Coenen earns first MXGP moto win as Adamo takes another MX2 podium in Sardinian sand

MXGP encountered its first sandy challenge of the 2025 season with the Grand Prix of Sardinia and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing left the demanding bumps of Riola Sardo with more spoils. Standout performances came from Lucas Coenen on the KTM 450 SX-F who won the first moto on Sunday while Andrea Adamo collected another podium trophy with P3 in MX2. Jeffrey Herlings made his first GP appearance this year, scoring 15th overall.

  • Overcast Sardinia takes MXGP onto Italian terrain for the first time this term and Lucas Coenen says ‘Ciao’ with a dominant first career moto win but then cannot finish the second race
  • Jeffrey Herlings pockets his first MXGP points of 2025 after recovering from right knee surgery performed at the end of October 2024 with 20-7 results and briefly leads the second moto
  • Andrea Adamo finishes on the MX2 podium for the second Grand Prix in a row. The Italian leads the second moto until the final lap and confirms P3 on the day
  • Simon Laengenfelder grabs 4th overall after a consistent day in the sand and Sacha Coenen rounds-out the top five after a hard charge to 4th in the second moto. Red Bull KTM own both MX2 holeshots with the KTM 250 SX-F
  • MXGP makes the relatively short journey across the water to Arco di Trento for round five next week and swaps beaches for mountains, and sand for stony hardpack soil

After the Spanish/French Grand Prix double, MXGP had a week to recuperate before Italian back-to-back fixtures with distinct flavors. First-up for Red Bull KTM was the Grand Prix of Sardinia around the compact, sandy course on the island that serves as a popular off-season training site.

In contrast to Cozar and St Jean D’Angely in recent weeks, the climate was stable on the western tip of the Sardinian territory. Red Bull KTM welcomed all-time record wins holder Jeffrey Herlings back in the awning for the Dutchman’s return to world championship competition and where he steers the KTM 450 SX-F for the eighth consecutive season. Teammate classmate Lucas Coenen was the marker for speed and rhythm in the first MXGP moto. The youngster led from the start until the checkered flag and even a small, late tip-over was not enough to derail the rookie from his first 25 points. Herlings didn’t get the best start and weathered arm-pump to ride to 20th. In the second race Coenen had to pick-up and restart in last place after a crash when he clipped the inside bank of the first turn. The Belgian charged back to the fringe of the top ten but two more mistakes ended his moto early, meaning 7th overall. Herlings had a decent getaway and led the first three laps of 18 before guiding the #84 KTM across the line in 7th; a result earned with less than a week of saddle time after a six-month lay-off.

In MX2 Sacha Coenen and Andrea Adamo blasted to the holeshots. Coenen achieved the distinction in the first moto before an error dropped the Belgian down the order and he fought back to 5th. Sacha barreled to the top four in the second race to take 5th overall, classifying behind the steady Simon Laengenfelder, who was close to a third podium of the season with a 3-6 scorecard and took maximum points on Saturday by owning the Qualifying race. Adamo, who won the French Grand Prix two weeks ago, almost had the flag in the second moto but was denied by world champion Kay de Wolf. P2 was still sufficient for 3rd for the Grand Prix.

The Racestore KTM Factory Rookies team again had cause to celebrate for the third date in the 2025 EMX125 championship. Hungarian Aron Katona grasped his first checkered flag in France and then added to the tally with an impressive 1-1 and overall success in Sardinia. #817 also rose to 1st place in the championship standings. Riola Sardo was near perfect for the squad as Nicolo Alvisi was confirmed as runner-up by finishing 2nd and 4th with the KTM 125 SX.

The Italian theme for MXGP continues this week as the series moves to the mainland and to the north for the Grand Prix of Trentino. The hardpacked Pietramurata circuit in Arco di Trento and close to Lake Garda will stage round five and where Red Bull KTM scored victory in the MX2 class last year.

Lucas Coenen, 1st and DNF for 7th overall in MXGP: “I felt good in Timed Practice and almost won the qualifying race but things went even better in the first moto on Sunday. I made the start I wanted and then just controlled the gap. I don’t know what happened at the start of the second moto: I think somebody hit me into the first turn. I came back to 8th or 9th until I found another rider in mid-air and then crashed. The weekend was done. Good and bad. More luck next weekend I hope.”

Jeffrey Herlings, 20th and 7th for 15th overall in MXGP: “We decided at the last minute to come to this race and use it as the best practice. Yes, a P20 can hurt but…I think it was just my sixth day on the bike after six months. So, for the circumstances I think it was quite good today. It was the first time I’d done a 35-minute moto! We got some points and finishing 7th in the second moto was quite good. Now just to build and get better every single week. Step-by-step now.”

Andrea Adamo, 4th and 2nd for 3rd overall in MX2: “Super-weekend. I was consistent. I led a little bit in the second moto – it is not easy to beat Sacha for the holeshot! - and I was following Kay then he made a mistake and I could breathe a little. I knew he would come back though! It’s a bummer. I wanted that win. But, anyway, I’m super-happy with the race, my fitness and my speed and being on the podium again. Compared to last year this is a step ahead. Let’s go to the next one.”

Simon Laengenfelder, 3rd and 6th for 4th overall in MX2: “The weekend was just OK. A good qualifying win on Saturday but I had to come from outside the top ten in the first moto and got back to 3rd: that was good. I felt fast on the bike and could push. Second race I got cut-off at the start and struggled to push back due to some stomach pain. 6th was not ideal but it was a half-positive weekend and we have stuff to work on for the next rounds.”

Sacha Coenen, 5th and 4th for 5th overall in MX2: “Today went quite well. I led almost the whole first moto but just made a mistake on a jump when I was with Kay. So that meant 5th. I was a bit disappointed and then my reaction was not the best at the start of the second race. I was also hit by someone else’s handlebar. At that point I just said, “give it everything” and rode really well. I had a little contact with [Camden] McLellan and then decided to take P4 and collect the points. A better weekend than the last one.”

 

Results MXGP Sardinia 2025

 

1. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 4-1

2. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED), Fantic, 2-3

3. Tim Gajser (SLO), Honda, 5-2

4. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA), Fantic, 3-5

5. Kevin Horgmo (NOR), Honda, 7-8

7. Lucas Coenen (BEL), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 1-DNF

15. Jeffrey Herlings (NED), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 20-7

 

Standings MXGP 2025 after 4 of 20 rounds

 

1. Tim Gajser (SLO), Honda, 215

2. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 181

3. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED), Fantic, 156

4. Lucas Coenen (BEL), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 141

5. Maxime Renaux (FRA), Yamaha, 125

 

Results MX2 Sardinia 2025

 

1. Kay de Wolf (NED), Husqvarna, 1-1

2. Camden McLellan (RSA), Triumph, 2-3

3. Andrea Adamo (ITA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 4-2

4. Simon Laengenfelder (GER), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 3-6

5. Sacha Coenen (BEL) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 5-4

6. Liam Everts (BEL), Husqvarna, 6-5

 

Standings MX2 2025 after 4 of 20 rounds

 

1. Kay de Wolf (NED), Husqvarna, 185 points

2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 177

3. Liam Everts (BEL), Husqvarna 175 points

4. Andrea Adamo (ITA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 171

6. Sacha Coenen (BEL) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 143

KTM NEWS

ELI TOMAC TO RETIRE AT THE CONCLUSION OF 2026 SMX POST-SEASON

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American motocross and supercross legend Eli Tomac has announced that he will retire from professional competition following the 2026 SMX World Championship post-season, bringing a close to one of the most decorated careers in the history of the sport. At 33 years of age, Tomac has enjoyed a memorable season with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing this year, claiming four 450SX Main Event victories in the AMA Supercross Championship aboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Tomac will go down as one of the greatest competitors ever, with his career spanning 17 professional seasons between 2010 and 2026. The Cortez, Colorado, native is ranked second on the all-time 450SX wins list with 57 Main Event victories, and fourth all-time in the AMA Pro Motocross 450MX wins list with a total of 32. As a two-time AMA Supercross 450SX Champion (2020, 2022) and four-time 450MX Champion (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), Tomac has represented Team USA at the prestigious FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) on six occasions – captaining the United States to victory at RedBud in 2022. Earlier in his career, Tomac captured the 2013 250MX title outdoors after achieving 12 overall wins within the category – including his pro debut at Hangtown's season-opening round in 2010 – prior to transitioning to the premier class full-time in 2014. He also earned the 250SX West Divisional Championship in 2012. In addition, Tomac extended his Daytona Supercross record with an eighth-career victory in 2026, was notably crowned the 2024 FIM World Supercross Champion in the SX1 Class, and he was also recognized in 2022 as an ESPY Award recipient in the prestigious Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports category. The entire Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team extends its gratitude and best wishes to Eli for the future, and looks forward to finishing the current season strongly together through the upcoming SMX Playoffs, culminating with the SMX World Championship Final in Ridgedale, Missouri, on September 26. Eli Tomac: "I will be stepping away from Supercross and motocross racing at the end of September, following the final three SMX rounds. This has been the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my professional career, but I know in my heart that the time is now and that the time is right. I’ve won races and championships beyond my imagination. Racing has been the only thing I’ve woken up to and known the last 25 years, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything." Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: "Eli exploded onto the scene well over a decade and a half ago, and if he wasn’t on your team, you sure wished he was, because you’d ultimately be fighting against him to try and win. Over the years, Eli has become the second-winningest rider in Supercross history and has won multiple national and Supercross championships. We’ve had the privilege of working with him this year, and it was no different – he was fighting for the title and for wins each and every week. Eli is an amazing rider, and for the team and myself, to see how he operates and to get a better understanding of his sportsmanship and work ethic was a gift after all those years that we competed against him. But, like all good things, they do eventually come to an end, and with that Eli has decided to retire at the end of this season. Our team is grateful for the opportunity we’ve had and know that whatever he does in the future, it will be successful. Eli is a hard worker, disciplined and dedicated, and we truly wish him and his family all the best." Eli Tomac Career Highlights Two-time AMA Supercross 450SX Champion (2020, 2022) 57-career 450SX Main Event victories (second all-time) Four-time AMA Pro Motocross 450MX Champion (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022) 32-career 450MX overall victories (fourth all-time) 2013 AMA Pro Motocross 250MX Champion 2012 AMA Supercross 250SX West Champion 2024 FIM World Supercross SX1 Champion A record eight-time Daytona Supercross winner (2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026) ESPY Award recipient in 2022 (Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports)

DOUBLE VICTORY FOR RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING AT IRONMAN NATIONAL

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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing earned a double victory across 450MX and 250MX at the Ironman National on Saturday, with Jorge Prado and Julien Beaumer each claiming the overall wins at this weekend's final round of the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in Indiana. Off the back of two consecutive second-place finishes, Prado qualified fastest aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION with a 2:07.134 lap time at the season-finale Ironman National, and took control of the lead in the early stages of Moto 1. The four-time world champion steadily extended his advantage at the front of the 450MX field as the race unfolded, eventually delivering his first Pro Motocross moto win by a convincing 11.566-second margin. A holeshot in Moto 2 saw the Spaniard race to another commanding victory, with his 1-1 scorecard securing his first-career overall win in American competition. Coupled with four additional podium finishes throughout the season, Prado claimed fourth in the final 450MX standings. Jorge Prado: "It was a perfect day! We were fastest in qualifying and went P1 in both motos – we saw some progression over the past weeks, and I’ve got to give it up to the whole Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team for allowing me to perform this way. I’m happy with my hard work and everything fell into place today for my first overall in the United States. This is why I came here – and I’m super-happy to be here – so thank you to everyone.” Four-time 450MX champion Eli Tomac was eighth-fastest on the combined qualifying timesheets, powering his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to a seventh-place result in Moto 1. The 33-year-old improved to fifth position in Moto 2, earning the Colorado icon fifth overall for the weekend and completing what has been a convincing return to racing after missing the first half of the outdoor season. Eli Tomac: "Ironman was solid! It was one of my better rides of the season across both motos. I found a good flow in Moto 2, and it was nice to finish the day strong like that. I had a lot of fun on this track – it was one of the best tracks that I have ever ridden, in my opinion. For how technical it was, and the things that it offered for us to race, it shaped up well. So, I'm pretty happy with the weekend, and now we just need to work on some starts." Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Aaron Plessinger recorded the ninth-fastest time in the morning’s qualifying sessions, before converting his top-10 start into an impressive fifth-place score in Moto 1. P9 in Moto 2 saw ‘The Cowboy’ achieve eighth overall at Ironman, marking another solid result in his late-season return to Pro Motocross competition. Aaron Plessinger: "Ironman was a good day! Qualifying went alright, my bike was feeling pretty good, but the cream of the crop was the first moto. I didn't get the greatest start, but I made my way through the pack and got up to fourth. Then Coop [Webb] got by me, and I ended up fifth, but it was a solid moto – I was pumped with that! Then in the second moto, I felt a little flat, but I salvaged what I could and scored 5-9 on the day for eighth overall. The track was awesome and formed up really well, so it was a good day. Now, we'll take this week off to recover and then get back into it for SMX." Equipped with the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in the 250MX category, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Beaumer qualified seventh-fastest on combined times. A fast start in Moto 1 saw him charge to the holeshot, eventually crossing the finish line in a hard-fought second position. A top-10 start in Moto 2 saw the 20-year-old rapidly work his way through the field, working his way into the lead to go on and take a deserving victory. His 2-1 scorecard earned him his second 250MX overall of the season. Four podium finishes – including round wins at Spring Creek and Ironman – saw Beaumer climb to second in the 250MX standings, capping off what has been a highly-successful Pro Motocross campaign. Julien Beaumer: "It was a great day at Ironman! In Moto 1, I got the holeshot and finished second, even if I didn't ride the greatest, but we made some good changes going into Moto 2. My riding was really good in that one, even if my start wasn't as strong, but I worked my way through the pack to first in the end! I'm stoked with the work that we did over the course of the season – we made a lot of progress outdoors and it's been rewarding to be back racing. We'll shift our focus to SMX now." The SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) post-season is up next on the 31-round schedule, set to commence with Playoff 1 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on September 12. Results 450MX Class – Ironman National 1. Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 2. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) 3. Cooper Webb (Yamaha) 5. Eli Tomac (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 8. Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 16. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna) Standings 450MX Class 2026 after 11 of 11 rounds 1. Hunter Lawrence, 474 points 2. Jett Lawrence, 472 3. Haiden Deegan, 404 4. Jorge Prado, 401 5. RJ Hampshire, 346 12. Aaron Plessinger, 159 14. Eli Tomac, 121 25. Lucas Coenen, 44 27. Malcolm Stewart, 41 Results 250MX Class – Ironman National 1. Julien Beaumer (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) 2. Chance Hymas (Honda) 3. Ryder DiFrancesco (Husqvarna) 11. Daxton Bennick (Husqvarna) Standings 250MX Class 2026 after 11 of 11 rounds 1. Cole Davies, 407 points 2. Julien Beaumer, 369 3. Levi Kitchen, 364 5. Ryder DiFrancesco, 326 15. Casey Cochran, 146 16. Daxton Bennick, 142 21. Sacha Coenen, 83