The German national team for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations 2026 has been selected: Tom Koch, Maximilian Spies and Valentin Kees will compete in the world’s most prestigious motocross race from October 2nd to 4th in Ernée, France.
Team managers Marcel Dornhöfer and Karsten Schneider are presenting a young team that could well spring a surprise. Koch and Spies, both 450cc riders with extensive international experience from the Motocross World Championship and the ADAC MX Masters, will be competing. Both have previously raced for the German team, bringing valuable experience to the team championship. For Valentin Kees, this will be his first appearance at the MXoN. However, Kees has established himself well in the MX2 World Championship and the ADAC MX Youngster Cup and is ready for bigger challenges. Unfortunately, other top candidates for the German team had to withdraw. Ken Roczen has other contractual obligations in the USA, and Simon Längenfelder, on the advice of his doctors, will require immediate surgery after the MX2 World Championship season. Simon was motivated to make a potential debut on the 450cc bike at the World Championship level and is disappointed by his withdrawal. Veteran Max Nagl was also sidelined due to a knee injury.
“We see our team as an opportunity for the future and are confident that we can put up a strong fight with Tom, Maximilian, and Valentin. Of course, compared to previous years, we lack a certain superstar presence right from the start, but we’ve also learned from experience that a team without world championship titles can achieve a very good team result at the MXoN ,” said Dornhöfer and Schneider. “Valentin will compete in the MX2 category, and we will soon make the strategic decision regarding Tom and Maximilian as to who will ride in the MXGP and who in the Open class.”
“I’m delighted to be competing for Team Germany again. I really like the typically French course in Ernée with its hard-packed snow and numerous slopes. With consistently strong performances from Max, Valentin, and myself, a good result is definitely within reach. We’ll certainly give it our all ,” said Koch.
“It’s a dream to be able to ride for Germany again at the Nations. After unfortunately being seriously ill last year, I hope things will go better this year. I was still able to gain a lot of experience in the USA and now know the ropes. I achieved the best result of my career in the EMX250 at Ernée, so the track suits me very well. I’ll give it my all to deliver a good result for the fans ,” says Spies.
“A huge dream is coming true for me. Even though I’ve developed well as a driver, being selected for the German team is something very special, and I really appreciate it. I know the track from the past, and it suits me very well. I wanted to watch the race with the crazy fans and the fantastic atmosphere live anyway. Now it’s even better that I can experience it from the driver’s perspective ,” Kees said happily.
