Vale: Eric Geboers
The multiple world motocross champion has passed away at the age of 55Belgian motocross icon Eric Geboers has died in tragic circumstances at the age of 55.
The first rider in history to win the world championship in all three two-stroke classes – 125cc, 250cc and 500cc as they were known then – was out boating with friends in his native Belgium when he jumped into freezing water to try and rescue his dog and failed to emerge.
Friends alerted authorities around 10:00pm, and his body was found in the early hours of the morning.
Goebers, one of the finest riders to come out of the seemingly never-ending Belgian motocross talent factory, was a 125cc world champion in 1982-1983 before taking out the 250cc crown in 1987 and then doubling up in the premier 500cc class in 1988 and 1990. He retired at the end of 1990 still at the peak of his powers.
Following his retirement he moved into sports car endurance racing before returning to his roots as team manager for Suzuki’s factory world motocross squad.
Eric’s older brother, Sylvain Goebers, was also a professional motocross rider.
RIP Eric.
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