And the action continues. Things are really heating up in the new Sportbike class. Dutch rider Rick Kooistra is now making his debut in the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM). The 23-year-old Triumph rider from Assen will be racing under the colors of the Pearle Gebben Racing Team.
Who is Rick Kooistra? Last season, he finished sixth in the final standings of the Dutch Supersport(IDC). Now he is facing a new challenge. Kooistra has signed a contract with Drenthe-based Pearl Gebben Racing. With the Triumph team, he is taking his first steps in the new IDM class, which will also be held as a world championship in 2026.
This move has been carefully considered by all parties. René Moorman, commercial director of Pearle Gebben Racing, says: “The sportbike class offers many opportunities for the development of young riders, as well as for the team’s growth. We believe Rick is the right rider to take on this challenge.”
It is a challenge in the truest sense of the word. The Pearle Gebben Racing Team, which has competed with Yamaha motorcycles since its inception, is taking a new direction with Triumph in 2025. With Kooistra’s arrival, the team hopes to contribute to the development of young motorsport talent as well.