With an electric season opener in Joensuu, Finland, the 2025 FIM Snowcross World Championship now shifts to Erciyes, Türkiye, for the second round of the season. The high-altitude circuit at Erciyes Ski Resort presents a vastly different challenge from the deep snow conditions of Finland, forcing riders to adapt quickly if they want to remain in title contention.
Who Will Take Control in Türkiye?
In Joensuu, Elias Ishoel (NOR, Ski-Doo) delivered a stellar performance, dominating both Final 1 and Final 2 and finishing 2nd in the Qualifying Race to secure nearly the maximum points with 59 points, confirming that he remains the rider to beat. Finland’s Aki Pihlaja (Lynx) was the closest challenger as the Finnish triumphed in the Qualifying race, amassing 10 points and then secured two strong second-place finishes for 2nd overall, to get 54 points and proving his ability to keep the pressure on Ishoel.
Meanwhile, Topi Rinne (FIN, Lynx) showed impressive consistency, climbing on the third step of the podium and earning 46 points, while Sweden’s Marcus Johansson (Ski-Doo) made his mark with 40 points. The surprise of the weekend was Mille Andersson (SWE, Ski-Doo), who broke into the top five of the overall standings with an amazing ride in Final 2. Don’t forget Jesse Kirchmeyer as the American, also showed his speed on his Polaris in the second final to finish 4th in the race.
With different terrain and thinner air at Erciyes, everything could change as riders adjust to the new conditions.
SNX Championship Standings After Round 1
WSNX: Forsell Looks Unstoppable, But Can Wilma Jonsson Respond?
The Women’s Snowcross World Championship kicked off with an exceptional performance from Finland’s Saga Forsell (Polaris), who won both races and the Qualifying to secure a perfect 60 points. Wilma Jonsson (SWE, Ski-Doo) kept her honest, finishing runner-up in both finals to take 51 points in total and the 2nd march of the podium.
The battle for third was closely contested between Elise Jonsson (SWE, Lynx), Emma Laamanen (FIN, Lynx), and Tilde Karelius (SWE, Ski-Doo), all of whom delivered solid performances.
WSNX Championship Standings After Round 1
Erciyes Ski Resort: A Unique High-Altitude Challenge
Located at 2,200 meters above sea level, Erciyes Ski Resort presents a stark contrast to Joensuu’s Finnish terrain. The thin air and varying snow conditions will force riders to adjust their racing strategies, making this round a key test in the 2025 season.
Snowcross has seen rapid growth in Türkiye, and with Erciyes Ski Resort becoming a leading winter sports hub, the event promises an electric atmosphere with passionate fans lining the circuit.
TIMETABLE (Local Timing UTC +3)
SATURDAY: 11:55 – 12:10 Camera On-Board Session, 12:30 – 12:50 WSNX Free Practice, 12:53 – 12:58 Start Practice (Max. 30 riders), 13:00 – 13:20 SNX Free Practice, 13:23 – 13:28 Start Practice (Max. 30 riders), 13:50 – 14:00 Women – Group 1 Start (Qualy Heat 1), 14:10 – 14:20 Men – Group 1 Start (Qualy Heat 1), 14:30 – 14:40 Men – Group 2 Start (Qualy Heat 1), 15:10 – 15:20 Women Start (Qualy Heat 2), 15:30 – 15:40 Men – Group 1 Start (Qualy Heat 2), 15:50 – 16:00 Men – Group 2 Start (Qualy Heat 2), 16:25 – 16:35 Men Start (Last Chance), 18:00 Press Conference.
SUNDAY – 16.03.2025: 10:35 – 10:45 Women – Warm-Up (Max. 16 riders + 2 reserves), 10:50 – 11:00 Men – Warm-Up (Max. 16 riders + 2 reserves), 11:20 Women – FINAL 1, 11:45 Men – FINAL 1, 12:30 Women – FINAL 2, 12:52 Men – FINAL 2, 14:30 Prize Giving Ceremony & Press Conference.
Can Anyone Stop Ishoel and Forsell?
With Elias Ishoel and Saga Forsell leading the way in their respective championships, the battle in Türkiye could determine if they continue their dominance—or if their rivals can fight back and close the gap. One thing is certain: Erciyes is set to deliver another unforgettable weekend of Snowcross action!
Stay tuned to WorldSnowcross.com, MXGP’s social media, and @snowcross_official on Instagram for the latest updates.
LINKS:
• FIM
Related Posts
PIHLAJA AND FORSELL GET THE BEST OF TURKIYE WITH MIGHTY VICTORY
RIDERS ADAPT TO HIGH-ALTITUDE RACING IN TÜRKIYE’S SNX QUALIFIERS
