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NewsJorge Prado: the end of an era of domination in Europe

Jorge Prado: the end of an era of domination in Europe

Not that we miss MXGP yet, but we do a little... Let's clarify the situation of the recent champion, double title-holder, which he won't be defending next year. Jorge Prado, who left to train in the USA last winter, is this time saying goodbye to the MXGP championship to take up a major new challenge. The Spanish prodigy, now ex-official GasGas driver, leaves behind him an indelible mark in Europe, marked by four world titles.

MXGP: Jorge Prado, and the others?

From an early age, Prado impressed with his precociousness. Signed by KTM at just 11, he became the youngest factory rider in history, moving from Spain to Belgium with his family to perfect his riding on the sand. A choice that paid off. Prado was soon racking up success after success, winning a 65cc World Championship, a 125cc European Championship, two MX2 World Championship titles and two MXGP titles in 2023 and 2024 respectively. In 2021, Prado had already caused a sensation by holding off the champion Jeffrey Herlings. Time has flown since then, and at just 23 years of age, the Lugo native is about to explore new horizons on the other side of the Atlantic.

But before that, he still had to compete with his compatriots in the Motocross of Nations at Matterley last weekend. Spain finished just off the podium, ahead of Team France. Having confirmed his desire to go elsewhere, he has now officially turned his attention to the AMA championship in the USA, where he will try to leave a mark similar to that of a rider like Jett Lawrense.

Jorge-Prado-Supercross-US-2024J.Prado opened his 2024 season on the US Supercross circuit, with a convincing test.

Jorge Prado: towards new horizons in 2025

"2024 is the last year of my contract with GasGas. After that, I can come to the USA or stay in Europe. I'm motivated by the idea of making a change, and trying my luck here; it remains to be seen [...]", he declared last January at the dedicated PulpMX Show (n570).

This change comes as no surprise to anyone. Prado has always dreamed of the United States, and has even admitted that he once set his sights more on the AMA championship than on MXGP. Having realized his dream of dethroning Jeffrey Herlings and becoming MXGP World Champion, the time had come to take things to the next level. Prado's decision was not the result of a great deal of thought, and is based on a number of factors which go far beyond a simple desire for novelty. In the USA, Prado is expecting far greater recognition and media coverage than he has experienced in Europe.

jorge Prado, on his attraction to the USA and the world of competition
It's funny, because in the USA, I have the impression that people appreciate more what I've achieved in Europe than the Europeans themselves. The American championship is different, they do a lot more promotion for and with the riders, when you perform. They put you forward and give you credit. In Europe, I can lead the championship with 100 points, be on the podium every weekend, win the most rounds, yet sometimes I feel like I'm not even in the title race!

That's why Prado has already taken part in a few Supercross races in the USA, discovering a new format, different from MXGP, which suits him well, as well as relentless logistics..."In the USA, we only race on Saturdays. When you live in California and ride on the West Coast, you can practically sleep at home on Saturday night. Then you have the whole week ahead of you to rest, train and test yourself."

Jorge-Prado-Anaheim-SX-2024J.Prado in Anaheim, images we'll be seeing again at SX-US 2025.

There are still a few adjustments to be made for Jorge Prado Garcia, as he adapts to the specificities of the championship. These include the whoops, a technical difficulty that surprised him during his first races at the start of the season, after only six weeks of preparation. Even so, he gave a glimpse of great potential, placing 13ᵉ in Anaheim, a fine performance for a novice in the category.

That's why we'll be keeping a close eye on the confirmed prodigy's career development, curious to see whether he'll shine as brightly in AMA as he does in MXGP.

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