The roar of two-stroke engines, the churn of dirt, and the relentless spirit of youth defined the 2025 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, which concluded this weekend with a new set of rising stars crowned on the global stage. Held on the iconic sandy circuit of Lommel, Belgium — a track famed for testing the grit and endurance of even the best — this year’s event once again showcased the future of motocross, as young riders from around the world battled for supremacy in the 65cc, 85cc, and 125cc classes.
A Showcase of Raw Talent
In the 65cc category, Spain’s Alejandro Martínez rode with composure beyond his years to secure the title. The 11-year-old sensation, who has dominated the European youth scene all season, displayed fearless corner speed and smooth jumps to fend off fierce competition from Dutch and Italian riders. His victory marked Spain’s first title in this category since Jorge Prado’s win more than a decade ago — a promising sign for Spanish motocross.
The 85cc class was equally thrilling, with Italy’s Luca Bernardi emerging victorious after a dramatic final moto. Bernardi, just 13, executed a decisive pass on Sweden’s Erik Johansson with two laps to go, drawing cheers from the packed Lommel hillside. The young Italian’s aggressive yet calculated riding style has already drawn comparisons to some of Italy’s greats and suggests a bright future as he prepares to transition to bigger bikes in the coming seasons.
A New Star in the 125cc
Perhaps the standout story of the weekend came in the highly competitive 125cc class, where South Africa’s Thabo Mokoena etched his name into the record books. Mokoena became the first African rider ever to win a Junior Motocross World Championship title, outpacing a deep field of European and American hopefuls. His starts were flawless all weekend, and his consistency through the punishing Lommel sand set him apart. The 16-year-old’s victory is already being hailed as a landmark moment for motocross in Africa and has sparked renewed excitement for the sport’s growth across the continent.
National Pride and International Promise
With riders from over 35 countries participating, the championship once again highlighted motocross’s global reach. This year, Team Italy claimed the Nations Trophy, narrowly edging out the Netherlands and France, thanks in large part to Bernardi’s heroics and strong supporting results in the younger classes.
Beyond the individual trophies, the 2025 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship served its core purpose — to nurture the next generation of motocross heroes. For many of these young riders, the weekend was more than just a race; it was an audition for future factory contracts, junior GP entries, and a chance to follow in the tire tracks of legends like Jeffrey Herlings, Ken Roczen, and Tim Gajser, all of whom once stood on this same stage.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set on Lommel and the paddock began to clear, talk already turned to what comes next. Scouts and team managers took note of the talent on display, and social media buzzed with clips of Martínez’s smooth flow, Bernardi’s late-race charge, and Mokoena’s powerful starts.
While motocross is a sport that demands constant progression — bigger bikes, faster tracks, stronger competition — these young champions have proven they have the heart and skill to handle it. If this weekend is any indication, the future of motocross is in excellent hands.
One thing is certain: fans around the world will be watching these names closely as they move up the ranks, chasing bigger dreams and writing the next chapters of their motocross journey. The 2025 FIM Junior Motocross World Champions are more than just winners
— they’re the future.
