Strong results in the Dutch Masters of Motocross and French beach series have established Douwe as one of the fastest sand riders of his generation. Flashes of his speed in EMX85 and the junior World championship put the Belgian privateer on the radar of professional teams. Yet Douwe decided to continue one more season in the family’s VM Racing team.

Physical prowess, hard-work and focus paid dividends in his rookie EMX125 season (2023). As one of the youngest rookies in the class Van Mechgelen finished just outside of the top-20 overall but managed an impressive 10th place at his home race in Lommel.

In spite of a knee injury last year the youngster from Arendonk hit the ground running on his new Fantic XX 125. Placing 5th overall equal on points in the Internazionali d’Italia has launched his 2024 season in great fashion.