The programme for the Portugal MXGP, held this weekend at the Crossódromo Internacional de Águeda, is now known.
The Secretary of State for Tourism will be present at the event.
The world’s best motocross riders will gather this weekend — 2nd, 3rd and 4th of May — in Águeda to contest the 7th round of the MXGP World Championship. The entry list for the Crossódromo Internacional de Águeda has already been released, and the Portuguese flag will be carried by seven riders.
Most Portuguese riders will take part in the EMX125 and EMX250 events, but the spotlight will be on the appearances of Luís Outeiro in MXGP and Sandro Lobo in MX2.
In the premier category, MXGP, Luís Outeiro will enter as a wild card aboard a Yamaha. Luís Outeiro is the current national motocross champion. Sandro Lobo will compete in MX2, also as a wild card and riding a Yamaha. Sandro Lobo holds the current Portuguese MX2 title. Both riders are among the greatest hopes of Portuguese motocross and promise to thrill the fans who come to Águeda.
In the European motocross championship categories, two Portuguese riders will race in EMX125: Gonçalo Cardoso on a Husqvarna, and Filipe Saúde on a KTM. Martim Espinho (KTM), Tomás Santos (Triumph) and Martim Palma (Yamaha) will compete in EMX250.
Portugal MXGP Weekend Schedule
The organisers have released the schedule for the MXGP weekend in Águeda. Although the main days are Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th, the riders will hit the track as early as Friday the 2nd.
On Friday, MXGP and MX2 riders will have their first contact with the track at the Crossódromo Internacional de Águeda during the initial practice sessions.
Saturday morning will be marked by practice sessions in the various categories. In the afternoon, the day will feature the first races of EMX125 and EMX250, as well as the MXGP and MX2 qualifying races — whose results count towards the championship — starting at 4:35 p.m.
Sunday is the most anticipated day. The second races of EMX125 and EMX250 begin at 9:40 a.m. At 1:15 p.m., the first MX2 race kicks off, followed by the MXGP event. From 4:10 p.m. on, the second races of MX2 and MXGP will start, closing out this weekend of motocross in Águeda.
Secretary of State for Tourism to Attend in Águeda
The government will be represented at Portugal MXGP by the Secretary of State for Tourism. Pedro Machado will attend the event on Sunday afternoon, watching the MXGP and MX2 races. Afterwards, he will participate in the trophy‑presentation ceremony for the winners, runners-up and third-place finishers.
The president of ACTIB, the association organising the Águeda event, emphasised the importance of government presence during the MXGP Grand Prix weekend in Portugal, and anticipates highly competitive and spectacular races.
“The cross‑track is ready to welcome the riders and to host thrilling races. The MXGP and MX2 championships are fiercely competitive, and the battle among the top riders is intense. The Portuguese round comes at a great time, and we are used to the Crossódromo Internacional de Águeda delivering memorable races. We believe this weekend will be no different,” said Tiago Silva, president of ACTIB.
Tickets for MXGP Portugal are available for online purchase via BOL, and can also be bought at the usual physical outlets (Fnac, Worten, CTT, El Corte Inglés, and other regular points of sale).
