Côme Geenen (pronounced "Kohm Gehnen") is looking to make his mark in the IDM Superbike series. But who is this Belgian rider who won the 2021 IDM Pro Superstock Cup, stood on the podium at every event, and—after discarding his worst result—won a total of six races? We sat down with the 31-year-old BMW S 1000 rider from the Vigenon Racing Team to find out.
Côme, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Sure thing. I was born on January 6, 1991, I live in Brussels, and I’m a self-employed motorcycle mechanic with my own shop. My career in Supermotos began about ten years ago. Six years ago, however, I switched to road motorcycles. I’m a former Yamaha R6 Cup rider and an occasional participant in the FIM Endurance World Championship.
You won the IDM Pro Superstock Cup in 2021 with an impressive points lead. What are your expectations for your rookie year in Superbike?
I’m now familiar with most of the tracks, and my bike—a BMW S 1000 RR—is the same as last year’s. My goal, therefore, is to be faster than I was last year. I need to try to close the gap to the leaders as much as possible in order to get into the top 10.
Are you in touch with your fellow countryman Bastien Mackels?
Yes, we know each other, but we aren't particularly close.
What makes the IDM SBK appealing to you?
After winning the Pro Superstock series, this is the logical next step for me, and I like the idea of racing against top-tier competitors and moving up to the premier class to raise my own level of performance.
How big is the team?
We’re keeping the same team as last season, but we’re going to be a bit more professional. We’ll still be a small amateur team of five or six people. We get along really well, and the atmosphere is great.