ADAC MX Masters: A Japanese in Bitche
Yuki Okura starts at the ADAC MX Masters in Bitche. / Photo: HRC
Next weekend (30/31 August) the ADAC MX Masters For the first time in France. The "Circuit du Martinsthal" in Bitche, just 15 kilometers from the German border, will host the penultimate race of the season. This marks the series' entry into new territory after 21 years – for both the drivers and the spectators, who can look forward to a strong international field.
Yuki Okura adds even more international flair
This year, one guest starter is attracting particular attention: Yuki OkuraThe Japanese will compete in the Masters class in Bitche and will use the race weekend to prepare for the upcoming Motocross of Nations in the USA, where he will represent his country in the Open category. For Okura, it is already the third participation in the MXoN – In 2022 he started in Save Bud, 2024 in Matterley Basin, now comes the return to the big stage.
Okura, who normally competes in the Japanese championship, explained beforehand: "In Japan, we only have seven championship races a year and a three-month break in the summer. That's why I came to Europe—to do more racing and develop my driving."
Just a few weeks ago he tested his form at MXGP of Flanders in Lommel, on arguably the toughest track of the season. There, he finished 26th and 30th in the Open class and finished 31st overall. Now he's off to Bitche – before flying back to Japan on September 2nd.
"Since the ADAC round in Bitche is right on my way back, I took the opportunity. The standard in the series is very high, but my goal is simple: to race as much as possible, learn from the fast guys, and take that experience back to Japan."
Title fight in the premier class
The championship decision remains exciting. Roan Van de Moosdijk (NL) travels to France as the current leader after taking the lead in the standings in Gaildorf. Max Nagl wants to strike back in Bitche, while Maximilian Spies with his recent overall victory also has good chances. Local hero Jordi Tixier (F) will be particularly motivated to race on home soil.
Tension among the young talent
Nothing has been decided yet in the junior classes either. ADAC MX Youngster Cup leads Bradley Mesters (NL) just before Mads Fredsoe (DK). With Maxime Grau (F) A French driver is also in focus, while from a German perspective Valentin Kees could ensure top rankings.
Im ADAC MX Junior Cup 85 effect Lucas Leok (EST) the chance to secure the title early. Behind them lurk Jarno Jansen (CH) and Harry Dale (GB), while Luca Nierychlo aiming for another podium.
Supporting program and livestream
In addition to top-class motorsport, Bitche also offers spectators an attractive supporting program. On Sunday afternoon, there will be an autograph session with the series' stars, including Van de Moosdijk, Nagl, Spies, and Tixier. Romain Febvre (F), current leader of the MXGP World Championship, will be there as a spectator.
All races will also be broadcast in a free live stream on adac.de/mx-masters The broadcast begins on Saturday at 14.15:10.20 p.m. and on Sunday at XNUMX:XNUMX a.m.
outlook
With the premiere in France, exciting title fights in all classes and the guest start of Yuki Okura, who has represented Japan at the Motocross of Nations several times and most recently got a taste of European racing in Lommel, fans can look forward to a special race weekend. Bitche will thus become the venue for an international motocross highlight – right on their doorstep and available to watch live via stream.
