MXGP Returns to South Africa with spectacular Johannesburg showdown
The FIM Motocross World Championship made a memorable return to South Africa on 4 and 5 July. Johannesburg hosted the MXGP of South Africa for the first time in 18 years. Thousands of passionate fans gathered at the Terra Topia Motocross Track to witness the world’s best riders battle on African soil once again.
The event marked Round 11 of the 2026 MXGP World Championship and represented a significant milestone for international motocross. South Africa last hosted this event in Nelspruit in 2008. This made the Johannesburg weekend one of the most anticipated stops on this year’s calendar.
Lucas Coenen dominates MXGP Class
Belgium’s Lucas Coenen continued his outstanding championship campaign with a flawless performance. Riding his KTM, Coenen claimed victory in both MXGP races to secure the overall event win with the maximum 50 points.
Well decorated rider and five time World Champion, Jeffrey Herlings, finished second overall after two consistent runner-up finishes, while reigning world champion Romain Febvre completed the podium in third.
MXGP Overall Results
- Lucas Coenen (Belgium) – KTM – 50 pts
- Jeffrey Herlings (Netherlands) – Honda – 44 pts
- Romain Febvre (France) – Kawasaki – 40 pts
- Calvin Vlaanderen (Netherlands) – Ducati – 31 pts
- Tim Gajser (Slovenia) – Yamaha 31 pts
Guillem Farrés triumphs in MX2
The MX2 category delivered close racing throughout the weekend. Spain’s Guillem Farrés emerged victorious after a composed and consistent display.
Germany’s Simon Längenfelder finished second overall, while Latvia’s Janis Martins Reisulis rounded out the podium.
Belgium’s Sacha Coenen came in fourth after a costly fall in the second race.
South African riders impress
South African-born Calvin Vlaanderen produced one of his strongest performances of the season by finishing fourth overall in the premier MXGP class. Vlaanderen proudly paraded the South African before the first race on Sunday.
Camden McLellan also received enthusiastic backing from the Johannesburg crowd as he continued to challenge the world’s leading MX2 riders. He finished fifth and fourth in Sunday’s races.
A landmark event for African motorsport
The successful staging of the MXGP of South Africa reinforced the country’s ability to host major international motorsport events. A challenging Terra Topia circuit (and almost 1800m elevation above sea level) provided exciting racing throughout the weekend. The excellent spectator attendance highlighted the growing popularity of motocross in South Africa.
Looking ahead
Scoring the maximum points, Lucas Coenen strengthened his position in the MXGP championship standings heading into the European rounds.
The success of the Johannesburg event has raised hopes from South African fans that the country could become a regular fixture on the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar for years to come.
This exciting 2026 MXGP weekend in South Africa will be remembered as a historic event that brought world championship motocross back to African soil in spectacular fashion.
For more photos of the event, click here.
