The 2026 European Individual Grass Track Championship got underway on 31 May at the famous Leineweberring in Bielefeld, Germany, where the Championship Challenge determined the riders who will advance to the Final scheduled for 29 August in Aduard, the Netherlands.
Words and Images by FIM Europe
Organised by DMSC Bielefeld under the auspices of FIM Europe, the event attracted some of the strongest grass track specialists from across the continent. The 700-metre Leineweberring, renowned for its wide corners and overtaking opportunities, provided the perfect setting for a day of spectacular racing as 18 riders representing nine nations battled for the coveted places in the European Final. The Challenge format, introduced as the sole qualifying event for the Championship, ensured that every point counted throughout the meeting.
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The racing delivered exactly the intensity expected from one of Europe’s premier grass track events. Heat after heat featured close battles, dramatic overtakes and fierce competition as riders pushed their machines to the limit on the fast German oval. With qualification for the Final on the line, consistency proved just as important as outright speed.
At the end of the meeting, it was Great Britain’s James Shanes who emerged victorious with an impressive tally of 20 points, demonstrating both speed and consistency throughout the day. Shanes controlled the event from the front and confirmed his status as one of the leading contenders for this year’s European title.
Danish rider Jacob Bukhave produced a strong performance to finish second on 19 points, remaining in contention for victory until the closing stages of the meeting. Another British rider, Andrew Appleton, completed the podium with 16 points after a series of determined rides.
Just behind the podium, Paul Cooper secured fourth place with 15 points, while Mickie Simpson, Patrick Kruse and Mathias Tresarrieu all finished level on 14 points in a tightly contested battle for the remaining qualification positions. Former world-class long track and grass track specialist Stephan Katt finished eighth with 13 points, while Norway’s Glenn Moi, runner-up in last year’s opening event, completed the top nine.
The Bielefeld Challenge once again highlighted the spectacular nature of grass track racing, combining high speeds, close competition and remarkable rider skill on one of Germany’s most iconic circuits. With the qualification stage now complete, attention turns to the European Individual Grass Track Championship Final in Aduard, where Europe’s best riders will battle for continental glory on 29 August.
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