Start of 2017 season of the ADAC Northern Europe Cup fast approaching

• Practice at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
• Newcomers from other series and more experienced riders post their first kilometres ahead of season opener

Misano: The second season will start in Assen for the ADAC Northern Europe Cup riders in just two weeks under the banner of the Superbike World Championship, but before it kicks off the, the 29 entrants to the series took part in various training sessions spread over several days at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli in Italy.

Training began first with a briefing session for riders in which they learned about basic procedures for the 2017 season before then getting the chance to familiarise themselves with the 4.226-kilometre grand prix circuit in one of several practice sessions. On Monday and Tuesday, Standard and GP class riders were able to make full use of their time on track to prepare themselves and their machines as well as possible for the upcoming season.

Strong competition in GP class

Some 29 riders have registered to compete in the ADAC Northern Europe Cup powered by KTM, of which 14 are rookies. Among them is Jan-Ole Jähnig (16, GER), who is now moving up to this higher class after finishing championship runner-up in the ADAC Junior Cup powered by KTM. "Making the switch wasn't easy, but after an initial test run in Hockenheim last year and this series of training days now, we are all set for the season to come," said the ADAC Sports Foundation protégé.

Criticising his own performance, he added: "I have to improve on the brakes. I'm not as smooth as I should be. Also, I need to learn to open the throttle sooner when exiting the turns, but overall, I'm quite happy. Conditions here in Misano have been ideal for preparation. The tarmac is really good, and I like the layout a lot." Jähnig will compete in the GP class in 2017 where he will come up against tough opposition.

One of his opponents will be Tim Georgi (16, GER), who won several races in the ADAC Northern Europe Cup last season: "The competition will be strong this year. However, I won't let that intimidate me but will focus on myself and the team," said the Berliner. Georgi had a lot of fun in Misano. "The track is new to me, but I have to say that I really like it. There are plenty of fast turns and that suits me down to the ground. I just love getting on my bike."

21 riders in Standard class

In the Standard category, Dirk Geiger (14, GER) will be trying to defend his title from 2016. Like his fellow riders, the reigning champion felt very much at home during first practice. "Misano is a great track, and I get along quite well here. At the same time, though, there are some difficult sections, which I find a welcome challenge." Despite his experience, the ADAC Sports Foundation protégé knows that he still has a lot of work ahead of him. "There's still a lot that I can improve, both where my riding and myself are concerned," added the Kiefer Racing rider.

One of his biggest opponents comes from his own team. Toni Erhard (16, GER) will also be contesting his second year in the ADAC NEC. He also gained a lot from being in Italy, as he told us: "I've again learned something new, since this was my first time out at this track, and it was most helpful to see that I kept improving and was able to work with the team to set up the bike."

Erhard, who, like Geiger, is also supported by the ADAC Sports Foundation, was just as enthusiastic about getting to grips with new territory in Italy: "Misano is a great circuit. It's quite demanding but offers good grip. The weather was also brilliant, so overall, I'm a very happy bunny as I head back home."

The schedule of the 2017 ADAC Northern Europe Cup

08/04/17 - 11/04/17 Misano, ITA Practice

28/04/17 - 30/04/17 Assen, NL World Superbike

19/05/17 - 21/05/17 Oschersleben Endurance World Championship (2 races)

26/05/17 - 28/05/17 Donington Park World Superbike (2 races)

30/06/17 - 02/07/17 Sachsenring MotoGP

04/08/17 - 06/08/17 Brünn, CZE MotoGP

08/09/17 - 10/09/17 Silverstone British Superbike Championship (2 races)

29/09/17 – 01/10/17 Assen, NL British Superbike Championship (2 races)