Just short of 350 applications have been received for a starting place in this season’s ADAC MX Masters and its junior classes. Competitors from over 25 countries will line up on motorcycles from 13 manufacturers, culminating in the crowning of four champions at the season finale. Here are the riders you should definitely have on your radar.

ADAC MX Masters: Title defence, title record, or title shock?

With 70 riders named for this season, the top class promises to deliver thrilling battles and exciting racing. Almost all of last year’s top ten are back for another bite of the cherry in 2026. They are joined by a number of high-calibre riders, either making their debut or returning for a full campaign in the championship. Reigning champion Roan Van de Moosdijk (NL/KTM Kosak Racing Team), last year’s runner-up Max Nagl (D/Dörr Motorsport Triumph Racing) and third-placed Maximilian Spies (D/Becker Racing) are back for more with their tried-and-tested teams and bikes.

Van de Moosdijk will have the honour of defending a title for the first time in his career. “Being the reigning champion motivates me. I have never had the opportunity to defend a title, as I left the series after winning EMX250. Many people say it is more difficult to defend a title than it is to win it in the first place. I am excited and just looking forward to it. At the moment, I do not see that as extra pressure,” said the Dutchman, brimming with confidence ahead of the start of the season. He continues to feel right at home in the familiar atmosphere of the Kosak Racing Team, and can again call on the team’s wealth of experience.

2025 runner-up Nagl is all set for his second year on the 450cc Triumph, which only hit the market last season. In terms of the development and fine-tuning of the bike, last year was primarily about stability. “For this year, we were mainly able to spend the winter focussing on improving performance. And we have made good progress,” said the experienced rider after the initial warm-up races. At 38, he does not view his age as a disadvantage: “One advantage is obviously my experience. I know exactly how to prepare for races, what I have to do in training, and how the whole thing works. You are also a bit more relaxed in races and no longer quite as nervous. However, you do become more and more like a diesel: the longer the race distance, the better I am, but the sprint qualities simply decline, and I have to make up for that in other areas. That is the toughest job for me.” Should he win title number six in 2026, Nagl would stand alone as the record winner of the ADAC MX Masters.

Versatility was at the heart of Spies’ winter racing. The man who finished third in 2025 started in Supercross, SuperEnduro and mountain bike downhill races. “Winter was once again a really ‘spicy winter’ and I definitely had a lot of fun. To a certain degree, that many different disciplines can naturally be a distraction. However, I am gaining new experience in these disciplines and learning new skills, which I can then carry over to Motocross. Plus, I am even more motivated when I get back on my MX bike.” Spies’ form in pre-season races has shown that the outings away from the Motocross scene have done him no harm at all. Having been in contention for the title right down to the final round of the season in 2025, he is now looking to go one better this year.

Jordi Tixier (F/KMP-Honda-Racing powered by DVAG) and Noah Ludwig (D/KTM Sarholz Racing Team) have also stuck with familiar environments with tried-and-tested material, and are among the favourites for race wins and the title. Having suffered a serious injury ahead of the start of last season, Tixier improved strongly over the course of the year and brought 2025 to a close with victory at the season finale. After remaining fit and healthy during his pre-season preparations, the former MX2 world champion is definitely one of the big favourites. Ludwig claimed his first overall victory in Mölln in 2025, and has a clear goal: “I would definitely like to make it onto the championship podium at the end of the year, and to challenge at the front and be in contention in every race. This is now my fourth season in the big class, and I am ready for it.” To achieve that goal, he has been training together with Max Nagl.

Jörgen-Matthias Talviku (EST/SHR Motorsports by Hartje) was one of last year’s surprise packages. Despite switching team, he remains on a Yamaha, so should be among the fancied riders. He was particularly strong on sand, which means this year’s calendar ought to suit the Estonian. Tom Koch (D/KTM Sarholz Racing Team) returns to the ADAC MX Masters on a KTM after a year in the MXGP World Championship. “ToKo” gained valuable experience and knowledge in the world championship: “The biggest thing I learned last year is that I now know what I need to feel comfortable, and how it feels to have that. I am taking a more relaxed approach to some things again, and am putting far more emphasis on having fun and simply enjoying riding.”

There is plenty of excitement surrounding Hakon Fredriksen (NO), who won two of three races on his guest appearance in Tensfeld in 2025. He has the potential to cause more upsets in his first full season in the ADAC MX Masters. Jere Haavisto (FIN), Jakub Teresak (CZ/Visualz Production) and Nico Koch (D/Becker Racing) are more top ten riders, who are back for more. With his vast and international experience in Motocross and Supercross, Harri Kullas (EST/Schmicker Silve Racing) could also be good for some impressive results.

As well as the international starters, a host of German-speaking riders will also be hungry to have a say. They include 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), and Nico Greutmann (CH/MX-Academy Honda Racing by Meuwissen Motorsports), who is making the step up from the ADAC MX Youngster Cup, to name but a few. Guest starts are also expected from top international riders from the MXGP World Championship.