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