Coenen Brothers Face Difficult Season Opener in Bariloche: “I Saw Nothing Through My Right Eye”

BARILOCHE, Argentina – The 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship kicked off with a challenging weekend for the Coenen brothers at the fresh Bariloche MX Race Track in Patagonia, Argentina. Lucas Coenen battled vision problems throughout the MXGP class races, while Sacha Coenen experienced a strong start but a significant crash in the MX2 class.

The Bariloche track, a new addition to the MXGP calendar, proved demanding for riders with its fast straights, corners, and loose topsoil. Sunny, breezy, and warm conditions greeted the competitors, but the track’s challenging surface presented difficulties for several riders, including the Coenens.

Lucas Coenen Struggles with Vision in MXGP Debut

For Lucas Coenen, the opening round in Argentina was hampered by a vision issue in his right eye. Starting the first moto from tenth position after being boxed in at the gate, Coenen fought his way up to fifth place, demonstrating his speed and determination. However, a fall in the sixth lap ultimately set him back. “The track was dangerous,” Coenen reportedly said. “With the many ruts, you could lose more than you could win on this track.” He managed to recover to finish fifth overall in the MXGP class, improving upon his debut at the same Grand Prix in 2025 by one position.

Jeffrey Herlings dominated the first moto, setting a fast pace that Coenen and others struggled to match. The Belgian rider’s performance, despite the visual impairment, showcased his resilience and potential in the premier class. The overall MXGP results saw Herlings take the win, with Tom Vialle and Andrea Adamo rounding out the top three.

Sacha Coenen’s Mixed Results in MX2

Sacha Coenen, competing in the MX2 class, enjoyed a promising start to the season. While details of his qualifying race win were reported earlier in the week, his performance in the motos was more complex. He initially demonstrated strong pace, but a heavy crash in the second moto impacted his overall result. The extent of any injuries sustained in the crash was not immediately clear.

Despite the setback, Sacha Coenen’s early speed signaled his continued competitiveness in the MX2 category. He is a key contender in the championship defense following Simon Laengenfelder’s MX2 World Championship victory in 2025.

Laengenfelder Dominates MX2, Vialle Secures MXGP Qualifying Win

The opening day of the YPF MXGP of Argentina saw Tom Vialle and Sacha Coenen draw first blood with qualifying race wins in the MXGP and MX2 classes, respectively. Vialle, riding for Honda HRC Petronas, led from the start, holding off challenges from Lucas Coenen to win by over five seconds. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing pairing of Lucas Coenen and Andrea Adamo completed the podium in the qualifying race.

Simon Laengenfelder, the defending MX2 World Champion, started his title defense strongly, despite starting 22nd in the gate. His performance underscored his determination to maintain his championship status. The Red Bull KTM team has now participated in 19 consecutive MX2 podiums, highlighting their consistent success in the category.

Challenging Track Conditions and Competitive Field

The Bariloche MX Race Track presented a unique challenge for riders, with its fast, rough, and slick surface. The loose topsoil added to the difficulty, requiring riders to adapt their riding style and maintain focus throughout the races. The combination of challenging track conditions and a highly competitive field resulted in several unexpected outcomes and exciting battles on the track.

The opening round of the 2026 MXGP season has set the stage for a thrilling championship battle. The Coenen brothers, despite their difficult start, remain determined to compete at the highest level. The next round of the championship will provide them with an opportunity to rebound and demonstrate their full potential.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, fielding a four-rider line-up with Lucas Coenen, Sacha Coenen, Andrea Adamo, and Simon Laengenfelder, will be looking to build on their strong start to the season. The team’s consistent performance and commitment to development position them as a major force in both the MXGP and MX2 classes.

The MXGP series continues with 19 rounds across 17 different countries, offering fans a global showcase of motocross talent and excitement. The next event is yet to be announced, but fans can stay updated on the official MXGP website for the latest schedule and results.

Next Up: Details regarding the location and schedule for the second round of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship will be released by Infront Moto Racing in the coming days. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates.

What are your thoughts on the opening round in Argentina? Share your predictions for the rest of the season in the comments below!