Arnhem proved to be one of the toughest tracks of the MXGP calendar, with deep, brutal sand providing a stern test for the riders. For Ollie Colmer, it was also the final MX2 World Championship appearance of his rookie season on European soil, with the remaining rounds taking place overseas.
The Chambers KTM rider saved one of his best performances of the year for the occasion, battling through the difficult conditions to record 11-12 finishes for 11th overall. It was a hugely impressive result for the 20-year-old, who has continued to develop throughout his first full MX2 campaign.
Reflecting on his weekend at Arnhem, Colmer was understandably pleased with how he performed in the challenging conditions.
“Arnhem was a great weekend all round for me. I dug really deep and came away with two consistent races. That’s right, the MX2 GP level is so high at the moment. Even in the British Championship it feels great to get some good results and prove what I know that I am capable of”, Colmer told GateDrop.com.
One of the biggest changes for Colmer in recent seasons has been living away from home and spending more time based around Lommel in Belgium. While it has its challenges, the British rider has embraced the opportunities that come with being based in the heart of European motocross.
“Living away from home is never easy missing family, pets, friends and home in general. I have great support from my family and friends which makes it better for me. I do enjoy living around Lommel. I can actually see myself wanting to live in Belgium/Netherlands in the future to be honest. I have few good friends out here now and good connections with being able access tracks and training facilities – a lot more than back home”.
His time working with former GP rider Marc de Reuver has also played an important role in improving his sand riding, with the progress particularly evident during the recent GPs at Lommel and Arnhem.
“I have worked with Marc de Reuver the past two seasons now. He has definitely improved my sand skills as proven in Arnhem and Lommel. Marc is a straight up Trener – he tells me how it is with no filter and keeps it simple – Offen (laughs). It’s great to work with someone like Marc with all the riders/teams he’s been with and to have had the opportunity to be a part of it has been a pleasure”.
For Colmer, stepping into the MX2 World Championship has provided a different level of experience compared to his previous EMX campaigns. The longer motos, increased track time and opportunity to learn directly from the world’s fastest riders have all helped accelerate his development.
“Racing the GP’s has brought me on so much in different areas. From the longer motos, improving fitness, more race time, track time, learning from the faster riders and having the space to see it. I feel as though in EMX I didn’t get that time to learn as much as I have this season in MX2. All these things have added up and shown that it has helped me as a rider”
At just 20 years of age, Colmer still has plenty of time to establish himself in MX2, and his ambitions are clear. The Chambers KTM rider wants to continue progressing and believes he has the potential to become one of the leading privateer riders in the class.
“I still have a few years left in MX2 World Championship, that’s correct as I’m only 20. With another strong off season and winter I would like to have some more consistent results. I want to work to be the top privateer rider – I know I’m capable of it if I’m in a good place”
Colmer had originally planned to contest the final three rounds of the MX2 World Championship in Turkey, China and Australia, but circumstances outside of his control have now brought his GP season to an earlier conclusion.
“I had planned and organised to go to the final three MX2 GPs in Turkey, China and Australia. I had everything in place to go but unfortunately the trip got cancelled due to a decision out of my hands”.
While his MX2 GP season has come to an end, Colmer will soon get the chance to race a 450cc, with a step up planned for the Irish Championship at Mountain Quarter in September.
“Correct, I’ll be stepping up to the 450cc for the Irish Championship at Mountain Quarter on the 13th of September. We will see how things roll out there but I am looking forward to it”.
Looking further ahead, Colmer’s plans for 2027 remain open. Nothing has been signed yet, but his priority remains competing in the World Championship and continuing to chase his goal of racing against the best riders in the world.
“At the moment I am still undecided what I have planned for next year. The following weeks will decide what decision I make. For 2027 I have nothing signed yet, I am still wanting to race the GP’s to pursue with that dream of competing against the best in the world”.
After a promising rookie MX2 campaign, Arnhem offered another clear indication of Colmer’s potential. With a full season of GP experience now under his belt, the 20-year-old will head into the off-season with valuable experience, improved sand skills and a clear target for the future.
