Conditions for the ADAC MX Masters foreign stop-over in Austria could not have been better for qualifying with sun and temperatures nudging 22 degrees, plus a perfectly prepared track set against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Constance as well as plenty of enthusiastic spectators on the first day. On Saturday, 244 riders from more than 25 countries battled for a place at the starting gate in the races on Sunday. In the end, 40 riders from each class were able to qualify directly. Two German favourites and the current Danish championship leader were particularly impressive in the ADAC MX Masters. World championship rider, Angus Heidecke's (25, KTM Sarholz Racing Team) time of 1.41.363 was the best, securing pole position for him in Sunday's race. "Actually, this technical track is not really my thing, but somehow, I still managed to cope well and find my way around. I was even faster than the championship leader in the ADAC MX Masters, which obviously makes me feel good. However, I don't want to make too much of it just now, because accounts are only ever finally settled on Sunday," said the 25-year-old.

Dennis Ullrich (22, KTM Sarholz Racing Team) was also very pleased with his good result. He was only slightly slower than his team-mate and will line up in second position at the starting gate tomorrow. "I simply switched my brain off today and took qualifying in a relaxed manner. My tactic went very well, and I had a lot of fun on the track," said the two-time ADAC MX Masters winner. Current ADAC MX Masters championship leader, Thomas Kjer Olsen (19 / DEN, Bodo Schmidt Motorsports, Husqvarna) produced the third-best performance. Local rider Lukas Neurauter (25/AUT, Cofain Racing Team) qualified fourth and was pleased to be among the best riders on the very first day of the race weekend in his home country. "That takes a lot of pressure off me, being able to deliver such a good performance here today despite a hand injury. Now I can feel relaxed as I line up on Sunday," said the 25-year-old.

ADAC MX Youngster Cup

In the ADAC MX Youngster Cup, Belgian rider Nathan Renkens (18, WZ Racing) repeated his top performance from qualifying at the opening weekend in Fürstlich Drehna four weeks ago. The 18-year-old managed to beat off the competition once again on Austrian soil and secure another best time. But while doing so, Renkens kept things really exciting until just before the end. It actually looked like Dutchman Luca Nijenhuis (21, Monster Engergy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil) would win the qualifying round, however, Renkens managed to overtake his rival on the final lap. "Everything was perfect today. My bike was set up super, I was able to keep my pace constant, and I think the track is very nice. I'm currently sixth in the championship, so there's still some room for improvement. I will definitely aim to finish on the top rung of the podium tomorrow," said the ADAC MX Youngster Cup rider. Dutchman Glen Meier (17, KTM Kosak Racing Team) was second, while Luca Njenhuis placed third.

ADAC MX Junior Cup

The leader in the ADAC MX Junior Cup standings, Rene Hofer (14/AUT, MSC Imbach by MEFO Sport / Kini KTM Junior Team Pro) was also very satisfied. The young talent, who is sponsored by MX legend Heinz Kinigadner (56), lived up to his reputation of local 'hero' and roared away from all the other young riders even in qualifying. The Austrian comfortably went into P1 with a lead of almost 2.1 seconds, instantly setting out his stall. "The support of my family and my fans gives me a big boost, especially here. It's a great feeling to be able to impress like this on home turf. Besides, I could even hear the commentator every now and then, who kept forever mentioning my name. That spurred me on even more," said the young schoolboy after his performance on the 1,850-metre track. Czech rider Radim Kraus (KTM 14) was able to win through in second place. Finnish rider Matias Vesterinen (13, KTM Diga Junior Racing Team) produced the third-best performance.

Programme

Austrian host club, MCC Möggers, has an entertaining programme for the whole family at the ADAC MX Masters with plenty to do for children at the ADAC Young Generation Suzuki Quad track and on the ADAC Insurance kids' bouncy castle. Moreover, the top stars of the series will make themselves available to their fans for half-an-hour on Sunday from 12:15 pm to 12:45 pm at the ADAC Truck to answer questions. Signing autographs this time will be local rider Lukas 'Luke' Neurauter, ADAC MX Youngster Cup champion Brian Hsu (18, Team Suzuki World MX2), Thomas Kjer Olsen and Angus Heidecke.

The ADAC MX Masters is sponsored by the following partners: Red Bull, 24MX, Suzuki, Maxxis, Motul, KTM, Honda, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Goldfren, Allianz/Racing Policy, Ortema, Magura, Tsubaki, MEFO Sport, Leatt Brace, Opel, MOTOCROSS ENDURO - off-road magazine since 1971, Cross Magazin, DirtBiker magazine and MOTORRAD.