The secret is out! The Team Germany nominees who will represent the country in the Nations Motocross on the weekend of 27th-28th September at the Kegums circuit in Latvia have finally been revealed. During a press conference in Gaildorf in Baden-Württemberg, team boss Hubert Nagl nominated Max Nagl, Marcus Schiffer and Dennis Ullrich for Germany. Nagl and Schiffer have both been in the MXoN line-up for over ten years now. 27-year-old Nagl contested his first Nations race in 2003, while 27-year-old Schiffer made his debut in 2004. Team manager Nagl has brought in two young talented riders, Brian Hsu and Henry Jacobi, as reserves. Hsu became European and world champion in the 125cc class just very recently at the beginning of August. Jacobi secured his first world title in the 85 cc class in 2010.
While the son of team manager Hubert Nagl will line up on a 450 cc machine in the MX GP, Schiffer is switching to a smaller 250 cc bike in the MX2 for 2014. The Cologne-based rider is not worried about not being able to demonstrate the same level of performance on a less powerful machine: "On the contrary, I´m really looking forward to lining up on a smaller machine. The smaller bike is much lighter and more manoeuvrable than the 450 dirt bikes that I normally use. I can be much more nimble on the smaller bike, which is not only a lot of fun but also makes things much easier for me on a sandy track like Kegums. In addition, Suzuki have given me an extra training bike so that I can be really well prepared. At the moment, I´m putting in a great deal of training for the Kegums fixture and hope to secure a decent position. The Nations are like the Olympic Games for us, and it´s great to represent your country."
For Nagl, it is primarily the idea of competing as a team in the MXoN that he really enjoys: "Motocross is actually an individual sport, but I find that competing as a team in the MX of Nations really gives me a boost. We help each other, manoeuvre into position to help one another, walk the circuit together and give each other tips. I really enjoy this camaraderie, which is why I´m always in a much better mood prior to an MXoN event."
Third member of the team Dennis Ullrich has not had as much experience as his two team-mates but need not hide his light under a bushel. Last year, the 21-year-old was crowned ADAC MX Masters champion and has consistently enjoyed success ever since. Once again this season, it looks like the KTM rider will take his place on the podium in the Masters Series, plus, he has also produced occasional flashes of brilliance on his outings as a world championship rider, achieving good results. ‘Ulle´ will line up in the MX Open in the Motocross of Nations, taking up the fight on a powerful motorcycle as usual. "I´m relatively new to the team and gained my first experience in 2013 while competing in front of a home crowd. I now know what to expect. I feel good on the bike and am fighting fit," said the third member of Team Germany.
In the week before the start of the highlight event in Kegums, the team led by Hubert Nagl will meet for a joint practice session on Friday (09/19/14) before the final ADAC MX Masters event in Teutschenthal. A team outing is also planned. "Although the three riders get on well, it´s important to strengthen team spirit and give them the opportunity to get in step with one another. The very atmosphere engendered by undertaking activities jointly can in itself be vitally important in order to achieve a cohesive presence at the Nations," said the team manager.
Sponsors are needed to support the German team with material and financial aid in addition to the financial help provided by the DMSB and the ADAC in order to make possible Team Germany´s participation in the Motocross of Nations. Fox and Ortema are two of the main sponsors. Fox are one of the largest and best-known motorcycle clothing brands and are to provide the entire German crew with suitable team wear for the MXoN. The company will also provide riding gear for Fox riders Max and Marcus. Ortema, famous for medical fitness and orthopaedic technology, will have a stand in a prime spot in Kegums, so that the three German riders are always assured of support.
Motorcycle manufacturers Honda, KTM and Suzuki will not only provide motorbikes for riders but will also have a couple of mechanics on hand at the circuit to ensure that bikes function properly and are set up to suit track conditions.
Team Germany will continue to receive financial support from LS2 Helmets. Dennis has been using their crash helmets for several years now. Furthermore, Jens Östreich has been a long-standing supporter of the team with his eponymous business dealing in vehicles of all kinds.
STC Racing with Colin Streubel and Paul Thomas will donate all the food required for Kegums, making a special journey in their truck to the event in faraway Latvia. They will prepare fresh meals each day over the whole weekend, taking care of the team´s physical well-being.
The support of the Storz media group is also of vital importance. The company that also lists the ADAC MX Masters as one of its clients has agreed to produce graphics, logos, and various prints free of charge.
Red Bull are making it possible for the guys to go on a joint team outing in the week before Kegums, so that they can travel to Latvia feeling stronger and more relaxed as a team.