Milan Merckelbagh remains with the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) but is switching classes. He’s switching from the Supersport Yamaha to a BMW Superbike. The 23-year-old from Limburg will race for his own team, 55MM. It is a satellite team of the champion Alpha-Van Zon BMW team. It has the same status as Team Enos Motorsport, for which Hannes Soomer races.
In recent years, Milan Merckelbagh has been a regular in the IDM Supersport. Things were supposed to continue that way, but numerous technical problems and time-consuming modifications required by the regulations caused the Dutch rider to reconsider his plans. The move to the higher Superbike class was becoming increasingly likely. Initially, a move to the Hertrampf Racing Team—where Merckelbagh had most recently ridden a Supersport Yamaha—was considered.
The fact that, after six years with Yamaha, he reached an agreement with the Champion Alpha Van Zon BMW team was the result of a meeting with team boss Werner Daemen during a winter test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Spain. The Belgian offered the Dutchman a BMW M 1000 RR to ride. The enthusiasm on both sides about the laps they rode was unmistakable. Bottom line: Merckelbagh will ride a BMW in 2024.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and hope that, under the guidance of this experienced team owner, I can continue to develop at the highest level. The motorcycle requires a major adjustment, but I’m gaining more and more confidence in the BMW,” says the rookie, who has brought two fellow students from Zuyd University onto his team. “Luca and Glenn will handle the technical side during the races.”
