Lucas Coenen extends lead as Herlings wins MXGP Portugal 2026

Belgian rider Lucas Coenen secured pole, won the MXGP qualifying race and the opening moto at the 2026 Portuguese Grand Prix in Águeda. He finished second in the overall MXGP classification, edging out rival Jeffrey Herlings by a single championship point.

Herlings rebounded in the second moto, claiming the overall MXGP victory after overtaking Coenen on lap eight and finishing ahead by around seven seconds. In MX2, Spaniard Guillem Farres dominated both races, taking the MX2 win and strengthening his world‑championship standing, while fellow Belgian Sacha Coenen retained the MX2 lead despite a crash.

The Fantic Factory Racing team returned from a rider injury, with Brent van Doninck cleared to compete and finishing 16th, and teammate Alberto Forato 13th, earning valuable World Championship points. The event attracted thousands of spectators, praised for the well‑prepared red‑clay circuit and hot weather conditions.

Overall, the round highlighted Coenen’s consistency, Herlings’ race‑winning pace, and the continued competitiveness of the MXGP and MX2 fields.