Dutch MX2 pilot Rick Elzinga ages out of the class at the end of the season, which presents him with an unwanted crossroad of deciding where he will be lining up next season. The 2022 EMX250 champion graduated to the MX2 class the following year, and finished inside the top-ten in the championship standings in his two tenures (10th in 2023, 7th in 2024).

2025 has yet to be so kind for the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory rider – a broken elbow in January derailed his preparation heading into Argentina, and as he began to build some momentum, a huge crash in Ernée left him with a broken collarbone and a concussion, subsequently missing the following two Grands Prix. Alongside the injury hurdles, bike set-up and comfortability has been a factor which has hindered the Dutchman.

“We had to change a couple of things on the bike, just decisions from higher up and we have been playing a bit of catchup, so it’s difficult. Bike wise, with the new rules and then the suspension changed a bit, so it’s just difficult. I can’t connect with the bike, let’s say. So yeah, just a bit of struggling.”

The age rule in MX2 provides a challenging decision for those approaching it, weighing up the options of potentially lesser equipment and support in the MXGP class, or to take a gamble and head to a different organisation to compete. This is something that Elzinga is open to, and he is open and honest about the avenues he would explore.

“If it’s Europe or U.S, I don’t mind so much” he said, when asked about any potential offers on the table. “I would just like to have a nice place and in 450 as well, because yeah the 450 suits me better than the 250 because I am quite tall and heavy. So yeah, just hopeful to get a nice spot and it’s a waiting game right now. I would like to stay in Europe, but this is not a necessity.”

Although a ride in Europe would be preferred for Elzinga, he has made the trip across the pond in 2021 to race two AMA Nationals, an experience which he thought fondly of.

“I did some AMA Nationals back in the day and I loved racing there more, but yeah, going there for a full season is quite a change” he reflected. “I like the racing more, the tracks are in my opinion, nicer, easier to pass, more options, just tracks are more difficult in general in my opinion. I just like the whole vibe over there more, it’s not as serious. It’s more like an easy going flow, when I was there, they are kind they explain it to you. Here (in Europe) they’re a bit bossy sometimes with the rules.”

With seven rounds remaining of the MXGP season, the pressure is on for Elzinga to put the results he is truly capable of on the board, to help his push for the best possible support in 2026.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview and the full post-race podcast episode!

Image courtesy of Yamaha