MXGP of Czech Republic: De Wolf back in action while Everts claims MX2 race win

Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Liam Everts claimed his first MX2 race victory of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship season at the iconic Loket, while Kay de Wolf made his return to MXGP competition following injury.

One of the most established venues on the MXGP calendar provided another demanding weekend of racing as the championship arrived at Loket. Set above the medieval Czech town of the same name, the renowned hard-pack circuit challenged riders with its polished surface, steep elevation changes and unforgiving technical layout.

After an impressive Saturday that saw him qualify second, Everts arrived on Sunday looking every bit a podium contender. A difficult opening moto left the Belgian 12th, but he responded in emphatic fashion in race two.

Launching from second at the gate, Everts seized the lead before the opening lap was complete and immediately established his authority at the front. Riding with speed and composure, he steadily extended his advantage over championship leader Guillem Farres throughout the 18-lap race, controlling proceedings from start to finish before taking the chequered flag by six seconds.

The victory carried added significance at a circuit where the Everts name has long featured prominently, with Liam’s father Stefan sharing the record for overall Grand Prix victories at Loket. Although the opening-moto result left Liam fifth overall for the weekend, his commanding second-moto performance delivered a major confidence boost ahead of his home Grand Prix at Lommel. He remains fifth in the MX2 World Championship standings on 520 points.

There was further encouragement for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing as Kay de Wolf returned to Grand Prix competition for the first time since sustaining his ankle injury at Montevarchi. Returning to racing after missing the previous three rounds, the Dutchman immediately demonstrated encouraging pace aboard his FC 450. After setting the third-fastest time in free practice, de Wolf backed it up with seventh in Saturday's qualifying race to show he was quickly settling back into competition.

Sunday’s opening moto underlined the strength of de Wolf’s comeback. After working his way into the race following a challenging start, the Dutchman quickly rediscovered his rhythm and delivered a composed, competitive ride to finish an impressive sixth on his MXGP return.

De Wolf again showed strong pace in the second moto before becoming caught up in a first-turn crash. Although he remounted, damage to the handlebars ultimately forced him to retire. Despite the early finish, Loket proved to be a highly encouraging return to Grand Prix racing, with de Wolf demonstrating front-running speed, rebuilding valuable race fitness and gathering positive momentum ahead of the deep sands of Lommel.

Following Round 13 of the championship, Husqvarna sits third in the Manufacturers' Championship, with both riders now turning their attention to the demanding sands of Lommel, where the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship continues next weekend.

#74 - Kay de Wolf: "It was a really positive weekend overall, and it's great to be back. We had good speed on Saturday, and I felt really good on the bike with the changes we've made. I didn't get the best start in the first moto and made a few small mistakes, but there was still some nice riding. In the second moto, I crashed at the start and bent the bars, so unfortunately I had to DNF. There are still lots of positives to take, and I'm really looking forward to Lommel. We'll keep building and hopefully aim for the box."

#26 - Liam Everts: "I felt really good all weekend. It's one of my favourite tracks to come to because the dirt reminds me a bit of my home track, so I was excited to be here. The qualifying race was really good, but in the first moto I had a big crash in the first turn on lap one. It took me a while to get going again, but I still managed to come back to 12th. The feeling on the bike was still really good. In the second moto I got a much better start, around third, then worked my way into the lead and controlled the race from there. It was a really good moto and something I really needed for my confidence. To come away with a race win just before my home GP is a super nice feeling."

Results  -  2026 FIM Motocross World Championship, Round Thirteen:

MXGP - Moto One:
1. Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) 35:20.291; 2. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 35:38.601; 3. Tom Vialle (Honda) 35:44.205; 4. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 35:45.062; 6. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 36:13.111;

MXGP - Moto Two:
1. Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) 35:34.003; 2. Tom Vialle (Honda) 35:44.913; 3. Tim Gajser (Yamaha) 35:46.301; 10. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 36:46.676; DNF. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna);

MXGP - Overall:
1. Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) 50pts; 2. Tom Vialle (Honda) 42pts; 3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 38pts; 6. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 29pts; 14. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 15pts;

MXGP - Standings:
1. Jeffrey Herlings (Honda) 615pts; 2. Lucas Coenen (KTM) 566pts; 3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 541pts; 6. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 411pts; 9. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 292pts;

MX2  -  Moto One:
1. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 34:03.298; 2. Camden McLellan (Triumph) 34:14.003; 3. Janis Martins Reisulis (Yamaha) 34:15.815; 5. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 34:18.853; 7. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 34:39.535; 12. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 35:04.800; 

MX2  -  Moto Two:
1. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 33:57.774; 2. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 34:03.774; 3. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (Yamaha) 34:06.006; 7. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 34:52.577; DNF. Simon Längenfelder (KTM);

MX2  -  Overall:
1. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 47pts; 2. Camden McLellan (Triumph) 40pts; 3. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (Yamaha) 38pts; 5. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 34pts; 7. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 28pts; 13. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 16pts;

MX2  -  Standings:
1. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 618pts; 2. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 585pts; 3. Camden McLellan (Triumph) 548pts; 4. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 547pts; 5. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 520pts;