MXGP Heads to Spain for Round Two in Almonte
ALMONTE, Spain – The 2026 MXGP World Championship paddock returns to Europe this weekend for the MXGP of Andalucia, marking the first European round of the season. Racing will capture place on March 21-22 at the brand latest Circuito de Motocross de Almonte in the Uelva region of Spain. The event promises a full weekend of motocross action, featuring not only the premier MXGP and MX2 classes, but also the EMX250 and EMX125 European Championship categories.
Latvian Riders Set to Compete
Several Latvian riders are poised to produce their mark at the Andalucia event. Pauls Jonass, representing Kawasaki Racing Team, will compete in the MXGP class. The Yamaha Racing Team will field two riders in the MX2 class: Jānis Mārtiņš Reišulis and Kārlis Alberts Reišulis. Rounding out the Latvian contingent is Jēkabs Kubuliņš, who will race in the EMX250 class for Yamaha Racing Team.
Argentina Opener Sets the Stage for a Competitive Season
The opening round in Argentina showcased a highly competitive field, with battles extending to the final laps. Jeffrey Herlings secured a dominant 1-1 victory in the MXGP class, signaling his intent for the championship. The intensity of the Argentinian round has heightened anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling season. The new Almonte circuit, a sandy track, will present a different challenge for the riders.
Jonass and the Reišulis Brothers Aim to Build on Argentina Results
Pauls Jonass finished tenth overall in Argentina, securing 28 points and currently holding ninth place in the MXGP championship standings. In the MX2 class, Jānis Mārtiņš Reišulis delivered a strong performance, finishing fifth although his brother, Kārlis Alberts, secured seventh place. Notably, both Reišulis brothers earned holeshot awards in their respective races, demonstrating impressive starts.
The MXGP of Andalucia has attracted a strong entry list, with 34 riders registered for the MXGP class and 30 for the MX2 class. This large field underscores the growing popularity and competitiveness of the MXGP World Championship.
Herlings’ Dominance and Seewer’s Consistency
The season opener in Argentina saw Jeffrey Herlings of KTM dominate, taking both moto wins. Jeremy Seewer finished second overall in Argentina, demonstrating consistent performance. The series now moves to Spain, where riders will adapt to a new track and potentially changing conditions.
What to Expect in Almonte
The Circuito de Motocross de Almonte is a brand new venue for the MXGP World Championship, adding an element of the unknown to the event. The sandy terrain is expected to favor riders with strong sand-riding skills. The combination of the new track, the competitive field and the presence of multiple championship contenders makes the MXGP of Andalucia a must-watch event for motocross fans.
The question remains: can the early leaders maintain their momentum, or will we spot new faces challenging for the top spots on the podium? The answers will unfold this weekend in Almonte, Spain.
The MXGP of Andalucia represents a significant step in the 2026 season, as the championship transitions from the long journey to South America back to European soil. The event provides a crucial opportunity for riders to establish themselves as contenders for the title.
For those unfamiliar with the MXGP format, each Grand Prix typically consists of two motos (races) for each class. Points are awarded based on finishing position in each moto, and the rider with the most points overall at the end of the season is crowned champion. The holeshot award, given to the rider who leads at the first turn, is a prestigious recognition of a strong start.
Next Up: Latvia
Following the MXGP of Andalucia, the championship heads to Latvia for the MXGP of Latvia. Ruben Fernandez has been cleared to compete in Latvia, while Pauls Jonass will be sidelined from his home round. The Latvian round is scheduled for later in the season and will provide another opportunity for riders to showcase their skills.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the 2026 MXGP World Championship. Share your predictions for the MXGP of Andalucia in the comments below!
