After winning four IDM Superbike titles with Werner Daemen’s successful BMW team, Ilya Mikhalchik is breaking new ground. He is moving to the British Superbike Championship (BSB), where he will compete in the Stocksport class. He is also stepping away from the FIM Endurance World Championship.
Nine wins, four additional podium finishes, and not a single DNF. That was the brilliant record set by 28-year-old Ukrainian Ilya Mikhalchik in the 2024 IDM Superbike season. Following his victories in 2018, 2019, and 2021, he won his fourth title in Germany’s top road racing class riding the M 1000 RR for Team Champion Alpha Van Zon BMW. Now the rider, who rarely showed his emotions, is moving on to the BSB. With the same motorcycle brand, but in a completely new environment.
“He wanted to try something different,” says his former team manager Werner Daemen, adding that he spoke with Mikhalchik at length. “I’m not sure if moving to the BSB is the right move,” Daemen says skeptically. “The stock class is new to him, and he’ll have to spend a year getting to know the tracks. But it’s his decision.” Last season, Isle of Man winner Davey Todd claimed the title in the Pirelli National Superstock class.
Daemen will also have to do without Mikhalchik on the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. The Ukrainian’s departure from what has been a mainstay of the team is now complete. The Belgian former team boss, who sees himself not only as a manager and advisor but also as a friend of the four-time champion, cannot hide a touch of sadness as he says: “Ilya was one of my favorite riders. We won the championship together four times, and I got to know him well. It was difficult with him at first, because he often comes across as aloof to outsiders. It takes a long time for him to open up. As a person, he’s a great guy to me.”
