NAfter a career spanning 30 years, former MX1 world champion David Philippaerts (40) is calling it quits. The Italian with Belgian roots recently focused on the Italian MX Prestige championship. Despite his veteran status, Philippaerts remained competitive for a long time. In 2020 and 2021, he became Italian vice-champion.
Last month, the Scoccia Kawasaki rider said goodbye during the MX Prestige final in Arco di Trento, bringing an end to an exceptional career.
As a factory rider for KTM and Yamaha he scored 12 GP victories, 29 series victories and 39 podiums. Technically Philippaerts was certainly not the most gifted crosser. In terms of physique and willpower he was unequalled. It earned him the very appropriate nickname "Guerriero" -or warrior.
What was it like to appear on the podium one more time after the race in Arco di Trento?
David Philippaerts: “Emotional! It affected me more than I had anticipated. At that moment you know that a very important chapter in my life is definitely coming to an end. I saw my family, my team and my friends standing there and a lot went through my mind. I did shed a tear then!”
Until your last seasons you regularly reached the podium against guys like Alessandro Lupino, Alberto Forato, Alvin Ostlund or Nicholas Lapucci. Easier said than done for a driver who drove his last full World Championship season in 2016?
Philippaerts: “That’s right, of course there’s a lot less attention than when you’re on the podium in a GP. But even in the Italian championship, performance is anything but easy! You have to keep training, work on the bike and you’re still on the track a lot. I’m relieved that the pressure is finally off me. With Scoccia Kawasaki I was in an excellent team the past few years, but it’s logical that as a rider you have to arrange more things yourself than in a factory team. I’m happy that I now have more time for my family.”
What will the future bring?
Philippaerts: “First of all, I will continue to expand my DP19 motocross school. In addition, I will coach some young talents who want to build an international career. And I will continue to work as an ambassador and test rider. For example, I have a very good relationship with Kawasaki and brands such as Hurly, GET, Borilli tires, Shot Race Gear and ProGrip. It is also remarkable how differently people approach you when you are no longer riding competitively. It surprised me, but I now receive proposals for certain projects that were impossible before. People now know that I am more available because I no longer have any competition obligations.”
Just like for Alessio Chiodi, the passion for the sport must be great to continue for so long?
Philippaerts: “That’s true. At this level, it’s not economically possible to do sport to earn a living. Once you deduct all the costs, there’s very little left. I’m not complaining because I’ve always ridden with great enthusiasm because I still enjoy it a lot. I was also lucky to have very good support, by the standards of the Italian championship of course.”
What exactly do you mean by that support at national level?
Philippaerts: “I do notice that it is becoming increasingly difficult for professional teams like Scoccia to get everything done. Ideally, such a team would train young talents from home soil and strive for results. The other side of the coin is that these upcoming riders also need a lot of support during training. That also requires additional budget. That is why Scoccia will continue with Cedric Coubeyras next season. He has everything he needs at home in France thanks to the support of Kawasaki France. That makes it easier for the team, which can concentrate on the competition weekends.”
Is there anything else you can pass on to young riders now that your adventure is over?
Philippaerts: “Work hard, keep believing in yourself and be grateful. That's about it I think! It's never easy to achieve a big goal but by giving it my all, I've achieved so much more than I ever dared to dream of. Of course I've experienced some great moments but also serious setbacks and injuries. Unfortunately, those are part of it, you have to learn to deal with them. Being able to put things into perspective helps with that. I'm therefore very grateful for everything I've achieved and all the people who've helped me with this. First and foremost my own family of course. Through my sport I've met so many interesting people, I've made friends and I've been able to experience a lot. I've seen places I could only have dreamed of otherwise! And perhaps the most important thing: as a top athlete you can't achieve anything on your own, certainly not in motorsport!”
Enjoy your MX retirement!
Philippaerts:“I will definitely do that. This year I participated for the first time in the Vintage MX des Nations in Foxhill on a Kawasaki KX500. A very nice experience, maybe I will do it again next year against other old guys.”
Tekst: Tom Jacobs
Photos: MX Report, AGV, Ray Archer, Alex Piantanida, IG David Philippaerts
