Breaking: 21-Year-Old Georgian Rider Named Starter as Motocross Star Ken Roczen Ruled Out for Rest of 2024 Season Due to Injury
April 15, 2025 — In a surprising shake-up to the 2024 Supercross season, 21-year-old Georgian rider Luka Tsiklauri has been officially named the new starting rider for H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki after veteran motocross star Ken Roczen was ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Contrary to early online rumors suggesting a suspension, 
The crash, which occurred in the intense whoop section of the track at Nissan Stadium, was caused by a reported rear shock failure on Roczen’s Suzuki RM-Z450.
The mechanical issue led to a violent crash that left Roczen with a broken tibial plateau, fractured foot, and a broken toe. Though the German superstar won’t require surgery, the injuries are severe enough to end his season prematurely and keep him sidelined until at least 2025.
Roczen, 30, had been having an impressive season, with multiple podium finishes and one of the most consistent performance records among the sport’s elite. His departure from the 2024 series is a major blow not only to H.E.P. Motorsports and Suzuki but to fans around the world who have followed his comeback journey over the years.
In a statement released last week, Roczen expressed both disappointment and gratitude:
“It’s devastating to be out like this, especially when I was feeling great on the bike and pushing hard every week. But I’m thankful it wasn’t worse. These kinds of injuries take time to heal, and I want to make sure I come back 100%. I’ll be cheering on the team and our new young rider every step of the way.”
That “new young rider” is Luka Tsiklauri, a 21-year-old rising motocross talent from Tbilisi, Georgia. While relatively unknown in the American Supercross scene until now, Tsiklauri has built a strong reputation in the European motocross circuit for his aggressive racing style and raw potential. He was signed to H.E.P. Motorsports earlier this year as a developmental prospect and has spent much of the season training behind the scenes and racing in regional events.
With Roczen sidelined, team officials announced on Monday that Tsiklauri would be taking over as the primary rider for the rest of the 2024 Supercross calendar.
“We’re excited to give Luka this opportunity,” said H.E.P. Motorsports team manager Dustin Pipes. “He’s been working incredibly hard all season long, and while it’s unfortunate to lose Ken, we’re confident that Luka can step up and deliver strong performances. He has a lot to learn, but this is the perfect chance for him to gain experience and showcase his skills on the world stage.”
Tsiklauri expressed gratitude for the opportunity during a brief media appearance:
“It’s a dream come true. I grew up watching riders like Ken Roczen, and now I get to carry the torch while he recovers. I know I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got. I’ve been preparing for this moment my whole life.”
Tsiklauri is expected to make his debut as the starting rider at the upcoming round in Philadelphia. All eyes will be on the young rider as he steps into one of the most high-pressure roles in the sport.
Meanwhile, Roczen is expected to begin a structured rehabilitation program immediately and plans to return in time for the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship. In a show of loyalty and long-term planning, Suzuki and H.E.P. Motorsports confirmed that Roczen has re-signed with the team through the end of next season.
For now, the motocross world braces for a fresh chapter, with a young underdog getting his chance to shine—and one of its brightest stars beginning the long road to recovery.
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