Rising talent: Jeremias Ramus (17) switched from cyclo-cross to track cycling

Jeremias Ramus made a name for himself early in the year with his victory at the grass track race over Easter in Balkbrug, the Netherlands. As the season progressed, the teenager continued to impress with podium finishes and victories in the B-licence solo class. Reason enough to speak to this rising star of the grass track and find out more about him.

“I’ve been going to the grass track races in Zweibrücken since I was little; it was something special for me to actually race there myself, because I go to school about 500 metres away from the grass track,” said Ramus, who didn’t take to the grass track straight away on a motorbike without brakes. “In 2023, I took part in the support programme in the Crosser class at the Zweibrücken grass track race, as I come from a motocross background. I came second and third on my 125cc bike, and then it just so happened that I was given a track bike for a few test rides, which turned into half a season,” explains the now 17-year-old. “I made the full switch to track racing last year. I’d originally planned to compete in both disciplines, but then, in mid-2025, I decided to focus entirely on track racing, and this season has gone quite well so far.”

Track bikes are a technical challenge

One of the challenges the newcomer and his family had to face is the specialised technology involved in track cycling. “At the start, a bike like that is a hurdle; Andreas Rauch was a great help, as he provided me with a bike. As a newcomer, it’s also very difficult with the gear ratios – you first have to know which one to use and when in order to be fast. It also required a change in mindset when it comes to riding, as you open the throttle before the bend instead of braking as in other sports, but I got the hang of it quite quickly,” explained the Saarlander. “Motocross gives you a good grounding for all types of motorsport, and I find the grass tracks particularly easier. On the smooth sand tracks, where it’s almost like speedway, I need to work on my technique, but that’s getting better all the time. I didn’t expect to be competing at this level at the age of 17; we’re taking it in our stride. I’m delighted with the wins, but I also know there are always ups and downs.”

On 6 September, Ramus will compete for the second time on his home track in Zweibrücken. Having already seen, in Berghaupten – where he won undefeated – some fans were spotted wearing merchandise featuring his light blue ‘JR’ on caps and shirts, an even larger crowd of supporters will be cheering on the local hero from Webenheim – a district of Blieskastel – at the Rennwiese in the centre of Zweibrücken. “I make my own caps and all that stuff myself; I also look after social media, which is very important for maintaining a small fanbase,” says the 17-year-old.