Interview: Sawyer Gieck – “The level of racing in EMX125 is very elite”

American motocross prospect Sawyer Gieck has recently ventured to Europe to compete in the highly competitive EMX125 class, joining the 737 Performance KTM team for a brief but intensive racing stint. The move represents a significant step in Gieck’s career, allowing him to test his skills against some of the continent’s best young riders. Having already established a strong reputation in the United States, including four Loretta Lynn National Championships and being named Youth Rider of the Year by the American Motorcycle Association, Gieck’s European experience is designed to broaden his racing horizons and accelerate his development. Gieck’s transition to European racing has presented both challenges and learning opportunities. He highlighted the difficulty of adapting to new tracks, such as the iconic Saint Jean d’Angely circuit and the demanding deep sand of Riola, as well as the different race formats like timed qualifying, which are less common in American amateur racing. Despite some initial struggles with bike setup and track flow, Gieck has shown resilience, improving his performance throughout the events and gaining valuable insights from working closely with former Grand Prix rider Valentin Teillet and the 737 Performance KTM team. The young American has been impressed by the calibre of competition in the EMX125 series, describing the level of racing as “very elite” with riders who are fast, technical, and gritty. Being immersed in this environment has inspired Gieck to push himself harder and adapt quickly to the rigours of European motocross. He also expressed enthusiasm for upcoming races, including the FIM Junior World Championship in the Czech Republic, and remains open to the possibility of competing more extensively in Europe if the right opportunities arise. Looking ahead, Gieck plans to return to the United States to focus on qualifying for the prestigious Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Motocross Championship, while continuing his training regimen with coach Jake Weimer. Balancing his racing ambitions with school commitments, Gieck’s European experience is set to be a pivotal chapter in his career, equipping him with the skills and confidence needed to compete at the highest levels of the sport.