Paul Friedrichs

Paul Friedrichs (21 March 1940; Buchholz – 30 August 2012; Erfurt) was an East German professional motocross racer.[1] He won three consecutive FIM 500cc motocross world championships from 1966 to 1968.[2]

Paul Friedrichs
Friedrichs in 1964
Born21 March 1940 (1940-03-21)
Buchholz
Died30 August 2012 (2012-08-31) (aged 72)
Erfurt
Medal record
Motocross
Representing  East Germany
World Cup Motocross
1966 World Cup Motocross
1967 World Cup Motocross
1968 World Cup Motocross
ISDT
1972 Six Day's Enduro

Biography

Friedrichs grew up in Mecklenburg where he joined the motor sports clubs MC tractor Franzburg, MC Dynamo Rostock / Sportvereinigung (SV) Dynamo. With the training offered by the clubs, he developed into one of the best motocross and Enduro riders of his time.

Paul Friedrichs at the 1967 Motocross des Nations

In 1965, he finished in second place in the 500cc world championship, behind Jeff Smith, before claiming his first world title in 1966 as a member of the ČZ factory motocross team. His was the first 500cc championship won on a two-cycle powered motocross bike and the first by a rider from the eastern 'bloc' of a divided Europe. He successfully defended his crown in 1967 and 1968, before falling to third place in the 1969 championship. Friedrichs finished second to Roger De Coster in the 1972 500cc world championship.

Friedrichs also competed in the 1972 International Six Day Trial as a member of the East German national team that finished second to the powerful Czechoslovakian national team.

References
  1. "Paul Friedrichs 21.03.1940 – 30.08.2012" (in German). MSC Teutschenthal. 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  2. Paul Friedrichs career profile


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