FIM Snowcross World Championship – Round 2

RIZE (Turkiye) 4 February 2026 – The qualifying day of the Yesilay SNX of Turkiye has marked an intense back to back at the Rize-Handüzü Snowcross Track as the Track was heavily shaped by significant snowfall, which left the circuit deep, demanding, and physically punishing for all riders.  This set the tone for an action-packed second round of the championship, with strong performances for Aki Pihlaja and Wilma Jonsson across both the SNX and WSNX categories on the demanding Turkish circuit.

SNX

In the SNX class, Topi Rinne (FIN, Lynx) opened and controlled the pace in Group 1 by taking victory in Qualifying Heat 1, before first round winner Olle Sahlström (SWE, Ski-Doo) answered back later in the afternoon with a commanding win in Heat 2, setting the fastest lap of the group. Rinne’s consistency across both races secured him a strong combined result heading into race day with 2^nd overall, including the two groups, while Sahlstrom raced 3-1 to place himself in good position to continue on his great form.

On the other side, Group 2 belonged to Aki Pihlaja (FIN, Lynx), who proved untouchable throughout qualifying. Pihlaja claimed victory in both heats, first ahead of Anton Lindström and Aki Pesonen, and then again holding off Pesonen in Heat 2 to complete a perfect qualifying performance and the first place overall! With the main races coming on tomorrow (Wednesday), several title contenders found themselves in prime positions for Round 2.

WSNX

Earlier in the day, the WSNX riders took to the track for their qualifying heats, delivering equally close battles.
Wilma Jonsson (SWE, Ski-Doo) struck first in Qualifying Heat 1, edging out Hilda Öhman by less than four seconds after a tightly contested race, while Mali Hoelsaeter (NOR, Ski-Doo) completed the top three.

The order shifted in Qualifying Heat 2, where Emma Laamanen (FIN, Lynx) produced a standout ride to take the win. Jonsson once again showed consistency by finishing second, with Öhman securing third, confirming the Swedish riders as a strong force heading into race day.

Unfortunately, Elise Jonsson was unable to take part in qualifying after sustaining an injury and was ruled out of competition.

With qualifying wrapped up in both championships, the stage is now set for an intense race day in Rize, as riders prepare to battle for crucial points in the second round of the 2026 FIM Snowcross World Championship.

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