The 2026 Motul ACU British Motocross Championship got underway this weekend with a strong start for the team at the opening round. Both riders delivered impressive performances, each claiming a moto victory across the day’s racing. Gyan Doensen secured the overall win to take the championship lead and the red plate, while teammate Oriol Oliver produced a consistent ride to finish second overall, completing a highly successful start to the season.

On Sunday morning Gyan lined up in Group 2 for qualifying where the track conditions had slowed compared to the earlier session. He was able to improved his lap time as the session progressed and secured the second-fastest time in the group. This result gave Gyan fourth gate pick heading into the races. Next out on track was Oriol for his qualifying session, where he set his fastest lap on the opening lap to place fourth. Despite pushing throughout the remainder of the session he was unable to improve on the time. Nevertheless fourth place secured a strong gate pick heading into the motos.

As the first gate of the 2026 British Motocross Championship dropped, typical British weather arrived with rain making the conditions slippery and tough. Nevertheless Gyan got off the gate strongly and entered the opening corner just inside the top eight. On the opening lap made several decisive passes to move into fourth place and quickly settled into a solid rhythm. He stayed close to the rider ahead in third, gradually reducing the gap as the race progressed. However with five laps remaining Gyan unfortunately lost his goggles in the rain forcing him to ease his pace to protect his eyes from the demanding track conditions. Despite the setback he managed the situation well and brought the bike home in an impressive fourth place.

Oriol lined up fourth on the gate for the opening moto and delivered an excellent start as the gate dropped launching quickly out of the gate he powered into the first corner to grab the holeshot. Carrying strong momentum into the second corner Oriol settled into second place as the race began to unfold. He quickly got into a solid rhythm behind Adam Sterry patiently waiting for the perfect opportunity to make a move. Oriol made his pass at the top of Hawkstone Hill and controlled the race from the front leading for the remainder of the moto. Oriol came under pressure from second-place Ben Watson as the gap closed to just two seconds, but he managed the pace expertly and crossed the finish line to claim his first-ever MX1 race win.

Heading into the second moto, Gyan was determined to fight for the top step of the podium. Getting another strong start he quickly placed himself second and began applying pressure to Ben Mustoe. Riding with confidence and consistency, Gyan made his move for the lead and controlled the race from the front managing the conditions well to take the chequered flag and secure an impressive moto victory. The result was enough to give him the overall win on the day and the championship lead, earning him the red plate heading into the next round.

As the final gate dropped for the day Oriol felt confident and wanted to end the day on a high note continuing the momentum he had built. With a top-5 starting position Oriol hit the ground running and before the lap was over he had surged into second place. As the race continued he rode strong showing just how well he handles a technical track, consistently staying around three seconds behind Ben Watson. Halfway through he had a small mistake entering a corner which damaged his handlebars and caused him to lose his seat with three laps to go. Despite the crash Oriol rode smartly to the finish crossing the line in P2 and securing second overall tying on points with Ben Watson.

Gyan Doensen: “YES! My first in many ways, first moto win on 250, first overall win and first red plate. So happy to finally show 2 solid results after a very tricky day at Hawkstone. Managed it well so super happy and taking a lot of confidence into Spain for the first EMX. Big thanks to the team and mechanics for the hardwork and great day for the team with a 1-2”

Oriol Oliver: “Overall I was happy with how the first British of the year went, and I really enjoyed the track with it being natural, big hills and it being a long lap and it was a good racing as well as great training for Spain. Going P1 in the first moto and P2 in the second honestly, I’m happy with the P2 as after the crash I lost a lot of time, and the handlebars were bent then I lost my seat. So to be able to save some points with that mistake it was good to finish the day as the same points as the leader. I am exiting for the next rounds, I think it will be an interesting championship and I will try to be the best and try to win it. The focus is now on the GP of Spain as it’s the only race I will have there and I will try to enjoy it.”

Shaun Simpson – Team Manager: “It was a superb start to the 2026 British Championship for both Gyan and Oriol. Conditions were tough after the rain showers, but both our boys showed that we are in it to win it this year. Starts and fitness were the key in these conditions and they executed, testament to the work we have been putting in during the off season. Leaving with the red plate in MX2 and tied on points for first position in MX1 was almost the perfect day. Great job to the mechanics for their work in these tough conditions. Motivation is high for the MXGP of Spain next week!”

A huge thank you to KTM and all of our valued sponsors for their continued support — none of this would be possible without you.

The team now heads to Almonte, south of Spain for the second round of the MXGP World Championship. It’s also the opening round of the EMX250 European Championship for Gyan and Oriol’s home GP, making it an extra special weekend for the team. The action gets underway on Sunday 22nd March 2026.

Photos: JHMXOfiical