Trentino he claimed a sensational 4th place and set a new career best
The fifth round of the Motocross World Championship, officially the MXGP of Trentino, took place last weekend in the picturesque north of Italy. The Trentino region, set among the majestic peaks of the Dolomites, is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its unique atmosphere. The iconic track in Pietramurata, surrounded by mountains and featuring the characteristic hardpack surface, is one of the most attractive stops on the MXGP calendar and delivers a top-level sporting spectacle every year.
PHOTO: Daniele Barreca
Mikula confirmed his form and went after a historic result
Julius Mikula lined up in the MX2 class for the Osička MX Team, arriving in Italy boosted by a strong performance from Sardinia. On the extremely demanding track in Riola Sardo, he had already shown his potential, and he came to Trentino with a clear goal: to confirm his rising form.
He delivered on that goal in full. In the first race on Sunday, he took a superb 6th place and collected important points. In the second race, however, he produced a ride that fans will remember for a long time. After a great start, Mikula worked his way up to second place and held his own among the absolute elite for more than half the race.
Just centimeters from a first world podium
Mikula was genuinely in contention for a maiden World Championship podium for a long time — something Czech motocross has not seen in more than two decades. Only in the closing stages were Spanish rider Farres and reigning world champion Simon Längenfelder able to get past him. The Czech rider, however, maintained a strong pace and crossed the line in a fantastic 4th place, just 1.624 seconds behind third.
Those 1.624 seconds were all that separated Mikula from a historic milestone. Still, his performance clearly showed that he belongs among the world’s motocross elite and that a first podium is realistically within reach.
With a career-high total of 34 world championship points so far, Julius Mikula moves up to 11th in the overall standings and is just 1 point away from the top ten.
“The fifth round of the World Championship in Arco di Trento was a race I’ll never forget. It was one of the best days of my life, because I was able to relax in both motos like never before and just be myself, so the pace didn’t even feel that hard. The track was really good on Sunday and the fans created an atmosphere I simply have to mention, and finishing 6-4 in front of them and 4th overall felt really great, especially as a privateer rider!
And then there’s my team and my family, who did an amazing job and without whom I wouldn’t be here, so thank you to them. I could talk for hours, but let’s leave it there. P4 achieved, next step is the podium,” Julius Mikula commented on his performance in Trentino.
Team owner Martin Osička also praised his rider’s performance:
“I have to say, I’m not hiding my huge excitement. Julius’ performance in Trentino was absolutely fantastic, and watching him fight for a podium at the World Championship felt like a dream come true. On the other hand, we know this is only the beginning — we definitely don’t want to rest on our laurels, and we will keep working hard so that we not only return to this level, but push it even higher. Huge congratulations and thanks go to Julius, as well as to the whole team for a great job.”
PHOTO: Daniele Barreca
Janout was let down by bad luck, but the speed was there
Václav Janout competed in the EMX250 European Championship. At the popular track in Pietramurata, he got off to a promising start — 12th place in qualifying was an encouraging result.
He started the first race very well and was running around the top ten before a crash from 7th place halted his progress. He then had to fight his way up from the back and finished 30th. In the second race, a poor start cost him dearly, but he put in a fine charge and moved up to 21st.
How did Václav Janout assess the race? “A solid 12th place in the qualifying group. In the first moto I had a worse start, but I worked my way forward to around 10th, then came the crash from 7th and I finished 30th from the back of the field with a bent bike. Second moto – bad start, but from 35th after the first lap I worked my way up to 21st. Overall, the weekend didn’t go as planned and the results don’t reflect my true potential, but we know what we need to work on. Thanks to my mechanic, the team and my family.”
PHOTO: Daniele Barreca
The MXGP series continues in France after a short break
The series now has an almost month-long pause, after which the championship will move to France for the round at Lacapelle-Marival. French tracks suit Julius Mikula well, and if he keeps his current form, the next round could be the place where Czech motocross writes another historic result.
Osička MX Team will therefore continue to fight for the front positions — and perhaps soon for the moment when the Czech flag rises above the podium.
