MAVERICK VIÑALES DIVES INTO MTB WORLD CUP AMID UNCERTAINTY OVER ARAGON RETURN

Maverick Viñales used a rare break from the uncertainty surrounding his MotoGP situation to switch worlds entirely—spending time at the Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets, France.

Viñales’ immediate future on the Red Bull Tech3 KTM remains unclear after the situation behind the Aragon Grand Prix was left with “a question mark” following events up to the Aragón weekend. In the meantime, the report notes that Tech3’s possible stand-in could be test rider Pol Espargaró, with the 35-year-old also having already carried out several detailed technical conversations with Viñales earlier in the season in his role as a DAZN Spain expert.

While the MotoGP calendar waits for answers, Viñales—described as an injured Tech3 KTM rider—took the opportunity to get his mind off racing. After spending the previous days on extensive mountain bike tours himself, he attended the MTB World Cup on Sunday in Les Gets, a well-known Alpine venue near Morzine. His interest was especially focused on the cross-country event and on the French rider Thibaut Francois, who was competing there.

The connection between the two sports was highlighted in the paddock atmosphere: Francois rides for a Canyon team, and the article points out that Viñales is also supported by the German bicycle manufacturer. Before the start, Viñales drew attention by watching the professionals during their final preparations. He then took the chance to speak with Francois, turning the visit into more than just spectator time.

For Viñales, the trip served as a short-term escape—“for a few hours” he could put his delicate sporting situation to one side. However, the report stresses that the bigger question still hasn’t been resolved: it remains open when he will be able to return to his MotoGP KTM.

With Aragón next on the schedule, the Tech3 lineup could therefore be shaped by both Viñales’ health and the availability of his potential replacement options—while, for now, the Spanish rider’s latest update comes from the mountains rather than the circuit.