Tributes have been to a rising teenage motocross star after he died during a private training session three days after he celebrated his father’s birthday with an emotional “I love you” message.
Enzo Badenas, 17, had become a key member of Spain’s national team after becoming a Spanish 85cc champion in 2022. The youngster, who had spent the 2025 season progressing within the EMX125 Championship, lost his life on Sunday as he trained at the Red Sand Park circuit in Castellon in eastern Spain.
The Specialised Centre for Motorsport Training (CETDM), based at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste near Valencia, said in a statement confirming the tragedy: “We mourn the death of Enzo Badenas, a motocross rider born in Gandia in the province of Valencia on 24 January 2008.
“Badenas suffered a serious accident on Sunday 7 December while training privately. Enzo Badenas joined the CETDM in 2023 after achieving several successes, including the Spanish 85cc Championship title the previous season.
“During this time, he showed great personal and professional growth, which led him to achieve several podium finishes and victories, as well as being selected for the Spanish Motocross Team and competing in regional, national and international competitions, such as the European Championship.
“The Circuit Ricardo Tormo Technification Centre is deeply saddened by this news, and all the staff at the CETDM and the Circuit would like to offer their condolences, love and strength to Enzo’s family, colleagues, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
Motocross fans responded with messages of support for his family and friends.
One wrote: “The worst news you can hear about a motorcycle rider. Rest in peace. A big hug to his family and friends. He was enjoying his passion and from Heaven he will now take care of all his colleagues.”
Another added: “I’m lost for words. You’ll always be in my heart Enzo.” The Valencia regional government said on X: “We deeply regret the death of the young Valencian motorcycle rider Enzo Badenas at the age of just 17.”
One of Enzo’s last posts on Instagram was four days ago when he wished his Argentinian-born father Rafael Happy Birthday and told the world how grateful he was for his dad’s support helping him to achieve his sporting dreams.
He wrote: “Today is the birthday of one of the most important people in my life and one of the people I love most. I don’t know how to thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for me, or how grateful I am for it.
“We know what a great team we are and how strong we can be together. We’ve had bad times, like when we were both crying in hospital, but we’ve also had many good times: finishing a training session happy, coming back singing together to music, finishing a race well or climbing onto the podium.
“Despite those good and bad times, I thank God for being able to experience them by your side. You can’t imagine what a good father you are and how proud I am of you. Happy birthday, Dad. I love you.”