When Ken Roczen arrived on the MX2 Grand Prix scene in 2009, it was immediately clear that the German teenager was something special. At just fifteen years old, Roczen lined up for his debut Grand Prix at Agueda in Portugal riding for Suzuki and instantly showed the kind of raw speed and confidence rarely seen at such a young age.
Only two years later, Roczen would become a world champion with KTM before eventually making the move to America to pursue his dream of Supercross success. However, long before the AMA titles and global recognition, one of the key figures involved in the early stages of Roczen’s career was legendary Belgian team boss Sylvain Geboers.
Following Roczen securing his first AMA Supercross title, Geboers was kind enough to reflect on the German’s rise, his determination through adversity and the impact he made during his time with Suzuki.
“From the first entry in the GP’s, Ken showed his confidence in racing with and against the top of MX2 class. No fear, just ride and enjoy. With his father as mentor. He was young but mature for his age. From the very first day he was focused on making it and going to USA for Supercross”, Geboers told GateDrop.com.
Geboers also explained how much preparation went into bringing Roczen into the Suzuki structure and how highly the German prospect was rated before he had even raced his first Grand Prix.
“At first Ken was announced in good time ahead of his GP debut, by the Mr. Bert Poensgen (CEO at Suzuki Germany and manager for Ken). Bert and my brother Eric agreed on the budget and the set-up needed. From Suzuki Germany, Thomas Ramsbacher became responsible for the racing support onwards GRP. We constructed a new workshop with office exclusive for MX2 (supported by Suzuki Germany), needed to be separate from MX1 (supported by Suzuki Japan). The team staff was set-up with Jen Johansson as Team manager and Marc Verpaelen as mechanic for Ken. Extra vehicles were prepared for training and the GP transport was managed from Suzuki Germany over Bischoff transport”.
During his early GP days, Roczen’s development was handled carefully, with the focus not only on results but also allowing the teenager to enjoy racing while steadily improving – the talent wasn’t in question.
“The MX2 team was managed by Jens Johansson and my brother Eric. I understand as the priority was given to enjoy the riding and learn to make progress and try to improve the set-up of the bike to Ken’s requirements”.
It did not take long before Roczen delivered Suzuki one of its most memorable MX2 moments. His breakthrough GP win in 2009 confirmed the arrival of a future superstar and sent German fans into celebration.
“His first GP win in 2009 was very special for Ken, for the sport in Germany and for Suzuki. The German spectators became crazy; a new star was born. From that day onwards the target was winning but Ken behaved and continued to work, always in his mind going to the USA”.
Of course, Roczen’s immense talent soon attracted attention elsewhere and Suzuki eventually lost one of the brightest prospects in the sport when he made the switch to KTM.
“It was a frustrating moment when Ken went to KTM. KTM had showed great performance in MX2, the only rider able to win from them was Ken. Suddenly it happened as a rider and the sponsor TEKA was also passed on to KTM. There was no such rider available to replace Ken from one day to the other. Thomas Ramsbacher continued the racing support for MX2 with the next available youngsters”.
While Roczen achieved major success throughout his career, it has been his resilience through countless injuries that has arguably defined him the most. Geboers admitted there were times when even returning to normal life appeared uncertain, making the recent Supercross title even more remarkable.
“Ken just never gives up. At first, it was hard to believe that a recovery was possible for normal life. But the determination and will to become again a number 1 SX racer is an example for many athletes. Of course I had doubts like most of us, we did not expect anyone could turn that injury around in success. It’s not a miracle but a success after belief and hard work all these years by Ken himself”.
For Geboers, Roczen finally achieving his lifelong Supercross dream was the perfect reward after years of sacrifice and perseverance.
“First of all, it’s an accomplishment for and by Ken Secondly, Ken and the HEP team with the support from Suzuki made it happen to win this SX title, what was Ken’s ultimate target 15 years ago. It is very well deserved”.
Although the pair lost regular contact once Roczen moved permanently to America, Geboers still holds enormous admiration for the German and hopes his story will eventually be told in full.
“Honestly, once Ken went on to the US, we missed staying in touch. I need to thank Ken for the trust in Suzuki and being a great ambassador for Suzuki and the MX/SX sport. Secondly, Ken – don’t forget to write your book, people need to understand the struggles and sacrifices behind ultimate success”.
Geboers also reflected on his own incredible career in the sport, having experienced motocross from virtually every angle possible within the GP paddock.
“My life has been wonderful, being a rider, became a mechanic and later becoming a team manager and team owner working with Suzuki and all the technical suppliers. Having worked with so many riders, technician and team staff. By the age of seventy, I felt it was time to make room for the younger generation”.
Even though he no longer misses the day-to-day life of the MXGP paddock, one thing Geboers would still love to see is Suzuki return to world motocross competition in the future.
“Today I don’t miss the MXGP paddock, but I am missing Suzuki in the paddock. It will be nothing like the success of Ken in AMA Supercross, but I trust they will make it back to the paddock – the sooner the better”.
