On The Pegs June 2020 - Volume 5 - Issue 6 | Page 160
On The Pegs 160
final standings, which tempted the Belgian to switch brands for 1967.
In the following eight seasons Sylvain Geboers was at the height of his successful
career. Being runner-up in the 250cc championship twice and third three
times, the Belgian was well-known all over the globe as he also raced in the
American Trans-AMA championships. In 1971 Geboers won this series outright in
the 500cc class.
Sylvain Geboers was not only famous for his good stamina and his fantastic
rides on sandy tracks, he was also a popular rider because of his nice manners.
Always a happy and positive man, Sylvain thrilled his fans - and competitors - with
enthusiasm and good pride.
“I considered the mental and physical health as being just as important as my
riding ability,” said the sympathetic man from Mol, who still travels a lot in the MX
business.
After 14 Grand Prix victories Sylvain Geboers switched to Husqvarna for the 1975
season. At that time he not only cherished the Swedish brand, but also had good
experiences from his days riding for the Lindström company. “I was always impressed
by the results from the Swedish factory,” said Geboers, “and I wanted to
have a go at it in 1975.”
The year started very well on his new mount. In the opening round at Sabadell
in Spain, Sylvain finished fourth on his Husqvarna in the first heat. “It seemed the
machine and I were a good couple,” he laughed after his impressive ride.
After the first round, the Belgian lay 5th in the title chase. But Sylvain Geboers
had seen his best days in motocross. When half the season was over, he came 7th
in one leg of the Polish GP in Szcecin. In the following round Sylvain hit 10th position
after a decent ride. But that was it during his short Husqvarna career, which
only lasted for one-year. His final position in the 250cc championship table this
year was a meagre 21st place with 13 scored points.
Sylvain then raced motocross for another two seasons before he definitely
quit. “The last two years were more for fun than anything else,” he said after his
Husqvarna season. “I knew that my successful years were over.”
On the 15th of August in 1978 Sylvain Geboers rode his last active race on home
turf for KMC Mol at the Keiheuvel-Balen track outside of his native town. He still
lives on Smallestraat 10 in Mol. n