Belgium Wins Motocross of Nations at Ernée For First Time Since 2013

Belgium won the Motocross of Nations at Ernée with 23 points, edging out Spain by three points to secure their first victory in the team event since 2013, HBVL reported. Led by team manager Joël Roelants, the trio of Liam Everts, Lucas Coenen, and Sacha Coenen relied on consistent scoring across six motos in front of a weekend crowd of 105,000 spectators.

Belgium Secures First Nations Title in Thirteen Years

The victory on Sunday broke a 13-year drought for Belgium at the prestigious team event, matching the nation’s last triumph in 2013 at Teutschenthal under a different generation of riders. According to HBVL and regional coverage from GVA, the Dutch squad claimed third with 34 points, followed by Latvia with 52 points and the United States with 53 points.

Belgium’s winning formula avoided moto wins entirely, relying instead on disciplined, mistake-free consistency. Liam Everts posted matching fourth-place finishes in his motos, Lucas Coenen added a third and a fifth, and Sacha Coenen contributed a 12th and a seventh. The final classification remained tense until the checkered flag dropped on the last race, with the virtual lead fluctuating by a single point between Belgium and Spain.

Liam Everts Matches Family Legacy on 450cc Machine

Stepping up from his usual 250cc machinery to pilot a 450cc bike for the event, Liam Everts delivered two fourth-place finishes. The 450 suits me well, Everts told HBVL, noting that the technical layout of the Ernée circuit allowed him to ride more upright with less physical strain. I knew I would be fast, certainly on this technical track. A switch to the MXGP? That is for 2028.

With the victory, the 22-year-old rider joins elite family company on the historical ledger of the Motocross of Nations. His grandfather, Harry Everts, won the team world championship twice alongside six victories in the older Trophy of Nations, while his father, Stefan Everts, claimed five victories with the Belgian national team. Magnificent, huh? That’s another one for the history books, Liam Everts said. Dad and grandpa were very emotional after the race. I am too. I am a proud Belgian, a proud Fleming, and above all a proud Everts.

Lucas Coenen Overcomes Injury and Emotional Hurdles

The turnaround arrived via a phone call from team manager Joël Roelants. He convinced me to try anyway, Coenen said, noting that Roelants provided a top-tier physiotherapist to treat the injury. Despite lingering limitations that made simple walking difficult, Coenen secured third and fifth places in his respective races. Sacha Coenen also collected the Ricky Carmichael Award in Ernée as the event’s top-performing young rider.

Jeffrey Herlings Ties Stefan Everts’ Record

While Belgium hoisted the championship trophy, Dutch standout Jeffrey Herlings achieved an individual milestone by securing his class victory for the sixth time at the Motocross of Nations. Racing in the Open class, The Bullet claimed two moto wins to tie Stefan Everts’ historical record for class victories at the event.

Herlings pointed toward next season’s competition in the Netherlands, where the event will take place on deep sand circuits, offering him a chance to claim the record outright. I’m already looking forward to it, Herlings told HBVL.