The EMX250 European Championship is delivering fireworks. After the first four rounds of the season, the title fight couldn’t be tighter: only two points separate the top three riders. This weekend, the series heads to Águeda, Portugal, for Round 5, alongside the MXGP and MX2 classes at the seventh Grand Prix of the year.
A Three-Way Battle: Reisulis, García, and Zanocz
With contrasting styles but evenly matched results, Janis Reisulis, Francisco García, and Noel Zanocz are headlining a thrilling start to the season.
REISULIS: Fast but Facing Techincal Setbacks | Red-Plate Holder | 126 points
Last year’s EMX125 Champion kicked off strong, winning three of the first four motos. After a solid opener in Spain and a dominant 1-1 in France, Janis Reisulis (VRT Yamaha Factory) looked ready to take control. However, a muddy crash and mechanical DNFs in Trentino and Switzerland have complicated his path. Still, his raw speed has kept him at the top of the standings.
GARCIA: Gaining Momentum and Closing In | 2nd | 124 points
Spaniard Francisco García (BUD Racing Kawasaki) had a rough start, crashing out while leading the first moto of the year. But since then, he’s bounced back with increasingly strong performances. His first overall win came in Trentino with a 1-7 scoreline. In Switzerland, a consistent 3-2 finish moved him within just two points of the lead, taking advantage of Reisulis’ latest DNF.
Garcia sits first in the MX2 French Elite Championship.
ZANOCZ: Playing the Long Game with Consistency | 3rd | 124 points
Hungarian rookie and reigning EMX125 champ Noel Zanocz (JM Honda) has been the most consistent of the trio. He finished third overall at the first two rounds and, despite a dip in Trentino (7th and 19th in the motos), came back strong in Switzerland with a 5-4 and even battled directly with both of his title rivals. He’s yet to win a round, but his steady pace keeps him firmly in the title hunt.
Rising Stars Add More Drama
The EMX250 in 2025 isn’t just a three-horse race. August Frisk stunned the field in Switzerland, scoring a perfect 1-1 to claim his first career victory — and the first-ever EMX250 win for Sweden.
Others showing serious pace include Nico Greutmann (Cato Husqvarna), who secured a podium in front of his home crowd, and Billy Askew, who continues to fly the flag for Triumph up front.
Among the rookies, Simone Mancini (Fantic Factory) and Gyan Doensen (GabrielSS24 KTM) have already flashed impressive speed. RFME Junior GasGas rider Adria Monne joined the podium in Trentino.
Meanwhile, the Australian squad — Jake Cannon, Liam Owens, and Ryan Alexanderson — keeps gaining valuable European experience. Alexanderson is set to return this weekend after missing two rounds due to visa issues.
What’s Next: Águeda and a Record-Breaking Calendar
Round 5 in Águeda (Portugal) could prove pivotal in the fight for the red plate. And it’s just getting started: 9 rounds remain, making this the longest season in EMX250 history.
With the tension rising, new contenders emerging, and the margins razor-thin, EMX250 continues to prove it’s the ultimate proving ground for future stars.
Top 10 EMX250 Standings after Round 4 (of 13)
| Position | Rider | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Janis Reisulis | 126 |
| 2 | Francisco García | 124 |
| 3 | Noel Zanocz | 124 |
| 4 | August Frisk | 104 |
| 5 | Nicolai Skobvjerg | 91 |
| 6 | Adrien Petit | 85 |
| 7 | Gyan Doensen | 83 |
| 8 | Lyonel Reichl | 82 |
| 9 | Bradley Mesters | 76 |
| 10 | Simone Mancini | 75 |
