A name we didn’t expect to see linked with a racing comeback is that of Julien Lieber. The talented Belgian, whose professional motocross career was cut short in 2020, could be set to return to competitive action – albeit in a different discipline.
Lieber last raced at the top level in the MXGP World Championship under the JM Honda awning, but persistent injuries took their toll. A heavy crash at the 2019 German GP led to serious elbow and wrist damage that required no fewer than four surgeries. After struggling to return to his true form and potential, Lieber made the difficult decision to hang up his boots at just 26 years old.
While he never captured an overall Grand Prix win, Lieber came incredibly close. He secured six MX2 GP podiums and even held the championship lead at one stage – proudly sporting the red plate. Throughout his career, he represented Belgium multiple times at the prestigious Motocross of Nations and lined up for some of the most respected teams in the paddock, including Factory Suzuki, Standing Construct Yamaha, and Factory Kawasaki (KRT).
Not only has Lieber been with big teams in the paddock, but he also formed the Lieber Racing team which saw him race the World Championship for his own team with KTM machinery back in 2017 – such was his passion and determination to succeed in the sport. The team even continued in 2018 when Lieber was a factory KRT rider with Davy Pootjes under the awning. Tom Vialle also had a short stint with the team as a fill in rider before becoming a full factory rider.
Now, five years after announcing his retirement and at 31 years old, Lieber is believed to be preparing for a return to racing, this time in the French beach race championship. We understand that he will do so with the support of the well-established SR Motoblouz Honda team – the same squad that has fielded strong line-ups across both motocross and beach racing in recent seasons. The French beach race series (CFS) kicks off in late September in Berck-sur-Mer.
It remains to be seen if Lieber will end up contesting any Motocross events again in the future but it would certainly be nice to see – even if it would just be at a national level.
Joining him under the SR Motoblouz Honda banner is expected to be Cyril Genot, who remains with the team for the upcoming beach racing campaign. Together, they would form a formidable duo for the gruelling sand races ahead.
We’ll keep you updated as soon as more details emerge regarding Lieber’s potential comeback – but for now, it’s looking like he could soon be making waves in the sand once again.
