Lucas Coenen Secures Grand Prix Victory at Lommel, Cuts Championship Deficit
Lommel, Belgium — In a thrilling display of skill and composure, 18-year-old Lucas Coenen of Red Bull KTM claimed victory at the Grand Prix of Lommel, finishing with a 1-2-1 scorecard. This win comes as Coenen continues to show maturity beyond his years, battling championship rival Romain Febvre in one of the most challenging motocross circuits globally.
Coenen’s recent success, which includes three consecutive GP wins in Finland, the Czech Republic, and Belgium, narrows his points deficit to just nine as the season approaches its climax. Despite the tough competition and aggressive racing tactics on the sandy terrain, Coenen remains focused on his ultimate goal—becoming the first Belgian world champion since 2007.
“I’m confident, but I know the fight has just begun,” Coenen stated. “In this deep sand, you need to be careful and race safely to stay in the championship hunt.”
Historically, Belgium has been a powerhouse in motocross, with Steve Ramon last bringing home the world title in 2007, the same year Coenen was born. A victory for the young rider would restore the nation’s prominence in the sport.
In an interview following his victory, Coenen reflected on the race dynamics with Febvre:
“The start was tough; Romain had a good lead. I had to conserve energy while passing others. I tried to stay calm under pressure but was aware of the aggressive tactics on track,” he explained, acknowledging the fierce competition as the championship heats up.
Coenen emphasized the importance of mental resilience, a trait he credits to his family. “We work together—my father, my brother, and our team have helped strengthen my mindset,” he noted.
As the championship progresses, Coenen’s ability to maintain focus and adapt to the pressure will be crucial. With Febvre’s aggressive riding style likely to continue, the stage is set for an intense final stretch in the MXGP series.
