The ADAC MX Masters can boast a strong field of starters in the four racing classes in the new season. The starters in the ADAC MX Masters, ADAC MX Youngster Cup, ADAC MX Junior Cup 125 and ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 racing classes were selected from almost 350 applications. Participants from over 25 nations will compete for the titles at seven events from April to September. With 13 motorcycle manufacturers, more brands than ever before will compete in the series with the title "International German Motocross Championship".

With 70 drivers named for the season, the premier class promises thrilling duels and exciting races. The top ten of the previous season will compete almost unanimously in the new season. They are joined by some other high-calibre players who are competing in the championship for the first time or again permanently.

Reigning champion Roan Van de Moosdijk (NL/KTM Kosak Racing Team), runner-up Max Nagl (D/Dörr Motorsport Triumph Racing powered by Krettek) and third-placed Maximilian Spies (D/Becker Racing) will continue to rely on their proven teams and motorcycles. Jordi Tixier (F/KMP-Honda-Racing powered by DVAG) and Noah Ludwig (D/KTM Sarholz Racing Team) also remain in the familiar environment with proven material and are among the candidates for victory and championship.

Jörgen-Matthias Talviku (EST/SHR Motorsports by Hartje) was one of last year's biggest surprises. He continues to ride a Yamaha after a team change and should therefore remain a top candidate. Tom Koch (D/KTM Sarholz Racing Team) returns to the ADAC MX Masters and on a KTM after a year in the MXGP World Championship and is also one of the title contenders.

It will be interesting to see Hakon Fredriksen (NO), who won two out of three races in his guest appearance in Tensfeld in 2025. He plans to participate in the entire season in 2026 and has the potential to cause further surprises. Jere Haavisto (FIN), Jakub Teresak (CZ/Visualz Production) and Nico Koch (D/Becker Racing) are other top ten drivers who will be competing again. Harri Kullas (EST/Schmicker Silve Racing) should also ensure good results with his extensive and worldwide experience in motocross and supercross.

In addition to the international starters, German-speaking riders such as Kevin Brumann (CH/MX-Handel Husqvarna Racing), Mike Gwerder (CH/HTS Racing), Peter König (D/KTM GST Berlin Racing), Paul Haberland (D/MX-Academy Honda Racing by Meuwissen Motorsports), Cato Nickel (D/KMP-Honda-Racing powered by DVAG), Mark Scheu (D/Johannes Bikes Suzuki), Toni Hoffmann (D/BVZ Racing), Max Thunecke (D/Johannes Bikes Suzuki), the rising star from the ADAC MX Youngster Cup, Nico Greutmann (CH/MX-Academy Honda Racing by Meuwissen Motorsports) and others will be competing for top positions. In addition, guest starts by top international riders from the MXGP World Championship are expected.

Reigning champion Mads Fredsoe (DK/Cat Moto Bauerschmidt Husqvarna) wants to defend his title this season and will face strong international and national competition among the 100 or so riders eligible to start. His teammate Liam Owens (AU/ Cat Moto Bauerschmidt Husqvarna), Lyonel Reichl (LIE/KTM Sarholz Racing Team), Valentin Kees (D/Kosak Racing Team), Nikolaj Skovbjerg (DK/MX-Handel Husqvarna Racing), Scott Smulders (NL/SixtySeven Racing Husqvarna), Linus Persson (S/RGS Racing) and Maximilian Ernecker (A/SixtySeven Racing Team) want to prevent this from happening.

With riders such as Jaroslav Katrinak (CZ/Motoprox MRA Racing Team), Jan Krug (D/Dörr Motorsport Triumph Racing powered by Krettek), Maximilian Werner (D/Dörr Motorsport Triumph Racing powered by Krettek), Linus Jung (D/KTM Sarholz Racing Team) as well as the class climber Ian Ampoorter (B/Becker Racing), the reigning champion in the ADAC MX Junior Cup 125, and Oskar Romberg (D/Meyer Racing), other fast drivers are in the starting blocks for top results.

More than 80 riders have applied for starting places for the ADAC MX Junior Cup 125. Following the promotion of many top riders to the ADAC MX Youngster Cup, Finn Lange (D/KTM GST Berlin Racing/ADAC Hansa MX Junior Team), Max Meyer (D/Meyer Racing), Dawid Zaremba (PL/SHR Motorsports by Hartje) and class climber Lucas Leok (EST/KTM MX Futures) are among the favourites for top results in this class, which forms the bridge between the 85cc category and the 250cc four-stroke machines. Jarno Jansen (CH/ADAC Südbaden e.V.) and Marten Raud (EST/MX-Handel Husqvarna Racing). From a German point of view, one can also look forward to the performance of class newcomers Neo Nindelt (D/TYK Team Yamaha Knobloch sponsored by A.T.E.C.), John Kranhold (D/SixtySeven Racing Team Husqvarna) and Simon Hahn (D/Kosak Racing Team).

There were also around 80 applications for the youngest racing class of the ADAC MX Masters. After the class change of last year's top three, Harry Dale (GB/KTM MX Futures) and Luca Nierychlo (D/KTM MX Futures) are among the biggest title favorites of this season. Robin Robert Mooses (EST/MX-Handel Husqvarna Racing) and Gregor Lootus (EST) are also likely to be in contention for top results. With Jaggar Townley (NZ/Yamaha NZ) and Nixon Coppins (NZ/JCR/Altherm), two sons of former world champions and top world championship riders, will be competing after they got their first taste of production air last year and were enthusiastic about the riding and organisational level. From a German point of view, the focus is also on Jamiro Peters (D/AMX Racing) and Felix Siegl (D/Husqvarna Pfeil).

The season opener will take place this weekend (4 and 5 April) in Grevenbroich.