Published October 31, 2025 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
Yamaha Motor Europe extends its sincere thanks to Calvin Vlaanderen as the South African concludes his five-year tenure with Yamaha following the natural completion of his contract.
Vlaanderen joined the Yamaha family in 2020, immediately taking the fight to the MXGP class aboard the YZ450F. A rider renowned for his technical prowess and determination, he quickly proved his potential by charging to a stunning Grand Prix victory in the demanding sand of Sardinia in 2022. After three impressive seasons showcasing his talent with a Yamaha-supported outfit, his relentless drive and consistent podium-challenging speed earned him a well-deserved seat on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for the 2024 and 2025 campaigns.
The last two seasons have been a testament to Vlaanderen’s work ethic and fighting spirit. In 2024, he charged to two podium finishes and climbed to an impressive fourth in the world standings before a late-season injury halted his momentum. Bouncing back with trademark resilience in 2025, he returned with fire, adding three more hard-fought podiums to his tally.
Everyone at Yamaha Motor Europe wishes Calvin the very best in the next chapter of his career.
Alexandre Kowalski
Yamaha Motor Europe Off-Road Racing Manager
“On behalf of everyone at Yamaha Motor Europe, I would like to thank Calvin for his dedication, professionalism, and the many incredible moments we’ve shared throughout the past five years. Aside from his undeniable ability on a motorcycle, he is a great example of a top athlete – very humble, respectful and polite. It has been a genuine pleasure working with him. We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.”
Michael Le Pard (“Mr. Totalmotorcycle”) is the Founder of Total Motorcycle, the world’s largest motorcycle information site, trusted by over 430 million riders since 1999. With over 34 years of experience in motorcycles, gear and rider culture, he has built a global community dedicated to empowering and inspiring motorcyclists.
Total Motorcycle remains his passion project. Combining expert research, hands‑on knowledge and a commitment to helping riders make informed decisions about bikes, gear and safety worldwide.
