A new chapter begins for Julian van Kalkeren in just a few weeks at the season opener at the Sachsenring, May 8–10, 2026. The 17-year-old Dutch rider from Erica is joining Team SRTD Pearle Gebben, where he will make his debut in the EURO MOTO series. He will be joined by teammate Rick Kooistra, who competed in the Sportbike class last year. After winning the Supersport class title in the International Dutch Championship (IDC) in 2025, he is now moving on to new racetracks.
First tests with the new team
Van Kalkeren got his first impressions of the new bike during test rides in Andalusia, Spain. The switch was quite a challenge for him. “The switch to the Triumph Daytona 660 “It was pretty intense,” explains the 17-year-old. After two years on the Yamaha YZF-R6, he had to completely adjust his riding style. Instead of pure power, the focus is now more on cornering speed. But the Dutchman is adaptable. On the second day of testing, he was already able to improve his time by more than half a second. A clear sign that he’s heading in the right direction. 
In addition to his athletic progress, the team also plays an important role. “I already knew the team from the Dutch Championship. They helped me out with a few things back then,” says van Kalkeren, adding, “We just click,” which helps him settle into his new surroundings quickly.
Before the EURO MOTO season begins, there’s still one important event coming up at the end of April. Van Kalkeren will be competing in the IDC at Assen again on a wildcard. There, he hopes to log more race laps and get even more comfortable on the bike. “More laps, more feel, more experience. That’s exactly what I need.”
Realistic goals with a clear direction
Looking ahead to his first season, van Kalkeren remains deliberately realistic. The learning process isn’t over yet. “At the start of the season, I’m definitely aiming for the top 10,” he says. Once he’s fully settled into his riding style, he wants to move further up the field. “That might take the first half of the season. After that, I want to aim for the top 5 and the podium.” In the long term, the 17-year-old is thinking even bigger. Van Kalkeren wants to make the leap to the World Championship. He sees the EURO MOTO as the ideal preparation. “The level is high. You have to really dig in here.”
An unusual hobby as a source of income
A few days ago, the student, who is about to take his final exams, passed his driver’s license test on the first try. He covered the cost of driving school in part through a unique hobby. “I have 25 snakes at home and sell the young ones,” he explains. Twice a year, he raises a new batch and uses the money to fund his racing career. Right now, his snakes are still waiting for their hibernation to end. Just as van Kalkeren is waiting for the winter break to end so he can start his first EURO MOTO season.
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