Adrien Van Beveren has shown once again why he is considered one of the top stars of the motocross world by winning the prestigious 2025 Enduropale Vintage Race held at the beautiful Touquet beach. Known for his passion and expertise, Van Beveren returned to his Northern home this year, just as he does every year after the Dakar rally, to recharge his spirit and reconnect with friends, family, and local media.
Every year, anticipation builds as Van Beveren and his team prep his iconic Honda 500 for the vintage motocross competition. The excitement not only springs from the possibility of winning but from the camaraderie and the exceptional atmosphere surrounding the event. According to La Voix du Nord, Van Beveren’s mechanic, Johan, stayed up late preparing the bike, and they faced numerous challenges, from adjusting the carburetor to replacing the cylinder. "When you change parts on such a bike, you change the carburation. It’s complex, and you’ve got to make sure everything is just right,” Van Beveren explained.
Early Wednesday morning before the race commenced, one could find him busy making those aforementioned adjustments, all the time reflecting on his days growing up alongside racing legends like Arnaud Demeester. “Competing with Demeester, who I grew up with, is incredibly special. This vintage event isn’t just another race but something exceptional,” he mused.
On race day, Van Beveren captured the attention immediately, sprinting to the front of the pack during the start. A crowd of about 100,000 spectators fueled the excitement as he maneuvered the challenging course, battling not only against the elements but also competitive opponents like Nicolas Dercourt, the French vintage champion. Dercourt would later mount pressure, narrowing the gap to just 11 seconds entering the final lap. "I didn’t realize he was so close until the very end when I saw the warning flag about the danger,” expressed Dercourt.
Through all the challenges and competitive spirit, Van Beveren proved undeterred, showcasing not just his superior technical skills but also strategic foresight. Leaving no room for error, he maintained his lead through the unforgiving sandy terrain, and as the end of the race drew near, it became clear: no one could snatch victory from him today.
Finally crossing the finish line, Van Beveren claimed his second Enduropale Vintage title, reinforcing his status as one of the premier riders. Dercourt and Demeester rounded up the podium, bringing home promising finishes as well. The final results were exciting, showcasing the competitors' incredible talent. "The atmosphere has been electric; it’s always rewarding to race here at the Touquet,” Van Beveren stated, reflecting on the experience of competing on his home turf.
The race not only showcased the intense competition and skills of the riders but also highlighted the love for vintage racing and the community spirit it fosters. Van Beveren’s win, now immortalized among his treasured memories, connects him deeply to his roots, creating stories to share long after the dust has settled from the tracks.
With two Enduropale Vintage victories under his belt, the future looks bright for Van Beveren, living proof of passion and dedication leading to triumph. Every ride is not merely a race but rather woven stories of nostalgia and celebration, deeply engrained within the fabric of this beloved sport.