Scott Smulders has kicked off the season in strong fashion during the opening round of the Italian Championship in Alghero. Lining up with a renewed approach, a new team, and a fresh mindset, the rider immediately turned that into an impressive fifth place overall, following fourth and fifth finishes in the motos and ending the day tied on points with the rider who finished fourth overall.
The foundation for this result was already laid during the winter. After last season, Smulders consciously decided to hit the reset button. “After last year, I completely stepped away from motocross for a while,” he explains. “A few weeks without seeing or hearing motorcycles, not thinking about it at all. After that, I started a new chapter feeling totally fresh.”
That fresh start came with a more professional approach. Smulders resumed working with his physical trainers from his 125cc days—a period in which he made major progress—while continuing his collaboration with Davy Pootjes, who plays a crucial role for him. He also made a clear decision to stop school and work in order to focus fully on racing. “That gives you the time to train more, but also to recover better. That really makes a difference.”
The move to the SixtySeven Husqvarna Racing Team marked another important step forward. “This is actually what I’ve been missing over the past few years. The guidance and structure are exactly what I needed. I’m extremely grateful to the team for that.”
First race, Italian Championship in Alghero: adapting, learning, and performing
Alghero marked the first preparatory race of the season, without any specific expectations. “The main goal was to get used to racing again. I knew I was in good physical shape and had made progress on the bike, but racing is always different—especially with a new bike and a new team.”
Time practice proved difficult. A mistake of his own cost Smulders his first two fast laps, after which heavy rain made the track significantly slower.
In the first moto, he started around tenth place but immediately felt comfortable on both the bike and the track. With a strong and consistent pace, he worked his way forward and finished an impressive fourth.
The second moto again started with a position around tenth. In his attempt to move up quickly, Smulders stalled the bike and crossed the line at the end of the first lap only in seventeenth. “After that, I just rode the way I know how,” he reflects. “Without forcing it.” That approach paid off with a strong comeback ride to fifth place.
With a fourth and fifth place in the motos, Smulders finished fifth overall on the day. “A successful first race,” he concludes calmly. “It was very good, but it’s only the first race.”
Looking ahead
Smulders remains realistic heading into the rest of the season. “I’ll just keep following my program. There will definitely be tougher days as well, but I’m really looking forward to this season.”
Next on the schedule are Mantova and Lierop as preparation, before traveling to his first overseas Grand Prix in Argentina—also his first full GP season.
“I’m really looking forward to that.”
With a fresh mindset, a strong winter, and a convincing start in Alghero, Scott Smulders appears ready for an important and promising season.
