The 16th International Mädreschercross – a tractor-racing event in Rambrouch – drew 60 tractor racers from across Europe, with Landjugeng Zenter President Christian Zimmer highlighting how the event has grown from simple standard races into a motorsport-style competition where safety and passion remain central.
The International Mädreschercross, which literally means "combine harvester cross", has been organised by the Landjugend Zenter since the early 1990s.
Preparations
The morning began under fog and drizzle, leaving little trace of the panoramic view normally visible from the fields where the race took place.
Before the competition, tractors of all categories had to undergo technical checks. Brakes, lights, and emergency stop systems were inspected before drivers were allowed to complete a test lap to familiarise themselves with the course. Christian Zimmer, president of the Landjugend Zenter, which organises the event every two years, underlined that safety checks and orientation are an essential first step.
Around 60 drivers lined up for this edition, travelling from Luxembourg, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Some had driven as long as seven hours to take part. For many, the passion had been instilled in childhood. Among them were Hugo Peltre and his brother, who explained that they had travelled to Luxembourg from Alsace with their tractor, continuing a family tradition begun by their father who had raced at Rambrouch in the 1990s.
Michael Simon from Germany also recalled that his fascination with the sport began as a child, watching races with his father. He explained that he eventually convinced his father to build a tractor, and once they acquired a new one, he was ready to compete.
For Luxembourger Jules Kohl, this year marked his first appearance. He recounted how he and a group of six friends had worked through the night to get the machine ready for the start line.
The race begins
The race officially began at 1pm with the standard category, just as the sun broke through. Spectators gathered in large numbers, many sitting on tractor trailers for a better view. The atmosphere was noisy, dusty, and lively, with the track needing to be watered regularly, though this only helped to a limited extent.
Vehicles in the faster categories reached speeds of up to 100 km/h, roaring across the course. Some machines broke down and had to be towed away, while drivers jostled and pushed for position. Looking back at the development of the event, Zimmer observed that tractors have become more powerful over the years, and while the early races were mostly limited to standard categories, the competition has increasingly moved in the direction of motorsport.
Despite the speed and intensity, no accidents occurred. For the teams behind machines like Pink Panther, White Devil or Chicken Cross, safety remains as important as the fun.
