Motocross: Ivano van Erp retires after his Oss crash
The newsroomUpdated on October 29, 20263 minIvano van Erp, 21, a two-time junior world champion, retires from motocross about seven months after his serious 15 March crash in Oss, the Netherlands.
Key point
Ivano van Erp, 21, retires from motocross about seven months after his 15 March crash in Oss, where a torn aorta nearly cost him his life.
Dutch rider Ivano van Erp is ending his motocross career. Aged 21 and a two-time junior world champion, he announced on 28 October 2026 that he will no longer race, about seven months after the serious crash in his hometown of Oss that nearly cost him his life.
The 15 March crash in Oss
On 15 March, in the second MX2 moto of the opening round of the Dutch MX Nationals at Circuit De Witte Ruijsheuvel, Van Erp crashed heavily. He had just finished second in the first moto, behind Mathis Valin. According to MXMag, he tore his aorta near the heart and broke his collarbone, shoulder blade and sternum. An operation of about four hours saved his life.
MX Vice places the accident at a pre-season race in Oss, with no further detail on the crash itself; the date, the moto and the precise medical picture come from MXMag. In his message, the rider writes that the crash almost cost him his life and that several serious injuries repeatedly interrupted his progress during his career.
A decision driven by his health
After months of recovery and reflection, the rider says that continuing would be too dangerous given the condition of his body. He says he made the decision for his friends, family, sponsors and the people around him, and thanks everyone who supported him. He rode for DCN Vos Oss KTM.
A record built at a young age
- 2017: won the FIM Junior World Cup in the 65cc class, on KTM;
- 2022: won the 125cc junior world championship in Vantaa, Finland, on Yamaha;
- multiple day wins and podium finishes in EMX125 and EMX250;
- 2024: fourth in the final EMX250 standings;
- 2025: season ended early after he broke two vertebrae at Uddevalla.
His career was therefore regularly slowed by injuries, before the 2026 crash that changed everything.
Key takeaways
- Retirement announced on 28 October 2026, aged 21.
- Crash on 15 March in Oss: torn aorta, broken collarbone, shoulder blade and sternum.
- Two junior world titles (65cc in 2017, 125cc in 2022).
- Fourth in EMX250 in 2024.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ivano van Erp retiring from motocross?
He says continuing would be too dangerous given the condition of his body, after the serious crash in Oss in 2026.
What happened in Oss?
On 15 March, in the second MX2 moto of the Dutch MX Nationals, he crashed and tore his aorta near the heart, with several fractures. An operation of about four hours saved him.
What is his record?
Winner of the 65cc FIM Junior World Cup in 2017, 125cc junior world champion in 2022, fourth in EMX250 in 2024.
Sources
- MX Vice — Ivano van Erp announces retirement after Oss crash
- MXMag — Ivano van Erp stops racing motocross
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
Newsletter · free
The Friday paddock
The essentials of motorsport, every Friday in your inbox. Free, one email a week.
Choose my categories
