The start is one of the most exciting moments for ADAC MX Masters riders. The motocross aces are ready moments before the signal to set off is heard in order to get away at top speed – every single one of them, of course, with the aim of being fastest. Two card girls hold up boards, showing first a 15-second and then finally a 5-second warning to indicate to the motocrossers exactly how much time is left before the start of the race.

If there are only five seconds left before the start, the motocrossers declutch and put the bike in gear. Then follows a particularly anxious moment, as riders rev up their engines before setting off, opening the bike´s throttle wide while still stationary. The reason for that is to ensure getting away at the right time under full power. Revs are increased in advance so that the engine is then in its optimum power curve, enabling riders to get away without losing time.

It is important in doing this not to let the clutch out until the gate actually falls. If a false start is declared, the motocrosser rides up against the hoop and then pulls his machine backwards once more until the gate can fall freely. A bungled start to the race would be the result of not following procedure properly.