News 26 Apr 2010

World MX: Herlings and Cairoli shine in Valkenswaard sand

A great weekend of Motocross World Championship racing ended with home rider Jeffrey Herlings’ win in front of a healthy crowd for MX2 honours, while Red Bull KTM teammate Antonio Cairoli also took victory in the MX1 class.

Cairoli shined in the Netherlands today through two great moto wins on the deep Dutch sand of Valkenswaard.

The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Italian went on to dominate the first heat from the start to the flag and won again in the second heat despite two crashes.

Rockstar Teka Suzuki World MX1’s Steve Ramon took his first season podium with second overall. On the track where he injured his neck last year, the Belgian recovered to third in the first moto and just missed out on winning moto two when Cairoli moved past with just five laps to go.

Also for David Philippaerts it was the first season’s podium as the Italian of Yamaha Monster Energy Motocross completed the Dutch podium. A good second place in moto one was followed by a prudent fourth place in the final heat after Tanel Leok moved past him at the very last lap.

The Estonian of LS Motors Honda rode strong to take fourth overall ahead of other Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX1 rider Nagl.

It was a tough weekend for Clement Desalle instead who saw his Grand Prix end in the first moto with a dislocated right shoulder caused by a crash. X-rays on Monday will reveal when the factory Suzuki rider will be fit to ride again.

This edition of the Dutch Grand Prix marked an historical home victory for 15-year-old Herlings of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX2. Herlings grasped his first ever Grand Prix victory becoming the second youngest GP winner ever after Ken Roczen – 15 years and 225 days for Herlings and 15 years and 53 days for Roczen.

The Dutch won in dominant style, leading both moto’s from the start to the flag, despite he started from the 14th position.

Teka Suzuki Europe World MX2’s Roczen took another second place, the third in three GP’s, but this time the young German clinched the red plate for the first time in his career just one week before turning 16 – on April 29. Roczen rode steady in second place as he decided it was better to settle for second rather than risking to go chase Herlings.

Kawasaki CLS’ Steven Frossard took third overall to celebrate his maiden podium finish on a sandy course, something the hard pack specialist from France was not so good at in the past seasons. After a couple of difficult starts, Frossard managed to work his way through the top five in both heats.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX2’s Shaun Simpson was a positive fourth overall meaning that the Scottish rider is on his way back to the top after a hand injury hampered the beginning of his season. Teammate Marvin Musquin ended an unlucky weekend, he crashed yesterday in the qualifying moto, by taking fifth overall.

Click here for detailed results

Recent