The 79th edition of the Motocross of Nations will take place from October 2-4 in Ernée, France. However, as the event approaches, several teams have been forced to make changes to their lineups due to injuries, surgeries, scheduling conflicts, and eligibility issues.
If you haven’t been keeping up with the latest news, here’s a rundown of the most notable absences and confirmed replacements heading into MXoN 2026.
Australia Without the Lawrence Brothers
The defending champions will arrive in France with a completely new lineup.
Hunter and Jett Lawrence announced back in June that they would not compete in this year’s event, opting instead for an extended off-season break after several demanding campaigns. Jett has also recently undergone knee surgery, which would likely have ruled him out regardless.
Kyle Webster, a member of Australia’s winning teams in both 2024 and 2025, is also sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Team Australia
- Jed Beaton (MXGP)
- Alex Larwood (MX2)
- Aaron Tanti (OPEN)
Beaton and Tanti finished first and second respectively in the Australian MX1 Championship, while Larwood secured the MX2 title.
Tim Gajser Ruled Out for Slovenia
One of the biggest names missing from this year’s event will be five-time World Champion Tim Gajser.
The Yamaha rider is still recovering from the rib injury that forced him to miss the final two MXGP rounds and will also sit out the Motocross of Nations.
His place will be taken by Lucas Osek, the current leader of the Slovenian Motocross Championship.
- Lucas Osek (MXGP)
- Jaka Peklaj (MX2)
- Jan Pancar (OPEN)
Spain: Garcia Replaces Ruben Fernandez
Spain has also been forced into a late lineup change.
Ruben Fernandez suffered a crash at the Turkish Grand Prix that required surgery and will not be fit in time for Ernée.
His replacement is Francisco «Carbonero» Garcia, the newly crowned EMX250 Champion and one of the breakout stars of the 2026 season. Garcia previously represented Spain at the 2025 Motocross of Nations in Ironman.
Kay de Wolf Out for the Netherlands
The Netherlands entered the season as one of the strongest contenders for the Chamberlain Trophy, but a hand injury sustained by Kay de Wolf during training ahead of the Turkish GP brought his season to an early end.
For now, the Dutch lineup consists of:
- Jeffrey Herlings (OPEN)
- Roan van de Moosdijk (MX2)
A replacement rider for the MXGP class has not yet been announced.
Lucas Coenen Remains a Question Mark for Belgium
Belgium has not officially changed its lineup, but Lucas Coenen remains a major doubt.
The Red Bull KTM De Carli rider has not raced since suffering a hip injury at Foxhills and continues to work toward a possible return in time for Ernée.
- Lucas Coenen (MXGP)
- Sacha Coenen (MX2)
- Liam Everts (OPEN)
Jago Geerts and Brent Van Doninck remain the team’s reserve riders.
Germany Without Roczen and Langenfelder
Germany will field a significantly different lineup than many expected.
Ken Roczen was not selected due to his racing schedule, while Simon Langenfelder is set to undergo surgery at the end of the season and will also miss the event.
In addition, Max Spies recently suffered an injury and has been replaced by Noah Ludwig.
- Tom Koch (MXGP)
- Valentin Kees (MX2)
- Noah Ludwig (OPEN)
Salvador Perez not elegible for Brazil
One of the most unusual stories of the build-up to MXoN 2026 involves Salvador Perez.
The Spanish rider, who holds Brazilian citizenship through his mother, had initially been selected to represent Brazil in MX2. However, the FIM later ruled that he would not be eligible to compete due to federation transfer deadlines outlined in the regulations.
His place will now be taken by Guilherme Bresolin.
- Fabio Santos (MXGP)
- Guilherme Bresolin (MX2)
- Enzo Lopes (OPEN)
Other Confirmed Changes
Canada
- Tanner Ward replaces Sébastien Racine in the OPEN class.
Norway
- Leander Bech-Thunshelle replaces Kevin Horgmo in MXGP after Horgmo suffered a wrist fracture at the Chinese Grand Prix.
