Stalled

British Youth Delivers: Waters, Dale, and Barker Shine at Delfzijl

Paige turner

Written about 3 hours ago

Hello dirt lovers, it’s me again paige Turner, your Bluemoto reporter, coming to you today with the cutest news i will ever deliver !

The gates dropped, the roost flew, and three hungry British youngsters just delivered a massive statement on the European stage!

I live for days when the small bikes scream down the straights and young talent battles wheel-to-wheel for every single position. That’s exactly what unfolded at the MC Delfcross circuit in the northern Netherlands this past weekend.

The 2026 EMX65 / EMX85 Central Europe Zone season kicked off in style, while the EMX Women European Championship hit Round 2. Nearly 40 women lined up — proof that the girls’ class keeps getting stronger and deeper every single year. And right in the middle of all that chaos? Three British riders stood tall on the podium.

In the EMX85 class, Germany’s Luca Nierychlo (KTM) was on another level, going 1-1 and taking the overall win like it was a Sunday stroll. Local hero Kenzo Jaspers (Husqvarna) pushed hard for second overall. But Harry Dale from Great Britain on his KTM showed real grit. With solid rides across both motos, including a strong second in Race 2, he locked down 3rd overall. That’s a proper fighting performance from the young Brit — exactly the kind of result that builds momentum early in the season. Other Brits were in the mix too, with Nixon Coppins and Jett Gardiner scoring good points and keeping the Union Jack flying high.

In the EMX65 class, fellow Brit Demy Hermes (GASGAS) stole the show. Two second-place finishes were enough for the overall victory — a brilliant way to open the year. Dutch rider Bas Verspaandonk (GASGAS) kept it close with a fourth and a race win to take second overall. Then came Jack Waters (KTM), who delivered two consistent third-place motos to secure 3rd overall. Calm, smart, and fast — Waters looked right at home on the big European stage.

In the EMX Women class, home crowd favourite and WMX World Champion Lotte van Drunen (Yamaha) was simply untouchable. She dominated both races with big gaps and gave the Dutch fans exactly what they came for. But don’t sleep on Lucy Barker (KTM). The British rider showed her usual fight and consistency, bouncing back from any early trouble to finish a very strong 2nd overall. Danee Gelissen (Husqvarna) rounded out the top three. In the separate 125cc women’s class, Latvia’s Patricija Berzina took a convincing 1-1.

These EMX youth classes aren’t just races — they’re the proving ground. This is where the next stars of MXGP and WMX are forged. Seeing Waters, Dale, and Barker all hit the box in the season opener is massive for British motocross. It shows the talent pipeline is flowing strong and that our young riders can mix it with the best Europe has to offer.

The Delfzijl track was fast and technical — the kind that rewards riders who can think on their feet and keep it pinned when it counts. And these three did exactly that.

Photos from the weekend, including that great shot of Jack Waters on the podium by Carl Jones, captured the pure joy on their faces. That’s what it’s all about.

The Central Europe Zone is now rolling, and there are plenty more rounds to come. I’ll be keeping a close eye on these three — and the rest of the British contingent — as they chase more silverware.

Big congrats to Jack Waters, Harry Dale, and Lucy Barker. You made the roost fly and the British fans proud this weekend!

Catch you at the next gate drop,

Paige Turner