The world’s best young motocross riders are heading to north-western France this weekend for the FIM Junior World Motocross Championships.
Fans across the planet will cheer on their country’s riders and learn the names of some of the stars of tomorrow.
The venue of Romagné, which has been used in the French Elite National Championships over the last few years, is only half an hour’s drive west from the classic Grand Prix circuit of Ernée, with very similar terrain to its famous neighbour and with a well-known catchment area for some of the most passionate fans of the sport.
It’s only the second time in the event’s history that it has taken place on French soil, 15 years since the first occasion at the more eastern location of Dardon-Gueugnon, where the 125cc class was won by a young man who would become a future MX2 World Champion, Frenchman Jordi Tixier.
That 2010 result was one of many for future champions of the sport.
American Eli Tomac was 125cc champion the year before, while Dutchman Jeffrey Herlings and Germany’s Ken Roczen won the 85cc class in 2008 and 2007 respectively.
In fact, the 2010 event was the first for the 65cc class to be part of the event, and the following year saw Spain’s Jorge Prado take that title, while Pauls Jonass won the 85cc Championship, and Joey Savatgy the 125s.
Other future stars such as Tim Gajser, Conrad Mewse, Jett Lawrence, Maxime Renaux, Rene Hofer and Jago Geerts have won titles at this event, so it’s fair to say that any of this weekend’s victors will be catching the eyes of fans and possible team managers as bright prospects for the future.
With nearly 240 riders entered from 34 countries, the two-day event is split into qualifying on Saturday (Sunday, NZ time) and the main Championship races on Sunday (Monday, NZ time).
The three classes of 125cc, 85cc, and 65cc will each be split into two groups for Practice and Qualification, although Saturday’s action will finish with the 10 minute + 2 Lap Last Chance Races for any of those outside the top 36 from the afternoon’s Qualifying Practice sessions.
Riders from New Zealand at this event this season will be Phoenix Van Dusschoten (125cc), Jaggar Townley (85cc), Nixon Coppins (85cc) and Tripp Glasgow (85cc).
Photo courtesy Infront Moto Racing
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