Arnhem preview and schedule: Thrills in the sand are guaranteed!

Following the injury-enforced absence of Red Bull KTM factory rider Lucas Coenen, the World Championship was in danger of becoming a bit of a bore, as HRC factory rider Jeffrey Herlings dominated the field at will and has won every single round since Foxhills. This situation is set to change in Arnhem at the 16th Grand Prix of the 2026 season, as Lucas Coenen returns to competition. Whether he is already back to full competitive form will become clear this coming weekend.

Weather forecast

For this time of year, it is a bit on the cool side in Arnhem, with maximum daytime temperatures of 19 degrees, but at least it is not expected to rain over the weekend, with sunshine and light cloud. In short: good conditions are expected.

Does local hero Herlings now have competition again?

Of course, the deep sand at Arnhem is right up the street of World Championship leader and local hero Jeffrey Herlings. But Lucas Coenen is also a force to be reckoned with on the sand. Whatever happens in Arnhem, with a 116-point lead, Herlings will remain at the top of the World Championship standings in any case. Of course, we can also expect other sand specialists to feature, led by Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna).

World Championship standings after Grand Prix 15 of 19

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NL), Honda, 735 points

2. Romain Febvre (F), Kawasaki, 619, (-116)

3. Tim Gajser (SLO), Yamaha, 575, (-160)

4. Lucas Coenen (B), KTM, 566, (-169)

5. Ruben Fernandez (E), Honda, 483, (-252)

6. Andrea Adamo (I), KTM, 483, (-252)

7. Tom Vialle (F), Honda, 454, (-281)

8. Maxime Renaux (F), Yamaha, 449, (-286)

9. Kay de Wolf (NL), Husqvarna, 375, (-360)

10. Pauls Jonass (LV), Kawasaki, 312, (-423)

MX2: How fit is World Championship leader Guillem Farres?

Things are now getting increasingly exciting in the MX2 World Championship too, as championship leader Guillem Farres (Triumph) had to fight hard recently in Uddevalla following his crash in the qualifying race. Sacha Coenen (KTM) is back to full fitness following the collarbone fracture he sustained in the USA and is, of course, also strong on sandy tracks. But as is well known, the Belgian takes a lot of risks – often too many – and that could prove decisive in the end. For the German defending champion Simon Längenfelder (KTM), the aim will be to close the gap on Camden Mc Lellan (Triumph) in third place in the standings, in the hope of perhaps still finishing the World Championship on the podium after all.

MX2 World Championship standings after 15 of 19 Grands Prix

1. Guillem Farres (E), Triumph, 701 points

2. Sacha Coenen (B), KTM, 677, (-24)

3. Camden Mc Lellan (ZA), Triumph, 656, (-45)

4. Simon Längenfelder (D), KTM, 640, (-61)

5. Liam Everts (B), Husqvarna, 595, (-106)

6. Janis Martins Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, 552, (-149)

7. Karlis Alberts Reisulis (LV), Yamaha, 441, (-260)

8. Valerio Lata (I), Honda, 381, (-320)

9. Mathis Valin (F), Kawasaki, 352, (-349)

10. Julius Mikula (CZ), KTM, 341, (-360)

Excitement also in the Women’s World Championship

As part of the supporting programme, the EMX250 class will contest its 11th of 12 rounds, whilst the WMX women’s class will compete in its 4th of 5 events. In the women’s class, Kiara Fontanesi (GASGAS) holds a narrow lead of 2 points.

WMX after 3 of 5 events

1. Kiara Fontanesi (I), GASGAS, 141 points

2. Daniela Guillen (E), GASGAS, 139, (-2)

3. Courtney Duncan (NZL), Kawasaki, 100, (-41)

4. Shana van der Vlist (NL), Yamaha, 89, (-52)

5. Malou Jakobsen (DK), KTM, 88, (-53)

6. Lucy Barker (GB), KTM, 87, (-54)

7. Lotte van Drunen (NL), Yamaha, 85, (-56)

8. Amandine Verstappen (B), Yamaha, 84, (-57)

9. April Franzoni (F), Honda, 73, (-68)

10. Lynn Valk (NL), TM, 57, (-84)

EMX250: Francisco Garcia can secure the title early

Francisco Garcia (Kawasaki) can secure the EMX250 title early if he still has a lead of more than 50 points after the Arnhem round. The Spaniard currently holds an 87-point lead. It is therefore highly likely that he will be able to seal the deal in Arnhem.

EMX250 Standings after 10 of 12 events

1. Francisco Garcia (E), Kawasaki, 402 points

2. Nicolai Skovbjerg (DK), Husqvarna, 315, (-87)

3. Jake Cannon (AUS), Kawasaki, 288, (-114)

4. Gyan Doensen (NL), KTM, 238, (-164)

5. Mads Fredsoe (DK), KTM, 224, (-178)

Here’s how to follow the races*):

Saturday, 22 August 2026

Sunday, 23 August 2026

*) All times are in CEST and subject to change