After stepping away from competitive motocross for four years, Guus Oomen’s return to the sport is a story built on renewed passion, perseverance and unfinished ambition. Once considered a promising youngster in the Dutch scene, Oomen’s early career was disrupted by injuries and a loss of enjoyment that ultimately led him to walk away from racing. However, a casual return to the bike in 2025 quickly reignited the spark, and what started as riding for fun soon evolved into a full-fledged comeback.
Now lining up in the highly competitive EMX250 championship as well as the Dutch Masters of Motocross in 2026, Oomen is embracing the challenge of competing against some of the best young riders in the world. Despite the long absence, he has already shown flashes of his potential – even scoring points at EMX250 level – and is determined to make the most of this second chance in the sport. We caught up with the 18 year old to discuss his journey back to racing, the challenges of returning to elite competition, and his ambitions for the future.
GateDrop: Guus, can you tell us more about your background in the sport – I believe you were a highly rated youngster but haven’t raced at a high level for a number of years. Just tell us about that please and the reason(s) for it?
Oomen: I started riding when I was seven years old on a 65cc. After I trained for a while I decided to do some Dmx-south races which did go really well, after a few years I moved up to 85cc small wheels still racing Dmx-south and winning most of the races easy we decided to go ride Dutch Nationals on the 85cc big wheels and EMX85.
That didn’t go as planned, I think I moved up too fast because I was 11 years old between guys that were much older and stronger than me. After that season I broke my ankle and missed the start of the season. while I was training to comeback I had some other injuries which ended the season, then it didn’t motivate me anymore and I didn’t get the pleasure out of it anymore. I decided to stop and enjoy my youth with friends which was also a very good time. Later on, last year I decided to hop on the bike again and ride for fun, then I decided to do some races for fun like Dmx-south and ended up winning some races again which motivated me to work harder and race some nationals.
GateDrop: I believe the last few years you have raced at National and quite a low level?
Oomen: Yes, I stopped riding in 2021 and started at the end of 2025 with riding again on a low level and then worked my way up.
GateDrop: You raced the last Dutch National at Valkenswaard last year – how did that go, and it must have given you an urge to race at a high level again?
Oomen: Yeah, it did go well – it started not really good in time practice. In the first race, I rode a good race and the second race did go really good. I had a good start rode the whole race in seventh but on the last lap I had a mechanical issue which ended in a DNF – that was disappointing but learned a lot. That second race did motivate me so much that I only worked harder from there on to ride at the highest level again.
GateDrop: You raced the opening two rounds of the EMX250 this year. In Spain you actually got points – did you expect that after not racing at this level for such a long time?
Oomen: It was a great weekend in Spain. I went there with no expectations and didn’t know where I would stand between those guys. I didn’t expect to score points at all especially after time practice which didn’t go so good. Scoring points was amazing, it felt like an achievement for the hard work in the past four months.
GateDrop: What made you decide to enter the EMX250 series in Spain and Switzerland after not racing at that level for such a long time? Do you enjoy the travelling and planning that goes with it? It’s not easy being a privateer!
Oomen: During the off season, I trained really hard to make steps in the right direction and saw that the speed was on the same level as some other riders. Then I decided to just go race and do everything I can to be out there.
Travelling is kind of nice, going through different countries and most of the time listening to music or watching some movies. Luckily my Mum does all the planning for the hotels and tickets, which is very nice. My Dad and mechanic always drive the van which is fine so I can do my own thing.
GateDrop: The EMX250 series this year seems super super stacked. How would you describe the level?
Oomen: At this level of Motorcross, all the riders are good and fast because it’s almost the highest level you can ride on a 250cc. It’s great to be a part of it this year!
GateDrop: Switzerland didn’t go quite as well, I imagine you haven’t race hard pack conditions for a long time – how did you find it?
Oomen: I knew it was going to be difficult in Switzerland but I wanted to try and experience the track. Of course it’s harder for me to ride on the hardpack because I didn’t ride on it for a while. It’s completely different to riding in the sand.
GateDrop: What are your plans for the rest of the 2026 season? Will you race the entire EMX250 series? I assume you’ll race the Dutch Masters of Motocross as well?
Oomen: Yes, I will try to race every EMX250 round this season to get more experience and get some good results. I’m also going to race the Dutch Masters this season which are great tracks and a great opportunity to race some fast guys.
GateDrop: I believe Kay de Wolf’s father – Stefan is helping you? How does he help, and it must be nice to have him in your corner? Are you close to the de Wolf family?
Oomen: Yes, we are close to the de Wolf family. We have known each other for many years and used to go on Motorcross holidays together in the past. Raff (Kay’s Brother) helps me a lot as he’s my mechanic and always goes to training with me. Kay also gives me tips on and off track with his experience.
GateDrop: Have you set yourself any targets during the rest of the season?
Oomen: Not really, I just want to learn as much as possible and get some experience this season, but of course I will always try my best to get some good results which is possible I think.
GateDrop: Do you want to continue racing at a high level in the future?
Oomen: Yes, if it’s possible, I want to ride at a high level in the future. It’s always been a dream to ride at the highest level like in MX2 or MXGP. I will do my very best to make that dream come true.
