Sternagel dominates final motocross leg of the year

After eight intense motocross (MX) races this year, riders pulled out their gear on Saturday for the final leg of the 2025 national MX season.

The championship concluded with fierce competition across nine classes and a well-deserved break for participants.

The highlight of the season, according to Ingo Waldschmidt of Team MX Namibia, was the nation’s participation in the 2025 Motocross of African Nations (MXoAN) in Zimbabwe.

Namibia has also been selected to host the 2026 MXoAN, with preparations already underway at Gallina MX Park.

Compliance with Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) regulations requires major adjustments, including six-metre-wide jumps and repositioned safety barriers. Around 200 riders from nine African countries are expected next year.

This weekend’s final leg featured 38 riders tackling technical tracks with smaller, yet challenging jumps and ramps.

Mark Sternagel once again proved his dominance, winning both the Open Class and King of the Dirt (KoTD), ahead of Tommy Gous in second place. Sternagel, often called the ‘Usain Bolt of MX’, is also known for mentoring younger riders, sharing his knowledge and skills on and off the track.

Reflecting on the 2025 season, Sternagel on Saturday said it had been “brilliant”, having wrapped up the championship in the previous round.

He thanked his sponsors for supporting his KTM bikes and enabling his continued success. On his MXoAN crash that led to hospitalisation, he remained positive, stating he will be ready for Namibia’s home-turf event next year.

To aspiring riders, Sternagel offered simple, direct advice: “Never give up. Show up every day, even on your weak days. Those days build your future more than the good ones. Keep the competitive spirit, and the good days will come.”

Sternagel is not only a familiar face on the MX tracks, but also competes regularly in circuit racing at Tony Rust Raceway in his BMW M car.

He confirmed he will take part in the upcoming internationals between South Africa, Angola, and Namibia on 1 November.

Results:

50cc: First – Mason Meyer; second – Duhan Heffer; third – Nicky Strauss

65cc: First – Oliver Mathews; second – Markus Pack; third – Carter Bouwer

85cc: First – Leander Metzger; second – De Wet du Plessis; third – Riaan van der Hoven

Women’s MX: First – Zoe Waldschmidt; second – Melanize Oberholster; third – Maike Bochert

125cc Junior: First – Juan de Vos; second – Jarno Metzger; third – Leander Metzger

Clubmans: First – Morne Jacobs; Second – JF van Eeden

Open: First – Sternagel; second – Gous; third – Gero Friederich

Vets: First – Sigi Pack; second – Olaf Pack; third – Tertuis Joubert

KoTD: First – Sternagel; second – Gous; third – Friederich.

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