EMX250: Francisco Garcia (Kawasaki) becomes European Champion ahead of schedule in Arnhem

As part of the supporting programme for the 16th round of the Motocross World Championship in Arnhem, the Netherlands, the 11th of 12 rounds of the EMX250 European Championship is taking place this weekend. Spanish Bud Kawasaki rider Francisco Garcia arrived with an 87-point lead in the championship. His only rival who could still challenge him for the title before the race was the Dane Nicolai Skovbjerg (Husqvarna).

Garcia’s crash at the start of the race

The Spanish title contender got off to a good start behind Tom Brunet (Yamaha), but fell back briefly after a minor crash. On lap 6, Garcia retook the lead and led the race for 7 laps.

Fierce battle between Garcia and Skovbjerg

Nicolai Skovbjerg didn’t get off to a good start in the first race and began the race only around the top 10. After seven laps, the Dane had already fought his way up to third place and set his sights on Garcia. Skovbjerg went for it decisively during the attack; a collision ensued and Garcia was briefly knocked to the ground once more. However, the Spaniard was quickly back on his Kawasaki and able to continue the race.

Second place was enough to secure the title early

With a total of three races remaining, a maximum of 75 points can be awarded. With Skovbjerg in first place and Garcia in second, Skovbjerg managed to reduce his deficit by three points, but 84 points were enough for Garcia to secure the title early in Arnhem.

A strong season for Francisco Garcia

Garcia’s performance is all the more impressive given that he had to miss the EMX250 round at Lommel due to a knee injury. In 2027, the Spaniard will move up to the MX2 World Championship. He is switching from BUD Racing Kawasaki to the Kawasaki factory team, where he will be team-mate to Mathis Valin.

EMX250 Arnhem, Round 1

1. Nicolai Skovbjerg (DK), Husqvarna

2. Francisco Garcia (E), Kawasaki, +9.041

3. Tom Brunet (F), Yamaha, +10.796

4. Byron Dennis (AUS), KTM, +21.759

5. Mads Fredsoe (DK), KTM, +32.652

6. William Askew (GB), Triumph, +34.733

7. Jake Cannon (AUS), Kawasaki, +37.339

8. Sebastian Leok (EST), Husqvarna, +39.069

9. Francesco Bellei (I), KTM, +51.200

10. Gyan Doensen (NL), KTM, +54.094

EMX250 Championship Standings (22 August 2026)

1. Francisco Garcia (E), Kawasaki, 424 points – crowned champion ahead of schedule

2. Nicolai Skovbjerg (DK), Husqvarna, 340, (-84)

3. Jake Cannon (AUS), Kawasaki, 302, (-122)

4. Gyan Doensen (NL), KTM, 249, (-175)

5. Mads Fredsoe (DK), KTM, 240, (-184)

6. Nicolò Alvisi (I), Honda, 207, (-217)

7. Tom Brunet (F), Yamaha, 197, (-227)

8. Francesco Bellei (I), KTM, 172, (-252)

9. Jānis Kubuļiņš (LV), Yamaha, 156, (-268)

10. Liam Owens (AUS), KTM, 152, (-272)