Lucas Coenen was on another level in MXGP.
Andrea Adamo secured a crucial result for the MX2 championship standings.
The first EMX250 and EMX125 motos were packed with excitement.
MXGP and MX2 riders, along with those competing in the European Motocross Championship classes, faced demanding conditions this Saturday at the Águeda International Motocross Circuit. The rain made the track heavier and muddier, but it also delivered spectacular action and intense battles for the many fans who came out to watch the practice sessions and especially the races.
While the practice sessions allowed riders to fine-tune their bikes and get a feel for the Águeda layout, the MXGP and MX2 qualifying races whetted everyone’s appetite for Sunday’s main event, where World Championship points are awarded to the top ten finishers.
Lucas Coenen, of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, dominated the MXGP qualifying race and claimed 10 valuable points for the championship. The Belgian rider finished 13 seconds ahead of second-placed Calvin Vlaanderen from Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP Team (9 points). Romain Febvre, representing Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP, came in third (8 points). Portuguese wildcard Luís Outeiro of Motos VR Yamaha Racing Team finished 24th in the qualifying race.
Coenen expressed satisfaction with his qualifying performance in the press conference but said he hopes for better weather on Sunday. “I hope I’m lucky and get a good start,” said the KTM rider.
In the MX2 qualifying race, Andrea Adamo came out on top. The Italian rider from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing earned 10 points toward the championship. Sacha Coenen, also from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, finished second (9 points), and Liam Everts of Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing took third (8 points). Portuguese rider Sandro Lobo, of Motos VR Yamaha Racing Team, ended up in 23rd.
In the European Motocross Championship, the highlight of the day was the first motos in the EMX250 and EMX125 classes, marked by periods of heavy rain that left the track muddy.
Janis Reisulis won the first EMX250 moto. The Latvian Yamaha rider secured a comfortable victory, finishing 10 seconds ahead of runner-up Simone Mancini from Fantic. Francisco Garcia (Kawasaki) placed third. Martim Espinho (KTM) was the top Portuguese rider in this moto, finishing 21st. Tomás Santos (Triumph) placed 34th.
In EMX125, Nicolò Alvisi (KTM) took the win in the first moto, making the most of the pouring rain. Áron Katona (KTM) was second, followed by Francesco Bellei (Fantic) in third. Mano Faure, who led much of the race, ultimately dropped to fourth. The only Portuguese rider in the EMX125 race, Gonçalo Cardoso (Husqvarna), finished mid-pack in 22nd.
Tomorrow is the most anticipated day for the large crowd at the Águeda International Motocross Circuit, featuring the MXGP and MX2 races as well as the second motos for both EMX250 and EMX125 classes.
Tickets for the MXGP of Portugal are available online at BOL and can also be purchased at physical locations (Fnac, Worten, CTT, El Corte Inglés, and usual outlets).
