From last-minute replacement… to King of Paris. Malcolm Stewart arrived in the French capital as a late fill-in for the injured Aaron Plessinger, and leaves as the new King of Paris at the 42nd edition after winning four of the six races held throughout the weekend.
After sweeping all three races on Saturday, Stewart managed Sunday’s Sprint 1 and Sprint 2 with two calculated second-place finishes behind Jett Lawrence, giving him a comfortable advantage in the overall standings. Even so, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider went all-in during Sunday’s Final. Starting in seventh, he charged to second within nine laps and then set his sights on Cooper Webb, eventually making the decisive pass to seal his first-ever Paris crown in style.
Stewart won four of the six weekend races and becomes the 27th King of Paris—joining his brother James, the 2008 winner.
Cooper Webb was unable to defend his title but still secured second overall after a solid and consistent weekend that saw him finish inside the top three in five races, although without taking a win. Jett Lawrence completed the podium thanks to two Sprint victories on Sunday, but the issues he faced on Saturday left him with too much ground to make up in the title fight.
Hunter Lawrence—also affected by a difficult Saturday—finished fourth overall ahead of a steady Cédric Soubeyras, who maximized every opportunity to break into the top five. Just behind came Tom Vialle, who showed progress throughout the event in his debut with the HRC 450, displaying flashes of speed and strong starts.
Anthony Bourdon, SX2 Prince of Paris
Anthony Bourdon claimed the Prince of Paris title for the first time in his career. Riding for Motoblouz SR Honda, the Frenchman’s main rival throughout the night was Australia’s Luke Clout. Clout won four of the six races, but the balance shifted in Sunday’s second Sprint when he suffered a heavy crash in the early laps, dropping him to 13th.
Clout rebounded with a win in the final race, but it wasn’t enough to undo the damage, and Bourdon secured the overall with a steady second place. The podium was completed by the always-determined Calvin Fonvieille.
FULL FINAL STANDINGS
KING OF PARIS
PRINCE OF PARIS
