Bertram Thorius’ progression continues to gather momentum as the talented Dane secures a factory ride with Fantic ahead of the 2026 EMX125 season. After showing flashes of real speed and potential during his 2025 campaign, the young rider has earned a two-year deal that marks his first official factory opportunity – an important milestone in his career.
We caught up with Thorius as he opens up about how the move to Fantic came together, what it means to finally call himself a factory rider, and the lessons learned during a challenging but productive season. He also discusses his early impressions of the Fantic machine, settling into life in Italy, and his goals for his debut EMX125 campaign as he prepares to take the next step on the European stage.
GateDrop: Bertram, congratulations on signing with Fantic! How did this opportunity first come about and when did talks first take place?
Thorius: We spoke at the end of the season about testing the bike. I went to Italy and I really liked it. I felt that this could give me a step in the right direction.
GateDrop: How does it feel to become a factory rider – a dream come true?
Thorius: Of course, being a factory rider has always been a dream. I have been working really hard for this opportunity, so I am really proud to achieve this.
GateDrop: This is the first time you can say you’ve been a factory rider so it must feel really good? Did you expect to get a factory ride for the 2026 season?
Thorius: Of course, it feels really good to say that I’m a factory rider. I think I achieved some good results during the season, so I expected that some teams would come and knock on the door.
Gate Drop: Is it a one year deal you have signed with the team?
Thorius: I have signed a two-year deal.
GateDrop: When you look back at your 2025 season, you showed flashes of what you could do, how would you reflect on your season?
Thorius: The 2025 season has been a good season. The 125cc category is definitely not an easy class, but I think I showed some good things during the year. I also learned a lot throughout the season, so we will just keep building from here.
GateDrop: The Blu Cru Cup in Sweden, you were the fastest but just too many crashes, you must have been frustrated not to win that one?
Thorius: Yes, of course I was frustrated not to win, but sometimes it doesn’t go the way you want. I learned a lot from the mistakes I made, and I can take that experience with me and learn from every race.
Gate Drop: How was your time with the de Baets Yamaha team?
Thorius: My time with De Baets has been really good. I learned a lot training with my teammate Lotte van Drunen, and the team took very good care of me.
Gate Drop: Did you have other offers on the table for 2026, and what ultimately tipped the balance in Fantic’s favour?
Thorius: I chose Fantic because, from the outside, it seemed like a very strong team and the bikes were extremely good.
GateDrop: What are your personal goals for your first EMX125 season in 2026?
Thorius: My goals for next season are to be consistent in the top 10 and sometimes in the top 5. I know there are many fast riders in the EMX125 class, but I believe I am definitely one of them.
Gate Drop: How long have you spent on the Fantic machine so far and what’s your thoughts on the bike?
Thorius: I have been riding the Fantic for more or less one month now. We are still testing a lot of things, but I definitely think it’s a good bike and that it fits me well.
GateDrop: You’ll spend a lot of time in Italy with the team – how are you finding Italy so far?
Thorius: I’m enjoying Italy a lot. There are many nice areas, and we now have our own apartment close to the team. I think Italy is a good place to stay. Being close to the team is necessary if you want to develop.
GateDrop: What part of your riding do you feel strongest about, and what do you still want to improve before the season starts?
Thorius: I don’t feel like I have a weak point, but of course you can always improve.
GateDrop: How has your initial experience with the Fantic team been so far?
Thorius: It has been very good. I feel that they are really nice people and that we work well together.
GateDrop: The EMX125 series is a competitive class. How do you handle pressure and expectations at a young age?
Thorius: I just try to do my best. I know what I am capable of, so I focus on giving my best every time I’m on the track.
GateDrop: Coming from Denmark what was it like growing up and racing there? What’s the level like in Denmark?
Thorius: Since the 85cc class, I have been riding a lot in Holland and Belgium. I haven’t raced much in Denmark because we don’t have many tracks in the area where I live.
GateDrop: Do you look up to Mikkel Haarup – what he’s done in his career so far is impressive – do you know him well?
Thorius: Yes, I know Mikkel and we have trained together. I think it’s always inspiring when people live out their dreams, and he is one of them.
GateDrop: You might be too young but Thomas Kjer Olsen was also impressive and won GP’s is he someone you looked up too?
Thorius: Thomas Kier Olsen is the new national coach for Denmark, so I’m really happy that he can teach me a lot from his experience.
GateDrop: Are there any other riders you’ve looked up to and if so, why?
Thorius: Ken Roczen because of his amazing style.
GateDrop: You seem to be close to Lucy Barker, how did you get close to her?
Thorius: I have spent a lot of time with Lucy Barker because we have the same trainer, Kenny van Drunen.
