In a stunning revelation that has left fans, teams, and industry insiders buzzing, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team manager Ian Harrison confirmed that Tom Vialle sat out the second moto in the latest AMA Pro Motocross round due to a sudden loss of confidence in his bike setup. The news came as a shock, especially given Vialle’s decorated history with KTM machinery, where he has consistently delivered world-class performances and established himself as one of the most reliable riders on the grid.
The drama unfolded shortly after the first moto, where Vialle struggled to find his rhythm despite showing glimpses of speed. Observers noticed an uncharacteristic hesitance in his cornering and jumps, leading to speculation about mechanical or physical issues. However, Harrison put the rumors to rest in his post-race interview, explaining that the issue was not mechanical failure, but rather a deep lack of trust between Vialle and his current bike setup.
“Tom is one of the most talented riders in the world, but motocross is as much mental as it is physical,” Harrison explained. “After the first moto, he told us straight up that he didn’t feel comfortable with the setup. It wasn’t about a broken part or anything obvious—it was about confidence. When a rider doesn’t trust the bike, pushing through can become dangerous. We made the decision together for him to sit out.”
For Vialle, the decision was a heartbreaking one, as the French rider has long prided himself on mental toughness and adaptability. Having transitioned from the MXGP circuit to the AMA Pro Motocross series, Vialle has been under constant pressure to prove himself on U.S. soil. Many expected him to be a podium contender week in and week out, given his world champion pedigree. But motocross is a sport of fine margins, and even the smallest setup issue can erode a rider’s confidence to the point where results become impossible.
Fans were quick to express mixed reactions. While some praised Vialle for prioritizing safety and mental clarity over unnecessary risk, others criticized the decision, claiming that champions should always push through adversity. Social media erupted with debates, with hashtags like #TrustTheBike and #VialleDecision trending across motocross communities.
Veteran riders and analysts, however, were largely supportive of Vialle’s choice. Former champions pointed out that losing confidence in bike setup is not uncommon, even among the sport’s elite. “If you don’t feel safe or in control, it’s better to step back than to risk injury,” one analyst noted. “Vialle has nothing to prove—he’s already a world champion. Protecting his long-term health and confidence is the right move.”
The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the importance of bike setup in motocross. Riders work tirelessly with their teams to find the perfect balance of suspension, power delivery, and handling. A small misalignment, whether in suspension settings or gearing, can dramatically change how a rider perceives the bike under race conditions. For someone like Vialle, who relies heavily on precision and flow, the smallest mismatch can shake trust completely.
Harrison assured fans that the team is already working to rebuild Vialle’s confidence and address the issues that led to the decision. “We’re going back to the drawing board. Tom has been with KTM for years, and his bond with this brand is strong. This isn’t the end—it’s a small setback in a long journey. He’ll be back stronger, and we’ll make sure he has what he needs to perform at his best.”
Looking ahead, Vialle’s response to this setback will be closely watched. Will he bounce back with renewed confidence and determination, or will the psychological blow linger longer than expected? For now, the motocross world remains stunned, reminded that even the best riders are not immune to the mental challenges that come with chasing perfection on two wheels.
In the end, Vialle’s decision to sit out highlights an often-overlooked truth in motocross: the bike and rider must operate as one. When that trust falters, even the strongest of champions can find themselves on the sidelines.