For Koen Hermans, there was one goal that towered above everything else for years: becoming Sidecar Motocross World Champion. That was the point on the horizon, the moment his career would feel “complete,” and the moment he could hang up his helmet with peace of mind. But what happens when that lifelong dream actually becomes reality?
For his former passenger Ben van den Boogaart, the world title marked the perfect ending. After securing his fifth world championship, Ben retired from racing satisfied and fulfilled. For Hermans, however, a new phase began. With the title in his pocket but ambition still burning, he needed to find a new passenger. He found that partner in Dion Rietman, who made the switch after the departure of Justin Keuben, forced into early retirement due to a heavy crash and persistent injuries.
The Search for a New Passenger
When a five-time world champion steps away from the reigning world champion team, his seat doesn’t remain empty for long and Hermans experienced that immediately.
“Several passengers contacted me,” he says. “Mostly young talents eager to take on the world championship challenge with me.” But one call stood out: the one from Dion Rietman.
“Dion asked if I was open to starting this adventure together. I already knew he was fast, and he lives nearby those were big positives. But honestly, I hesitated for a long time. Only two weeks ago did I finally make the decision.”
That hesitation had nothing to do with Dion, Hermans stresses. The real reason was found at home. “With my first child on the way, I wanted to understand what fatherhood would feel like and how it might influence my ability to commit to the sport. I needed clarity for myself. Now, I feel ready.”
From Dream to New Reality How Long Will Hermans Continue?
Looking at his career on a year-to-year basis is nothing new for Hermans.
“I’ve always done that,” he explains. “As a rider, you’re dependent on sponsors whether you can even race another season.”
But there was more at play. For years, the pressure of that world title weighed heavily on him. “The pressure was enormous. I had to become world champion. But after finally achieving it, and then racing at the Sidecar of Nations, I noticed how relaxed I felt. I could simply enjoy being on the bike. If that’s a sign of what next season could be like, it would be amazing.”
Hermans has been racing almost his entire life. “I’m 28 now and have been riding since I was three and a half,” he says with a smile. “Other riders in their mid-thirties tell me I can go on for many more years. But I’ve been doing this for so long already. I also look forward to doing fun things with my family.”
Could 2026 be his final season? Hermans keeps every option open.
“We’ll see. Maybe it will be one year, maybe a few more. I’ve always had to give everything for this sport, so life after racing also sounds appealing.”
Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Koen Hermans will give everything he has one more time, and perhaps several more times. But this time with peace of mind, a world title to his name, and the comforting knowledge that he has already fulfilled the dream he once chased so relentlessly.
Photocredits – WSC
