Liam Everts delivered a standout MX2 ride with a first moto comeback and moto-two podium in Bariloche, while Kay de Wolf was sidelined due to injury before the 2026 championship got underway.
Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing launched its 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship campaign at the spectacular new Bariloche MX Race Track in Patagonia, Argentina. Liam Everts delivered an impressive performance in the MX2 class to secure fourth overall, while former MX2 World Champion Kay de Wolf was forced to miss the opening round – and his MXGP class debut – due to injury.
The 2026 YPF MXGP of Argentina marked the unveiling of the Bariloche circuit – the third venue used during the championship’s last three visits to the country. The 1,850-metre track, set 850 metres above sea level, featured deep sandy soil mixed with dark loam and stones, creating fast and flowing racing conditions but making starts and gate position crucial.
Everts quickly showed strong pace throughout the weekend. The Belgian finished second in warm-up before posting fourth in timed practice and repeating that result in Saturday’s qualifying race. Moto one began with immediate drama, as a difficult start left Everts down in 26th position at the end of the opening lap. Refusing to settle, he launched an aggressive charge through the field. Within a few laps he had already surged into the top fifteen and continued to pick off riders as the race progressed. By the midway point he was battling inside the top ten before moving into ninth and then eighth in the closing stages.
Still pushing hard in the final laps, Everts closed rapidly on rival Valerio Lata ahead and completed the decisive pass on the final lap to secure seventh at the flag – gaining 19 positions in one of the standout comeback rides of the race.
Moto two delivered a completely different story. Everts launched perfectly from the gate and blasted into the lead within the opening corners, completing the first lap with over a second advantage. Riding smoothly on the increasingly rough circuit, he extended his lead to nearly three seconds early in the race while controlling the pace from the front. Championship contender Simon Längenfelder eventually closed in and moved into the lead midway through the moto, while Everts continued battling inside the podium positions.
Maintaining strong pace through the closing stages, the Husqvarna rider secured third place at the chequered flag – finishing fourteen seconds clear of fourth. His 7-3 scorecard secured fourth overall at the opening round, placing Everts fourth in the MX2 World Championship standings with 41 points.
Meanwhile team-mate Kay de Wolf was forced to sit out the season opener as he continues recovering from a thumb injury sustained during the 2026 Sommieres International race. Despite undergoing surgery and making every effort to be ready for the opening round, the Dutchman will require additional time before returning to racing action.
With a strong opening performance secured in Argentina, Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing now turns its attention to round two of the 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship – the MXGP of Andalucia in Almonte, Spain – in two weeks’ time.
#74 – Kay de Wolf: “Of course it’s disappointing to not be in Argentina for the opening round, especially as it was going to be my MXGP debut. I was really looking forward to getting the season started. Unfortunately the thumb injury from the crash in Sommières meant it just wasn’t possible this weekend, but the rehab is going really well and I’m working hard to come back as soon as possible. Everyone in the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing team has been amazing with their support, and I can’t wait to get back behind the gate and start racing in MXGP.”
#26 – Liam Everts: “It feels really good to start the season and to be back racing in 2026. Sunday morning was actually quite tough because I woke up feeling a little sick, so I wasn’t completely sure how the day would go. The first race was difficult after the start – but I stayed calm and focused on making passes, so coming back to seventh was a positive. In the second moto I had a great start and managed to lead for quite a while, which felt really good. In the end third place and just missing the overall podium is still a solid start to the championship. I’m really happy to be with Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing and the bike feels great, so I’m looking forward to the season!”
Results – 2026 FIM Motocross World Championship, Round One:
MX2 – Moto One:
1. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 34:55.834; 2. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 35:00.256; 3. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 35:09.391; 7. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 35:29.998;
MX2 – Moto Two:
1. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 35:08.451; 2. Camden Mclellan (Triumph) 35:11.951; 3. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 35:29.426; DNF. Sacha Coenen (KTM);
MX2 – Overall:
1. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 50; 2. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 38pts; 3. Camden Mclellan (Triumph) 37pts; 4. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 34pts; 8. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 22pts;
MX2 – Standings:
1. Simon Längenfelder (KTM) 50pts; 2. Guillem Farres (Triumph) 47pts; 3. Camden Mclellan (Triumph) 43pts; 4. Liam Everts (Husqvarna) 41pts; 7. Sacha Coenen (KTM) 32pts;
