Paris SX - Ken Roczen faces tough competition

Ken Roczen against American competition, Tom Vialle in front of a home crowd, and the Coenen twins making their Supercross debut: the Paris Supercross on November 21st and 22nd, 2026, promises plenty of exciting stories. The organizers have now released further details about the starting grid and the program, making it clear that this year's event, steeped in tradition, aims to be much more than just an ordinary invitational race.

For the ninth time, the Paris La Défense Arena is hosting the event, whose history dates back to 1984. Back then, the Supercross was held at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. After a period in Lille, the race has long since found its new home in Europe's largest indoor event arena.

Ken Roczen travels to Paris as US champion

The focus is once again on Ken Roczen. The German returns to Paris after his success in 2022 and this time arrives as the reigning American Supercross champion.

After winning the title in a thrilling final against Hunter Lawrence, Roczen is undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions of the weekend.

Another victory in Paris would also have a historic aspect. Several American Supercross champions have already triumphed in the French capital just a few months after winning their title. These include Johnny O'Mara, Jean-Michel Bayle, Jeff Stanton, Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Emig, and Jason Anderson.

For Roczen, it would be the second Paris victory of his career.

However, it's unlikely to be a walk in the park. The competition is strong, and some riders still have something to prove in Paris.

Plessinger and Smith together for the first time for Triumph

Aaron Plessinger's appearance will be particularly interesting. The American is set to make his official debut on a Triumph in Paris. He will be joined by another Triumph rider, Jordan Smith, who takes the place of Malcolm Stewart, who was originally slated to race.

According to the organizers, Stewart's withdrawal is due to the fact that he has not yet had the opportunity to test with his future team. Therefore, he will not be competing in Paris. However, the American is said to already be considering a return for 2027.

This presents Smith with an additional opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage. He finished eighth in the most recent SMX overall standings, just ahead of Stewart.

The fact that Triumph will be represented in Paris with both riders underlines the importance that the manufacturer attaches to its new commitment.

Jo Shimoda is taking the leap into the 450cc class

Another candidate for the top spots is Jo Shimoda. The Japanese player is already very familiar with the special atmosphere in Paris. In 2023, he secured the title "Prince of Paris" with four wins out of six finals.

This time, however, a new challenge awaits. Shimoda will be competing in Supercross for the first time in Paris on a 450cc machine. His precise and controlled riding style could work to his advantage. How quickly he can adapt to the more powerful motorcycle will be one of the interesting questions of the weekend.

Tom Vialle and Lucas Coenen against the Americans

From a European perspective, all eyes are on Tom Vialle and Lucas Coenen. Vialle brings a wealth of experience from American Supercross. The Frenchman has already won two titles there and finished his first season in the 450cc class in fourth place overall. He was also named best rookie.

Having made his debut on a 450cc machine in Paris last year, he returns with significantly more experience. His own expectations are likely to be correspondingly high. Added to this is the support of the French crowd, who will undoubtedly give Vialle a rousing ovation at his home race.

Even more question marks surround Lucas Coenen.

The Belgian will make his Supercross debut in Paris. After a strong MXGP season, in which a persistent injury hampered his title ambitions, he is now venturing into the technically demanding Supercross circuit.

Coenen's contribution to Belgium's success at the Motocross of Nations in Ernée, despite his injuries, recently demonstrated his fighting spirit. However, it remains to be seen how well his tremendous motocross speed translates to tight corners, rhythm sections, and jump combinations.

With a view to his planned entry into the American Supercross in January, Paris could already be an important benchmark.

Sacha Coenen brings excitement to the SX2

While Lucas competes in the SX1 class, his twin brother Sacha Coenen will start in the SX2 class. It's also his first Supercross race. The KTM factory rider has repeatedly caused a stir this season with his aggressive and uncompromising riding style. His performances in the USA were particularly impressive, where he won three of the four outdoor races he entered.

The fact that he even broke his collarbone in one of these races underscores just how fine the line can be between spectacular speed and risk with his riding style. Paris will show how quickly the 20-year-old internalizes the unique demands of a Supercross track. The combination of his tremendous base speed and aggressive riding style could certainly provide plenty of entertainment.

However, the competition in the SX2 class should by no means be underestimated.

Bud Racing is fielding Michael Harrison and Henry Miller. GSM Yamaha is relying on the young Australian Reid Taylor, while KTM France is sending Calvin Fonvieille to compete in his preferred class.

Triumph Germany is bringing another up-and-coming talent, Hamden Hudson, to the starting line. SR Honda is also working on signing either multiple Arenacross champion Kyle Peters or Isaiah Clark.

Michael Hicks on the electric Stark is another interesting participant on the list.

The French elite are also represented.

Alongside international stars, the SX1 series is complemented by numerous experienced riders. Cédric Soubeyras has long been a fixture at the Paris Supercross. The Frenchman holds the record with 19 appearances and even managed to reach the podium on one of the two evenings last year.

With Hayden Mellross, he gets another experienced rider at his side in the Yamaha VHR team.

The top riders of the French SX Tour Championship will also be present. Maxime Desprey, Jordi Tixier and Tom Guyon are also part of the starting field.

This means that international Supercross specialists will meet riders who are very familiar with the special requirements of French indoor races.

New race format with double points in the final

The organizers have also made some adjustments to the sporting aspects. In both the SX1 and SX2 classes, three races will be held on each of the two days of the event. A new feature is that the longer final race will award double points. This could significantly alter the overall standings even late in the evening.

The juniors will each compete in a grand final to kick off the racing program. Lonny Ferrer is among those on the starting list for this class.

Between races, the traditional Bud Racing Superpole adds extra excitement. And of course, freestyle motocross is once again a regular part of the program.

Freestyle show with Vanstippen and Canosa

With Julien Vanstippen and José “Mincha” Canosa, the organizers have secured two of the most spectacular freestyle riders currently competing. Both have impressed at various X Games competitions this season and are scheduled to face off in Paris, including in a best trick contest.

The Monster Energy Freestyle Show program will be complemented by Nicolas Texier and another top international rider, whose name is yet to be announced.

Two days of Supercross in Paris

The Paris Supercross takes place on November 21th and 22th, 2026 The event will take place at the Plenitude Arena in Paris La Défense. The evening event begins at 19:00 PM on Saturday, while the program starts at 14:00 PM on Sunday.

Anyone wishing to watch the training session can enter the hall on Saturday from 14:00 PM and on Sunday from 10:30 AM. According to the organizers, only a few tickets remain for both days.

From a sporting perspective, the most interesting question will be whether Ken Roczen can live up to his role as favorite. He faces several experienced competitors in Plessinger, Shimoda, and Vialle.

Perhaps the most intriguing unknowns, however, are the Coenen twins. Lucas and Sacha have long since proven in motocross that they are among the fastest riders of their generation. Whether they can translate this speed to a supercross track will be revealed for the first time under race conditions in Paris.