Motocross is one of the few sports where the start of the race can be particularly crucial, so riders have to be extremely focused in the final seconds before the start gate falls. However, everyone deals differently with the situation. Some try to relax, while others give vent to the pressure - it all depends on what kind of person you are.

Arminas Jasikonis (18, LIT): "I try to come down completely in the final few seconds and focus only on the start, which is quite a challenge, because the adrenaline obviously kicks in at the moment. Still, as long as I don´t think too much about a position that I might possibly want to secure, I can actually get myself under control, start to relax and not be too nervous as I start the race."

Glen Meier (17, DEN): I wave my arms about and shout loudly to get rid of the pressure that builds up just before the start and get my nervousness under control that way. When the seconds boards are then held up just before the signal to start, the adrenaline kicks in and it just feels really good.

Ron Noffz (23): As far as I´m concerned, I need peace and quiet from about lunchtime onwards and can´t be bothered to talk at length with anyone. However, I mustn´t relax too much, as the body has to be geared up to getting started soon. This take on things means that I can react quicker and be more agile. Just before the start gate drops, I make the sign of the cross, rev the engine and shout loudly. That helps me enormously.

Vaclav Kovar (20, CZE): Just before the start, I like to listen to my favourite tracks from Slipknot heavy metal band. That gets me really fired up, and I feel particularly strong. I do a few brief stretching exercises at the start gate, and then I´m ready to give it my all.

Jeremy Delince (25, BEL): The start is my top priority, since it can often decide the race. In the final seconds, I shake my hands several times to relax and forget everything around me. I try to think of the start as just a routine part of daily life, so that I´m not too nervous and can focus immediately on the first turn.

Cedric Grobben (21, BEL): For me, breathing in and out quietly just before the start of the race is the main thing. Nervousness can put paid to a good start, because it inhibits you. And so, I focus on a specific point, think of the holeshot and try to relax. The good thing is that I can now benefit from my years of experience. I used to try to relax with music but eventually realised that all I need to do is focus on myself and my breathing.