Reigning British MX1 champion Conrad Mewse opened his 2026 Motul ACU British Motocross Championship campaign with a podium finish at a rain-hit Hawkstone Park, but the Crendon Tru7 Honda rider admitted frustration at not being able to challenge for the win.
Round one was run in difficult conditions as the track deteriorated through the day, creating deep ruts and making passing increasingly challenging. Despite that, Mewse dug deep to work his way through the field on his Honda CRF450R.
In the opening race, Mewse steadily picked off riders as the circuit became rougher, eventually moving into fourth place. His charge included a late move on early leader Sterry with three laps remaining as he secured a solid result in the demanding conditions.
READ MORE: BRITISH MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS
The second 25-minute-plus-two-lap moto saw the British number one make a better start. He exited the first corner in fourth as Ben Watson and Josh Oliver led the field ahead of Taylor Hammal. Mewse quickly dispatched Hammal on the second lap, but by that stage Watson had already stretched out an eight-second advantage.
With Oliver applying pressure at the front, the leading pair edged clear while Mewse focused on maintaining a strong pace to bring his Honda home in third position. The result secured him third overall for the day.
Despite the podium, the defending champion was candid about his disappointment after the event, pointing to a lack of race preparation heading into the opener.
“I’m obviously disappointed to not be challenging for the win today, but all credit to the guys in front – I just didn’t have the pace. But I’ll take it on the chin and we’ll go again soon.
“I haven’t raced since the Motocross of Nations last year so really needed some pre-season races but that didn’t happen. Of course, I’m on the podium and still in the fight for the championship with not too many points behind. I haven’t started a season this way but I don’t intend to carry it on!”
Team manager Ryan Thorpe felt the result was still a strong start to the year, considering the circumstances.
“Overall, it was a solid result and an impressive effort from everyone on the team.
“Conrad has not had his usual time to prepare for the race and the two riders in front of him have had several pre-season races or even a GP. So to ride through the field, in tough conditions, shows his determination. Of course, he’s disappointed to not challenge for the win but I’m confident he’ll soon be up there again.”
With the opening round complete, Mewse leaves Hawkstone Park still firmly in the title fight. However, if his own words are anything to go by, the British champion expects a much stronger showing as the season progresses.
Images courtesy of Crendon Tru7 Honda
