Jeffrey Herlings: “It’s going to be a heck of a season if we continue racing like this”

Jeffrey Herlings secured his 115th Grand Prix victory in a fiercely contested MXGP round, overcoming intense heat and a challenging hard-packed circuit that contrasted sharply with the sandy tracks he usually excels on. Despite physical struggles, including cramping in the closing stages, the Dutch rider demonstrated his experience and resilience to fend off the persistent challenge from young contender Lucas Coenen. The second moto saw a gripping battle where Herlings managed to maintain his composure under pressure, ultimately clinching the overall win in demanding conditions that tested both riders' stamina and skill. The race highlighted the dynamic between seasoned expertise and youthful ambition, with Coenen pushing hard throughout the weekend but Herlings using tactical racecraft to control the pace and avoid costly errors. Herlings praised the improvements made by his HRC Petronas Honda team, crediting recent testing and development for the step forward in performance. He expressed optimism about the championship, suggesting that if the current level of competition continues and injuries are avoided, the season could be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. Herlings also reflected on his approach to maintaining peak form, explaining that frequent racing outside the MXGP calendar helps him sustain the intensity needed to compete against younger rivals. He emphasised the importance of staying sharp, especially given the rising talent of riders like Kay de Wolf in the sand. This commitment to regular competition underlines Herlings’ determination to remain at the forefront of the sport despite the age gap with emerging stars. Looking ahead, Herlings shared his thoughts on Coenen’s planned move to race in the United States, expressing curiosity about how the MXGP rider will adapt to the unique demands of AMA Pro Motocross. He noted the stark differences in format and intensity between the two championships and welcomed the opportunity to gauge the relative strength of MXGP against American competition. Herlings hopes Coenen approaches the challenge cautiously, recognising the value of having top riders remain healthy and competitive in the global championship fight.