The ADAC Supercross in Dortmund is one of the first racing highlights of the season, and the Hertrampf Racing team, led by team boss Denis Hertrampf, used the event’s 40th anniversary to unveil its lineup for the 2025 IDM season. The newly formed sportbike team drew particular attention. In addition to Switzerland’s Fabio Sarasino and three-time Swedish MiniGP champion Anton Södergren, Oliver Svendsen, the reigning IDM Supersport champion, is also moving up to the new class. We sat down with the Dane for an interview.
IDM: Oliver, how has your life changed since winning the Supersport title?
OS: I’m pretty happy right now, but actually, everything’s pretty much the same as before. I go to work and try to enjoy life.
IDM: How are you preparing for the upcoming season with the new motorcycle?
OS: I try to train three to four times a week. Since I work a lot and it’s usually too late after work, I get up at 5 a.m. and train before I go to work. I don’t have set days, since I have to adjust to what’s going on at my job. Without money, I can’t race, so that’s my top priority.
IDM: When and where do you practice on your motorcycle?
OS: There are hardly any practice opportunities here in Denmark. I use the Danish Championship to get more riding time, but the dates sometimes overlap with the IDM. This year there are two additional dates. I could go to Spain, but that means I can’t work for a week and therefore don’t earn any money. So far, though, it’s still worked out well for me. My life isn’t like what you see with some riders on Instagram. A movie about my life would be pretty simple: work, a beer in the evening, sleep, train—and then start all over again. That’s how it’s been in recent years, too. I get on the bike for the last time at the final race and don’t ride again until the first official event with the team. I just try to remember the feeling from the last time.
IDM: What keeps you motivated to keep going despite the challenges?
OS: What motivates me is that not everyone makes it this way. I’m 20 now, and since I was 17, this is how it’s been: working day and night, training, and every now and then goofing off with my friends. My parents can’t support me financially. If I want to race, I have to work for it. That’s why I’m very grateful for every sponsor and every bit of support I receive.
IDM: Did Supersport the IDM Supersport title help you?
OS: We already have a few more partners, but in Denmark it’s hard to find sponsors for motorsports. The only things that matter here are handball and soccer. In fact, my first win generated more attention than my title. A story about me will be published soon, and this year my season will be covered with reports from every race.
IDM: How did the move to Hertrampf Racing come about?
OS: My original goal was to compete in the Supersport. Then Rob Rob (Editor’s note: Rob Vennegoor – new team manager at Hertrampf Racing) asked me if I wanted to join Hertrampf. We’ve known each other for a few years now, and he’s helped me out in the past. Now I’m in a whole new class with a new team and get to help develop my own bike.
IDM: What are your thoughts on the new motorcycle?
OS: I think I’ll get along well with the bike. The Daytona 660 is small and compact, similar to the KTM I rode this year. That bike suited me very well. I expect the Triumph to be very similar, just with a bit more power. The new bike is also an advantage because there’s no prior data yet, so I can tailor the bike to my needs. My riding style is very different from that of other riders. Every time we compared my data with that of other riders, it didn’t help. Now I can work on my own bike from the start, and I think that makes it a bit easier. It’s the right move.
IDM: New team, new class, new bike—have you set a goal for yourself?
OS: In the past, I was on a different team every year and was looking for something more long-term. Every time you switch teams, it’s like changing families. The team has a goal, I have one too, and we have an agreement. If I manage to win the title, I’ll move up to the World Championship in the Sportbike class next year. That option is there, but it’s not my absolute priority. Right now, no one knows how the class will develop, so I’m just taking it as it comes.