Ferrandis Advances to Fifth in Points Following Hard-Fought Thunder Valley National

Sunnyvale, Calif., – June 13, 2026 — Round 3 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship presented a unique challenge for the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team as riders Dylan Ferrandis and Justin Barcia took on the demanding Thunder Valley National in Lakewood, Colorado. With changing track conditions, high elevation, and unexpected setbacks throughout the day, the team remained focused on maximizing results and finding solutions that will carry momentum into Moto 2.

Dylan Ferrandis qualified 10th fastest while Justin Barcia posted the 16th-fastest qualifying time. The demanding Colorado circuit proved difficult throughout the day, but the team's ability to adapt and make key adjustments ultimately paid dividends.

In Moto 1, Ferrandis launched out of the gate and crossed the holeshot line in fourth position before completing the opening lap in sixth. Running inside the top 10 throughout the race, the Frenchman maintained a steady pace and crossed the finish line in ninth before post-race penalties elevated him to an official eighth-place finish.

Barcia faced adversity before the gate even dropped, tweaking his back during the second qualifying session. Despite significant discomfort, he lined up for Moto 1 and battled through the pain. After crossing the opening lap in 23rd, Barcia steadily worked his way forward, reaching 17th by lap seven and continuing his charge to finish 15th, gaining eight positions throughout the race.

Unfortunately, the pain proved too severe for Barcia to line up for Moto 2. Following further evaluation, he elected to sit out the final moto of the day and will undergo additional medical assessment this week to determine the extent of the injury.

“Not a whole lot to say about the day,” said Barcia. “Ended up tweaking my back in practice. Tried to tough it out and ride the first moto and really struggled with the pain and decided it was the safest bet to not go out there for Moto 2 and endanger myself or make it worse. We will get it checked out in the next couple days and we will go from there.”

Ferrandis lined up as the team's lone representative for Moto 2. After an unfavorable start left him 17th across the holeshot line, the team's between-moto adjustments immediately showed promise. A shock change improved the motorcycle's handling, allowing Ferrandis to ride with greater confidence.

The former champion quickly advanced into 11th position before continuing his push through the field. Ferrandis ultimately worked his way into ninth place by the checkered flag, securing another top-10 moto result and ninth overall on the day.

“It was a tough day,” said Ferrandis. “With this bike we know the strong points and the weak points. Like last weekend in Hangtown, the bike was good, and today it was difficult for this chassis. I came into the weekend with a lot of confidence because we made improvements coming into the weekend, and this weekend I was lacking pace and struggling on the downhills. We changed some stuff between the motos. In the first moto I had a great start but was fighting the bike a bit, so we changed the shock for Moto 2 and we found something. I was more comfortable, but I didn't have a good start in Moto 2, so we had to fight our way forward. I think it's a step in the right direction.”

While Thunder Valley presented its share of challenges, the team leaves Colorado encouraged by the progress made throughout the day. Ferrandis' strong second moto and the successful setup changes helped him move into fifth place in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship standings heading into next weekend's High Point National in Pennsylvania.

The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team now turns its attention eastward, carrying valuable lessons and renewed determination into Round 4 of the championship.

Photo Credit: Align Media