The EURO MOTO Sportbike class kicks off its new season this weekend at the Sachsenring and is more international than ever in 2026. A total of 23 riders from nine countries are entered in this still-young class. However, several riders will have to sit out the season opener.
It’s a particularly bitter blow for Dutch rider Rick Kooistra, who is among this year’s title contenders. The 25-year-old from Team SRTD Pearl Gebben suffered a broken collarbone during practice last weekend and had to withdraw at the last minute. “We’re currently exploring the best and fastest options for my recovery so that I can return to the starting grid for the second race of the season in Brno,” the Dutchman explained a few days before the season opener.
From a German perspective, too, there have been setbacks ahead of the first race weekend. Sven Seidler of Team ViVa by Peuker & Streeb has also withdrawn from the Sachsenring race. The 29-year-old cited personal and health reasons for his early withdrawal, but is already looking ahead. “I expect to be ready to race again in Oschersleben in July,” said the Baden-Württemberg native from Zaberfeld Leonbronn.
This means the first German rider is already missing from the field. The situation regarding Korbinian Brandl (RBR-Racing) is even less clear. The Aprilia rider will also not be competing at the Sachsenring. The reasons for his withdrawal have not yet been disclosed. It is currently unclear whether the Oberndorf native will return for the next race weekend in Most.
With Seidler and Brandl out, the German contingent in the Sportbike class at the Sachsenring has shrunk significantly. With Alexander Weizel (Weizel Racing), Micky Winkler (WSC-Racing), and Mika Siebdrath (Freudenberg RoRa-Paligo Racing), there are now only three German riders left to represent Germany at the season opener.