VHR Yamaha Official EMX250 Team’s Mano Faure has kicked off his EMX250 career in style with an impressive third-place finish at round one of the 2026 series in Spain. The success for Yamaha-mounted riders extended into the EMX125 class too, where Sleny Goyer delivered a pair of second-place finishes to secure a well-deserved runner-up result.
Following a constructive off-season and a switch to the GYTR-kitted YZ250F, Faure headed to the sandy Almonte circuit in Spain for the opening round of the year. Having placed a close second in the 2025 EMX125 Championship, the talented Frenchman was focused on carrying this momentum into EMX250.
In Race One, Faure benefitted from a strong start to move into the lead by turn two. By lap three, he had settled into a comfortable pace with the race leader well within his sights. However, on lap six, disaster struck as Faure crashed heavily and was relegated to eighth. Another small fall a lap later dropped him to 15th. Digging deep as the race wore on, the 16-year-old fought back to cross the finish line in ninth.
Eager to make amends in Race Two, Faure once again started up front and moved into the lead on lap four. He then led the way until the closing stages of the race, when a small mistake allowed series rival Francisco Garcia into the lead. By this time, the leading duo had opened up a sizeable gap over the rest of the field and Faure finished second to secure third overall.
Faure’s teammate Jarne Bervoets also made his EMX250 debut in Spain and posted a 19-16 result for 20th overall.
JK Racing Yamaha’s Jekabs Kubulins enjoyed a solid start to the 2026 campaign. Placing fifth in Race One, the Latvian then charged to the Race Two holeshot before claiming sixth for fourth overall on the day.
In the EMX125 class, Goyer was super consistent aboard his GYTR-kitted YZ125 all weekend long. After posting the second-fastest time in his qualifying group, the young French racer then capitalised on his impressive start in Race One to move into second by the end of lap one. Goyer then maintained his speed to the finish to secure his runner-up result.
In the second race, Goyer couldn’t quite replicate his Race One start and he ran just inside the top 10 through the early stages. As the race progressed, Goyer demonstrated his class and exceptional racecraft by methodically working his way towards the front. For his efforts, he was rewarded with another runner-up finish to claim a maiden overall podium and leave Spain just a single point from the series lead.
Goyer’s teammate, Levi Townley, was absent from round one after suffering from an unfortunate shoulder injury during training. The New Zealander will return to action once fully recovered.
Drew Stock made his EMX125 debut for JK Racing Yamaha and placed 19th overall courtesy of his 20-15 result.
Following an exciting start to the year, both the EMX250 and EMX125 series continue next weekend at the hardpack circuit of Frauenfeld in Switzerland
Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists.
Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.
