For many young riders, competing regularly against Europe’s elite is the dream — but for Irish youngster Jack Deasy, that dream has already become reality. The talented 85cc rider made a huge life decision when he relocated from Ireland to Belgium, fully committing himself to developing as a Motocross rider in one of the sport’s toughest environments.
After gaining valuable experience racing Dutch Nationals last season, Deasy stepped up again in 2026 to contest the full Dutch Masters of Motocross championship. Racing against some of the fastest young riders in Europe has been a steep learning curve, but one that is already paying off as the Irish prospect continues to show encouraging speed and progression.
Moving abroad at a young age is never easy, but Deasy has quickly adapted to life in Belgium both on and off the bike.
“I really like living here in Belgium, I am here with my Brother (Daniel). I also go to school here so life is pretty normal Monday to Friday I just get to ride a little more. Last year was good to line up with some of Europe’s fastest 85cc riders, I was way off but we always enjoyed going to the Dutch national events”, Deasy told GateDrop.com.
One of the biggest adjustments for Deasy has been adapting to deep sand tracks, something Belgium and Holland are famous for. Tracks like Lommel are considered some of the toughest in the world, and his first experiences there certainly left an impression.
“I remember my first day at Lommel, I must have crashed ten times that day… I’m more used to it now, it’s really good to be able to train local on a Wednesday afternoon on a rough track that’s something that’s always been impossible for us to do at home in Dublin”.
The decision to race the Dutch Masters has also given Deasy an opportunity to compete at professionally organised events alongside Grand Prix riders, something he believes is hugely beneficial for his development.
“The Dutch Masters is by far the best series I’ve ever raced. They are really good tracks and always have a big crowd. The level is high as well, for us we wish it was more than just three rounds. For sure if you can get a good start and run with the front boys for a couple laps you pick up on the speed. I also learn a lot from watching the GP boys at the same event”.
While results don’t always tell the full story, Deasy has continued to make progress throughout the championship. Harfsen proved to be one of his strongest rounds of the season so far, although he feels there is still more to come.
“Harfsen was my best score with 11-14 in the races. We also had some good positives from the other races like at Heerde but results on the day didn’t show it. I would have liked to do better at Markelo but a crash in first race cost me a top ten overall”.
For now, the focus remains firmly on continuing his development in mainland Europe. While there are currently no plans to race in Ireland or the UK, Deasy still has a busy remainder of the season ahead with more Dutch Nationals and potentially even an ADAC Masters appearance.
“Right now, we have no plans to race at home or in UK but that could change. I will race the rest of the Dutch Nationals and perhaps a round of the ADAC, but we’ll see on that one. Unfortunately, I’m too old this year to race the EMX85 series but I hope to compete at some EMX125 races in the future”
Like many young riders, Deasy draws inspiration from some of the sport’s biggest stars. He admires both the riding style of four time World Champion Jorge Prado and the resilience shown throughout the career of Ken Roczen.
“Jorge Prado is one my favourite riders to watch but I also look up to Ken Roczen because off his attitude and mentality. My dream is to race in America but right now I have just got to keep working and doing what I can to improve”
At such a young age, Deasy already understands the dedication required to succeed in professional motocross. Relocating to Belgium, adapting to difficult sand tracks and racing against Europe’s best week in and week out has accelerated both his learning and maturity. The results may still be building, but the experience he is gaining now could prove invaluable for the future as he continues chasing bigger goals in the sport.
