Jack Waters has written his name into the history books by becoming the first British rider ever to win the EMX65 European Motocross Championship after a commanding performance at the finals in Loket, Czech Republic.
Images courtesy of Infront Moto Racing
The young Brit arrived at the decisive weekend among the favourites and delivered when it mattered most. After finishing second in the opening moto, Waters took a superb victory in race two to secure the overall title with 47 points, ahead of Spain’s Gines Alacid and Latvia’s Bruno Geitus.
Waters’ triumph marks a landmark moment for British motocross, as no rider from Great Britain had previously claimed the prestigious EMX65 European Championship crown.
In the opening race, Waters fought through from fifth place after the opening lap to finish second behind France’s Lucas Bos, putting himself in a strong position heading into the deciding moto.
When the gate dropped for race two, Waters wasted little time taking control. Sweeping into the lead before the opening lap was complete, he quickly built a comfortable advantage and was never seriously challenged, crossing the finish line 5.4 seconds clear of Bruno Geitus to seal both the race win and the European title.
Speaking after making history, Waters said:
“I got a good start, took the lead, and then just tried to manage the gap and bring it home for the win. I’m super happy to be European Champion.”
There was further British interest in the EMX65 final through Tommy Wood. After suffering bike problems in the opening race that left him 34th, Wood bounced back impressively in race two with a strong 11th-place finish to end his European Championship campaign on a positive note.
Waters’ victory was one of three European Championship titles decided at Loket. Latvia’s Patriks Cirulis claimed the EMX85 crown after an incredibly close four-way tie on points, while Czech rider Vaclav Kovar delighted the home crowd by successfully defending his EMX2T European Championship.
EMX65 Overall Classification
