Interview: Larissa Papenmeier on her final WMX race – “A moment which I will never forget”

Larissa Papenmeier, a stalwart of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, brought her illustrious WMX career to a close at the German Grand Prix in Teutschenthal. Marking her 100th Grand Prix on home soil, Papenmeier received an emotional and heartfelt farewell from the German fans who have supported her throughout her two-decade journey in the sport. Despite the significance of the occasion, she remained fiercely competitive, underscoring her enduring passion and commitment to motocross even in her final outing. Reflecting on the decision to retire from the WMX series, Papenmeier described it as a difficult choice that was only finalised shortly before the German GP, partly influenced by an injury sustained weeks earlier. She admitted that while the first race of the weekend saw her fully focused, the reality of her last laps in the second race brought a flood of emotions, making concentration challenging. Nevertheless, she savoured those final moments on the track, appreciating the unique connection with the crowd and the significance of the milestone. Papenmeier also shared insights into the evolution of women’s motocross since her debut in 2005, noting the increased number of competitors and greater media attention, though she lamented the lack of progress towards equal opportunities and a more extensive race calendar. She highlighted the limited number of rounds in the championship, describing the current five-race format as insufficient for a true World Championship, and expressed a desire for the series to expand to eight or ten rounds in the future. Looking ahead, Papenmeier confirmed she would continue to ride and compete in the German national championship, though she has stepped away from the international WMX circuit. She remains open to future involvement in the sport, whether through coaching or ambassadorial roles, and hinted at the possibility of a return to racing under the right circumstances. Her legacy as a competitor and potential mentor positions her as a valuable figure in the ongoing development of women’s motocross.