believe in the Belgian’s abilities.

The #32 collected 8th overall on his first race back from injury, and on that basis alone you’d have to imagine that more is possible. We wish the team well in 2025.

MX-HANDEL HUSQVARNA RACING New year, new team for Switzerland’s Kevin Brumann, who moves away from Sixtyseven Racing Team.

Brumann will remain with Husqvarna though and will be hoping that he can get through 2025 without too many issues.

SIXTYSEVEN RACING TEAM HUSQVARNA Staying put in 2025, Mark Scheu and Sixtyseven Racing Team will be looking to improve on his pointsscoring rides from 2024 as he hopes to break into the top thirty. Easier said than done though, in this tough MXGP field. However, the more you race, the more you learn, but it’s how quick you are willing to learn if you are to make significant improvements at this level.

TEAM LEOPARDEN RACING After a career best season in MX2 where he finished the year 20th overall, Leopold Ambjornson has now fixed his sights on the MXGP class with his team, Leoparden Racing. After such a breakthrough year, the Swede will be looking to enter the premier class as a rookie, brimming with confidence.

Photo: Honda

JWR HONDA RACING

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SPECIAL FEATURE

“THE JOKER GETS SERIOUS” ALBERTO FORATO IS WELL KNOWN AS NOT ONLY BEING ONE OF THE FASTEST AND STRONGEST ITALIAN RACERS IN THE POST-CAIROLI ERA, BUT ALSO AS BEING A LIKEABLE CHARACTER WITH A READY SMILE AND A WIT TO MATCH. Following a 2024 season that served him with life-threatening injuries and then the folding of his team, “Alby” will stay in red for Team Honda Motoblouz SR Motul in 2025, and could be one to watch as he approaches the new season with a newly found maturity.

NEW TEAM MXGP MAG: Alberto, first of all, congratulations on your move to Team Honda Motoblouz SR Motul! How did this opportunity come?

Alberto Forato: Hey everyone, thanks a lot!

Actually, it came after a really critical moment for me when I got the news that my former team was going to close everything. It was a really tough time, but things turned around, and I secured a deal with Team SR. That’s where we began.

MXGP MAG: Moving to a new team means adapting to the bike and setup. How’s the transition been so far and what were the biggest changes?

Forato: Of course, changing teams is always challenging, but I can say the transition has been pretty smooth. Without a doubt, the biggest change was moving to the south of France to live and train. That, along with having a new trainer, teammates, and mechanic, has been a big adjustment.

MXGP MAG: New team also means new people around you. How has it been working with them?

Forato: I’m really happy with how things are going so far. I didn’t know them very well before, so I didn’t know what to expect, but Yves (Demaria, Team Trainer) is always with

us. We’re a really nice group; we train well together, have fun on the bike, and always enjoy ourselves.

MXGP MAG: Let’s talk a little bit about last season, you suffered some big injuries. Have you now fully recovered from them?

Forato: I think that was the biggest injury I’ve ever had, but now I can say I’m fully recovered—or at least I will be for the races.

MXGP MAG: Since you have not really had any huge back-to-back injuries like this before, did it change how you think about racing?

Forato: Nothing has changed; I still want to win more than anything, but after something like this, you realize there’s more to life, and there’s no time to waste.

MXGP MAG: If we leave out the negative side, were you satisfied with your riding last year?

Forato: It’s hard to leave out the negatives because they cost me a lot, but yes, I was really happy with how I was riding both before and after. I couldn’t show much during the races, but that’s part of the job.

MXGP MAG: Is there any race or moment from last season that stands out for you, and why?

Forato: I would say the injury during training, where I almost died, stands out for obvious reasons. Lying in the hospital with no feeling from the neck down and the doctors saying they didn’t know what my future would be was terrifying. The first time I rode the bike again, I cried. Even now, I get emotional thinking about it. On a brighter note, the last race

SECTION in Spain stands out as well. I finally started feeling better on the bike. It was a great moment, even though I threw away a potential third place with two laps to go in Race 1. Still, feeling good again made it a happy moment for me.

MXGP MAG: In general, how are you feeling before the first round of MXGP in Argentina?

Forato: I’m feeling good. I’ve made a lot of changes, and time is flying, so there are still a few things to fix. But I can’t wait for the season to start.

NEW SEASON MXGP MAG: With the 2025 season approaching, what are your goals this year?

Forato: Every year is different, but I’ll aim to stay around the top five as much as possible and see where it takes me.

MXGP MAG: Is there any specific race that you are really looking forward to this season?

Forato: Of course, the Italian rounds are always special. Racing on home soil with our fans is such an amazing experience.

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Let’s go, AF 303! Many fans are expecting the established factory riders, plus new MXGP firebrand like Lucas Coenen, to be the main contenders for the 2025 MXGP World Championship season. In one of the best non-factory teams in the paddock however, a happy but serious Alberto Forato could certainly make his presence felt and threaten for podium finishes. He is certainly one to watch and cheer for in the aftermath of his 2024 ordeal. All power to The Forest!

Photos: Pascal Haudiquert

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SPECIAL FEATURE

MIPS SAFETY VISION SINCE MOTORCYCLE COMPETITION BECAME ORGANISED AND REGULATED, HELMET MANUFACTURERS HAVE BEEN GOVERNED

BY STANDARDS FOR THEIR PROTECTION, TO ENSURE THAT NO CORNERS ARE CUT WHEN IT COMES TO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE MOST VITAL PART OF THE HUMAN BODY. SCRUTINEERS AT NATIONAL LEVEL RACING AND UPWARDS ALWAYS CHECK FOR THE MARK OF ACCREDITATION BEFORE ALLOWING RIDERS ONTO THE CIRCUIT.

And now there is a new badge to look for: a yellow circle with the simple black text of the pioneering Swedish safety company called Mips.

Mips have made an incredible journey, turning it into a recognisable brand on a global level has been a remarkable achievement when you consider that what the system was developed to combat, the effect of rotational motion being transferred to the head, had previously received little attention by established manufacturers.

Peter Halldin, a researcher at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and Hans von Holst, a Neurosurgeon and Professor emeritus, developed the system with the intention to improve how existing helmets could protect the head.

SAFETY MISSION Since the system was first developed, and of course it continues to be refined and improved as the ever-flowing river of scientific research continues to flow, the Mips company has been committed to its mission of leading the world to safer helmets . Partnering with more than 150 manufacturers for over 1,000 different models, the emphasis has very much been on complementing the existing brands and building on the technology already in place. Mips has also aligned itself with many key athletes across these sporting sectors, such as multiple Mountain Bike Champions Kate Courtney and Brandon Semenuk, Snowboarding legend Marion Haerty, MotoGP veteran Aleix

Espargaro, and everyone’s favourite Slovenian Motocross megastar, Tim Gajser.

When the question is asked – “so what is it then?”

– the answer that comes back shows clearly why brands like Alpinestars, Bell, Fox, Thor, and Troy Lee Designs, would quite happily work to incorporate this system into their products.

THE SCIENCE Whenever a head hits the floor, there are an infinite number of angles involved, which vary from straight into the ground all the way to a glancing blow. Almost always, like a slowed-down spinning tennis ball, the head (and the body attached) is also turning as it hits the ground. Studies have shown that these forces of rotational motion can be far more dangerous for the brain than linear, “post into the ground” kind of impacts. And of course, they are far more common.

EXCEEDING THE STANDARD Max Strandwitz, CEO, Mips, says; “When it comes to helmet protection, a standard simply isn’t enough. It should be the starting line, not the finish, and the industry as a whole should do more. Mips is eager to embrace its position as the industry leader and push for an elevation of standards across helmet protection. Included in this is addressing a need for increased efforts in consumer education and awareness around the dangers of rotational motion. With the help of a unified industry and the important voice of

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the media, the upward trajectory of enhanced protection can continue.”

The Mips safety system works by creating a thin layer within the helmet to twist slightly with the force of an impact, with the intention to help reduce the amount of rotational motion that is transferred to the head. If you’re a racer and you’ve experienced this sort of crash, and let’s face it most of us have, then I’m sure you can think of a situation where this sort of technology could have made it hurt just that little bit less.

Head injuries are no joke, of course, and while several high impact ball sports have had to change their regulations to penalise play, that may lead to long-term brain damage, there’s little that can be done to prevent crashing in two-wheeled sport, whether an engine is involved or not.

MOVING WITH THE TIMES Speaking at the Mips Safety Symposium organised at the Liqui Moly MXGP of Germany at Teutschenthal, Mips ambassador and fivetime World Champion Tim Gajser raised another important point about 21st century competition.

As with life, it’s all constantly getting faster: “The sport is developing really quickly, the bikes are getting faster, riding techniques are making us faster, and so it’s only right that our safety equipment is also developed to be better, and that’s what I think Mips are doing. As a rider and an athlete, we all want to have as little equipment

on as possible, and to know that the Mips system is there, but not to feel it inside the helmet, is amazing. Rider safety is really important to me.

I haven’t ridden without Mips tech since 2018.

When I know that there is that extra level of safety in place, it gives me more confidence.”

The Vice President of Market Development for the Fox and Bell brands, Thomas Ramsbacher, likened the Mips concept to one which we all know very well in the modern era: “All the cars we are now driving have airbag systems.

The best situation is when we never feel the airbag, but it’s there. In the moment when we need it, it’s there. Buying a car without airbags now isn’t even a consideration, and it should be the same with helmet choices and the Mips system.”

Rotational motion protection is now included in tests for the ECE – that’s Economic Commission for Europe – 22.06 regulation standard, a minimum requirement for motorcycle helmets to go on sale in over 50 countries. The technology is also being applied to winter sports, cycling, and even construction. So the message is clearly getting through that this form of protection is vital.

Mips themselves state their vision as simply, “To reduce head injuries. And save more lives.”

There can be no clearer statement than that, and it is one on which this particular group of people are consistently delivering.

BLOG

by VALENTINA RAGNI Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Coordinator

HELLO, I’M VALENTINA RAGNI AND I’M THE COORDINATOR OF THE RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM. MY PASSION FOR MOTOCROSS WAS BORN WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG BECAUSE I COME FROM CINGOLI, ITALY, WHERE THERE IS A HISTORIC MOTOCROSS TRACK, WHERE MY PARENTS USED TO TAKE ME AS A CHILD.

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Growing up, this passion stayed with me; even as a teenager I told my parents that one day I would work in motocross as a sports journalist or in a team. And that is exactly where I am! My work mostly takes place behind the scenes. I take care of the travel arrangements, the team apparel and the relationships between the riders, the media and the sponsors. I have to make sure that when we go testing or racing, everything is organised for the team, making sure that they have a flight, a hotel and a rental car, so the guys don’t have to think about anything else than racing!

But my relationship with them goes beyond the professional sphere, being very close to them trying to understand their ups and downs, trying to be there for them in good times and especially in bad ones… I spend a lot of time with the whole team, which is like my second family. With being together so much and for so long, you’re not just a work colleague, but you also establish a special bond, you become a kind of friend, a confidant and, especially with some riders, I feel like a kind of mum (in fact some of them call me Mamma Vale).

On a typical race weekend, I have to take care of the passes if we have guests, and I have to check all the appointments the riders have with the organisers, the media or sponsors, and make sure they are on time to an interview, press conference or autograph session. I also have to check that their appearance is in order, for example, if they are on the podium, they must have a clean shirt, the right cap and the right drink. So, I stand behind them, for most of the weekend, making sure they are on time for any appointments, and they look professional in those circumstances.

I love my job because it is so particular, so intense.

We travel a lot, we spend a lot of time together and experience very strong moments, emotions, and all that makes everything really, really special.

To do this kind of work, you must have a lot of passion and commitment, because besides the fun aspect, the travelling, there’s also some stress and a lot of sacrifices, but yes, honestly, I wouldn’t change it for any other job!!!

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SPECIAL FEATURE

2005 YAMAHA YZ125 YAMAHA’S HISTORY IN THE FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DATES BACK TO 1972 WHEN SWEDEN’S HAKAN ANDERSSON PLACED 2ND OVERALL IN THE 250CC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. AT THAT TIME THERE WERE JUST TWO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CATEGORIES, WITH THE 500CC CLASS BEING THE PREMIER CLASS, BUT THAT ALL CHANGED IN 1975 WHEN THE 125CC CLASS WAS UPGRADED FROM EUROPEAN STATUS TO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS, WHICH ALSO BROUGHT MORE EVOLUTION TO THE FORE, AS LIGHTER, MORENIMBLE TWO-STROKES WERE BEGINNING TO MAKE THEIR MARK. Yamaha’s debut season resulted in 6th overall, but within a couple of years the YZ125 was deemed a force to be reckoned with. Over the years, there were various model upgrades, but in 2005 the YZ125 underwent a major facelift and it’s this new motorcycle which we will feature in this issue of MXGP Magazine.

How exciting must it have been in the early 1970’s where technological advancements were aplenty? In motocross terms, the shift from four-stroke to two stroke technology was in full swing, and since 1973 when Hakan Andersson claimed Yamaha’s first world championship in the 250cc class with the revolutionary Mono-Shock, this new advancement in suspension technology was eventually rolled out to the other leading brands. Yamaha though, had the advantage of running the Mono-Shock for a couple of years before similar systems could be adapted to other brands.

A brief history of the YZ125 tells us that in its debut world championship season in 1975, a Belgian by the name of Ivan van den Broek claimed 6th overall in the 125cc world championship standings, which also included Yamaha’s first podium with 3rd overall at the fourth round of the campaign, in Sweden.

Dutchman Gerard Rond went one better next time out at Markelo in Holland where he placed 2nd overall, and towards the end of the season, Japan’s Sugio Yoshifumo claimed back-to-back podium’s when the world championship headed across the Atlantic. At Lexington, Ohio, Yoshifumo went 3-2 for 2nd overall, but in Canada one week later, his 3rd overall included Yamaha’s first ever 125cc grand prix race victory.

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Two years later, Yamaha finished with two riders on the podium in the final championship standings with Gerard Rond and Andre Massant taking 2nd and 3rd overall respectively. When Rond went 1-1 at round four in Denmark for the first of three GP wins that season, he became Yamaha’s first ever 125cc GP winner in the process. However, despite this early success, Yamaha had to wait until 1987 before claiming the 125cc world championship, which was won by John van den Berk. Before the rebranding of the 125cc class to MX2 in 2004, there would be just two more 125cc world titles for Yamaha: Bob Moore in 1994 and Alessio Chiodi in 1997.

The chequered flag fell on the 125cc world championship at the end of 2003, and from 2004, this class would become MX2 where for a while, 125’s could still compete in the category. However, the writing was on the wall as the 250cc four-strokes were an instant hit. Yamaha already had a YZ250F competing at the highest level, and with talk of 125’s eventually being phased out (Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki no longer produce 125’s now) it seemed strange that Yamaha not only continued with this project, but actually announced that 2005 would see an all-new 125cc in its line-up of motorcycles. It doesn’t seem strange now though, as the YZ125 is still being produced twenty-years later and is as popular as ever amongst old and new riders alike.

In 1998 Yamaha changed the motocross landscape with the introduction of the YZF400, and less than ten years later, they were at it again, only this time it was the 2-stroke range which was getting all the attention.

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The 2005 YZ125 was an all-new bike from the ground up, with the most notable difference being the frame. When the first YZ125 broke cover in 1975, the chassis comprised of a single backbone frame made from steel, something which continued until model year 2004. In 2005, the frame was upgraded to aluminium, saving a staggering 4kg’s in overall weight. There was also a return to a six-speed transmission as well after years of running a five-speed gearbox.

A new cylinder and head, new twin-chamber 48mm KYB front fork and KYB rear shock, Renthal ‘bars as standard, new clutch … the list of ‘new’ was endless. The new chassis design allowed for a more comfortable riding position, with good ergonomics all-round.

The most impressive aspect though was how responsive the power was, which as the saying goes: ‘if you’re going to do something, you may as well do it right!’

And Yamaha got this new bike oh, so right! It did everything you wanted it to do. It pulled from nothing, and continued well through the powerband, with no lull in power anywhere.

The new cylinder design had a major role to play in this, in that the cylinder was tilted 7.5˚ further forward, along with the introduction

of a host of other new features, such as reshaped ports and revised port timing. The height and width of the cylinder had also been reduced in order to create a lighter, more compact unit. The new cylinder head was complimented by a new piston and shorter conrod which helped give the bike its ‘snap’. It was 4kg lighter according to the boffins, and it felt lighter out on the track as well, particularly in the turns where it felt like it cornered on rails. In actual fact, when the YZ/YZF ranges were unveiled for the media launch, the YZ125 out-performed the YZ250F in terms of its overall feel.

But what does that even mean? The YZ125 was lighter, more responsive and easier to ride compared to the YZ250F at that time, which by then was some five years in the system.

In many ways, what Yamaha did in 2005 was brave, very brave indeed. By introducing a new aluminium frame on the YZ125 two-stroke when all the attention was shifting to the four-stroke was a stroke of genius, because as it turned out, the impact was so immediate that when the chassis made its way to the ‘F’ models in 2006, it was already an instant hit.

Photos: Gary Freeman / Redeye

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HALL OF FAME

KENnETH GUNDERSEN time he earned the opportunity to race the Motocross of Nations for Team Norway. Forced to skip the 1998 season due to a knee injury, he raced the 125cc World Championship in 1999, scoring points in eleven races, with a sixth in Great Britain his best result.

In his native Norway he won three titles in the 125cc, 250cc and Open classes to finally sign a contract with the factory KTM team. At year 2000’s British GP, held at the legendary Foxhill circuit, he won his first ever GP race and enjoyed his first podium celebration with second overall, and backed it up with another race win at Berghem in the Netherlands, where he tied on points with overall winner and eventual Champion Grant Langston. Just to further prove his versatility, he won the famous Gotland Grand National, one of the toughest Enduro races in the world, for the second year in a row.

Missing four of the first five rounds in 2001 due to an injury, he came back at round six in Spa Francorchamps, and at round seven in Sweden, the closest GP to his home country, he won his first ever Grand Prix overall! Despite Born on the 2nd October 1981 in Fjellhamar, only racing at ten of the fourteen rounds, Kenneth didn’t waste time in getting onto a Kenneth missed the final Championship podium bike as he entered his first race on a Pee by a mere nine points, with two further GP Wee 50 when he was only six years old! It was wins in France and Italy. Moving to the 250cc the beginning of a lifetime of riding and class in 2002 with the factory Kawasaki team, after several seasons in his home country, he he had a consistent season with one GP win entered his first international race when he at Teutschenthal to end the season fifth was eleven years old. 1996 was a really good in the series. With the same bike and team, season for him, as he won the 125cc Junior the Norwegian took the same final position class in Norway, and scored his first points in 2003 in the new MXGP class, against such in the European championship. fearsome new rivals as Stefan Everts, Joel Smets, and Marnicq Bervoets. Double World NORWAY HAS NEVER BEEN THE MOST SUCCESSFUL NORDIC Champion Mickael Pichon was the only COUNTRY IN THE MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, BUT two-stroke to finish KEVIN HORGMO SEEMS TO BE THE NEXT TOP RIDER FROM ahead of him in that NORWAY TO COMPETE AT THE VERY TOP, OVER TWENTY unique year of mixed capacity racing. In the YEARS ON FROM WHEN KENNETH GUNDERSEN BECAME THE strange format of the FIRST NORWEGIAN RIDER – AND STILL THE ONLY ONE IN Motocross of Nations that year, he won the MOTOCROSS HISTORY – TO WIN A GRAND PRIX OVERALL. B-Final to help Norway KENNETH WOULD GO ON TO WIN THREE TIMES IN THE to 15th in the team 125CC CLASS AND ONCE IN THE PREMIER 250CC CATEGORY. standings.

Racing more rounds of the European series in 1997, he took his first race win in Portugal and claimed two other race podiums to end the championship in fifth, despite missing one round. In his home country he grabbed two titles in the 125cc class, and for the first

Back with KTM in 2004 he was in the top five of the rebranded MX1 series until he damaged his knee and was forced to miss the remainder of the season. Sadly, 2005 was no better as he missed thirteen rounds, and finally decided to go back to the MX2 class in 2006.

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That season started perfectly for Kenneth, finishing on the podium at the opening round at Zolder and winning the first race at round two in Spain, but then injuries and technical issues ruined his season, reducing him to just a few top ten results and several DNFs. Thirteenth in the standings and tenth the following season, Kenneth was forced to cut short his GP career after another serious knee injury in 2008, but claimed another Norwegian title in 2009 before retiring, only to return at the age of 32 to help his country at the 2013 Motocross of Nations, where Norway qualified for the A-Final for only the fourth time ever!

started to train promising youngsters such as Kevin Horgmo, Isak Gifting, and Hakon Osterhagen, who all worked with him at one time during their careers. Fast forward to 2024, and Kenneth is back in the paddock alongside his son Pelle, involved in the European Championship and instantly placing within the top ten in the EMX125 class. From a country with very little success in the sport, the most successful rider in the Nordic nation’s history is right at the heart of building Norway’s exciting batch of fast young Motocross talent.

TEXT & PHOTOS: PASCAL HAUDIQUERT

Gundersen felt that it was time for him to give something back to the sport, and he

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2001

80CC NORWEGIAN CHAMPION

1996:

125CC JUNIOR NORWEGIAN CHAMPION (YAMAHA) 26TH IN THE 125CC EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

1997:

125CC AND 250CC NORWEGIAN CHAMPION (YAMAHA) 5TH IN THE 125CC EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP

1999:

125CC, 250CC AND OPEN CLASS NORWEGIAN CHAMPION (YAMAHA) 19TH IN THE 125CC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2000:

125CC AND OPEN CLASS NORWEGIAN CHAMPION (KTM) 7TH IN THE 125CC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

2001:

4TH IN THE 125CC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KTM). 3 GP WINS.

2002:

5TH IN THE 250CC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KAWASAKI). 1 GP WIN.

2003:

5TH IN THE MXGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KAWASAKI)

2004:

20TH IN THE MX1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KTM)

2005:

29TH IN THE MX1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KTM)

2006:

13TH IN THE MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (YAMAHA)

2007:

10TH IN THE MX2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (YAMAHA)

Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations!

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.

Photo: F. Montero

CUT THE

NONSENSE

Dragging bars, scrubbing pegs, and taking names, that‘s what the 2025 KTM 450 SX-F is all about. Those trophies aren‘t going to win themselves. Bring the ruckus.

VISIT KTM.COM

PADDOCK TALKS 1

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1 The YZ FIM Europe bLUcRU SuperFinale will take place on 16-17 August in Uddevalla on the legendary Swedish track!

2 Ducati Corse fully enters in the MXGP paddock with their legendary red color! Aruba.it will be the factory team’s title sponsor. Welcome both!

3 Back-to-back in Galicia. After a successful very first GP in Lugo in 2024, the charming medieval city will host the MXGP of Spain.

4 Famous Italian bike TM continues his factory investment with CRD Motorsport by welcoming the Czech rising star Julius Mikula in MX2 and Niccolò Mannini in EMX125.

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5 The Provisional 2025 Officially Approved Teams list is out, and we go for a paddock led by 16 factory bikes in MXGP and 15 in MX2. It’s going to be spicy!

6 Too easy for the Start Master…

Sacha Coenen seems confident enough to be the Fox Holeshot competition winner again in 2025.

7 Romain Febvre switched his Just1 gear for a 1920s family night on 31st of December before getting back on the Factory KX450.

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8 Fly Racing gear, n°27, Factory KTM… YES, it’s Simon Langenfelder! Preparing the chase of his first MX2 World title!

9 Bike stroll for the guy in blue!

Vlaanderen the Dutchman took the opportunity of becoming a factory rider with two GP Podiums. Keep an eye on the #10 in 2025!

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