Jens Getteman has followed the ADAC MX Masters since early childhood and has been a big name in German motocross since he joined the German outfit, Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil, in 2017. In recent years, he has won several titles in the German Championship. So far, however, the Masters title has eluded him, even though he has twice finished the season on the championship podium. At the age of 25, Getteman feels that he has established himself in the sport and describes himself as a happy man. We talked about what motivates him to compete in Germany and asked him about his experiences in the Motocross World Championship.

How come a Belgian rider has been contesting a German championship as a member of a German team for the past three years?

It all started when I was very young. I rode an 85cc machine in the ADAC MX Masters, so I knew the people and the procedures here at a young age, and I've always liked it. Three years ago, when I was offered the opportunity to ride for Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil in the ADAC MX Masters, I did not have to think about it too long.

Staying with the same outfit for three years is quite unusual these days. Tell us about your relationship with the team.

I joined them from the Motocross World Championship and was really surprised at the amount of effort Harald and Tobias put in to ensure that everything is perfectly prepared and that their riders happy. We work very well together and also understand each other really well. They know exactly what my needs are and what makes me tick. I also understand what matters to them. Consequently, there is no reason to change the current situation.

What about the technical side? Do you get special parts from Kawasaki for your bike?

No, we don't qualify for that, but in RSE Racing we have a really good engine tuner who make us almost perfect engines. My bike is exactly the way I want it to be.

You finished third overall in the 2018 ADAC MX Masters, having been runner-up in 2017. Might we be seeing you on the top rung of the podium this year?

Well, I wanted to win the championship in my first year, of course. But the season is long, and a lot can happen during that time. So far, there have always been a few small hitches or injuries that have impeded my progress. But, who knows, maybe this third year is going to be my season? I started well at Drehna, then Möggers was a bit more problematic, but I put in another good performance at Mölln. Anyway, let's see how the rest of the year goes. There is still everything to play for.

A lot of people assume that, because you come from Belgium, you are automatically going to be a sand specialist, but you are also fast on hard tracks.

I have no preferences in this regard. I like to ride on sandy as well as hard clay soils. As a Belgian, you find that people are very quick to put a label on you, but if you want to win a championship, you have to be fast on all tracks and not have any weaknesses.

You were Belgian champion in 2013 and then switched to the Motocross World Championship at a relatively young age. Tell us about that part of your life.

In my younger years, I raced against Max Anstie, Jeffrey Herlings and all the top guys. Up to that point, everything had gone really well, but then I went through a difficult patch with a lot of injuries. I tried hard, but not everyone can make it to the top in the World Championship. When I look at where I am today, I'm more than satisfied. I work hard and do everything I can to win races and championships. All the same, my life is now much more pleasant, because during my time in the World Championship, I felt I was under almost inhuman pressure. Now, I'm the one applying my own pressure, and I'm coping with it well. I feel really strong and competitive, and as far as I'm concerned, things can carry on like this for many more years to come. As long as my body allows, I'll enjoy my time here in the ADAC MX Masters.

Final question: What targets have you set yourself for the current season?

Obviously, to win the title. That's what I work and train for. I've already finished second and third in this competition, so this year I'm looking to finish in first place, and I'm going to do my level best to make that happen.