Gyan Doensen celebrated a major milestone at the opening round of the 2026 Motul ACU British Motocross Championship at Hawkstone Park, claiming his first professional overall victory and leaving the event with the MX2 championship lead and the coveted red plate.
Images courtesy of JHMX Photography
Riding for the Gabriel SS24 KTM team, Doensen showed speed, composure and determination in difficult, rain-hit conditions to secure his breakthrough win.
Doensen began his day in Group 2 qualifying where the track had already begun to slow compared to the earlier session. As conditions evolved, he steadily improved his pace to record the second-fastest time in the group, giving him fourth gate pick heading into the races.
As the first gate of the 2026 British Championship dropped, heavy rain arrived to make the already challenging Hawkstone circuit even more demanding.
Despite the slippery conditions, Doensen launched well and entered the opening corner just inside the top eight. He quickly began moving forward, making several decisive passes on the opening lap to move into fourth place.
Settling into a strong rhythm, the KTM rider closed in on the battle for third and began reducing the gap to the rider ahead. However, with five laps remaining his race took an unexpected twist when he lost his goggles in the rain.
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With mud and roost making visibility difficult, Doensen wisely backed off slightly to protect his eyes but still managed to bring the bike home in a strong fourth place.
Heading into the second moto, Doensen knew a strong ride could put him in contention for the overall.
Another good start saw him quickly establish himself in second place behind Ben Mustoe. Showing confidence and control in the tough conditions, he began applying pressure before making a decisive move for the lead.
Once out front, Doensen managed the race expertly, keeping his composure on the deteriorating track to take the chequered flag and secure his first moto win on the 250.
The victory was enough to give him the overall win on the day and move him to the top of the championship standings.
Speaking after the race, the Dutch rider was understandably delighted with the result. “YES! My first in many ways, first moto win on 250, first overall win and first red plate. So happy to finally show 2 solid results after a very tricky day at Hawkstone. Managed it well so super happy and taking a lot of confidence into Spain for the first EMX. Big thanks to the team and mechanics for the hardwork and great day for the team with a 1-2”
Team manager Shaun Simpson was equally pleased with the team’s performance in the challenging conditions. “It was a superb start to the 2026 British Championship for both Gyan and Oriol. Conditions were tough after the rain showers, but both our boys showed that we are in it to win it this year. Starts and fitness were the key in these conditions and they executed, testament to the work we have been putting in during the off season. Leaving with the red plate in MX2 and tied on points for first position in MX1 was almost the perfect day. Great job to the mechanics for their work in these tough conditions. Motivation is high for the MXGP of Spain next week!”
With confidence high after his breakthrough victory, Doensen now heads to Almonte in southern Spain for the MXGP of Spain, which also hosts the opening round of the EMX250 European Championship.
After a memorable day at Hawkstone Park, the young KTM rider carries strong momentum — and the MX2 red plate — into the next challenge.
