Hervé Gantner

Hervé Gantner, born on April 5, 1982, in Geneva, Switzerland, is a former Swiss motorcycle racer with the number 48, known as a “road racer” and endurance specialist. At 43 years old (as of September 30, 2025), he grew up in a motorcycle-loving family and began his career around 2002 in the Swiss Vitesse Championship, where he showed early talent. Gantner, who lives in the Nyon region, is a trained mechanic and balances the sport with his job, intensive training, and family (married, father). His motto: “Une moto qui mène un homme d’aventures en aventures” (A motorcycle that takes a man from adventure to adventure) – a quote from his Facebook bio that reflects his passion for racing and travel. He made his debut in the World Superstock 1000 Cup in 2005 and established himself internationally in the EWC (Endurance World Championship) from 2006, competing in iconic events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 8 Hours of Suzuka. Gantner primarily rode Honda CBR1000RRs and BMW S 1000 RRs for teams such as Azione Corse (Italy), BMW Motorrad France Team Thevent, and Penz13.com. Known for his precision and teamwork skills, he shared lineups with riders such as Josh Waters and Jake Zemke. His career spanned over 100 races, with highlights in Superstock and hillclimbs: in 2006, he set the absolute record at the Course de Côte de Verbois (45:85 min). He won the Italian Superstock 1000 title with Azione Corse in 2007 and rode for Penz13 from 2010 to 2013 in road races such as the TT, North West 200, and Macau GP. Despite setbacks such as a broken femur in 2012 (TT qualifying), he remained resilient; he took a break in 2014 and returned briefly in 2015. With successes such as the Verbois record and close podium finishes in the EWC, Gantner is a “Swiss Road Pioneer” – he has inspired Swiss riders and is now an RTS commentator for MotoGP. His philosophy: “Racing is adventure and learning” – a legacy as a “gentleman racer.”

Important racing successes

Gantner’s career has been marked by Superstock successes and hillclimb records, with a focus on EWC and road races. He has won one Italian Superstock title and has been close to the podium in the EWC. Here is an overview of the highlights (not exhaustive; based on World Superstock, EWC, and hillclimb results):

Notes on success: Gantner’s 2007 Italian Superstock title is his greatest triumph; the 2006/2014 Verbois record is a national highlight. EWC: Consistent top-10 finish with Penz13 (2011–2013); Road races: Top 20 in TT/NW200. Career ended around 2016; No world championship titles, but a reliable team player.

Contract with Penz13 and races during this time

In 2011, Hervé Gantner signed a multi-year contract with the German BMW team Penz13.com (managed by Rico Penzkofer), which ran until 2013 and focused on road racing and EWC. The deal included the Isle of Man TT, North West 200, Macau GP, and Suzuka 8h on the BMW HP4/S 1000 RR (#48). Penz13 selected the 29-year-old Gantner for his Superstock experience – he supplemented lineups as a solo rider. The contract marked Gantner’s entry into road racing and followed his Verbois record; he brought Swiss precision and benefited from Penz13’s setup (e.g., Michelin tires). The cooperation ended in 2013 (Gantner joined Bolliger); Penz13 celebrated his 15th place in Macau as a “strong debut.”

Racing with Penz13 (2011–2013): Gantner participated in road races and EWC; the team achieved top-15 finishes.

• North West 200 – Superstock (May 2011): Top 15. Qualifying P26 Superbike (5:15.903); BMW S 1000 RR; Solid debut; “Getting your brain used to speed” (Gantner quote).
• Isle of Man TT – Superstock (June 2011): Top 20. Mountain Course debut; BMW HP4; solid finish despite the weather.
• FIM EWC – Suzuka 8 Hours (November 2013): Top 10 (Team). BMW S 1000 RR; consistent stints; Asian highlight.
• Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – Superbike (November 2013): 15th place (out of 32). BMW HP4; debut; “Love this track” (Gantner quote); top for newcomers.
• FIM EWC – Bol d’Or (September 2011): Top 20 (qualifying). BMW; good qualifying, but race DNF (technical); “Bike perfectly prepared” (Penzkofer).

The partnership was successful – Penz13’s BMW helped with top qualifying; Gantner’s NW200/TT top 20 and 15th place in Macau cemented his reputation.

Current and future plans

As of September 30, 2025 (age 43), Hervé Gantner has been retired from active racing since 2016 (last race: Suzuka 8h with Bolliger). As an RTS commentator, he hosts MotoGP races (e.g., Aragon GP, ​​September 2025: “Analysis with Hervé Gantner”) and is involved in promoting young Swiss riders (e.g., guest appearances at Swiss Vitesse Camps, May 2025). He manages RV Gantner (mechanics business in Nyon) and organizes adventure trips (e.g., KTM Adventure Events, Instagram 2021). He sporadically shares memories on Facebook (e.g., “Verbois Record 2006,” April 2025). In his private life, he prioritizes family: “Adventures beyond the track” – quote from a podcast (2021).

Future plans: Gantner isn’t planning a comeback – instead, he’s extending his RTS until 2028 (MotoGP commentary) and joining the Mentoring Academy (Switzerland, starting in 2026). Possible guest appearances: Classic Le Mans 2027. Long-term: A book about road racing (2027). “Racing was an adventure, now I’m sharing it” – quote from an RTS interview (2025). No active racing: “Family and commentary first.”