It was almost a dream weekend in Finland for Douwe Van Mechgelen, as the young Belgian came within just a single point of securing his first EMX125 podium at the rough and demanding KymiRing. While disappointment lingered, it was yet another sign of progress for the Factory Fantic rider who continues to show promise despite injury setbacks and less-than-ideal starts. We caught up with Van Mechgelen to discuss his near-podium performance, how his season has unfolded, the decision to stay on the 125cc for 2025, his thoughts on Belgian motocross and his talented younger brother Torre.
GateDrop: You were so close to your first podium in Finland—how would you sum up your weekend at the KymiRing?
Van Mechgelen: I was quite close to the podium in Finland. I actually hoped to be on the podium, but I was one point off and very disappointed. I had to come from two bad starts and that didn’t make it any easier.
GateDrop: Were you expecting to be battling for the podium heading into the Finnish round, or did the result surprise even you a little?
Van Mechgelen: I’m still a bit disappointed and not surprised that I was at the front.
GateDrop: The track was new for everybody—what was your thoughts on it? It looked really rough and tough to ride..
Van Mechgelen: The new track was, in my opinion, not too bad. It was just really fast and quite short. It was really rough because there was really just one main line and everyone rode that line so it got really deep. That made the passing a bit more difficult, but I do hope if the track is on the calendar next year that they create some more opportunities to pass.
GateDrop: Overall, how do you feel your EMX125 season has gone so far?
Van Mechgelen: Overall, my season this year has gone pretty well. I had been struggling with an injury in the beginning of the season and it still not really healed 100%, but I’m getting closer to my full capacity and strength as well. The bad starts that I always take don’t make it easy, but I always come through the field. I think that is positive.
GateDrop: What’s the level like of the EMX125 class this year compared to other years? It feels like there’s been more winners than usual and it seems stacked!
Van Mechgelen: The lineup this year is quite stacked, but I think I definitely belong to the fastest guys with a good start. Not always, but with a good start on most occasions I can show that I’m one of those guys.
GateDrop: Lommel up next for your final round, I am sure you’ll be working really hard before that one? There would be nothing like a podium at your home GP!
Van Mechgelen: For the final round in Lommel, I’m definitely working really hard right now, but I work really hard all year round. I definitely hope to be on the podium there and give the Belgian fans something to cheer for. We will see what happens. I just hope to get a good start and show good speed.
GateDrop: At the end of last year, I would say you had a decision to make in terms of staying on the 125cc or moving up because you are quite heavy for the 125. How did you come to the decision of staying in the EMX125 class?
Van Mechgelen: Last year I made the decision to stay on the 125cc because I got a big injury at the end of the year with my wrist. It was quickly pretty clear that it was going to take quite some time to get back on the bike. That’s why I decided to stay on the 125cc because normally I was going to move up already, but I decided to stay after the injury.
GateDrop: What’s it like being part of the Factory Fantic setup? On one hand it must feel great but at the same time it probably brings pressure?
Van Mechgelen: The Fantic Factory team is great. They try to help me in many ways, but it’s not easy that they are in Italy and with the language barrier, but they definitely put in 100%. It’s a team effort. They don’t really put any pressure. I can be myself and if I give my 100%, that’s good.
GateDrop: Michele Cervellin is the coach there, what’s it like working with him and how does he help you?
Van Mechgelen: Michele is the coach from the team. He’s the teams coach, but I have my own coach as well. Of course, I still work with Miki in some ways when I’m in Italy, but he’s a good guy. I like that he can share his experience or his side of things.
GateDrop: Your little brother, Torre seems very talented. What’s it like having a younger Brother that races? I am sure you’re able to help him with many things?
Van Mechgelen: My little brother, Torre, I would say he’s more talented than me, but he’s young so he can still learn a lot. I don’t really talk that much to him about the racing. He’s a bit on his own at the races and he performs the best when it’s like that.
GateDrop: Do you think Torre has the talent to be a future GP rider?
Van Mechgelen: I do think Torre has the talent to be a future GP rider, but he needs some more character.
GateDrop: Belgium Motocross was doing really well in the past but it feels like there aren’t too many young talents coming up through EMX at the moment if you forget about the Belgians already racing GP’s. Do you feel there’s more pressure on young Belgians these days? There’s also not as many tracks to ride compared to the past – there could probably be more help to benefit the sport?
Van Mechgelen: In the past, Belgium was great for motocross, but now there’s not much in Belgium. There’s not many tracks and neither are there many good riders in the GP series. That puts a lot of pressure on me and Jarne (Bervoets), two young guys who really run up front at the EMX, to perform well. We are the future hope for Belgium, but I do think we have the talent and the physique to make it. We’re willing to work hard for it. I do think the Belgian federation could help in some more ways. I know there’s a small group of people who put the effort for that, but it’s just the federation that really doesn’t give the financial support. That makes it a bit more difficult for us Belgians compared to other countries.
GateDrop: Have you still got another year in the EMX125 class or is it time to move up next year – if so have you any plans for 2026 yet – any offers on the table (laughs)?
Van Mechgelen: I can stay on the 125cc for another year if I wanted but I’m moving up to the 250cc next year. I’ve got a few offers but normally I will have something signed soon. I’m feeling good about next year. I know who I’m going to be working with and I’m ready to go for it, 100%.
