The ADAC MX Masters got its 15th season under way with the first meeting of the year at Fürstlich Drehna. The 9,500 spectators got to see eight exciting races in cool, but dry conditions. Many volunteers helped out at Fürstlich Drehna to ensure that things went smoothly. They worked really hard to prepare the track, manicuring it to perfection. The field in the ADAC MX Masters was very evenly matched and there was not much to choose as regards who took the top spots. 25-year-old Belgian rider Jens Gettemann (Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Elf Pfeil) worked really hard to secure victory on the day. He went on an amazing charge to take the win in the first race after making a mediocre start. However, he hit the buffers twice at an early stage in the second round. "I fell twice and had to fight my way back up front from the middle of the field," said Gettemann, describing his route to victory on the day. "I gave it my all and somehow made it into eighth place. Fortunately, that was enough to secure victory on the day. Now we can start the next race at Möggers as championship leaders. I really like the track there and am looking forward to defending my lead."

Estonian rider Tanel Leok (A1M Husqvarna), who had already posted the second-fastest lap in Saturday qualifying was second in the daily standings with a deficit of just two points. He struggled in the first race after making a poor start and was unable to do better than P10 but really upped the pace in the second round. "But even then, my start was not optimal," he told us. "But this time, I found a really good rhythm and was able to move all the way up into P1, which was a fine way to finish the weekend here in Drehna."

Dennis Ullrich (Bodo Schmidt Motorsport/Husqvarna)), though, had no problems getting his race started. The four-time Masters champion produced two of his rocket starts and was able to move into the lead rightaway. The veteran rider was not at all worried that despite his efforts, he still only managed to finish fifth and third, tying with Leok for third place in the daily rankings. "Everyone probably knows by now that the sandy circuit here is not exactly my favourite," said Ullrich with a chuckle. "I never feel comfortable on sand, and as a result, there were moments in the race when I had to ease off a little. So, all things considered, third place overall is a good start for me. I'm now looking forward to the races on hard soil. I generally feel much better when the going is firm and can maintain my pace without any problems."

Bence Szvoboda (HTS KTM Team) in second place finished on the podium in the first race. "I won the start and rode a strong race," said the Hungarian. "I lost a few places at first, but things got better in the second stint and I really enjoyed the track." In the second race, though, Szvoboda had to settle for tenth place after making a poor start. Events on Sunday turned out the other way round to all intents and purposes for Latvian rider Karlis Sabulis (WZ-Racing/KTM). He was unable to do better than P8 in the first race but stormed into second place in the second round with an impressive performance. "I made a good start and felt strong," said Sabulis. "I was able to lead for a few laps but got a bit tired towards the end and had to let Leok take the lead."

ADAC MX Youngster Cup

Austrian rider Rene Hofer (KTM Junior Racing) easily dominated the two races in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup. He made two good starts and took two impressive wins. "My first round was not perfect," said Hofer. "But, I was very satisfied with the second race. I've now got five days off to look forward to, because my coach, Didi Lacher, promised me a short break if I could win the second race by a margin of more than thirty seconds."

Pole-sitter Glen Meier (Team Specialmontering/Yamaha) finished second in the daily standings. After securing best time in qualifying on Saturday, the Danish rider turned in another very solid performance in both races on Sunday and was rewarded with second place twice. "I was finally able to convert my best time into good results," said a delighted Meier. "I never really found my rhythm and felt that I could have ridden even faster, but still, you shouldn't get too upset if you can claim a podium." Cyril Genot (Genot Racing KTM Team), who secured two fourth places, enabling him to finish on the lowest level of the podium in the daily rankings, was not about to complain either.

Local rider, 15-year-old Maximilian Spies (ESP MX Racing Team/Husqvarna), was more than happy to finish third in the second race. The ADAC Sports Foundation protégé is a member of the club at MSC Fürstlich Drehna and lives just 30 kilometres or so from the "Um den Mühlberg" circuit. He was in second place for a quite a long time after making an excellent start but was prepared to settle for third place in the closing stages. "I didn't want to do anything stupid and jeopardise my place on the podium," said the overjoyed rider, who is a firm favourite with fans. "Third place is like winning for me! My maiden podium in the series and in front of a home crowd as well. Let's hope my year continues in the same vein!"

ADAC MX Junior Cup 125

Bavarian rider Simon Längenfelder (WZ-Racing/KTM) turned the races in the ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 into a lesson in how to win races. The ADAC Sports Foundation protégé achieved the absolute maximum from the opening weekend in Fürstlich Drehna: Pole position in both races and two comfortable wins. It's no wonder that he was very happy. "I had two good starts and two really great races," said Längenfelder, who was visibly elated with his performance. "The key to my success was that I had fun riding. Whenever I feel good at a track and have fun, then things turn out well practically of their own accord. Of course, you also need good starts. Things could go well again if I can get another great start off the line in the next race in Austria. I really like the Möggers track."

Längenfelder's team-mate, Rasmus Pedersen (WZ-Racing/KTM) finished in second place behind him. In the second round, the Dane defended his second place against attacks from Mike Gwerder (KINI KTM Junior Pro Team), who stormed up the field from behind and so, remained in front of fellow Swiss KTM rider in the daily standings. "The second race was really exhausting and I was at the limit of my endurance towards the end," said Pedersen. "I'll be lining up in the 250cc national championship at home in Denmark next week, which should prove just as tricky." A fall in the first corner put a dampener on Mike Gwerder's progress and he dropped way down the field. The 16-year-old rider went on a superb charge subsequently and finished on the podium after going all out. "I never really thought that I would be able to reclaim third place," said a delighted Gwerder. "I had to fight my way past a lot of other riders and really wound the throttle wide open towards the end, but it was worth it!"

ADAC MX Junior Cup 85

The junior riders in the ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 had their first race on Saturday but got back down to work on Sunday morning. Latvian rider Edvards Bidzans (MX MODULS/Husqvarna), who won on Saturday, did not get a perfect start but never left his determination to succeed in any doubt. He took P1 on the second lap, building up a solid lead of over twelve seconds. "My start was better than yesterday but not really optimal," said Bidzans, criticising his own performance. "But then, things went smoothly and I was able to ride my own race. I like to be in the lead. I can then focus on myself and not feel too much pressure."

Second place on the day went to Andreas Krogh Jensen (BvZ Racing Team/KTM), who was able to finish third again on Sunday as he had done on Saturday. "I took a tumble," said the Danish rider annoyed with himself. "But I quickly regained my rhythm and did enough to finish on the podium today." Fifth place on Sunday was enough for Lucas Bruhn (Becker Racing/KTM) to secure fifth place in the daily standings. Richard Stephan (KTM) in ninth place was the best-placed German rider.

You can watch the best scenes from the ADAC MX Masters on TV and on the Internet anywhere in the world once again in 2019. Motorvision TV will broadcast highlights from the seven race weekends to more than 100 countries in a 25-minute magazine style programme. Highlights from the ADAC MX Masters at Fürstlich Drehna will be broadcast for the first time on Sport1+ on April 20th at 12:25 pm. Motorvision International will show the magazine programme for the first time on April 21st at 1:20 pm. Summaries of events from the races will also be made available online at adac-mx-masters.de, youtube.de/adac and Facebook.com/adacmxmasters.