DeCoster Starts New Era With KTM

On the heels of its first MX1 World title since 1985 - a strong and dominating performance by Antonio Cairoli in the 2010 series - KTM took a step toward becoming a bigger player in the American motocross scene with the signing of Roger DeCoster as team manager of its U.S. factory effort.

DeCoster's strengths as a team manager were confirmed this year with the success of Ryan Dungey, a rider DeCoster signed and mentored from unknown B rider in the Amateur ranks a few years ago. In 2010, Dungey became the first rider in the sport's history to win the AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross 450-class titles in his rookie season, all while a member of the DeCoster-managed Rockstar Makita Suzuki team.

Making way for his move to KTM, DeCoster left Suzuki last week after a relationship that started in 1971, when he gave the marquee its first Open class world title. Most recently he spent 15 years as team manager of Suzuki's Motocross and Supercross efforts, and was at the helm when Ricky Carmichael won the last four of his 16 AMA titles. Together, DeCoster and Carmichael developed the RM-Z450 into the bike that it is today.

DeCoster's jump to KTM was a surprise move by both parties and it was seen as a major coup by the Austrian firm. According to KTM's Pit Beirer, "After reaching success in the FIM Motocross World Championship with Stefan Everts as their Off-road Race Director, KTM aims at succeeding also in the USA courtesy of DeCoster's contribution."

On the Sunday morning of the Benelux Grand Prix, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer, Head of KTM Off-road Sports Department Pit Beirer, KTM Offroad Race Director Stefan Everts and former World Champion Heinz Kinigadner gathered in a press conference to announce the signing of DeCoster.

According to KTM CEO Stefan Pierer, "The acquisition of Roger DeCoster to take over our factory team in the USA heralds a new era for KTM. We now enjoy a worldwide network and we are a real global player. Roger DeCoster is one of the great figures in the sport of Motocross and we are delighted that he has agreed to manage our new team. KTM is now "Ready to Race" in the biggest and most competitive Motocross competitions in the world."

"It was a difficult decision for me to leave Suzuki but I was looking for a long term agreement and commitment, which I both found in KTM," said DeCoster. "This is a new challenge for me and I am looking forward to it."

DeCoster will finish out the final outdoor national at Pala this weekend and managed this year's US team at the Motocross of Nations in Colorado before assuming duties at KTM.

During his career as a rider, DeCoster recorded five World Titles and 36 Grand Prix wins, all in the 500cc class, DeCoster moved to America to become a four-time Trans AMA Champion. As a team manager, DeCoster has won numerous titles including 20 victories as manager of Team USA at the FIM Motocross of Nations.