The American Motorcyclist Association has confirmed that Julien Beaumer a rider from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will race for Team USA at the 2026 FIM Motocross of Nations. The event, scheduled for October 2-4 in Ernée, France will see Beaumer fill the vacancy left by Chance Hymas who suffered a wrist injury during free practice at Thunder Ridge. Beaumer will take the MXGP seat, joining three-time AMA Supercross 450SX champion Cooper Webb and Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen under the direction of AMA Racing Director Mike Pelletier.
Beaumer named to Team USA after Hymas injury
Mike Pelletier praised the swift arrangement, stating, “We’re grateful to have Julien join our team and commit to representing the United States. He is the ultimate professional, with a deep passion for his country, and we’re proud to welcome him to Team USA.” Pelletier also highlighted the crucial support from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing which enabled the last-minute roster change. The decision was announced on September 27, 2026, and confirmed during a live interview on Race Day Live. Beaumer will ride the KTM 450F that Hymas was slated to use, preserving the team’s equipment plan while integrating a fresh talent into the lineup.
Rider’s recent results and form
Since his professional debut in 2023, Beaumer has rapidly ascended the motocross hierarchy. In the 2025 AMA Supercross 250 West series he fought his way to a runner-up finish, edging out several seasoned competitors. The following year, he mirrored that success in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, securing second place in the 250 class for the 2026 season. These performances have cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most promising up-and-comers. Additionally, Beaumer currently sits third in the SMX Playoff standings, keeping a championship window open should his teammates Levi Kitchen or Ryder DiFrancesco encounter difficulties.
Supercross and Pro Motocross achievements
Beaumer’s podium streak reflects a blend of raw speed and tactical intelligence. In supercross, his ability to maintain consistent lap times across varied terrain earned him the 2025 250 West runner-up spot. Transitioning to outdoor motocross, he leveraged his KTM machinery to contest the 2026 250 class title, ultimately finishing second after a tightly fought series. Observers note that his riding style—characterized by precise corner entry and aggressive yet controlled jumps—translates well to the MXGP format, where bike handling and rider stamina are paramount.
What the United States hopes to achieve in Ernée
The United States enters the 2026 Motocross of Nations seeking its 24th championship. After a second-place finish in 2025, Team USA is eager to reclaim the coveted Chamberlain Trophy. The addition of Beaumer adds depth to the MXGP slot, offering a fresh perspective and a rider who has already demonstrated the capacity to perform under pressure. Pelletier emphasized the collective goal: “We aim to bring the Chamberlain Trophy back to the United States.” With Webb’s experience, Kitchen’s consistency, and Beaumer’s recent momentum, the trio presents a balanced mix of veteran poise and youthful vigor, a combination the French-hosted event is expected to test fiercely.
While the French crowd will cheer for the host nation, the American squad’s strategy will hinge on maximizing track sections that favor high-speed lines and leveraging Beaumer’s familiarity with KTM’s power delivery. Should the team execute clean passes and avoid the mechanical gremlins that occasionally plague the MXGP class, the United States stands a realistic chance of overturning the podium and securing the title on foreign soil.
