Ducati's all-British line-up of Ashton Boughen and Tim Neave made history at the opening round of the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship in Roden, Netherlands. The event marked Ducati's official debut in the off-road series, and they delivered a strong performance with two podium finishes.
Boughen's victory was his first in the championship after switching to flat track just a few months ago, making his win all the more impressive given his relatively short time in the discipline. The bike used was a modified version of Ducati's Desmo450 MX machine, which is also the same bike that Neave took to third place in the final event.
The double podium for Ducati was a potential sign of things to come, and Boughen's victory was made even more impressive given he is just 18 years of age. Alongside his victory, Boughen also set the fastest lap during the final, demonstrating his speed and skill on the track.
Neave also secured two heat wins aboard his Desmo450 MX before qualifying for the final event, showcasing the team's depth and talent. The success of Ducati's all-British line-up has raised expectations for the team in the upcoming events.
The opening round in Roden was a major one for several reasons, as Royal Enfield also made its debut in the series with Gary Birtwistle and its all-new Sherpa FT Mk6 machine. However, unlike Ducati, Royal Enfield did not enjoy as much success as Birtwistle was unable to qualify for the final.
Boughen's comments after the event highlighted his humility and focus on improving, saying he is 'just having fun' and wants to keep riding his bike. This attitude is likely to serve him well in the competitive world of off-road racing.
The historic win marks a significant milestone for Ducati in the off-road racing series, showcasing their capabilities and commitment to the sport. As the team looks to build on this success, they will need to continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible with their machines.
With Boughen's victory, Ducati has sent a strong message about their intentions to compete at the highest level in off-road racing. The team's all-British line-up has proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, and fans can look forward to seeing more exciting performances from them in the future.
As the FIM Flat Track World Championship continues, Ducati will need to maintain their momentum and continue to improve their machines if they are to remain competitive. However, with Boughen's impressive debut and Neave's strong showing, there is reason to be optimistic about the team's chances of success.
This historic win marks a significant milestone for Ducati in the off-road racing series, showcasing their capabilities and commitment to the sport.
