Julien Lieber retires from professional Motocross

JM Honda Racing rider Julien Lieber has today announced his retirement from professional racing, effective immediately. The 26-year old Belgian missed a lot of time on the bike in the last 12 months due to a series of injuries he picked up at the German MXGP round of 2019. While the news might come as a shock to many, for Lieber – ever the fierce competitor- the conclusion was inevitable.
You wouldn’t notice something’s off when you‘d see Julien riding on a track on his own. Stylish, spectacular and with natural ease that’s rare even among the best in the world.

The pocket-sized racer from Malmedy captured rostrum finishes in EMX250, MX2 and finished 4th overall at the 2018 MXGP of Imola. In his two MX of Nations appearances he collected silver (2014) and bronze (2015) with Team Belgium. There’s no doubt that the protegé of Yves Demaria had the potential to make his marks in MXGP aboard the JM Honda CRF450R. Unfortunately fate had its own way.

“It was a pleasure to work together with a rider as talented as Julien. Straightaway it became obvious that the Honda suited his style perfectly,'” comments Jacky Martens, JM Honda Racing team manager. “This winter everything looked promising, but unfortunately he continued to suffer from his injury. Not only do we think that’s a pity as a team, it’s also sour for Julien to have to step this way. I wish him all the best for the next chapter in his life”.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS JULIEN LIEBER

2019: 17th MXGP World Championship (injured)
2018: 11th MXGP World Championship
2017: 6th MX2 World Championship (5 podiums)
2016: No racing (health problems)
2015: 3rd MX of Nations, 6th MX2 World Championship (one podium)
2014: 2nd MX of Nations, 11th MX2 World Championship
2013: 23rd MX2 World Championship
2012: 22nd MX2 World Championship
2011: 29th MX2 World Championship
2010: 8th EMX250 (one podium, one moto win)

You can read an interview with Lieber discussing his retirement, here.

Words: Tom Jacobs

Pic: Shot by Bavo