Somewhat bashful, slightly reserved, almost a little shy - meeting Laurenz Falke for the first time, you would not think that there was a real fighting spirit hidden behind the smart 15-year-old, but that is precisely what he is, a fighter. Even as a wee laddie, Lauri, as friends and family call him, knew what it meant to compete on the motocross track, after all, he always used to watch his father, Udo, race. The young talent was finally presented with a small bike aged six. Dad simply wanted to give him the chance to have a little bit of fun in the garden on the 'pocket rocket', but those first experiences were enough to infect Laurenz with the infamous motocross bug.

But now, however, the 15-year-old, who was crowned champion of the state of Saxony in 2011 and German champion in 2012, is starting his third season in the ADAC MX Junior Cup and is already a serious competitor. He finished a decent ninth last year and is continuing his successful run of successes with two top finishes in the Top Ten in 2016. His strategy, be relaxed at the start of the race, get your excitement under control and do not get carried away. "I'm more of a careful rider, who still likes to consider things a fair bit before races. I usually go over the whole of the track in my mind before the race starts in order to be perfectly prepared," said the Husqvarna rider. However, no trace of nervousness remains once he's revved the bike up. "It's such great fun, leaning into the corners, drifting and constantly feeling the adrenaline pumping," added Laurenz.

The young schoolboy from Waldsteinberg near Leipzig is particularly taken with tracks that are set in the landscape. It always reminds him of going on holiday, he laughs. "Also, it really bowls me over each time, having to go up against an international field of riders. That actually makes you feel a bit like a pro rider, and I find it gives me a boost," continued young Master Falke.

He gets support primarily from his dad, Udo. Mother Kathrin is kept busy at the moment with his little sister Carlotta (seven weeks old). However, she does make time at home to help strengthen her eldest son's mental reserves. Moreover, current ADAC MX Junior Cup champion Jeremy Sydow (16) is no stranger to the Falke family, after all, he is the one who introduced Laurenz to the ADAC MX Masters. "Laurenz is a really good motocross rider, who has come on really well as regards riding style, stamina and speed. He's definitely one of the favourites in the ADAC MX Junior Cup line-up, and we could become real rivals once again as soon as he graduates to the ADAC MX Youngster Cup," Jeremy told us.

But it will be a little while before Jeremy and Laurenz go head-to-head in ADAC MX Masters races as they used to back in the day on their 65cc machines. The young rider's goal now is to finish in the Top Three in Class 3.