Newly-crowned Junior Motocross World Champion Blake Bohannon completed a dream weekend in the Czech Republic, the Australian winning both motos in the 85cc category to claim the biggest title of his young career. Check In catches up with the 13-year-old Bohannon to recollect his dominant performance, what comes next, and more.

Image: Post Moto.

Blake, first of all, congratulations. It must be an epic feeling to come home from the Czech Republic as a world champion… Take us through it.

Thank you! Yeah, it just means a lot. I work so hard, and I’m just super happy. Everyone puts so much effort in – my mum, my dad, my sponsors, everyone from Yamaha Motor Australia – and yeah, I’m just super-happy with my result.

Obviously, you’ve raced at that level before, but what it’s like competing against the best riders from each country?

It’s a lot different to Australia. They’re all really quick. The top 40 all have a chance of getting on the podium. Compared to Australia, where there are probably only five guys who are right at that level, everyone over there is super fast.

Obviously, you went over last year and probably learned quite a lot about racing at that level, and have also grown as a rider in that year, but what did you have to change to go over there and do what you did this year?

Well, 2025 was really tricky. We didn’t take much over with us – we didn’t even take start blocks, a pit board or anything like that. We were just a little bit under prepared, so we knew what we were going into this year, and Dad packed everything we needed – tools, start blocks, a pit board, all that kind of stuff. We were way more prepared this year.

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Speaking of equipment, besides all of that other stuff you listed, what bike were you riding over there? Was it any different to the YZ85 you race here in Australia or did you take parts from home?

We took everything off my race bike here in Australia, so the bike I raced over there was exactly the same as the one I ride here. The bike was pretty much identical. Thommo, my mechanic, just jetted it for the conditions over there because it was obviously a bit warmer. Other than that, we just set the sag, and the bike was exactly the same as what I race in Australia.

Talk us through the composure you ride with, where nothing seems to ever have you rushing or looking pressured. We’ve seen it locally, nationally and now on the world stage. Where does that come from?

We obviously practice it a lot at home – just getting the technique right, taking our time, getting the corners right, making no mistakes and doing longer motos. That’s been really good for staying composed, especially with the 20-minute motos we race in ProMX on the 85. That definitely helped prepare me for the world championship.

Image: Post Moto.

You’ve already achieved so much at such a young age. Looking ahead, where do you see yourself going from here and what’s the ultimate goal?

I’d like to follow the Lawrence’s path. I think everyone does. I’d love to go to America, race Supercross and motocross, and hopefully follow in their footsteps.

Aside from winning the world championship, which I’m assuming is your favourite achievement, what would you say is your next biggest result or achievement in racing?

Probably winning the ProMX MX85 title in 2025. That was awesome. We had a lot of fast kids in the class, including Seth [Thomas]. He’s a great rider, so I was just really happy with how I rode that year.

Awesome, mate. Thanks heaps for your time, and congratulations once again!

Thank you. I just want to say a big thank you to Yamaha, my mum and dad, my mechanic Thommo, and everyone who’s helped me get to where I am. I really appreciate all the support.