The iconic event in the south of France will make its long-awaited return on February 1st, 2026, on the circuit of the Moto Club de Valence (Drôme). A piece of news that will certainly delight motocross fans, as this race had long animated the French scene before disappearing in 2016, following an edition that was presented at the time as “the last one.” Never say never.

Ten years before the big comeback

Creator of the Valence International Motocross and president of the Moto Club for more than 20 years, Jacques Lebrun emotionally announced in 2016 the end of an adventure that had begun 14 years earlier. The event had suffered from several editions disrupted by weather conditions and faced numerous financial difficulties, making its organisation increasingly complex. Sadly, Jacques Lebrun also passed away that same year, and the Valence International never managed to find its place on the calendar again. Ten years later, passion has taken over once more, and the club’s new team is determined to pay him the finest tribute by relaunching the event with a modernised format that remains faithful to tradition.

“There were 13 editions of the Valence International. It was Mr. Lebrun who organised them. He sadly passed away in 2016. Since then, the Moto Club de Valence hasn’t been inactive; we simply moved to a different format. We organised several rounds of the French championships: Sidecar, Quad, Women, Veteran. We run 3 or 4 competitions every year. But deep down, we always wanted to revive the Valence International,” explains club president Vincent Marçais, who has since taken over the reins and says he is thrilled at the prospect of once again welcoming riders and spectators to the Drôme for the famous International Motocross everyone hoped to see reborn.

Valence opens the season in France

Historically held at the start of the season, the Valence event often established itself as a full-scale rehearsal ahead of the MXGP World Championship opener—a race where many greats have shined. During the final edition in 2016, Jeffrey Herlings dominated the MX2 class, winning ahead of Max Anstie and Jeremy Seewer, as well as the Superfinal. The MX1 class was won by Belgian rider Clément Desalle, ahead of Shaun Simpson and Kevin Strijbos. Ten years already.

For this 2026 edition, the Moto Club de Valence intends to reconnect with that tradition and is actively working to finalise its rider lineup. The Valence International Motocross will offer a complete and diverse program, true to its DNA. The Inter’ category will see MX2 and MX1 riders battle in a format of three 20-minute + 1 lap motos, with a €30,000 purse to be shared. At the same time, young riders will race in the 85cc class, while the Jacques Lebrun Trophy will honour passionate regional and amateur riders in the Open class. Women and veterans will also be part of the event, as was the case during the race held in Valence last March, which hosted both the French Veteran Championship and the French Women’s Championship.

“We’ve been talking about bringing back an international race in Valence for already 3 or 4 years. But organising an event today is difficult. It requires massive investment, and therefore presents risks. That’s why we shifted to other types of events after 2016. This year marks the anniversary—10 years. We told ourselves that if we didn’t do it now, we never would. Yes, given the circumstances, we’re taking a risk, but the entire Moto Club is on the starting line to bring our international race back in 2026, with one dream in mind: seeing Jeffrey Herlings return to our event,” adds Vincent Marçais, two months before the event.

A rebirth for an entire region

More than a simple sporting comeback, the revival of the Valence International Motocross marks the return of an event that long thrilled the region and attracted thousands of spectators from across France and Europe.

“We are currently in the rider-recruitment phase to build the lineup,” concludes the president of the Moto Club de Valence. “There will be four categories: Inter MX1/MX2, 85cc, Open, and Veterans/Women. We are offering €30,000 in prize money on the day for the Inter class, which is far from insignificant. But, above all, it’s a great opportunity to offer riders a race before the start of the season, while welcoming spectators back to the Valence track. We hope the public will come out in numbers to celebrate the return of our event; it would be a great satisfaction for us to offer them what was once an unmissable fixture on the French calendar.”

At a time when organising events is becoming increasingly complicated, the organisers of the Valence International are counting on you to help write a new chapter and reignite the flame of this historic landmark of European motocross.

For its big return to the spotlight, the Moto Club Valentinois commits to redistributing 50% of any potential profits generated by the event to the top 25 riders of the International category.

Entry fee: €25 (tickets sold on-site only) – free for children under 12.

Food, drinks, and catering available on site.

Entries and organiser

Phone: +33689890235