Dutch talent Dean Gregoire heads into the 2026 season with clarity, confidence and a significantly strengthened structure around him. The Motovation Team has joined forces with Nestaan, creating an expanded programme that promises greater support and opportunity as the young Dutchman prepares for a full assault on the EMX250 championship.
Remaining within a familiar environment but now benefitting from the expertise of figures such as Rasmus Jorgensen and Ruben Tureluren, Gregoire is steadily building foundations for what will be his rookie season in the EMX250 class. With time already spent training in Spain, valuable input from those around him, and the chance to spend plenty of time with established stars like Kay de Wolf and Liam Everts, the 250cc move feels like a natural next step in his progression.
We caught up with Gregoire as he discusses the expanded team structure, his winter development on the 250 four-stroke, working closely with Tureluren, training alongside a champion, and his realistic yet ambitious goals for what promises to be a fiercely competitive EMX250 season.
GateDrop: Dean, your plans are finally confirmed for 2026. How does it feel to have them all officially announced?
Gregoire: Of course, I am happy. I am very proud for the chance I get from the Motovation Team and Nestaan.
GateDrop: You are staying with the same team but it’s going to be bigger and better. You’ll work with the same people but with Nestaan joining forces with the team I assume you’ll also work with Rasmus Jorgensen and Ruben Tureluren?
Gregoire: I was with them during the pre-season training in Spain. I get to learn from them slowly and it starts to feel familiar. I have started working with Ruben. He helps me with training and that’s a great thing for me. I feel very confident with Ruben that we make good progress together. But we won’t rush it, we take it step by step.
GateDrop: How closely will you work with Rasmus and Ruben – during winter already have you been working with them and what sort of things have they taught you so far?
Gregoire: It is Ruben who I have got to know better and better in Spain. He works with Kay as well prior to me but I can join when there is room for me. I am happy with that. As I said before, we have to learn each other and we don’t rush it. We will then build it up to be better and stronger.
GateDrop: With Nestaan joining forces with the team, I assume the equipment will be really good. It probably won’t be full factory like Liam, but it won’t be stock either. Can you tell me a bit about the equipment you’ll be racing?
Gregoire: The set up is up to the team. I did some testing and it’s a really good step forward. I am not technically involved. I only say if I like it but it’s a really good bike.
GateDrop: With the team stepping things up for next year, they have decided to keep you for 2026. You must appreciate the trust they are showing you?
Gregoire: If you told me last year what we are up to now, I would not believe you. So dreams do come true sometimes. As I said before, I am very happy with this new team setup and the possibilities I get from it from Motovation, Nestaan and Husqvarna.
GateDrop: Another benefit I assume is you’ll get to spend time at the track with Kay de Wolf and Liam Everts. Two unbelievable champions. You must be looking forward to spending plenty of time with them?
Gregoire: That’s true. I have known Kay for a long time. It almost feels like a family (cousin). So we have a really good relationship. The training together feels confident and now with Ruben it is really good step for us. I have seen Liam around but now we get to learn each other and it feels good. It is very relaxed and friendly.
GateDrop: Have you spent much time with Kay and Liam through winter? What sort of things have you learnt from them so far?
Gregoire: I have spent more time with Kay. We did also physical training together as well as MX training at home in the Netherlands. Of course, we stepped it up in Spain and we also did some cycling together. I didn’t really learn anything from them but seeing things and listening to them makes me automatically more motivated.
GateDrop: The EMX250 class is looking stacked this year, what’s your goals for the season?
Gregoire: I cannot really tell you my expectations at the moment. I have only raced beach races so far. But I hope I can make top ten results in the EMX250 class. The class is the strongest it will be in years I think. There are so many new riders in the class and good riders who stay in the class from last year.
GateDrop: You are now on the 250cc full time, how do you feel with the bike?
Gregoire: I did most of the winter with a stock bike. I felt comfortable with that to learn the character from the 250cc 4-stroke. It also kept me away from big crashes and injuries. Now after we finished the beach races, I’m ready for the next step with the bike.
GateDrop: What’s it been like having Dani Heitink as a team mate so far? You can both probably help each other a lot during the practice days?
Gregoire: We are going good together. We know each other and are friends from the 65cc class. We have always been competing against each other. My feeling is that we will continue this and probably take each other to a higher level.
GateDrop: Aside from the EMX250 series, I assume you’ll race the Dutch Masters? That’ll be a good championship to race against MX2 GP riders. Any other championships/races you’ll do?
Gregoire: I will race the Sommieres International this weekend as well as Lierop next week. After that the full focus will be on the EMX250 series.
