

The twice-delayed 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship was finally able to launch by heading all the way to Russia. Among the hassle and uncertainty in Orlyonok, there was a slice of perfection and a tease of what could come to pass…
WORDS: ADAM WHEELER
PHOTOS: RAY ARCHER
MXGP unwrapped the show and carried freight for at least seven factory teams and 25 riders—21 of whom have experience walking a Grand Prix podium, 16 as winners—all the way to Orlyonok in Russia to finally get the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship rolling. The 1,500-mile journey from central Europe to the picturesque site on the banks of the Black Sea was hardly out of the norm for a series that has visited Qatar and Argentina in recent years in an attempt to escape the inclement late-winter climate in Europe. This time it was the lingering heat of the global pandemic.

We are deeply rooted in Moto—We’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.
Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.
Davey Coombs
Editor-in-chief & Founder
Racer X Illustrated
Subscribe Now
to continue reading The Eastern Front
and other premium content from the pages of Racer X magazine

Get immediate access to this issue + 12 more issues
Subscribe or Renew for your FREE Scott Fury Goggles! (Subscribe now!)
Already have a subscription?
Login to your Account