The fourth race meet of the ADAC MX Masters season will get underway at Tensfeld this weekend (20th/21st July). Coming directly after Mölln, the 200 or so riders will compete in Germany’s far north for the second time within three weeks. As the ADAC MX Masters celebrates its 15th anniversary, it’s interesting to note that the series will be making its 15th appearance at the 1.53-km circuit belonging to MCE Tensfeld. Riders and motorcycles will face huge challenges on the deep sandy track there, as its surface will put enormous stresses on the 70-bhp motorbikes and also demand a high level of fitness from riders. Temperatures are expected to be very hot and summery, so only those riders, who are at the peak level of fitness stand a chance of claiming a place on the winners’ podium.
Estonian rider Tanel Leok (A1M Husqvarna), who currently leads the ADAC MX Masters class, proved that he can also be a winner at Tensfeld last year when he comfortably won both races on his guest appearance. “I really like the Tensfeld track and got my first taste of it on my guest appearance last year,” said Leok. “I’m contesting the full season in the series this year and would like to win the title.” But then, there are several other top riders with plenty to say about that! Jens Getteman (Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil) in particular, who was on exceptionally hard-hitting form at Mölln, made two really fabulous charges up the field to secure second place on the day and also moved up the overall standings into second place. “I’ve already finished second and third overall in recent years,” said the Belgian rider. “I aim to win the title this season!”
In contrast to Getteman, who is known to be excellent on sand, four-time Masters champion Dennis Ullrich (Bodo Schmidt Motorsport/Husqvarna) is not exactly a fan of soft surfaces. “I feel most comfortable on hard ground with good grip,” he told us. “That’s why my main concern at Tensfeld is to lose as few points as possible.” Currently in third place in the overall standings, he is still a candidate for the podium, especially as he can almost always be relied on to make an excellent start.
Two local riders, Davide von Zitzewitz (BvZ Racing Team/KTM) and Mike Stender (Kosak Racing Team/KTM), will be in the line-up and could well produce a surprise result in the ADAC MX Masters class in their home race. Both know MCE Tensfeld’s circuit inside out and as a result, can obviously benefit from their home advantage.
We can also expect to see plenty of exciting racing in the two junior classes of the ADAC MX Youngster Cup and ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 at Tensfeld. Both championships attract an international field of young riders to Germany and provide the ideal environment for the sporting development of young talent. German riders, Simon Längenfelder (WZ-Racing/KTM) and Jeremy Sydow (DIGA-Procross Husqvarna), both have realistic chances of winning their respective classes, the ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 and the ADAC MX Youngster Cup. Längenfelder has even proven to be the strongest rider in his class so far and Sydow made a terrific comeback with a double victory at Möggers, Austria, after an enforced break through injury. The rider from the east of Germany also clinched victory on the day in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup at Mölln and moved up into third place in the standings.
Still, fans coming to the event at the weekend will find plenty to keep them occupied apart from the action on the racetrack. The Suzuki Quad circuit and the ADAC Insurance bouncy castle will keep families with children entertained. An autograph-signing session will again take place at the ADAC Truck on Sunday afternoon from 12.00 noon to 12.30 pm when top stars from the ADAC MX Masters will be available for autographs and photos with fans. Tanel Leok, Jens Getteman, Dennis Ullrich, Mike Stender and Davide von Zitzewitz will be there this time.
Tensfeld is located about 80 kilometres to the northeast of Hamburg and is easily accessible via the A7 and the A21. The deep sandy track can be well observed from practically all of the spectator stands and is thus particularly interesting to fans. Practice on track will start at 9.00 am on both days. The races on Sunday will start at 10.30 am. A weekend ticket costs 20 euros for adults while fans unable to attend on both days must pay just 10 euros for Saturday and 15 euros for Sunday. A weekend ticket for teenagers aged 10 to 15 costs 10 euros. A single ticket is priced at 5 euros for Saturday and 7 euros for Sunday. Children under 9 years of age get free admission.