Bauer clinches junior European motocross title

Ricardo Bauer has won the junior European motocross title in the 125cc class, ORF reported. The 15-year-old from Antau secured the championship in Uddevalla, Sweden, before the final race of the season, only weeks after winning the junior world title.

“At the beginning, I lacked some consistency, but I managed that much better towards the end. I have won all of my last seven races,” Bauer said.

Bauer also won the world title in the same class during the summer, despite breaking both bones in his forearm during the winter and being unsure whether he would be fit for the first race.

His trainer, Philipp Ringhofer, has worked with him since 2020. The former national champion from Günseck supports Bauer both in motorcycle training and in building an environment in which the teenager can develop as well as possible.

Next season, Bauer will move into the 250cc class and compete in its European Championship against riders up to six years older. “Then I will be a rookie, so to speak. You need more strength, the machine is much heavier and the handling is completely different,” he said.

Bauer has raced for KTM since last year and currently rides as a factory rider for the team. A decision on his motorcycle contract is still pending, but he wants to remain with KTM. Despite already securing the overall title, he will compete in the final European Championship races in Turkey in three weeks.