The 2026 EMX250 Championship kicks off this weekend in Spain with a grid, once again, packed with emerging international talent. With reigning champion Janis Reisulis now stepping up to MX2, the category is guaranteed to crown a new winner, setting the stage for a particularly open and competitive season from the very first round.
Among the main title contenders are several riders already well established within the championship. BUD Kawasaki Racing Team retains its line-up of Francisco García and Jake Cannon, banking on continuity. García, third overall in 2025, arrives as one of the leading favorites after winning four overalls and eight motos, while Cannon—now fully adapted to the European calendar—will be aiming to take a significant step forward in his second season. Along similar lines is Gyan Doensen, who already proved capable of reaching the podium before injury cut his campaign short, leaving him with unfinished business.
Strong title bids also emerge from other competitive structures. Cat Moto Bauerschmidt KTM fields Mads Fredsoe and Liam Owens, both with podium experience and the pace to fight at the front. They are joined by riders such as August Frisk, who showcased his potential with a dominant overall win before injury struck, and Simone Mancini, whose raw speed is unquestionable as he begins a new chapter with Ducati, aiming to convert pace into consistency. Adria Monne, a regular podium contender backed by the Spanish federation, and Adrien Petit, who previously held the championship lead before injury halted his momentum, should also be firmly in the mix.
Just behind them, but with clear room for progression, is a group of riders capable of breaking into the front pack with improved consistency. Jarne Bervoets is expected to benefit from the move up to 250cc machinery, while Jekabs Kubulins has already shown flashes of speed in limited appearances. Lyonel Reichl also stands out, with continuity in his setup potentially playing a key role, while Beta’s expanding factory program puts the spotlight on Alexis Fueri and Brando Rispoli. Cole McCullough also fits into this category, looking to reset after an injury-disrupted 2025 season.
As always, the class welcomes a new wave of talent stepping up from EMX125, adding both unpredictability and long-term potential. The standout name is Nicolò Alvisi, the reigning 125cc champion, although his preparation has been affected by a winter injury. Alongside him, Mano Faure, Junior World Champion, and Áron Katona, one of the most highly rated prospects in the paddock, represent a new generation capable of making an immediate impact. Other rookies such as Filippo Mantovani and Francesco Bellei will be aiming to adapt quickly, while riders like Vencislav Toshev, Bernardo Tiburcio and Salvador Pérez approach the season with a more developmental focus.
Within this group, the Yamaha 115M78 project—led by Carlos Campano—is particularly focused on nurturing young talent, with Salvador Pérez and Bernardo Tiburcio as its key riders. Pérez, a multiple EMX125 moto winner, already showed his potential last season with a top-three moto finish and now targets a consistent place within the leading group. Alongside him, Tiburcio has demonstrated promising speed in the Spanish Championship, although the step up to EMX250 will represent a significantly tougher challenge given the depth and variety of competition.
