The ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 has long been regarded internationally as a talent factory. Many top riders and eventual world champions like Ken Roczen, Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Gajser have achieved initial success in this junior class and have then successfully prepared themselves for greater things.

Young Latvian rider, 13-year-old Edvards Bidzans, totally dominated the first two races of this year's championship at Fürstlich Drehna and Möggers and secured maximum points. He notched up a number of finishes in the Top Five in a couple of races in last year's ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 but never quite made it on to the podium. However, he seems ready to go to the top of the field this season and has even gone on record as saying that his aim is to win the title. "Yes, it's gone really well for me so far," said the Husqvarna rider. "I intend to win the title in the ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 this year!"

As is often the case with young motocross talents, Edvards Bidzans' initial impetus for motocross riding came from his father. "My dad used to ride, and one day, he just went out and bought me a bike," said the hugely talented rider, speaking about his first attempts at motocross. "I didn't like it to begin with but eventually caught the bug and have absolutely adored motocross ever since." His love of the sport was soon reflected in the growing collection of winners' cups in the Bidzans household. Apart from taking titles in various Latvian championships, Edvards also won the 2016 European Motocross Championship EMX65.

Of course, Bidzans Junior still goes to school at home in Riga but finds that his teachers are pretty understanding about MX and the demands the sport makes. "I'm pretty good at school, and my teachers love motocross, fortunately," said Edvards with delight. "That's why usually, it's no big deal if I miss a day because of having to travel long distances to races at weekends."

So for the time being, there's nothing standing in this teenager's way as regards achieving further success. He has already clearly set out his goal for the future: "I would like to win the FIM Motocross World Championship, and then we'll have to see how things go," said the schoolboy with a chuckle.