With the Hawkstone International cancelled due to bad weather, we wonder which riders from that event might now turn their attention to a French International this weekend.

Do not be surprised if riders looking for some pre-season prep might turn up to race on Sunday. Riders like Kay de Wolf and Jeffrey Herlings are probably a bit down on preperation for the opening MXGP round in Argentina and while both these Dutchmen will race Lierop on March 1, anything is possible.

Does Frenchman Romain Febvre take in his home country race? Or maybe Tom Vialle and Maxime Renaux?

After 10 years of absence, the Valencia International is back! Once a must-see event of the off-season in France, the Moto Club de Valence is restarting its inter-season event on February 15, 2026.

This news will delight motocross enthusiasts, as this event had animated the French scene before disappearing in 2016. Jeffrey Herlings dominated the last edition of the MX International in Valencia.

The Inter category will see MX2 and MX1 riders battle it out in a format of 3 heats of 20 minutes + 1 lap and will share a prize pool of 30. 000 €.

At the same time, the youngest riders will compete in the 85 cc class, while the Jacques Lebrun Trophy will honour regional and amateur riders who are passionate about Open.

Finally, the women and veterans will also be there.

More than just a sporting comeback, this revival of the Valencia International Motocross marks the revival of an event that has long thrilled the region and attracted thousands of spectators from all over France and Europe.

Norwegian Kevin Horgmo will officially kick off his 2026 season in France at the Valence Motocross International. The best non-factory rider at the start of the 2025 MXGP season and current Elite MX1 champion, the Honda SR Motoblouz rider saw his previous season disrupted by shoulder and thumb injuries. Horgmo has not competed since the Finnish GP last July. Valence is the first step in his preparation for the new season.

For the two GSM Dafy Michelin Yamaha team riders, Maxime Desprey and Grégory Aranda, the 2026 season will also begin in France. One notable change this year: Grégory Aranda—"Mr. Aranda Leap"—will ride a KTM in Valence instead of his usual Yamaha, in preparation for his Brazilian season, which he will once again complete with the 595 Racing KTM team. He will be joined there by his Brazilian teammates Hector Assunçao—multiple South American champion—and Henrique Henicka. Maxime Desprey, vice-champion of the French Elite MX1, SX1 Supercross champion and also competing in ADAC, WSX, and ISRL, will use Valence to open his motocross season during the first weekend of February.

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

After finishing fourth in the French Elite MX1 in his rookie season on the 450cc class in 2025, Tom Guyon has also signed up for Valence. He will be running his Triumph, with which he will ride a national program as a privateer this season. He will be competing against Jimmy Clochet, who is returning to the 450cc class in 2025 after finishing fourth in the French Elite MX2, as well as Jules Piètre, 2025/2026 ADAC vice-champion and third in the SX Tour SX2 last season, and Brice Maylin and Julien Pelletier, vice-champion of the French National 450 Championship in 2024.

See you on Sunday, February 15, 2026 on the magnificent international circuit located in the Zone Artisanale des Auréats in Valence south.

Refreshment bar and snacks on site.

Admission: €25 – Free up to 12 years old