Meet Ellie Stering-the six-year-old chasing trophies on her enduro bike
“Trophies! I want trophies. But I like the prizes too,” Ellie says with a cheeky grin.
From stabilisers to Gotland Grand National
Ellie’s motorcycle journey began at the age of three on a Yamaha PW50 with training wheels, at the same time her dad, Marcus, finally fulfilled his own childhood dream of riding motocross. Her first race was the 2024 Gotland Grand National, where she completed seven laps on the roughly three-kilometre Guldhjälm junior circuit.
When it’s time to roll up to the start grid, Ellie goes into her own bubble. The helmet and goggles are already on in the paddock, and her parents have to stay back, because in Ellie’s world, in that very moment, the only thing that exists is what’s in front of her:
“When I’m on the start line, I think ‘full throttle!’ – and about keeping my head up, eyes forward, gripping with my legs and keeping my elbows high. I get butterflies in my tummy and almost feel like I need a wee, but then I tell myself to hold it and ride even faster!”
Mum and dad feel those butterflies even more. Dad, Marcus, admits he’s more nervous when Ellie is racing than when he rides himself, and mum Rebeka describes the feeling like this:
“You’re terrified and happy at the same time – the feeling can switch in a second from ‘this is so much fun’ to ‘this could go horribly wrong.’”
Inspiration and what lies ahead
Ellie is now an ambassador for KTM. Her journey began in the brand’s Mini Crew programme, where a handful of young riders are selected each year to represent KTM.
“I got in because I’m cute,” Ellie explains matter-of-factly, while mum Rebeka laughs. “KTM were actually looking for girls in a slightly older class, but I sent in an application anyway – and it worked!”
When asked who her hero is, Ellie doesn’t hesitate: her dad. He’s “cool because he rides fast,” she says – then adds with a mischievous smile,
“But I want to ride faster!”
Other role models include KTM ambassador Sofia Grelsson and enduro rider Tilda Gräsman. Before last year’s GGN, Tilda gave Ellie her unicorn horns – now both race with horns on their helmets, queens of the forest.
Recently Ellie finished the final rounds of Mälarfräsen, the biggest youth motocross series in the Mälardalen region. She also competed in Älgjakten (“The Moose Hunt”), where she won the girls’ class and took third overall. Training for this year’s Gotland Grand National followed – a notably muddy edition.
For the kids’ race, the course was shortened due to flooding, and Ellie’s start was chaotic.
“On the first lap, another bike hit Ellie and she fell,” Rebeka recalls. “She was shocked and upset but carried on. When she finished ten laps, she thought she’d come last – but later found out she was third among the girls.”
Dad Marcus finished second in the electric class on his Stark Varg. The water reached chest-high in places, and he didn’t realise how well he’d done until he missed the podium ceremony and was told the next day.
Ellie’s final race of the year will be a Halloween event, where she’s planning to dress up as a golden pumpkin. After that comes the real off-season: gentler training and a bit more time for her growing social-media presence.
EEllie’s way – on and off the track
Motorsport has long been male-dominated, and the atmosphere can be tough at times. Some parents shout harsh words from the sidelines, but Marcus and Rebeka have chosen another approach.
“As a girl, you sometimes have to prove yourself a bit more, and it took time before we really felt accepted,” says Rebeka. “We always try to encourage Ellie positively and remind her that having fun is the most important thing.”
Ellie herself moves effortlessly between worlds. On the track she rides mostly with boys, but at home she’s just as happy playing with Barbies or building Lego.
“People are often surprised when they see her ride – she’s both ‘pink’ and fierce. The two don’t cancel each other out,” says Rebeka.
The Gotland Grand National has been working actively to attract more female riders. This year’s goal was 300 women on the start line. They didn’t quite reach it, but 225 entrants is still an impressive number. As part of this effort, the organisers created an ambassador programme with ten female riders – Ellie is not only the youngest ambassador, but also the youngest ever to compete at Gotland Grand National.
Ellie also rides a different kind of bike than most – the electric KTM SX-E 5.
She started on it because she was sensitive to engine noise, and while she’s now comfortable around the roar of 2- and 4-strokes, the electric bike is here to stay. Even dad has switched to electric power with his Stark Varg.
“Sure, I missed the noise at first,” Marcus admits, “but it’s easier, less maintenance, and we can ride more places without bothering anyone. When I show up with Ellie, people mostly just smile and think it’s adorable.”
A family project on wheels
Being a motorcyclist, in any discipline, means joining a much larger family – one made of riders rather than relatives. It’s a lifestyle where training camps and races turn into mini-adventures with caravans, new friends and lasting memories.
“The motocross and enduro community creates a level of engagement you don’t find in many other kids’ sports,” says Marcus. “We’ve met people from all over the country, and for me and Ellie, riding has become a real way to bond.”
Rebeka adds: “The best part is that we all get outdoors. Ellie thrives on it, both physically and mentally. The sport demands focus – and that’s healthy for kids.”
Ellie’s final words
So what would Ellie say to others, young or old, who are thinking about giving motocross a go?
“It’s okay to be scared at first – but then it gets fun!”
Who knows – maybe Ellie will soon meet a new riding buddy in you or your child out on the track. With her determination, one thing’s for sure: before long, dad might be the one trying to catch up with his daughter.
Follow Ellie on Instagram
Robin Pecillo