HThe 2026 Motocross World Championship kicks off this weekend in Bariloche, Argentina. Before his trip, photographer Bavo Swijgers took the time to shed some light on the new season. Bavo, once a talented mountain biker himself, has been following the MXGP scene professionally for quite some time.
Over the past few months, he's had most of the factory riders in front of his lens for the annual photoshoots. Moreover, Swijgers knows each of the protagonists personally. So, let's get started, let's start with the world champion candidates. And there are plenty of MXGP riders who already hold a world title, including Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Romain Febvre, Tom Vialle, Kay de Wolf, Maxime Renaux, Andrea Adamo, and Paul Jonass.
Jeffrey Herlings swapped KTM for HRC Honda. How do you see him at the start of this season?
Silent: "He's been working incredibly hard since January 1st, that's clear. The switch to Honda is certainly no bad thing for him—a breath of fresh air is good for him, I think. He also has some strong competition internally: Ruben Fernandez and Tom Vialle won't be willing to take a back seat. That will get Jeffrey's blood pumping. Not that Herlings has ever lacked motivation, but the combination of a new bike and a new environment comes at the perfect time in his career.
The big question mark is the start. If Herlings gets off to a good start, he'll be up front—we know that. But if he starts from the back on a track where the competition is fiercer than ever, I don't think he'll just bounce back to first place. Finishing in the top five will probably be the best he can do. I suspect Honda is realistic about that too.
Tim Gajser is switching from Honda to Yamaha. How was his preparation?
Silent: I'm pleasantly surprised. He didn't look like he was struggling much with that new bike—quite the opposite. Gajser is very sharp this season. He made a lot of changes over the winter: new trainer, different diet. His motivation is enormous. I think he wants to show where he stands from the start. After a lost season, it's time for revenge!
Lucas Coenen narrowly missed out on the world title in his first MXGP season last year. Can he dominate this year?
Silent: I think the potential is definitely there! What struck me most last year was how he approached his race weekend. No longer rushing into it like a madman during warm-up—much more systematic, much more calmly. And that worked.
If he's had a good winter and is healthy at the start, he's one of the top favorites for me. Don't forget: few fight for the title in their first MXGP year. Febvre did it, Gajser did it—and they ultimately won the title. That's the level you have to put Lucas on. He's on the same bike, in the same team, and hasn't made any major changes. If he takes another step like last year, the competition will have a serious problem. The only question is, can he make such a big step forward again?
Romain Febvre takes his 2025 world title into the new season and is brimming with confidence. How motivated is he still?
Silent: Febvre is a cunning fox. He knows the formula: when to push, when to ease off. You never write off riders like that. Whether he's become even faster or fitter this winter than last year, I don't know—I haven't seen enough of him in preseason. But mentally, he's not going to drive anyone crazy, that's for sure. Lierop also had a positive weekend as a dress rehearsal for the Argentine GP.
Kay de Wolf swapped MX2 for MXGP, but is struggling with a thumb injury. How do you rate him?
Silent: "In terms of speed and technique, it won't be a problem—he's already shown that. He's already been able to duel with Jeffrey Herlings on a 450 in a few races. If you can do that, you don't have to worry about pure speed.
The hardest part will be the mental side. Fifteen top riders around you, all of whom have more experience in this class—sometimes you have to put your ego aside and stay calm, even if you know you have the speed! The injury makes it extra difficult: I'll have to wait and see how much it's affected his rhythm. Communication from the Nestaan Husqvarna camp has been sparse. The fact that Wolf wasn't at the start in Lierop suggests he's holding back.
But if he's healthy, I see no reason why Kay couldn't join the fight at the front. Right now, a scenario like Lucas Coenen's last year seems the obvious choice. Build up gradually and then challenge the established order over a few GPs.
Is Argentina a good indicator of the season?
Silent: I wouldn't get too carried away after that first GP. There are too many riders at the starting line who know the World Championship won't be won in Argentina. Look at last year: Maxime Renaux rode away with the red plate and was in trouble for the rest of the season. That speaks volumes.
After three, four, or five GPs, you only start to see where the gaps appear. Argentina is a beautiful location, the atmosphere will be fantastic — but for those drivers, it's also a huge logistical and
The mental burden from the moment they arrive. Media, TV, graphics, constant commitments. You can bet they're already overwhelmed by a huge amount of work.
Only when someone seriously falls flat in Bariloche can you say: okay, there's work to be done. But don't expect the world champion to make his presence felt in Bariloche!
-> Tomorrow part 2 of Bavo Filets: the sub-toppers
Tekst: Tom Jacobs
Photos: Fullspectrum Media/Bavo Swijgers, JP Acevedo, Plan-B (illustration)
