Back on the calendar after a ten-year absence, the Valence International is set to reclaim its spot as the opener of the French season this Sunday, February 1st!

Traditionally held at the start of the season, the event gives riders their first opportunity to get back on track ahead of the main championships, both at national and world level. Its appeal lies as much in the revival of a staple French event as in the chance for each competitor to regain rhythm after the off-season.

The 2026 edition features a mix of experienced riders familiar with the French track, young talents seeking their bearings, and a few well-known names from the European paddock — a lineup that offers a clear preview of the competitive landscape as the season begins. Here’s a look at the main riders expected on the Valence starting gate this Sunday.

Norwegian Kevin Horgmo will officially kick off his 2026 season in France at the Valence International. Best non-factory rider at the start of the 2025 MXGP season and current Elite MX1 title holder, the Honda SR Motoblouz rider saw his previous campaign disrupted by shoulder and thumb injuries. Absent from the starting grid since the Finnish GP in July of last year, Horgmo has chosen Valence as his first step in preparing for the new season.

The 2026 season will also start in France for the two faces of the GSM Dafy Michelin Yamaha team, Maxime Desprey and Grégory Aranda. A notable exception this year: Grégory Aranda — “Mr Aranda Leap” — will ride a KTM instead of his usual Yamaha, in preparation for his Brazilian season, which he will once again contest with the 595 Racing KTM team. He will be joined by his Brazilian teammates Hector Assunçao — multiple South American national champion — and Henrique Henicka. Vice-champion of French Elite in the MX1 class, SX1 Supercross champion, and also present in the ADAC, WSX, and ISRL series, Maxime Desprey will use the Valence event to kick-start his motocross season this first weekend of February.

Switzerland will be proudly represented by Arnaud Tonus, former Grand Prix rider and multiple-time Swiss representative at the Motocross des Nations. Still active at the national level, the Swiss rider will cross the border to take part in the return of the Valence International. He will be joined by current Swiss MX2 champion Luca Diserens.

Finishing fourth in French Elite MX1 series in his rookie 450cc season in 2025, Tom Guyon has also registered for Valence on his Triumph, which he will debut this season in national events as part of a private program. He will line up against Jimmy Clochet, returning to 450cc after finishing fourth in the French Elite MX2 series in 2025, as well as Jules Piètre, 2025/2026 ADAC vice-champion and third in the SX Tour SX2 last season, along with Brice Maylin and Julien Pelletier, 2024 French National 450 vice-champion.

The lineup is further strengthened by a strong contingent of national champions, including Mathis Barthez (2025 French National 125 champion), Yannis Lopez (2025 French SX Juniors champion), Tanguy Prost (2025 French National 450 champion), and Matéo Bernard (French MX Juniors champion). Mathis Barthez and Matéo Bernard will compete in 250cc at Valence, while

Yannis Lopez will switch from gas-powered bikes to electric to prepare for his debut in Elite MX2 and the SX Tour SX2 aboard the Stark Varg. Tanguy Prost will begin his preparations for the 2026 season with strong ambitions in the Elite MX1 Class.

Seventh in the Elite MX1 championship in 2025, Loïc Rombaut will also line up at Valence, alongside Tino Basso, vice-champion in France National 450 and eighth in the Elite MX1 standings last season.

Italy will be represented by Matéo Russi, returning to Tech32 and now riding on a Triumph for the 2026 season. Belgium will be represented by Nicolas Vennekens, who will take part in the event before continuing with the ADAC and Dutch Masters for his first 450cc season.

The event will also feature young TMX Compétition riders Liam Bruneau and Enzo Herzogenrath, two prospects who will contest the Europe 125 series next season. Liam is expected to compete on a 250 2-stroke in the Inter’ class, while Enzo will ride a 125cc in the Open category.

The entry list is completed by numerous national riders: Ilyes Ortiz, Basile Pigois, Kylian Maallem, Jérémy Joineau, Dylan Conti, Axel Billottet, Grégory Gavard, Enzo Casat, Enzo Gapaix, Mathias Mortreuil, Loïs Aurias, Hugo Abbani, Enzo Polias, Maxim Sonnerat, Jérémy Bonin, Tony Seignobos, Tim Fortanier, Enzo Gregori Garrido, Sacha Lagoda, and Tom Petithory.

A total of €30,130 in prize money will be distributed across the three races of the International category at Valence. The organizing club has committed to returning 50% of its profits to the riders on the occasion of the event’s return.

In addition to the three International category races — 20 minutes + 1 lap — and the Superpoles, two races will also take place for the Open, Veteran/Female, and 85cc categories, providing a full sporting program for the 2026 edition.

Ticket price: €25 (on-site sales only) – free for children under 12.