Homegrown Stars Shine as MXGP Returns to South Africa

South African motorsport fans were treated to a memorable occasion as the FIM World Motocross Championship (MXGP) returned to the country for the first time in 18 years. Round 11 of the 2026 championship took place at the revamped Terra Topia MX circuit in Midrand on Sunday, 5 July, bringing the world’s best motocross riders back to local soil.

Held under clear winter skies, the event produced fast, competitive racing and drew an enthusiastic crowd eager to welcome the championship back to South Africa. Riders also had to contend with Johannesburg’s altitude of around 1,400 metres, which reduced engine performance and added another challenge to an already demanding circuit.

South African Riders Impress at Home

Local supporters had plenty to celebrate with two South African stars delivering outstanding performances against world-class competition.

Calvin Vlaanderen enjoyed one of his strongest weekends of the season in the premier MXGP category. After finishing eighth in the opening race, he thrilled the home crowd by charging through the field to finish fourth in Race 2, matching his best individual race result of the year. His consistency earned him fourth overall for the Grand Prix, an outstanding result against a highly competitive field.

Johannesburg-born Camden McLellan also impressed in the MX2 class while competing for the Triumph Racing Factory Team. Racing in front of family, friends and local supporters, McLellan finished fifth in Race 1 before narrowly missing the podium with fourth place in Race 2. His performances secured fifth overall for the weekend and strengthened his fourth-place position in the MX2 World Championship standings.

International Stars Deliver a Spectacle

While the South African riders captured plenty of attention, the overall victories went to two riders who dominated their respective categories.

Lucas Coenen completed a flawless weekend in MXGP by winning both races for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, extending his championship advantage heading into the next round. In MX2, Triumph Racing Factory Team rider Guillem Farres also enjoyed a perfect Sunday, winning both races to close the gap in the championship battle.

Weekend Highlights

The South African round delivered several memorable moments:

• MXGP returned to South Africa after an 18-year absence.
• Terra Topia MX successfully hosted Round 11 of the 2026 championship.
• Lucas Coenen and Guillem Farres completed perfect weekends with two race wins each.
• Calvin Vlaanderen finished fourth overall in MXGP.
• Camden McLellan secured fifth overall in MX2.
• Thousands of passionate fans created an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the event.

A Bright Future for MXGP in South Africa

The successful return of MXGP to South Africa highlighted both the country’s ability to host world-class motorsport and the quality of its homegrown talent. With Calvin Vlaanderen and Camden McLellan proving they can compete with the sport’s elite, local supporters have every reason to be optimistic.

Just as importantly, the event received widespread praise for the quality of the Terra Topia MX circuit, its organisation and the incredible atmosphere created by South African fans. After such a successful comeback, there is every hope that the wait for the next MXGP in South Africa will be far shorter than 18 years.