Quiet, calm, focused. Meeting Dennis Ullrich (23, KTM Sarholz Racing Team) away from the track, you would never think for one moment that he turns quite literally into a tiger when he gets on his bike, but that's exactly what happens as soon as the starting gate falls. Ulle, as he's called by everyone in motocross, is a fighter, a doer, a winner. Last Sunday, the Bavarian reaped the rewards for his strict training regime and was again crowned winner of the ADAC MX Masters after emerging triumphant in 2013 and 2014. Ullrich has made history with this result, becoming the most successful ADAC MX Masters rider of all time with three titles to his name. "I'm very strong willed. Once I get something into my head, then I will do everything possible to make it happen," said the protégé of Team KTM Sarholz Racing. Ullrich is especially proud that he is now one up in terms of ADAC MX Masters titles on Max Nagl (29, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team), Marcus Schiffer (29) and Ken Roczen (22): "I was able to position myself well ahead of Max in the finale at Holzgerlingen, proving once again that I don't have to hide my light under a bushel. It fills me with confidence, especially in view of the Motocross of Nations which is about to get under way," said the 23-year-old.

Thanks to his outstanding performance in the ADAC MX Masters and his accomplishments in the world championship, he has been invited to join the German National Motocross squad for the fourth consecutive year in 2016. He will line up in the Motocross of Nations (24th - 25th September) and for a third time, join team members – Max Nagl and Henry Jacobi (19, KTM Sarholz Racing Team) – to represent Germany in what has become known as the 'Motocross Olympics', which is a task that the successful motocross ace clearly relishes: "You line up alongside all the top stars in the world at the MxoN. I obviously know them all from the world championship, but the MX of Nations is that bit special. There's a great atmosphere. You stick together as a team and try to do your best so as not to disappoint your team-mates. It's a completely fresh challenge in every respect," said the pro rider. This season, Ullrich has been able to regularly position himself in the midfield of top international riders in grands prix. He triumphed with a magnificent sixth place in the world championship race at St Jean d'Angely, France. "Motocross is my life. I got the bug for the sport at an early age and have never wanted to do anything else," said the triple ADAC MX Masters champion.

Ullrich began riding motocross at the age of five when a friend let him ride his small motorcycle. Young Ulle was so taken by the experience that he didn't get off the bike until he'd run out of fuel. The youngster competed in his first race aged six and secured his first trophy the following year in the 50cc championship, held under the banner of the the DJMV (German Junior Motocross Association). Major success then came when he was 15. In 2008, the teenager was crowned German Youth Champion in the 85cc class and was also runner-up in the ADAC MX Junior Cup after battling it out with none other than Jeffrey Herlings (22) for the title in the final race. Ullrich stood on the top rung of the podium in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup in 2010. He won the title of German champion in the MX2 championship in 2012.

The 23-year-old has now had 18 years experience of competing at motocross circuits and has become a specialist on technically demanding, hard-surface tracks. The circuits in France at St Jean d'Angely, Teutschenthal, Gaildorf and Holzgerlingen where he has achieved his greatest successes particularly suit the MX star. "I really enjoy beautiful natural terrain with deep ruts. I'm in my element and can deliver my best performance," said the KTM rider. He sacrifices all his spare time to fulfill his dream of being a pro rider. "This job keeps me busy seven days a week. I'm out racing at weekends, train during the week and have to keep my motorbikes in tip top shape and organise future trips. It really is full-time with hardly any time to relax," said the world championship rider.

Ullrich is supported in his racing endeavours by girlfriend Vanessa, his mechanic Robbie and suspension technician, Rüdi. Their role is to ensure that Ulle always feels at ease. "It's extremely important for me as an MX rider to have good people around me. They are always there for me and give me strength. Their support is of great importance to me, especially in the world championship where it's sometimes extremely tough to assert yourself against strong competition," said the 23-year-old. They were there at Holzgerlingen along with his mother Brigitte and brother Sven (17) to celebrate the achievements of the newly crowned ADAC MX Masters champion. Team boss Burkhard Sarholz had already had special winner's T-shirts printed which they then wore during the podium ceremony to celebrate their hero in style. "It's just amazing what happened on Sunday at Holzgerlingen. I now have to just let things calm down a bit before I can take it all in properly. We're going to throw a big party at home, for sure, to bring this terrific season to a fitting end," said Ulle with a chuckle, who likes to keep fit by cycling in his spare time and also enjoys a relaxing visit to the cinema.

Dennis Ullrich doesn't know yet what's on the cards for next year. However, the championship winner has already announced that he would like to compete again in Europe's most popular motocross racing series in 2017.