Mathilde Martinez has moved to the front of the Moto Women class in her first Sand Races World Championship season. The French rider won both races at September’s opening round in Morocco. Her next challenge is the Bibione Sand Storm in Italy on 24–25 October. An early lead matters in a five-round championship, but one difficult weekend on sand could still alter the standings.
Martinez may be new to this world championship, yet she is no newcomer to racing on sand. She has won the French women’s sand-racing title and was the leading woman at the 2026 Enduropale du Touquet, finishing 67th overall. Her career also includes multiple French motocross titles. That background is useful on a surface where grip changes constantly and keeping momentum depends on choosing the right line.
Ahead of the Italian round, Martinez is working on both her riding and physical preparation. Bibione will indicate whether the advantage gained in Morocco can become consistent form across the season. The title is still to be decided, so the coming race is a story of opportunity rather than a result already secured. It also offers spectators a contrast between motocross and long sand races: related riding skills, but a different rhythm and physical demand.