Lucas Coenen will not be at the starting gate for the MXGP of Sweden in Uddevalla. The 19-year-old Red Bull KTM rider is still struggling with the after-effects of the injury he sustained at the Grand Prix in Foxhill. Problems with his left hip and sciatic nerve prevent him from competing in the 15th of 19 Grands Prix this season.
After missing the races in Loket and Lommel, Coenen has lost another weekend. Particularly bitter: After his retirement from his home GP, the Belgian had hoped the extra time until Sweden would be enough for his return.
Pain prevents the next comeback attempt.
Coenen had recently made progress and continued his treatment intensively. At the MXGP of Flanders in Lommel, he already attempted to return to the motorcycle. In free practice, he even posted the fifth fastest time.
The stopwatch, however, only told part of the story. Coenen was barely able to complete more than two laps at a time due to the pain. Even before qualifying and the race, he and his team decided to end his home Grand Prix prematurely.
Even two weeks later, it's not enough for a full race.
“It’s obviously very disappointing for me and the team. It was already tough to miss my home GP, and I had hoped that the extra days would be enough to get fit for Sweden,” Coenen explained.
The risk of a premature comeback plays a crucial role in the decision. "I'm still in pain, and another fall could set us back to square one or cause something even worse. I feel like I'm getting closer to my fitness level, but I'm not there yet."
Coenen: "This has nothing to do with the USA!"
Alongside his enforced break, Coenen was apparently confronted with comments and messages regarding the cause of his injury. The assumption was that his current problems might be related to his recent stay in the USA.
The KTM rider himself responded and clarified: "Just so everyone is clear: My injury came from the GP in Foxhill. It has nothing to do with the USA!"
Coenen explicitly points to the British Grand Prix as the origin of his current problems. Since Foxhill, the Belgian has been struggling with the after-effects of the injury to his left side and the resulting sciatic nerve issues.
His trip to the USA and the crash during the race in Southwick are, according to his own statement, unrelated to the injury that now also prevents him from starting in Uddevalla.
De Carli doesn't want to take any unnecessary risks.
Team manager Davide De Carli also sees no room for an early return. An injury of this kind takes time. Anyone wanting to compete in MXGP must be almost completely fit to race.
Coenen has not yet reached this point.
KTM and the team's physiotherapist are therefore continuing intensive treatment. Instead of setting a new return date, those involved want to assess the Belgian's condition day by day.
The world championship fight becomes a race against time.
From a sporting perspective, Coenen's injury has already significantly changed his season. With five Grand Prix victories, the former red plate holder was among the riders who dominated the battle at the top of the MXGP World Championship for much of the season.
The repeated retirements cost a significant number of points. After the Swedish Grand Prix, only four events remain in the 2026 season.
A quick return to racing at any cost is out of the question. An MXGP weekend demands much more than just a few fast practice laps. Starts, long motos, deep ruts, jumps, and battles all increase the risk of another crash.
When number 96 will be back on his KTM remains uncertain. Coenen says he now feels closer to the necessary fitness. His next comeback attempt will only take place when his hip and sciatic nerve can withstand the strain of a full Grand Prix weekend.