Two or three years ago when Nagl won in Mantova at the Starcross many people didn’t expect the German rider to be beating the likes of David Philippaerts or Antonio Cairoli, however now he is the World number two and in many people eyes the next guy in line behind defending World MX1 Champion Antonio Cairoli to win the 2010 World Championship.

We caught up with the quiet friendly German today and asked him about his victory in Germany last weekend and also what he expects from Valkenswaard this weekend.

MXlarge: Max, you got a victory last weekend, how did it go?

Nagl: It went good; I practiced for Valkenswaard because it was also a sand track. The first moto the start was okay, but I got stuck in the first corner and was far behind. Ramon and Desalle were up front. I eventually caught them, and finished in third place. The second moto I holeshot and the first ten minutes I pulled away maybe 15 seconds from Ramon and Desalle and won the race and the overall.

MXlarge: That is a great win against two sand specialists. What has changed to make you so much better this year?

Nagl: Of course I was really surprised actually, I was riding well. This year I changed my program with my trainer Hugo Amerika, we started late with riding the bike and more physical training and that gives a lot of confidence. Also Stefan (Everts) is always talking with me about making my head ready to race. He helps me a lot.

MXlarge: That KTM 450 machine of yours looks like a rocket ship; can you feel it’s a lot quicker than the other bikes?

Nagl: Yes, I can feel that of course. Everybody or at least many won’t like it. Cairoli and Rui (Goncalves) tried it, but they say it’s too much power, but I really like it. The most enjoyable thing is to control that power. You can’t just go into a corner and open the throttle completely, you will crash or make a mistake, or maybe after five minutes you will be tired. To control the power that is so much fun. If you need to power you can open the throttle and you have it. Also you need to be strong physically, otherwise you will get tired.

MXlarge: After Bulgaria it looked like your bike had a slight advantage there over the 350cc machine of Antonio. Do you feel like you will have an advantage as the season gets into the later rounds?

Nagl: I think our bikes will have the same advantages. Bulgaria my bike was better than his one, but in some tracks maybe you don’t need the power, maybe a slick track, or really rough, it will always be a little equal.

MXlarge: What is your goal for Valkenswaard this weekend?

Nagl: I want to stay consistent, my goal in Valkenswaard is podium, but if I get a start like on the weekend then I got for the win, it’s easier that way. If I can control the race I also do that, and then I win. But for me a podium is good.

MXlarge: I’ve asked many people about the USGP, what do you think about going there? Are you looking forward to it?

Nagl: No, for sure not. I don’t like the country, maybe I’ve been to the wrong place, but I have been there three times and I don’t have fun there. I don’t like the atmosphere there. Also the planning isn’t good. The week before that race I had a big race in Germany, in the south of Germany near where I was born, but now I miss that race and all my fans and people are upset about that. Also that travelling, long flight, it costs a lot, and we have to be back for France.