The Belgian Auto and Moto Club Orp-Le-Grand, founded in 1949, organises one of Europe’s largest vintage motocross events every year. It features a large number of riders, multiple class races and genuine motorsport history.
Gaston Rahier Memorial
Orp-Le-Grand hosted the very first 125cc World Championship round in 1975. That race was won by Belgium’s Gaston Rahier, and so this year’s event was dedicated to his memory under the title Gaston Rahier Memorial.
Finnish riders Jukka Sintonen and Simo Taimi were also invited to this year’s event. They did not compete in the actual races but took part in the Old Stars exhibition ride alongside other legends.
“A truly wonderful event. Absolutely world class. Spectators and vintage bikes everywhere.”
Sintonen was given a 1983 500cc factory Yamaha — the exact same rare machine he had raced in the World Championship during the ’83 season. Simo Taimi, meanwhile, climbed into the saddle of a 500cc Husqvarna, even though his main class in the 1980s had been the 250cc.
— Getting on a big Husky for the exhibition ride was quite something. Luckily I managed to get a couple of practice runs on a motocross bike in Pori before leaving, since it had been nearly 25 years since I last sat on one, Taimi laughs.
Friendship across borders
The event was also an opportunity to catch up with old rivals. Taimi had a long conversation with Jean-Claude Laquaye, who served as carer for the legendary Andre Malherbe for over 30 years after Malherbe was paralysed in 1988.
All in all, Orp-Le-Grand 2025 was a fitting tribute to the sport’s history. Both Sintonen and Taimi were moved by the invitation and thrilled to once again enjoy the grand celebration of motocross in the heart of Europe.
Video: Orp-Le-Grand 2025
Sintonen can be seen in the video wearing number 10 and Taimi number 30.
Text & Photos: Photo & Moto