Competing in the 85cc class and against 70 of the world’s best 12 to 15year-old riders, Blake Bohannon had a weekend he will never forget in the Czech Republic when he surged to the front of both 25-minute races to claim the world 85cc championship in dominant fashion.
On board a Yamaha YZ85 with a GYTR Hi-Performance kit bolted on, Bohannon can now add his name to the list of previous Australian world junior motocross champions including Jay Wilson, Jett Lawrence, Bailey Malkiewicz and Braden Plath.
The Port Macquarie based teenager, who finished 10th in a rain effected 2025 championship, came into the weekend with high expectations and lofty goals, but when faced with a new track, unknown rivals and the big stage, Bohannon needed to be at his best to even find a spot on the podium.
He started the weekend out well, with solid lap times and consistent speed in the opening practice session. Then in his qualifying group he was fifth fastest which gave him 10th overall, but not quite on the pace of the front runners.
When the 15 second board went up for race one, it was time for business and Bohannon sneaked around the inside of the first turn, avoided some fallen riders and came out in about sixth place as the field settled down on the opening lap.
But Bohannon cranked on the pace and ruthlessly began to move forward. He moved to fifth, then fourth, then third and by the halfway point he was into second place and about four seconds adrift of the race leader and with momentum on his side.
Soon, he was within sight and suddenly, he was on the rear wheel of the race leader with three laps to go. He tried an inside line, but it didn’t work. He drew alongside him but couldn’t make it stick, then he sliced through a right-hand rut and then made an assertive move to take the lead. From there, he pulled clear to take a three second win and set up his day.
With a couple of hours to recover, Bohannon refocused and headed back to the start line for race two and hoping for a replay of the first final. The gates dropped and Bohannon was just outside the top 10 heading into the first turn and again sneaked around the inside to move himself forward a few positions.
Again, he went to work. This time a there were a few moments in the chaos. Riders were moving left and right, and Bohannon was trying to find a way through but once he found his flow, there was no stopping him. He dropped the hammer and made a bee line for the front.
He charged through with authority and hit the lead with a few laps remaining. Then there was no mercy. He didn’t back down, he didn’t shut off, it was full steam ahead until the last half a lap where he had built a seven second lead.
He rounded the last turn, hit the finish line in elation and was the 2026 FIM World 85cc Champion.
“I’m just stoked and don’t know what to say,” Bohannon beamed at race end. “We put in so much work for this race and wanted to do well but can’t really believe I won. I’m pumped!
“I loved the track here and it’s been such a cool experience. The hills were awesome and my bike was so good.
“Thanks to my Mum and Dad as they have done so much for me. Thomo for coming over and helping with the bike, GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing for all their support and every from in the team and from MA for getting us here,” Bohannon ends.
And we can’t forget just how good Hudson Franics did in the 65cc class. His first time at the World Junior Championships and Francis made the most of it finishing in sixth overall after 8-10 finishes from the two motos.
Francis was in a race long battle in both races with the depth and speed of motocross looking impressive if the 65cc class is any indication. He kept at it and charged all the way to the end on race one, making several late races passes to end in eighth.
He didn’t get off the gate as well in race two and was in the middle of a freight train of riders. He was shuffled back as far as 15th at some points during the race but again rallied late and began to move forward. He hustled and by the time the checkered flag came out, Franics found himself in 10th and had done enough to finish a very impressive sixth place.
“I’m not too happy with that last race,” Hudson offered. “There were dudes going everywhere and hard to make passes. Once we spread out a bit, I could get passed them, but it was pretty late in the race.
“My goal was to get top 10 overall so I’m really happy to finish sixth. I have never done one of these and there were a lot of riders in my class and a heap of fast kids.
“It’s a long way to come but thanks to my family for making it happen, Yamaha Junior Racing as well as Thomo and Ross,” Francis said.
