Race Recap: Freeman Dominates the Italian Nationals; Muddy Battles in MX and Trial.
Another intense weekend of racing is in the books for Beta, with our riders competing on multiple fronts amid mud, cold, and technical sections. From Brad Freeman’s return to victory in the Italian Enduro Championships, through the treacherous Swiss weather in the Motocross World Championship, to the excellent start to the season in the Italian Trial Championship. Here are all the results.
The third and fourth rounds of the 2026 Italian Enduro Championship took place in Pomarance (PI), on a 60-km technical, selective course with a true Enduro feel. The weekend marked the definitive return to top form of Brad Freeman. After finishing Day 1 in second place overall and in his class (Foreigners), the Briton literally dominated Day 2: fastest time in six of the nine special stages and overall victory and class win! “It was a great race; I’m recovering from my injury and my pace is good now. The team and I are doing a great job in preparation for the World Championship opener,” said a revitalized Freeman.
Steady improvement also for teammate Nathan Watson. After finishing Saturday in 8th place overall (5th in the Foreigners class), Sunday saw Watson step up his game, posting excellent overall times and finishing with an outstanding 2nd place overall (and 2nd in the Foreigners class). “I redeemed myself on Sunday: I posted excellent times in all the special stages and finished second overall,” he commented. The next round for the Overall class is scheduled for Caltanissetta from April 17–19.
The Frauenfeld circuit hosted the third round of the MXGP World Championship over a weekend heavily affected by bad weather. In the premier class, Jago Geerts gritted his teeth in difficult conditions: 16th in Race 1 under pouring rain, and 18th in Race 2 after being forced into a grueling comeback from the back of the pack due to his bike stalling in the early laps (18th overall for the day). Frauenfeld also marked the highly anticipated season debut of Rick Elzinga, returning from a long injury layoff. Unfortunately, his physical condition not yet being optimal forced him to finish far from the top (22nd and 31st). “I’m happy with the feel of the bike; coming back from an injury is never easy, but I’m convinced that soon I’ll be able to aim for better results,” commented the Dutch rider.
Thrilling action from the European EMX250 Championship. Alexis Fueri delivered a sensational first race, finishing on the third step of the podium! In Race 2, on a battered track, two crashes relegated him to 15th place (7th overall for the day). A weekend of great character for Brando Rispoli: forced to retire in Race 1 due to the aftereffects of two crashes in qualifying, the Tuscan rider stoically lined up at the start of Race 2. After taking the holeshot, he led the race for half the distance, finishing with a splendid 5th place. The Beta MRT Racing Team is now preparing for the sand of Riola Sardo.
The 2026 season of the Italian Trial Championship officially kicked off in Massarosa (LU), with 12 technical sections that immediately provided a spectacular show. In the top TR1 class, Matteo Grattarola put on a top-notch performance, coming close to victory but having to settle for 2nd place due to a time penalty. “The team worked very well, and we’re looking ahead to the next race in Fiumalbo to reclaim first place,” promised the Italian champion.
A perfect start, however, for Andrea Sofia Rabino, who claimed a splendid victory in her category. A performance built on great harmony with the bike and impeccable track management. “I’m really happy; the sections were very technical, and I found my rhythm right away,” she said at the end of the day. The Italian Trial circuit will return to action on May 9 and 10 in Fiumalbo (MO).
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Busy weekend for Beta: race results
