- Infection and Stomach Issues Created Difficult Conditions
- An Impressive Experience in a Breathtaking Atmosphere
- New Spicy-Merch available
Max competed for the first time as a rider for the German national team at the Motocross of Nations last weekend. Alongside teammates Ken Roczen (MXGP) and Simon Längenfelder (MX2), Max lined up in the Open class at the Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, USA.
After the technical inspection on Friday, the ballot for the qualifying races took place. With 18th gate pick, the German team faced a starting spot in the middle oft he field. In the evening the team presentation was held in „Motoville“ Crawfordsville. A rider parade through the city center thrilled fans and participants alike.
“The atmosphere was absolutely incredible — the fans went wild! It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Max beamed afterward.
Qualification with Team Strategy
Saturday afternoon saw the qualifying races for each class. Unfortunately, an infection had developed in Max’s leg in the days leading up to the race, forcing him to take antibiotics. The medication caused additional stomach problems, making it hard for him to retain nutrients and energy. He already felt noticeably weak during morning practice. Since Roczen and Längenfelder had secured strong second and fourth places, Max was relieved of pressure, as each team could drop one result. The team management therefore advised him to conserve energy for Sunday. Max came out of the first corner mid-pack and rode a steady, conservative race to finish 21st. The team ended qualification in fourth place overall, tied on points with third.
“I would have liked to show my usual performance today, but as a team we have to look at the bigger picture. That’s why I eased off after the first ten minutes,” explained Spies.
Bad Luck for Team Germany
On Sunday, Max was already feeling somewhat better — food was finally staying down, and he felt stronger during practice. Unfortunately, the team’s hopes for a good result were dashed just three corners into the first moto: Längenfelder crashed at the start, suffering an injury that ruled him out, while Roczen went down in the third corner and had to start a charge from dead last.
With Längenfelder out, Max was the only German rider to start in the second race. He came around the first lap in 10th and comfortably held a Top 15 position during the early stages. As the race went on, his strength began to fade, and he eventually finished 22nd.
“At first I could keep up with the pace quite well, but after ten minutes my energy levels started to drop again. Still, I kept pushing. Because I had to hold on tightly to the handlebars in my condition, I ended up with blisters on my palms. I finished 12th in my class, which, given the circumstances, is okay,” Max said.
During the very short break before the third race, Max tried to regain as much energy as possible. However, his start didn’t go as planned — he was cut off before the first corner and had to begin from the back of the field. Roczen went down again early in the race caused by another rider and had to start his second comeback ride of the day. On the heavily rutted and rough track, Max had to pay the price for his earlier efforts and finished 30th. The German team ended the Motocross of Nations in 15th place overall, Max also finished 15th in the Open category.
“Of course, I’m disappointed because I couldn’t ride like I normally do. It just wasn’t meant to be this time. Still, the support from the many German fans trackside was incredible — thank you all so much. I gave everything I had today. Despite the tough circumstances, it was still an unforgettable experience to race in such an atmosphere. A lifelong dream came true for me, and I truly hope to get another chance in the future — hopefully at full strength,” Max concluded.
Results:
Quali: 21
Moto MX2 & Open: 22
Moto MXGP & Open: 30
Overall Open: 15
Overall Team: 15
