Team World Champions confirmed for the 2026 VMXdN Hawkstone
It’s a good job there's no bookies involved at motocross, as you would be sure to get awful odds on the team world champion for honours at the 2026 VMXdN Hawkstone. With the team of Christophe Pourcel, Alessio Chiodi and David Philippaerts joining forces, they’re going to be a tough lineup to beat. Words: Press Release
Pourcel won all but one of his races at the 2025 VMXdN, with hometown hero Brad Anderson spoiling his record. He was part of the victorious American team (he has an American passport), but the margin was literally nothing, they tied with Team Italy on points but took the top step by virtue of number of race wins. That didn't sit well with Team Italy, as they put in some stellar rides, Chiodi and Philippaerts were sworn for revenge.
Roll on 2026 and the soft sand at Hawkstone beacons, and the team of world champions is formed to be the team with the most impressive CV. These guys boast five world championships and two AMA supercross championships between them, and to a man they are excited to race Hawkstone, each of the team say it's their favourite track in the UK.
Chris Pourcel who boasts the 2006 MX2 world championship and 2009 & 2010 Lites SX champ is racing the same 2001 Kawasaki 250 he was so fast on in last year’s event, built and prepped by Christiano Bianca from Turin.
Alessio Chiodi won three FIM World 125 Championships back-to-back and was the dominant racer in the 1/8th litre class for years. He will be lining up on the same DocWob-built 2002 YZ 250 he has raced in the last few years and the same mechanic in Sonny Mee Harris. He is clearly happy with the combo.
David Philippaerts was the 2009 FIM MX1 world champion while riding for the mighty Rinaldi Yamaha squad. He will be bringing a KX500 to battle in the international race, and he can ride the big bore as good as anyone in the world. You can be sure to see the Bruno Maprin-built bike at the sharp end when it all gets serious on Saturday morning.
The world champion team, though sure to be at the front of the pack. they'll have their hands full with some proper racers in the international class, with the UK squad of Searle, Anderson and Banks-Browne on home turf and a rejuvenated American team of Sipes, Martin and Alessi that’s nine real players before any of the other teams come into play.
If you plan on camping, be quick to secure your camping pass, as there is a limited camping spots available, and they’re selling out.
Image: Yamaha
