One rider worth keeping an eye on in the future is young Estonian talent, Martin Michelis who was part of the Schmicker KTM setup this year but due to an injury couldn’t show what he could do at EMX level. He did end his season on a high at the final round of the ADAC Youngsters Cup series finishing second overall.
We caught up with Michelis to discuss his season, plans for the future and more.
GateDrop: Martin, you spent the 2023 season with Schmicker KTM – a new team! How was it being part of the new team and working with Jef Janssen?
Michelis: Yeah, it was my very first time being in the team and it was also the first year for Schmicker KTM Racing Team. Working with Jef was good, I think he is good trainer to have. I’m really happy that I got the opportunity to ride for them, we had highs and lows but in the end I learned so much and I’m really thankful for that!
GateDrop: Coming from Estonia, I assume you were based in Germany this year… what was it like being based there and away from home:
Michelis: Yeah for sure it’s hard to be away from home and from friends, but if you want to be a professional athlete you need to make sacrifices, that’s part of it!
GateDrop: Just on your season, you picked up an injury, how frustrating was that?
Michelis: The season started pretty good at EMX250 in Riola with not much bike time, so the plan was to gain bike time and to improve week by week and be better and better as the season continues. But one week later at the first ADAC at F. Drehna I had huge crash and injured my wrist, so unfortunately was out for one month.
GateDrop: You ended the season on a high at the final round of the ADAC Youngster Cup. Can you talk me through that weekend?
Michelis: The last ADAC at Dreetz was good for me, and I’m happy that I could show what I’m really capable of. First race I had a decent start, I was around fifth. Then I passed two riders and in the end caught the leaders, with two corners to go almost passed Gwerder for second place. Second race I was third after the start and climbed my way into the lead. But it was a shame that they didn’t show the yellow flag when a lapper was on the ground, so I had a small crash and finished second. Third race I had a bad start and just fought my way to fourth to finish second overall.
GateDrop: Just on 2024, any plans yet?
Michelis: Actually 2024 is really open right now, but for sure I want to compete on a high level!
GateDrop: In terms of championships, what would you like to ride in 2024? It would be nice to see you in the GP paddock…
Michelis: In 2024 I would really like to ride EMX250 or the MX2 World Championship and also the ADAC MX Masters.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Image: Igor MX
