Dutch motocross rider Ivano van Erp has announced his retirement from professional racing. Earlier this year, Van Erp suffered a devastating crash during a Dutch pre-season race in Oss, an accident that nearly cost him his life. After months of recovery and reflection, he has made the difficult decision to bring his racing career to an end.
The crash in Oss had a major impact on Van Erp’s life. Over the past few months, he has been focusing on his recovery while carefully considering his future. Ultimately, he decided that the risks of returning to racing were simply too great.
“As most of you will know, I had a bad crash earlier this year at a Dutch pre-season race in Oss, which almost cost me my life,” Van Erp explained. “It has been a tough time with a lot of thinking about what I wanted to do. But the decision is made. With pain in my heart, but for the best of my body and health, and especially for my family, friends, sponsors and everyone around me, I will step back from racing dirt bikes and put an end to my career.”
The Dutch rider admits that continuing to compete would carry too many risks given his current physical condition.
“It’s just too dangerous with the situation my body is in now, and I realize there’s more in life than motocross.”
Despite the difficult ending, Van Erp can look back on a career filled with impressive achievements. He became a two-time World Champion and secured numerous podium finishes in the European Motocross Championship. However, his career was also marked by several serious injuries that repeatedly interrupted his progress.
“Looking back on a career I’m proud of, with some great highs, including two World Championships and a lot of EMX podiums, but also the lowest lows with all the injuries I’ve been through.”
Van Erp also took the opportunity to thank everyone who supported him throughout his racing career.
“I want to thank everyone involved in my career. The people who supported me, helped me and sponsored me throughout the years. None of this would have been possible without you.”
With this announcement, Ivano van Erp brings his motocross career to a premature end. Despite the injuries and setbacks he faced along the way, the Dutch rider leaves the sport with two world titles and a series of strong performances on the international stage.
