There are only a few days left until the start of the International German Motorcycle Championship (IDM) season in Oschersleben: From May 21–23, 2021, Germany’s premier motorcycle racing series will be making a stop in the Magdeburg Börde region. Featuring top-tier fields of riders in the IDM Superbike 1000 class as well as in the 600cc and 300cc classes. The competitive level is internationally regarded as very high. The races in the premier classes will be livestreamed by Motor-Presse Stuttgart, the promoter and organizer of the IDM, as spectators will not yet be permitted on-site due to safety regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IDM Superbike 1000 is the premier class of the championship. A total of 24 riders from 14 countries are competing for the title here. Ten riders are considered contenders for victory in the individual races. The very first corner will play a crucial role for the top riders on BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, and Yamaha. Last year, Jonas Folger claimed the title in the premier class on a Yamaha with over 200 horsepower. The Bavarian is now competing for points in the Superbike World Championship. BMW aims to bring the IDM title back to its own camp and is counting on two-time champion Ilya Mikhalchik from Ukraine. The German motorcycle manufacturer has packed its Superbike with even more technical features than before. The M 1000 RR is the most powerful sports motorcycle in BMW’s history and has been further upgraded for the IDM Superbike 1000. In Oschersleben, we’ll see for the first time this season where the four brands truly stand.
“All the riders, teams, partners, and of course we as organizers are really looking forward to the season opener,” says series manager Normann Broy. “The IDM has a field of competitors that’s stronger than it’s been in a long time. That promises thrilling finishes in every race as well as in the championships overall. The fact that the season is finally getting underway is a real boost for all of us.”
Top-level motorcycle racing is also on the agenda in the IDM Supersport class. In this mid-displacement class, slick tires may now be used in place of the previously required treaded tires. Although the Yamaha YZF-R6 is the most commonly used motorcycle, a Kawasaki rider, Luca Grünwald, took the title in 2020. Both brands will field top-tier contenders in 2021 as well, and riders like Dino Iozzo are even traveling from South Africa to compete.
As in recent years, Superstock riders are once again appearing in the Supersport field, though they are classified separately. Their motorcycles are closer to production models, and this smaller group isn’t competing for the IDM title but for a cup. How can you tell them apart? The Superstock 600 Cup riders have number plates with white numbers on a blue background. For the IDM Supersport , it’s exactly the opposite.
The action is no less exciting in the IDM Supersport class. Defending champion Lennox Lehmann, Angelo Licciardi, and Toni Erhard—the champions from the past three years—are set to face off. The race features motorcycles from Kawasaki, KTM, and Yamaha, each with over 50 horsepower. The junior class has established itself as a stepping stone to the top, enjoys immense popularity, and is open to teenagers aged 13 and older according to FIM regulations. As in the World Championship, the riders use slicks from IDM tire supplier PIRELLI. Starting this season, the motorcycles will also be equipped for the first time with the same standard electronics as in the World Championship.
The Northern Talent Cup, the Pro Superstock Cup, and the Twin Cup will make up the supporting program. “For all fans who are unable to attend in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the races will be streamed live to their homes via the MOTORRAD YouTube channel and the IDM Facebook page,” said Bert Brandenburg, Head of Events at Motor Presse Stuttgart.
Livestream Schedule
Saturday
3:10 PM Pre-show with L. Gajewski, E. Mielke, and T. Deitenbach; end of IDM SBK 1000 Qualifying 2; introduction of riders and teams
3:35 PM TWIN Cup, Race 1
4:15 PM Pro Superbike Cup, Race 1
5:05 PM IDM Supersport 600, Race 1
Sunday:
9:35 a.m. Northern Talent Cup, Race 1
11:05 a.m. IDM Superbike 1000, Race 1
12:05 p.m. IDM Supersport , Race 1
12:55 p.m. IDM Supersport 600, Race 2
2:30 p.m. Northern Talent Cup, Race 2
3:20 p.m. IDM Superbike 1000, Race 2
4:15 p.m. IDM Supersport , Race 2