Jago Geerts is on the move as he will join up Josse Sallefranque’s SR Motoblouz Honda team, ahead of the 2027 season. Having officially announced the signing of Calvin Vlaanderen in August, the French team have now completed their line-up with the arrival of the Belgian rider, as we previously reported.
Jago Geerts is set to ride for a third manufacturer in the World Championship. After spending eight seasons with Yamaha (2018-2025), followed by one year with Beta in 2026, the Belgian will line up on a Honda CRF450R next season.
It marks a new chapter for a rider who will go down as one of the unluckiest competitors in recent MX2 history. Despite claiming 24 Grand Prix victories in the category, Jago never managed to secure the World Championship title, finishing runner-up in the series on four occasions in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. His move up to MXGP in 2024 has failed to bring the same level of success so far, while his departure from the official Yamaha team at the end of 2025 marked the beginning of a new adventure with Beta.
In 2026, Geerts found himself as the sole rider at the helm of the MRT Beta programme in the premier class following Rick Elzinga’s premature departure. With the Italian manufacturer still working to close the gap to the more established brands in the championship, the Belgian had the difficult task of carrying the project on his shoulders. Without having the most competitive machinery on the grid, he nevertheless managed to make the most of the situation, securing four top-ten finishes in Grand Prix and delivering some encouraging performances. Despite signing a two-year deal with Beta, he has parted ways with the brand. His solid performances in 2026 was enough to remind everyone that his talent is still there and seemingly caught the attention of Josse Sallefranque.
The SR Motoblouz Honda team boss has therefore decided to put his faith in Geerts for 2027, with the team also needing to make changes following the end of its collaboration with Kevin Horgmo, who has now joined ZXMoto, and, more significantly, the absence of Thibault Benistant, who suffered a serious accident at the French Grand Prix. It was a tragic incident that deeply affected the paddock, with consequences extending far beyond the sporting world. Naturally, it would be impossible to discuss the team’s line-up without sparing a special thought for the French rider, who has our full support during this difficult time.
Geerts can now turn his attention towards his winter preparation with SR Motoblouz Honda. He will be reunited with Calvin Vlaanderen, with the pair set to represent the team in the MXGP World Championship, as well as the French Elite MX1 Championship. It means a double programme for Josse Sallefranque’s two new recruits and once again provides a great platform for the French Elite Championship.
However, some adjustments to the team’s structure are expected. According to our information, neither Calvin Vlaanderen nor Jago Geerts are expected to relocate permanently to the south of France to prepare for the season alongside Yves Demaria. Nevertheless, both riders are expected to make regular visits to Uzès to take part in some of the training programme organised by the French team. It would therefore represent a different approach compared to the structure adopted in recent years.
The team officially announced Geerts’ arrival through a message published on its social media channels:
WELCOME TO THE TEAM, JAGO GEERTS!
We are very pleased to welcome Jago Geerts to the team for the 2027 season, where he will compete in the MXGP World Championship and the French MX Elite Championship!
With his extensive experience and impressive MX2 career record, Jago joins our team with big ambitions.
We can’t wait to work together and provide him with the best possible conditions to fully showcase his talent and achieve results that match his potential.
Josse Sallefranque : “We are very happy to welcome Jago Geerts alongside Calvin Vlaanderen for the 2027 season. A multiple MX2 World Championship runner-up, Jago has not yet had the opportunity to demonstrate his potential in MXGP, but like our partners, we are motivated to provide him with everything he needs to perform. He will benefit from our experience and the team’s support, starting with Yves Demaria, and we will provide him good bikes to tackle the French and World Championships with us.”
