American youngster Sawyer Gieck could be set for a move to Europe for the 2027 season. We understand that the talented teenager is eyeing a full-time ride in the EMX125 Championship with Kosak KTM.
The four-time Loretta Lynn champion got his first taste of European racing in 2026 when he made the trip across the Atlantic to contest two rounds of the EMX125 series as a fill-in rider under the 737 KTM awning. Now, it appears the youngster could be ready to take the next step in his career by making the move to Europe full-time.
While American riders have made wildcard appearances in the EMX125 series in the past, a full campaign has never been done by a young American rider in the past. It would be an exciting opportunity for Gieck to test himself against Europe’s best young talent.
Getting his feet wet in 2026
Gieck contested the EMX125 rounds at Riola Sardo and Arco di Trento during his European wildcard appearances. He made an encouraging start at the sandy Riola circuit, securing an eleventh-place finish in the opening race despite the challenging conditions.
Unfortunately, bike issues prevented him from qualifying for the races at Arco di Trento, but the experience still gave the young American a valuable introduction to the European paddock and the level of competition in the championship.
He returned to Europe later in the season for the Junior World Championship in Jinín, Czech Republic, where he showed further promise by finishing seventh in the opening race. Those experiences will undoubtedly have given Gieck a taste for international competition and could have helped convince him that a move across the Atlantic is the right step for his development.
Eyeing up a ride with Kosak KTM?
We understand that Gieck could be in line to join Kosak KTM for the 2027 season, which would provide him with the opportunity to contest the EMX125 Championship and potentially the ADAC Junior Cup as well.
Competing in both championships would give the American plenty of track time against Europe’s best young riders, while also allowing him to learn unfamiliar circuits and gain experience racing on the same weekends as the MXGP riders.
At this stage, however, a deal with Kosak KTM has not been confirmed, so the rumour should be treated with caution until an official announcement is made.
Nevertheless, seeing a promising American talent commit to a full season in Europe would be an exciting development. It could also help introduce more American fans to the MXGP paddock, highlighting the strength of the European youth system and the opportunities available to riders looking to progress through the ranks.
New blood at the front of the EMX125 series in 2027
Gieck’s potential arrival would come at an interesting time for the EMX125 Championship, with plenty of new faces expected to be at the sharp end of the series next year.
Of the top ten riders in the 2026 EMX125 Championship, only three are expected to remain in the class for 2027, leaving several opportunities for new talent to establish themselves at the front of the field.
If Gieck does make the move to Europe with Kosak KTM, it would be fascinating to see how quickly he adapts to the championship and whether he can challenge the established European youngsters.
For now, we’ll have to wait and see whether the rumour becomes reality, but a full-time American entry in the EMX125 series would certainly add another interesting storyline to the 2027 season.
