After five rounds of the 2026 MX2 world championship, Belgian rider, Liam Everts sits on 202 points and in fourth place in the championship standings. Sme 42 points off series leader, Everts will need to start making up some ground on the defending champion.

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Everts, who has struggled with injuries in those early rounds has still be able to finish with eight top five finishes in Saturday and Sunday motos and has been on the podium in both Switzerland and Sardinia.

The Nestaan Husqvarna factory rider delivered a hard-fought seventh overall at the last Grand Prix in Trentino, Italy and despite a setback while running inside the top three. Set in the shadow of the Dolomite mountains, the tight and technical Ciclamino circuit once again delivered a proper Grand Prix test. Heavy rain before the opening MX2 race added another layer of difficulty, although conditions improved as the day went on.

Everts carried solid speed into Sunday after qualifying fifth. In race one, he rode a calm and controlled moto, holding fourth throughout and briefly setting the fastest lap as he closed on the podium fight. With strong pace and no mistakes, he brought his Husqvarna home in fourth.

Moto two told a different story. A strong start saw him move into third, but an early mistake resulted in a crash that dropped him to the back of the field. From there, it was all about recovery. Everts pushed back through the pack to ninth, despite a small late tangle with a backmarker, securing seventh overall with a 4-9 scorecard. He now sits fourth in the MX2 standings.

“Yeah, I was feeling really good actually. Just crashing in moto two cost me quite a bit, and then I had another crash with a lapper, which was a bit unfortunate. But still, coming from last to ninth, the riding was outstanding in that second moto, so that was great. Moto one, I just struggled a little bit to find the groove, but overall I’m really happy with the mental state, the physical state, and even where the riding is at, especially without riding during the week. The pace was really good and I was feeling good. It’s just a shame we didn’t get the result, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. I’m actually happy these races are over now so I can fully recover from the injury and come back swinging in France.”

At the previous round in Sardinia, Everts secured back-to-back MX2 podium finishes with another third overall. The sixth running of the Sardinian Grand Prix once again lived up to its reputation. Set close to sea level on the 1750m Riola Sardo circuit, the deep beach sand created relentlessly rough conditions, demanding maximum fitness and precision. Gusting winds and ever-changing lines added to the challenge, making it a true “dance in the dunes”.

“It was a really tough weekend physically, the sand here just drains you, so I’m happy to come away with another podium. The first race was good, I could ride my own pace and make the pass when it mattered. In the second one I didn’t get the best start, so I knew it was going to be a fight, but I stayed calm and just worked my way forward. At the end it was all about managing the pressure and bringing it home. Two podiums in a row and moving up to third in the championship is really positive, especially on a track like this.”

Everts carried his strong form from Switzerland into the weekend, qualifying fourth before delivering two composed and determined motos. In race one, he started well and settled into the lead group, working his way into third with a decisive late pass on Janis Reisulis before controlling the position to the finish.

Race two proved even more demanding. A compromised start left Everts outside the top ten, but he quickly carved his way forward through the field. With calculated aggression and smart line choices, he climbed to fourth by mid-race. After briefly dropping to fifth in a late battle, he reclaimed fourth with two laps remaining and held firm under pressure to secure third overall for the second consecutive Grand Prix.

Everts will now wait another week before he lines up at the French Grand Prix at the Lacapelle-Marival circuit on May 23-24. No doubt, the young Belgian will want to make more ground on the riders in front in the championship points.