Motocross is a spectacular and action-packed sport. At each ADAC MX Masters event, motocrossers thrill thousands of spectators with their daredevil rides on clay soils and sandy ground, over bumps, o'er hill and down dale. However, swift overtaking manoeuvres and metre-high jumps put strains on the backs and joints of all motocross riders and collisions can even occur in the heat of the moment, so safety on the track is paramount. Max Nagl, the only German rider to contest the MX1 World Championship and the ADAC MX Masters never goes out on his bike without donning protective clothing. "No matter whether in training or in a race, I always wear the complete range of gear available, including neck brace," said the 25-year-old.
That consists of helmet, goggles, boots, gloves, chest, back and knee braces. Current ADAC MX Masters champion Marcus Schiffer has some words of advice for young hotheads: "As a teenager, you should pay particular attention to protective gear." Marcus Schiffer wears Ortema knee and shoulder braces that are made of carbon fibre and are customised to fit the individual rider using a plaster cast. Light in weight and yet extremely tough, they afford the highest levels of protection. The knee brace can be worn without any issues during training and when racing thanks to its slim design giving a high level of comfort. The plastic shoulder brace too with its adjustable closure system can be altered to suit all riders. Knee and shoulder braces are available in various sizes at prices starting from around 350 euros.
A protective jacket (from 250 euros upwards) is just the ticket to prevent injuries to arms, shoulders and elbows. It also provides the best possible protection for the spinal column with its continuous flexible backing plate. The removable high impact protective element can be easily changed or removed when washing the jacket thanks to a special insertion pocket. Since the material fits the body very snugly, the jacket cannot slip around and thus ensures a high level of wearer comfort. "I feel really well protected, even in the thick of a race, when I've got my jacket on," said ADAC MX Youngster Cup rider Lars Reuther.
Furthermore, it can be easily combined with a breastplate (starting at 245 euros). This specially adapted plate made of unbreakable plastic protects chest, ribs and internal organs as well as the clavicles in a fall. High-quality foam protectors integrated into the plastic outer shell absorb impact energy tremendously well. So ADAC MX Youngster Cup rider Niklas Raths never ceases to be amazed that: "Some guys think riding without a chest protector is cool. I just cannot understand them." And Czech rider Filip Neugebauer mentions another advantage:" The rib protection plate also helps when there are flying stones."
Niklas Raths is a firm advocate of the Leatt neck brace. "I've been using one since 2009. It protects against neck injuries and, in my opinion, should be worn by every rider in view of the tremendous speeds we reach in races," said the 20-year-old, who comes from Niederzier, not far from Michael Schumacher's home town. The latest and completely revised neck brace produced by South African manufacturer Leatt is made from aramid reinforced carbon fibre and is light and very comfortable. It gives the rider great freedom of movement, has a wide range of fitting options and so can be made to fit the rider's body perfectly.
The well ventilated chassis and the one piece CoreFlex back brace of this high-end piece of kit mean more than just an investment in safety to Niklas Raths. "A neck brace costs from 400 to 500 euros. Before I put everything into the bike, I'd rather spend on my safety, because it is the most important thing in the world to me. I crashed at the 2009 European Championships, but my protective clothing saved me from injury. It is money well spent."