17 minute read
RACING CATCH UP
by MXGP MAG
FOX HOLESHOT
FOX HOLESHOT: SARDINIA, MXON, GERMANY, FRANCE
THE FOX HOLESHOT COMPETITION CONTINUES AND THE LAST THREE GRAND PRIX’S, INCLUDING THE MONSTER ENERGY FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS, HAVE ALL DELIVERED SOME SURPRISES… SO, LET’S CATCH-UP ON WHO’S BEEN DOMINATING THE STARTS AT THE LAST FEW RACES!
MXGP of Sardegna – Riola Sardo
Let’s start with the MXGP of Sardegna… Upon our first visit to the Riola Sardo circuit, we saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing once again rule the starts with Jeffrey Herlings taking the Fox Holeshot in race one, while Jorge Prado was quick out of the gate in race two� For Herlings, his strong start helped him on his way to a race victory which put him on the top step of the podium for the third consecutive time, while Prado finished second on the box�
In MX2, no other riders could match the reaction and speed of Tom Vialle into the first corner, as the Frenchman secured both Fox Holeshot plates, on his way to a 1-1 result which put him on the top step once again�
Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations – Mantova
Starts are always a fundamental part of any race but even more so at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations as each team fight for every possible advantage of getting the least number of points for their team� With riders taking part in the event from all over the world, this gave an opportunity for somebody new to have a shot and winning the Fox Holeshot competition – and that’s exactly what happened!
With three races on the schedule this meant that there were three opportunities to go after the Fox Holeshot prize! In the first race (MXGP/MX2) it was Team Switzerland’s Arnaud Tonus who was the first rider to reach the first corner and claim the first Fox Holeshot of the day, while in race two (MX2/Open) it was his fellow countryman Valentin Guillod who led the rest of the field� In the third and final race of the day (Open/MXGP) it was Team Great Britain’s Ben Watson who secured the third Fox Holeshot, helping his team to a podium finish for the fourth consecutive time!
The winners of the Fox Holeshot Prize at the Monster Energy FIM MXoN not only got the advantage of getting out front in the races but were also awarded with a prize cheque presented by the team at Fox Racing�
MXGP of Germany – Teutschenthal
hardpack track of Teutschenthal! The German Grand Prix delivered some explosive action which once again rocked the MXGP title chase�
In MXGP race one, it was Jorge Prado who added an 11th Fox Holeshot to his impressive tally, while in race two, the Fox Holeshot was won by Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Romain Febvre who led the race for most of the heat until he was caught by Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and was forced to settle for second position�
Prado has a strong lead in the classification as he leads with 11 points, while Febvre has six and Herlings three�
In MX2 though, it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle who went on to dominate once again both starts, as he added two more Fox Holeshots to his award standings� The Frenchman now comfortably leads the competition with nine points, with his teammate Mattia Guadagnini second on three points� Third is Maxime Renaux of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing who also has three points�
MXGP of France – Lacapelle Marival
Then we moved on to the 12th round of the series with the MXGP of France as we welcomed In the MX2 category it was Vialle who once again proved to be no match for the rest of the field when it came to the starts as he dominated the Fox Holeshot in both races� The Frenchman put on a strong performance in front of his home crowd to win the French Grand Prix for the first time in his career� Vialle now edges out in the Fox Holeshot standings with 11 points� Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Mattia Guadagnini is second on three points together with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Maxime Renaux�
Meanwhile in MXGP, Jeffrey Herlings added his fourth Fox Holeshot award of the season in MXGP race one, while in the second race it was his teammate Antonio Cairoli who secured his first Fox Holeshot of the 2021 season! Herlings went on to win the French Grand Prix with a 2-1 result over home hero Romain Febvre�
Jorge Prado leads the MXGP Fox Holeshot classifications with 11 holeshots, five points ahead of Romain Febvre, with Jeffrey Herlings down in third on four points�
The Fox Holeshot competition will continue in intu Xanadú - Arroyomolinos at the MXGP of
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MX2 TABLE
Tom Vialle 11
Matti Guadagnini 3 Maxime Renaux 3
Simon Längenfelder 2 Jago Geer 2
Thibault Benistant 2
MXGP TABLE
Jorge Prado
Romain Febvre 11 6
Jeffrey Herlings 4
Glenn Coldenhoff 1
HALFWAY THERE!
THE LAST FEW WEEKS OF THE FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HAVE BEEN INTENSE AS WE HAVE CROSSED THE HALF-WAY MARK IN THE 2021 SEASON OF THE SERIES! WE’VE GOT 12 GRAND PRIX’S AND THE MONSTER ENERGY FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS UNDER OUR BELTS ALREADY AND NOW JUST SIX RACES REMAIN AS WE GET READY TO CROWN SOME CHAMPIONS!
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In this month’s MXGP Magazine we’ll take you through the last three MXGP events; MXGP of Sardegna, MXGP of Germany and last but not least the MXGP of France, so keep on reading to find out what happened at these races…
MXGP OF SARDEGNA, RIOLA SARDO:
Following a very short break after the Turkish double-header in Afyon, the MXGP paddock packed their bags (and bikes etc) and head for the beautiful island of Sardinia! A place that may be better known to some as the perfect holiday destination thanks to all beautiful scenery and beaches surrounding the place, for us Sardinia became
known as much more – the Island of Sport!
Over the last months, the Sardinian regional department, headed by Region Minister of Tourism Giovanni Chessa and Region Minister of Industry Anita Pili have been putting a lot of effort into promoting sports in the area and their labours have certainly paid off as not only did MXGP make its very first visit to Sardinia, but many other sporting events have taken place including the Volleyball World Championship Under 21, Junior Sailing Championship and the World Paddle Tour, just to name a few�
The race in Sardinia was held at the Riola Sardo venue, a place that many of the riders are very familiar with! When it comes to the off-season, Riola Sardo is the perfect facility for winter training, with amazing weather and even better motocross tracks! It is also home to one of the most famous pre-season races, the ‘Internazionali d’Italia’ and therefore was the perfect host for round 10 of the FIM Motocross World Championship!
The weekend began with the opening press conference in front of a delegation of local media who were keen to report on the event� Present for the occasion was Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, Sardinia Region Minister of Tourism Giovanni Chessa, Sardinia Region Minister of Industry Anita Pili and President of the Motoclub Le Dune Fulvio Maiorca�
With the event official opened – it was time to enjoy the races! First up were the finals of the EMX65 and EMX85 Championships� After missing out on the race in 2020, it was great to welcome back the youngsters of the sport as we got to witness some exciting races that saw the stars of tomorrow battle for the top spot�
In the EMX65 category, it was Lucas Leok who won the won the EMX65 European Championship with 47 points, as Dex van den Broek was second on 45 points, with Vitkor Leppälä joining the pair on the podium for third overall!
Meanwhile in EMX85 with a 1-2 result Vitezslav Marek repeated his success from 2019 when he won the EMX65 title to win the EMX85 European Championship in 2021 ahead of Janis Martins Reisulis who was second with 45 points, followed by Lotte Van Drunen who was third with 42�
But that was just the first day of racing, then it was time for the MXGP and MX2 riders to take on the deep sand of Riola Sardo on Sunday!
In MX2, we were treated to another classic Tom Vialle vs Maxime Renaux battle that began in Turkey� The pair once again battle for the top spot
and once again it was Vialle who came out on top� Despite Renaux’s best efforts, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider went on to win both races, winning a Grand Prix for the third time in a row! But in terms of the title chase, it was still a very positive day for Renaux who extended his points lead over Mattia Guadagnini, who only managed 11th overall�
While in MXGP, we witnessed a turning point in the championship as news began to circulate of a possible injury for Tim Gajser� This was confirmed following the races as the Slovenian struggled in the races, but in true Gajser style fought hard for every point that he managed to pick up� And then there was the crash of Antonio Cairoli� In time practice, the 9-time world champion fell hard and was forced to miss the Sardinian Grand Prix which was another shake up for the title fight and as a result, for the first time in 2021, we saw a new championship leader as Jeffrey Herlings took home the red plate�
Racing aside, there was more excitement in the paddock as fans were once again welcomed back to MXGP! During the MXGP of Sardegna a limited number of fans were able to join us at the venue to cheer on their heroes – which was just awesome!
MXGP OF GERMANY, TEUTSCHENTHAL:
After the Motocross of Nations, it was time to get back to business with the 11th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship as we returned to Teutschenthal�
The first day of racing was dedicated to the EMX action as Ivano Van Erp took his first ever victory in the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing category, meanwhile in the EMX250 class, Nicholas Lapucci claimed yet another win to extend his championship lead over Kevin Horgmo� On Sunday the focused was back onto the MX2 and MXGP riders but in-between those sessions, we saw round one of the Junior e-Motocross series! The youngsters whizzed around the old school venue on their electric machines and in the end, it was Eleu Jose who finished the day on the top step of the podium with Elias Eder and Maurice Heidegger rounding out the top three�
Back with the main action, the MXGP of Germany supplied some intense fights in both MXGP and MX2 which once again rocked both championships� In MXGP, we saw another change in the lead as Tim Gajser took back control of the championship thanks to his 3-1 result� Not only did he take the red plate, but he also stood on the top step of the podium, with Jeffrey Herlings and Romain Febvre assuming the third and second place spots�
But there was more to the races… And race one is probably the one we all remember best� As the gate dropped, we watched Jorge Prado secure his 11th Fox Holeshot of the season ahead of Herlings� Herlings briefly took the lead, but the young Spaniard was able to fire back and just like that the race continued pretty much the same, with Herlings applying constant pressure onto the 20-year-old until the finish – but what happened on the finish line shocked us all� As Prado and Herlings crossed the line the pair collided midair which ended in a huge crash that resulted in a swollen knee for Herlings and stitches in the arm pit for Prado�
Herlings was able to push through the knee pain and line-up for race two, in order to pick up valuable championship points, while Prado was forced to miss out�
Meanwhile in MX2, Mattia Guadagnini made his return to the podium after a tough race in Sardinia� The Italian took back re-claimed some important
championship points but that did not stop Renaux from edging out further� After another battle with Tom Vialle, Renaux finally got back on the top step after the KTM rider was docked two positions in race two for not respecting waved yellow flags� While the first two positions were filled by the two French riders, the final spot was occupied by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Rene Hofer� After securing his first MX2 podium at the Motocross of Nations where he won the MX2 overall, the Austrian was able to repeat his success and get on the MX2 World championship podium for the very first time!
It was a long-time coming for Hofer, who has had some good battles inside the top five this season, but finally got the job done in Germany�
MXGP FRANCE, LACAPELLE MARIVAL:
The next stop on our busy schedule was Lacapelle Marival, the new host of the French Grand Prix� While Lacapelle Marival had never hosted the MXGP or MX2 races, it had previously held the MX3 and WMX World Championships�
While much of the paddock were already familiar with the track, thanks to the ‘Master of Motocross’ pre-season international, some still needed to familiarise themselves with the hardpack circuit� Nestled in the beautiful village of the same name, Lacapelle Marival was a real treat, not only for the stunning surrounding scenery but also for the racing…
In MXGP we were treated to a strong fight between Herlings and Romain Febvre and by the final race the battle become much more than a fight for the race win or podium, but also for the championship� For the second weekend in a row Cairoli struggled with the aftermath of his crash in Riola Sardo, while Gajser was having struggles of his own which prevented him from fighting at the front of the field�
So, the focus remained on Herlings and Febvre, with Febvre being urged on by a huge crowd of French fans� The fan support was truly incredible as restrictions on public attendance was lifted for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic� The track was full of supporters which created an unbelievable atmosphere which had been sorely missed by everyone in the paddock�
Back with the action… Febvre went on to win race one, but in race two could not hold off Herlings until the end and it was the Bullet who also stood on the top step of the podium, while a disappointed Febvre was being cheered on by his fans� Gajser managed third but despite a podium finish could not hold on to the red plate as Herlings got back into the driver’s seat of the series� Febvre also gained a position and now is just six points behind Herlings in the 2021 title fight�
In MX2, Tom Vialle managed to do what he had hoped to do last season, which was winning on home soil� The Frenchman dominated both starts to add two more Fox Holeshots and led both heats from beginning to the end, going 1-1 at his first French Grand Prix since becoming MX2 World Champion� Renaux had much tougher day but managed to fight back strong, making some good passes to get himself on the podium alongside Vialle and Guadagnini who was third�
WHERE TO NEXT?
The FIM Motocross World Championship continues this weekend in intu Xanadu - Arroyomolinos for the MXGP of Spain! The Spanish Grand Prix will host the 13th round of the series and is bound to be just as exciting as the last few GP’s have been – Who will win? You’ll have to watch to find out (or read the MXGP Magazine next month where we’ll tell you all about it!)�
FIM MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
MXGP CHAMP. STANDINGS
1. J. Herlings (NED, KTM 460 p. 2. R. Febvre (FRA, KAW) 454 p. 3. T. Gajser (SLO, HON) 450 p. 4. J. Prado (SPA, KTM) 398 p. 5. A. Cairoli (ITA, KTM) 387 p. 6. J. Seewer (SUI, YAM) 344 p. 7. P. Jonass (LAT,GAS) 321 p. 8. G. Coldenhoff (NED,YAM) 284 p. 9. A. Lupino (ITA, KTM) 215 p. 10. T. Olsen (DEN, HUS) 201 p.
MXGP MANUFACTURERS
1. KTM 2. Honda 3. Kawasaki 4. Yamaha 5. Gas Gas 6. Husqvarna 565 p. 459 p. 459 p. 388 p. 359 p. 228 p.
MX2 CHAMP. STANDINGS
1. M. Renaux (FRA, YAM) 488 p. 2. J. Geerts (BEL, YAM 397 p. 3. M. Guadagnini (ITA, KTM) 393 p. 4. T. Vialle (FRA, KTM) 372 p. 5. J. Beaton (AUS, HUS) 359 p. 6. T. Benisitant /FRA, YAM) 336 p. 7. R. Hofer (AUT, KTM) 333 p. 8. K. DeWolf (NED, HUS) 313 p. 9. R. Fernandez (SPA, HON) 262 p. 10. M. Boisrame (FRA, KAW) 223 p.
MX2 MANUFACTURERS
1. KTM 2. Yamaha 3. Husqvarna 4. Kawasaki 5. Honda 6. Gas Gas 531 p. 531 p. 405 p. 359 p. 303 p. 280 p.
2021 MXGP IN NUMBERS
MXGP SOCIAL
@noah.mx11
Ein mega Tag beim #mxgp in Teutschenthal und ein riesiges Dankeschön an @ paulsjonass41 und @ gasgas�official für die tollen Sachen
Prado vs Herlings battle | MXGP of Sardegna 2021: Watch the epic battle between the two RedBull KTM factory Racing rider on the track of Riola Sardo!
@laeviculuslabs
Took a month off to prepare some heat for the @mxgp of Germany this weekend� Will drop every design within the next couple of days!
@ulbrichracing
Was ein tolles Wochenende gewesen schön beim @ msc_teutschenthal die @ mxgp angeguckt spannende rennen tolle zwei Kämpfe richtig gut� Danke an alle die dazu beigetragen haben das trotz der schwierigen zeit so etwas stadt finden konnte� Ride on ulle News Highlights | Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations 2021: Re-live the incredible day of the 221 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations and watch how Team Italy win on home soil!
@dennytischendorf93
What a great day at @ mxgp @msc_teutschenthal Unbelievable to see the fast guys smashing their machines around the track �� see ya next year
@ces_on_art
“Velocità, fango, gloria� Per me è il senso del motocross� Si arriva al successo solo con il lavoro che plasma il talento� ”
@koehlair
MXGP of Germany in the books
@bigballsmxjannis
MXGP MXE juniors Teuschenthal Germany , awesome weekend with my crew , family� Thea had some crashes in the motos , but her riding was awesome� Cairoli Lifetime Number | | Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations 2021: The tribute to Antonio Cairoli one of the greatest riders of the last decades!
@moncik_98
Do alba #mxgp
@neginghaderii
Professional MX racer for Standing Construct GASGAS Factory Racing Team • MX2 World Champion in 2017
@mxreport
Ultime due cartoline dall’MXoN 2021! @ motocrossmantova
