Lucas Coenen delivered a statement performance at the MXGP of Andalucia in Spain, storming to his first MXGP class overall victory in emphatic fashion at the demanding Almonte circuit.
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider was in a class of his own across the weekend, mastering the deep sand and rough conditions to secure a perfect scorecard and take control of the MXGP championship standings.
Making its debut on the world stage, the Almonte venue provided a brutal test for the field. The sandy surface quickly broke down, creating a physically punishing track that rewarded precision, fitness and race craft—qualities Coenen displayed in abundance.
The Belgian set the tone early by taking command of Saturday’s qualifying race, leading from the outset and never looking under threat. That momentum carried straight into Sunday, where he continued to dictate proceedings.
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In the opening moto, Coenen once again put himself at the front immediately and controlled the race from start to finish, managing the pace and keeping any challengers firmly at bay. If that was impressive, the second moto was even more commanding.
After moving into the lead on lap two, Coenen pulled clear of the field and never looked back, eventually crossing the line with a margin of over 14 seconds. It was a dominant display that left no doubt about who was the rider to beat in Spain.
With three race wins across the weekend, Coenen not only secured his first MXGP overall victory and podium of the season but also moved into the championship lead, marking a significant milestone early in the campaign.
Speaking after his breakthrough weekend, Coenen said:
“My first red plate! I am so pumped at the moment but we all know the season is still so long. The team worked really hard for me after the GP in Argentina and we bounced back pretty good. Fast starts and I passed people quickly here. I then managed the storm. Three wins this weekend: I can’t do better. We’ll try to keep it like that and look to the next round.”
With confidence high and momentum firmly on his side, Coenen now heads to Switzerland as the new championship leader—having firmly announced himself as a serious contender in the MXGP class.
Images courtesy of © KTM Images/JP Acevedo
