Before the MXGP 2026 Motocross World Championship officially gets underway on March 7–8 in Bariloche, Argentina, the calendar offers an appealing lineup of international pre-season events. These races allow riders and teams to fine-tune their setups, while giving fans an early glimpse of what could unfold in a season shaped by major team changes and new rider line-ups.
Below is a look at the most important races of the European winter.
International of Valence (France)
📅 February 1, 2026
The iconic International of Valence returns at the Moto Club de Valence circuit (Drôme), in southern France. A historic event that for years served as a benchmark of the European pre-season, Valence made its comeback after disappearing from the calendar in 2016 — an edition that had been announced at the time as the final one.
That race was won by Clément Desalle (MX1) and Jeffrey Herlings (MX2), a reminder of the top-level talent traditionally drawn to this event.
Internazionali D´Italia
📅 February 1 (Alghero) / February 8 (Mantova)
One of the true winter classics. The Internazionali d’Italia will once again be held over two consecutive rounds, typically featuring a strong presence of MXGP stars.
While official entry lists have yet to be released, Red Bull KTM riders and Team HRC representatives are usually part of the field. In 2025, the series marked Lucas Coenen’s debut in the 450 class, and in 2026 it could play a similar role for Andrea Adamo, who is expected to step up to the premier category.
One of the biggest questions will be whether Jeffrey Herlings lines up here for his first official race aboard the Honda.
Pernes-les-Fontaines (France)
📅 February 8, 2026
After more than 20 years away, Pernes-les-Fontaines returns to the international calendar. A highly anticipated comeback in France, adding another high-profile stop to the pre-season and potentially attracting several big names from the European paddock.
Hawkstone Park (United Kingdom)
📅 February 15, 2026
A true motocross classic. Hawkstone Park once again stands as one of the key pre-season benchmarks and already boasts a strong list of confirmed riders: Jeffrey Herlings, Tom Vialle, Kay de Wolf, Maxime Renaux, Pauls Jonass, Ben Watson and reigning World Champion Romain Febvre.
Montearagón – Spanish MX Round 1
📅 February 14–15, 2026
The opening round of the Spanish Elite Championship will take place in Montearagón. As in previous seasons, the presence of MXGP riders cannot be ruled out, with some using the event as part of their winter preparation.
International of Sommiéres (France)
📅 February 22, 2026
The International of Sommières will be held at the Circuit de la Tourille (Villevieille), featuring MX1, MX2, Superfinale, and the Mediterranean Trophy. This event regularly attracts top-level European riders and has established itself as a key stop just before the World Championship begins.
Lierop (Netherlands)
📅 March 1, 2026
The traditional opening of the Dutch season will take place at the legendary Herselse Bossen circuit in Lierop, just one week before the official start of MXGP 2026. Deep sand, high intensity, and the perfect setting for final testing before heading to Argentina.
