The new adventure in the United States marks an important step in Toendel’s career, and he looks back with genuine enthusiasm on how it all came together. Last summer, he traveled to America to compete in three AMA Nationals. Not only did he impress on the track, he also connected with the International SX Race Team, which has now signed him. After the season, he returned to the U.S. for an extensive test period. Both he and the team were immediately excited the chemistry was there, the trust was there. “We were both very happy, and that’s when we decided to team up for 2026,” says the 22-year old rider.
This past season, Cornelius raced under contract with the JWR Honda team in MXGP, a collaboration the Norwegian looks back on positively. Together, they set a clear goal: to perform well during his trip to America. He put all his energy and focus into those races, and it paid off. On a stock bike, he managed to qualify third, and in Southwick he spent almost the entire first moto battling for sixth place. “It was an amazing experience to race there, and I’m really looking forward to competing there full-time next season.”
The American one-day outdoor format also left him wanting more. He enjoyed the two fifteen-minute qualifying sessions in the morning, giving riders two chances to set a fast time. “I really like that system,” he says. “It suits me well.”
Physically, things are improving too. After dealing with some injuries during the season, he recently underwent a small procedure, but recovering at home he already feels much better. He expects to be back on the bike in December.
Big plans are lined up for next season. His goal is to compete in the full SMX championship starting in January, kicking off with the Supercross races in the 450 class. Still, he emphasizes that nothing will be rushed. “We’ll take our time. When I’m behind the start gate, I’ll be fully ready.”
With that mindset and the new opportunities awaiting him in America 2026 is shaping up to be the beginning of a very exciting new chapter.
