The MXGP/MX2 world championship stops in Portugal this weekend. This fourth visit to four years in Agueda is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Grand Prix, which six French pilots have won. 49 world victories have been awarded to Portugal since 1985. The 50th and 51st will be allocated this Sunday.
The cream of international motorcycle is now used to coming to Portugal, but this has not always been the case. The small territory of the west of the Iberian peninsula had to wait until 1985, 28 years after the creation of the world championship, to receive the paddock. It was already in Agueda, who welcomed a good part of the Grands Prix since. The track located in the northwest of the country only gave way to Cortelha (1989, 1992) and Arganil (1993, 1995, 1996). It will be the scene of the seventh stage of the 2025 season this weekend.
Stijbos first winner
Class 125 opened the ball in 1985, and Agueda unrolls the red carpet to a superb duel between Dave Strijbos (2-1) et Pekka Vehkonen (1-2). The two men are equal to the points but the Dutchman from Honda pocketed victory against the Finn, future world champion. Two years later, Portugal is again on the calendar, but in 250. The Belgian Eric Geboers won the first of its five successes in the category there. Dave Strijbos Win again in 125 in 1988, this time with a cagiva.
The Iberian destination returned repeatedly in the 90s. The Swedish Marcus Hansson (1993), Belgians Jacky Martens (1994) et Joel Smets (1995) or the New Zealander Shayne King (1996), dictate their law there in 500. Stefan Everts The same is true on the return from the 250, in 1997 and 1998. The first of the seven Marseillaises (see France in seventh heaven) is played in 2000 in honor of Mickaël Pichonwhich wins in Agueda its first GP 250. The GP disappears from the calendar after this 2000 edition, but finds its place in 2004. It has since been present each year, with the exception of periods 2014-2016 and 2020-2021 (COVID-19).
Cairoli and herlings received 5 out of 5
32 different pilots won in Portugal, counting the MX3. Belgium leads the table of nations (14 victories), thanks in particular to the 4 successes of Stefan Everts (1997-98 in 250; 2005-06 in MXGP) and Clément Desalleundefeated in the red earth from 2010 to 2012. Two pilots dominate the individual classification, with 5 triumphs each: Italian Antonio Cairoli (2005, 2007 and 2008 in MX2; 2009 and 2017 in MXGP) and Dutchman Jeffrey Herlings (2011-12-13 an MX2; 2018 EN 2023 an MXGP).
Rain is expected in Agueda this weekend, which is reminiscent of the previous edition in 2024. The weather conditions had allowed Paul Jonas to be illustrated. The Latvian had released its MXGP counter in the Portuguese mud, where Liam Everts had imposed itself in MX2. In total, 49 world victories have been awarded to Portugal since 1985. The 50th and 51st will be allocated this Sunday.
Pauls Jonass surprised winner in Agueda’s mud a year ago. © Infront Moto Racing
-France in the seventh heaven
Six French pilots have already won the GP of Portugal, for 7 Marseillaises. Mickaël Pichon is the only one to have doubled the bet. Starting in the United States in 1995, the Sarthois competed in the end of the 250 world championship in 1999, then the entire 2000 tour. His double in Agueda devotes his first success in GP 250. He won again in MXGP in 2004, in particular circumstances: he ends a scarcity of almost a year, caused by a heavy knee injury. “I went through a long and difficult period but I have never abandoned, always thinking when I could return to the top of the podium”will confide the new Honda driver.
Sébastien Pourcel took over in 2008 during a tight duel with Italian David Philippaerts. Pierre-Alexandre Renet Unlock his counter in MX3 the following year, removing the first of the 5 victories which will carry it towards the title. Marvin Musquin sign an unstoppable double in MX2 in 2010, before Gautier Paulin do not conjure his curse in 2013. The Var finally takes his revenge on it on Clément Desalle After finishing second MXGP in 2011 and 2012.
The last Marseillaise dates back to April 3, 2022, the day when Tom Vialle stands out and asserts itself in opponent n ° 1 of Jago Geertsthen leader in the general classification MX2. The Frenchman resumes 10 points at the Belgian during this Portuguese stopover. Ten decisive points since he will be crowned world champion for 4 units in front of the Belgian at the end of the season.
Marvin Musquin winner in front of Jeffrey Herlings and Ken Roczen? It was in Agueda, in 2010. © KTM
National hero
Winning at home is a privilege that alone Rui Gonçalves was able to taste Portugal. The current official Sherco in Rallye-Raid has left his footprint in the history of national cross, being the n ° 1 of his country for many years. His best season is undoubtedly 2009; He won his 4 MX2 victories there, including one on his land in Agueda.
Author of the best start in the first round, the pilot born in Vidago cannot contain Marvin Musquin who stalls his victory. He again signs the Holeshot in the second round, and this time is not resumed by anyone. He won the race and the general at the same time. A dream that becomes reality, in front of his family and his audience. “This is why I worked with as much passion”he moved on arrival.
Rui Gonçalves, the only Portuguese winner of a GP at home. It was in 2009. © DR
Two weeks earlier, Gonçalves had released his counter in the sand of Valkenswaard (Netherlands). Later in the season, he will add the Grands Prix of Latvia and Sweden to his hunting board, in an extremely competitive year when adversaries are called Gautier Paulin, Zach Osborne, Jeremy van Horebeek or Ken Roczen. The Portuguese will finish vice-world champion at 40 points of Musquinwinner of the first of his two MX2 titles.
