After five seasons of dedication, podiums, and perseverance, Calvin Vlaanderen and Yamaha will officially part ways at the end of the 2025 MXGP season. The South African rider has been a key figure within Yamaha’s MXGP program since 2020, achieving seven podiums and a memorable Grand Prix victory at Riola Sardo in 2022. His time with the brand has been marked by consistency, hard work, and a relentless fighting spirit that made him one of the most respected riders in the paddock.
Vlaanderen joined the Yamaha family in 2020, immediately taking the fight to the MXGP class aboard the YZ450F. A rider renowned for his technical prowess and determination, he quickly proved his potential by charging to a stunning Grand Prix victory in the demanding sand of Sardinia in 2022. After three impressive seasons showcasing his talent with a Yamaha-supported outfit, his relentless drive and consistent podium-challenging speed earned him a well-deserved seat on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.
The last two seasons have been a testament to Vlaanderen’s work ethic and fighting spirit. In 2024, he charged to two podium finishes and climbed to an impressive fourth in the world standings before a late-season injury halted his momentum. Bouncing back with trademark resilience in 2025, he returned with fire, adding three more hard-fought podiums to his tally.
Alexandre Kowalski, Yamaha Motor Europe Off-Road Racing Manager:
“On behalf of everyone at Yamaha Motor Europe, I would like to thank Calvin for his dedication, professionalism, and the many incredible moments we’ve shared throughout the past five years. Aside from his undeniable ability on a motorcycle, he is a great example of a top athlete – very humble, respectful and polite. It has been a genuine pleasure working with him. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
