The 2026 Pernes les Fontaines International race was a thrilling spectacle, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats. A French triumph and a controversial twist!
In the first race, the French riders dominated, with Romain Febvre, the world champion, claiming victory over his compatriot Maxime Renaux. Pauls Jonass put up a strong fight, finishing closely behind Renaux in third place. The SR Honda team had a solid showing with Thibault Benistant and Kevin Horgmo securing fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Mathis Valin, the sixth-place finisher, was the first MX2 rider to cross the line, showcasing the depth of talent in the MX2 class. However, it was a disappointing day for the Coenen brothers, both of whom experienced crashes and mechanical issues, resulting in DNFs.
But here's where it gets controversial... Race Two saw heavy rain, turning the track into a muddy battlefield. Despite the challenging conditions, Febvre maintained his dominance, taking the win over Renaux once again. This time, the French riders swept the podium, with Benistant in third and Greg Aranda rounding out the top five. Saad Soulimani, the first MX2 rider across the line, finished an impressive eleventh.
As the final race approached, many riders opted to sit out due to the tough and muddy conditions. However, Maxime Renaux, determined to make his mark, fought through the mud to claim the win and, with it, the overall victory. It was a great day for Yamaha, with Gajser also securing a win at Mantova.
Pauls Jonass finished second in the final race, with Benistant close behind in third. Febvre, who had dominated the first two races, finished a surprising sixth. Mathis Valin's consistent performance earned him the title of the best MX2 rider of the day.
So, what do you think? Was Renaux's overall victory a well-deserved triumph, or did the challenging conditions play a significant role? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this exciting race and the controversial twists it presented.
