Classic European Championship: The golden age of motocross returns to Sverepec

Sverepec is one of the most beautiful natural tracks in Europe. Although it runs through a forest, it is clearly visible from the spectator stands. It features long and steep ascents and descents of a kind no longer found on ‘modern’ tracks today. This coming weekend, motocross history will be made once again in Sverepec at the European Championship final of the 2026 Classic MX Cup.

A Czechoslovakian landmark

Sverepec is situated in Slovakia, near the district town of Povážská Bystrica. The complex was built in 1973 and underwent major expansion and development in 1980. In the 1980s, the motocross venue became the most modern motocross track in the world. Motocross played an important economic role for Czechoslovakia at that time, as the JAWA and CZ brands continued to compete in international off-road competitions. Sporting success was therefore crucial for commercial success, exports and the generation of foreign exchange.

Die Konstruktion aus Stahl und Glas in Sverepec

Foto: Thoralf Abgarjan

Immense steel structure towers over the track

With a steel structure – colossal by the standards of the time – housing the timing, media and race control facilities, covered spectator stands, on-site support buildings and workshops, as well as a fully tarmac-surfaced (!) paddock, Sverepec became home to the most modern motocross arena of its era.

Motocross venue amid political upheaval

In 1981, the first World Championship round of the 500cc class took place in Sverepec. Both races were broadcast live on Czechoslovak state television. The Frenchman Jean-Jacques Bruno won his only 500cc Grand Prix here on a Suzuki. In 1989, the ‘Iron Curtain’ fell, bringing down the Eastern Bloc. In 1991, the CMEA (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance) – the counterpart to the EU (then still the EEC) – was dissolved. In the same year, the Warsaw Pact, the counterpart to the Western military alliance NATO, was also dissolved. In 1993, Slovakia declared its independence. The Czechoslovak Socialist Republic split into two states, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. However, this also meant the end of state funding for the motocross track. Firstly, the main economic and political pillars of motorcycling were predominantly located in the Czech part of the former Czechoslovakia, and secondly, with the introduction of the market economy, the entire system of sports funding was restructured. Motocross no longer played such an important role for Slovakia.

Sverepec MXoN, Giuseppe Luongo’s masterpiece

The Sverepec motocross venue, however, was set in picturesque countryside and the infrastructure was exemplary. The enterprising Giuseppe Luongo recognised this too. In 1995, he organised and marketed the Motocross of Nations in Sverepec, and this event proved a great success. The FIM was delighted; the MXoN became Giuseppe Luongo’s masterpiece. Team Belgium won that year with ##Stefan Everts##, ##Joel Smets## and Marnicq Bervoets##, ahead of Team USA and France.

The ravages of time took their toll

Such a large motocross complex naturally requires maintenance and upkeep, and it was precisely this issue that became a problem following Slovakia’s independence. The once most modern motocross venue in the world was falling into disrepair; rust was setting in on the steel structure. The last World Championship rounds took place in 2008 as part of the MX3 World Championship.

Those written off live on

The Sverepec Motorsport Club, led by Jozef Drozda, took on the task of saving and developing the motocross complex. Drozda founded the ‘Nationale Motokrosove Centrum Sverepec’. National and international competitions are set to continue being held at this historic venue in the future.

Sounds and technology of the golden era

This coming Sunday (21 June), the sound of the machines that made motocross history will once again ring out on the legendary track. Motorcycles from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the smell of two-stroke engine oil, fierce battles and an atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of motocross – without noise regulations and without limits. Sverepec is set to host the grand finale of the 2026 ECMX Cup – motocross in its purest form.

The essence of motocross

More than 250 riders from 14 nations will be in Sverepec this coming Sunday with their iconic machines and compelling stories. It will be a return to a time when motocross was ridden with heart and courage. Here, there’s a level of skill that will make many a fan stop in their tracks, watch, smile and say to themselves: ‘That’s exactly what motocross was all about!’

MX Open on the starting grid

However, the race in Sverepec will not just be a journey into the past. As part of the supporting programme for the Classic European Championships, riders from the Slovakian MX Open will be competing on modern bikes, demonstrating that Slovakian motocross has a past, a present and a future. Let’s hope that the motocross venue in Sverepec is preserved and that this impressive natural track has a future!