The city of Bariloche in Argentina, which will bring us the opening round of the MXGP championship on March 7 and 8, has a lot of motocross history, reaching as far back as the 1970s, when their Latinos championship was the biggest motocross championship in South America.

Riders from all over South America would arrive in Bariloche for two major international events, with Harry Everts even racing there and Joel Robert giving riding schools. Argentina also held a supercross event in Buenos Aires in the late 1970s, won by none other than Roger De Coster. The famous Belgians were invited by Jean Pierre Raemodock, a famous motocross name back in the day and known in Argentina as the father of motocross.

One of the major men behind the MXGP of Argentina, Jorge Martin (insta - Jorgemartin2026), one of the real characters of motocross racing in Argentina is excited for the world championship to return to the area. We spoke to Jorge a couple of months ago, when it was being formalized that the event will happen in Bariloche, but are now able to give more details about the event.

“Bariloche, is the soul of motocross in South America. In the 1970s we ran the Latinos, which as the championship for Latino-American Championship, held in Bariloche and Villa la Angostura over two weekends. This championship ran from around 1968 until 1978 and was a huge championship for Latin America.”

Martin is also excited for the new circuit, which will be built by Infont in the coming weeks. As we have seen from the Argentina circuits for MXGP, it will not disappoint and Martin feels it might even top the circuit that was built in Villa la Angostura.

“The La Cascada circuit will have more elevation than what you saw at Villa la Angostura and it won’t be volcanic soil, but it is a dark soil, very good soil for making a true motocross track and for racing on.

"The history of motocross is in our blood here in Bariloche, going back more than 50 years. I was fortunate enough to race back in the Latinos and to be involved with names like Everts and Roberts came here to race of train us.”

The city of Bariloche will open its arms for the MXGP paddock and motocross fans. Martin is excited to welcome us and to have thousands and thousands of fans attending the opening round of what is going to be a huge event for the sport.

“We have 50.000 beds in Bariloche, it is the centre of tourism. We will have a festival atmosphere and a lot happening in the city for the motocross spectators who come to the Grand Prix. This is a dream come true for our city, and I am sure everyone will have a really enjoyable experience.”

Officially known as San Carlos de Bariloche and located in the province of Río Negro in the heart of the Argentine Andes, Bariloche is a picturesque alpine town known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

With its pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and dense forests, Bariloche offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The town itself showcases charming Swiss-inspired architecture, delectable chocolate shops, and a welcoming atmosphere that adds to the allure of this enchanting destination.

If you liked Villas la Angostura or Cordoba, wait for Bariloche, it might just top both events and be the perfect start to what is going to be a massive 2026 season.