Lucas Coenen: “I’m not going to USA to try and win, I’m going to learn”

Lucas Coenen, currently leading the MXGP World Championship, is focused on learning rather than winning as he prepares for his upcoming debut in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in the United States. After recent victories in Andalusia and Sardinia, Coenen finished second overall at the French Grand Prix, narrowly losing out to Jeffrey Herlings in a closely contested weekend. Despite the setback, he retained the championship leader’s red plate and remains determined to build experience ahead of a demanding summer schedule. The French GP saw Coenen engage in a fierce battle with Herlings, particularly in the second race where he struggled to find overtaking opportunities. Starting sixth in the qualifying race, Coenen impressively climbed to third, finishing just fractions of a second behind Kay de Wolf. Reflecting on the weekend, he acknowledged the difficulty of passing on the track and praised Herlings’ strength, while expressing satisfaction with his overall second-place finish. Coenen also addressed the serious crash of French rider Thibault Benistant, expressing concern for his fellow competitor and commenting on the inconsistent race stoppage decisions. Looking ahead, the Coenen brothers have a packed calendar, with Lucas and his sibling Sacha confirmed for three rounds of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship this summer, alongside the Paris Supercross at the season’s end. The schedule is intense, featuring 17 races over 18 weeks, including multiple European GPs and US appearances. Despite the physical and mental demands, Lucas emphasised that his primary goal in the US is to gain experience rather than take unnecessary risks, as he aims to maintain his championship challenge in MXGP. Coenen’s approach to the American races is pragmatic and cautious, viewing the opportunity as a valuable learning experience rather than a direct title bid. He recognises the challenges ahead but is motivated by the prospect of racing in new environments and expanding his skills. With the championship battle heating up and a relentless race itinerary, Lucas Coenen’s ability to balance ambition with prudence will be crucial as he navigates this pivotal phase of his career.