"Let the riding do the talking" is the motto of the ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 champion. Promotion to the next class for 2025. Former MX Masters rider to coach Oppliger.

Fifteen-year-old Ryan Oppliger has emerged as the strongest rider in a competitive 85cc class during the course of the season and has been crowned ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 champion. The Swiss rider impressed with great bike control, style and consistency, and didn't make any big mistakes. Oppliger comes from the French-speaking part of Switzerland, near the legendary MX track in Payerne, and due to the English language barrier, he preferred to let his riding do the talking rather than make big statements in 2024. In this interview, he reveals his recipe for success, explains the advantages of a private team and gives his outlook on the upcoming season in the 125cc class.

Congratulations on winning the ADAC MX Junior Cup 85. How does it feel? "I'm very happy. It was a great season on good tracks. I got faster and faster as the year progressed and managed to become champion. It's just great."

Did the title come as a surprise or was it your goal? "I set out to win. But in the first two races on sand, Riccardo Bauer and Lucas Leok were a bit faster. I was then faster on firmer ground. After Riccardo moved up to the 125 cc class, it was just between Lucas and me for the title and I managed to come out on top."

What is the secret of your success? "That's easy: training, training and more training."

How long have you been riding motocross and how did you get into it? "My father rode motocross himself and I started when I was five years old. After a while, I entered my first race, then bigger and bigger races followed, all the way up to the European Championship, and it all developed."

You're not part of a big team, but instead race for your own private team. Is that an advantage? "I think so, because it means we have no major commitments and can handle things as we see fit. We can use the fastest parts on the motorbike."

What are your plans for 2025? Which team and which series will you be competing in? "I've now switched to the 125cc machine. I'd like to do some ADAC MX Masters races again, but also the European Championship and the French Championship. I'm trying to develop and we'll see what happens after that."

What was your personal highlight of the 2024 ADAC season? "For me, one of the best races was the first round at Bielstein. I started almost last there and worked my way up to finish in first place. But Gaildorf and Holzgerlingen were also excellent. They were also my two favourite tracks."

Who supports you during training? "I ride with Valentin Guillod from time to time, but my main trainer is Grégory Wicht, who used to race in the ADAC MX Masters himself. He is with me at almost every training session, and we ride together a lot."

We wish you every success in the new season and hope to see you at many ADAC races! "Thank you very much, I'm looking forward to that too."