South African riders Calvin Vlaanderen and Camden McLellan impressed in front of an enthusiastic Johannesburg crowd as the world’s best motocross riders returned after nearly two decades.
Johannesburg, South Africa (06 July 2026) – The wait was worth it. After 18 years, the world’s best motocross riders returned to South African soil, and Johannesburg delivered a weekend to remember as thousands of fans packed the Terra Topia MX Track for the long-awaited return of the MXGP of South Africa.
The action lived up to the hype, with Lucas Coenen producing a flawless performance to sweep both premier-class races and secure an emphatic overall victory. Jeffrey Herlings finished second overall, while Romain Febvre completed the podium after another competitive weekend in the FIM Motocross World Championship.
For South African fans, however, there was even more to celebrate.
Local stars Calvin Vlaanderen and Camden McLellan rose to the occasion on home soil, both producing top-five performances against some of the world’s biggest names. Vlaanderen impressed in the MXGP class for the Red Bull Ducati Factory MXGP Team, while McLellan continued his strong season in MX2 for Triumph Racing Factory Team, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about throughout the weekend.
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The fast, hard-packed Terra Topia circuit, making its debut on the world championship calendar, received widespread praise from riders and teams after producing exciting racing across both classes. Despite the high-altitude conditions adding another layer of difficulty, the event delivered close battles, spectacular overtakes and a festival atmosphere from start to finish.
Before the event, organisers described the return of MXGP as more than just another race weekend.
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Judging by the atmosphere in Johannesburg and the positive reaction from riders, teams and fans alike, that ambition is already off to a flying start.
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