GLenn Coldenhoff rode one of his most impressive MXGP seasons ever. With bronze in the final standings, one race win, and six podium finishes, "The Hoff" also made history for Fantic.
The six-time GP winner has already made history for GasGas. In 2020, he became the first-ever MXGP winner for the Spanish marque with Standing Construct. Fantic communications officer Nora Lantschner spoke with Glenn about his fantastic 2025 season.
Glenn, first of all, how are you doing after the heavy crash that ended your MXoN appearance in the US prematurely?
Glenn Coldenhoff: "I'm fine! I had some additional tests done at home, but thankfully, nothing serious turned out to be wrong. Of course, I had a serious back injury in the past, and after that crash, I was pretty battered. Besides, I'm not the youngest anymore, so it takes a bit longer to recover (laughs). But everything is fine now. I still need a few weeks to be fully fit, but I have time.
It was, of course, a sad end to an otherwise fantastic season. Looking back on what you achieved with Fantic and the entire team, how do you feel about it?
Coldenhoff: It was a really good season. I don't think anyone expected me to have such a strong year after the more difficult 2024 season. But the team and Fantic did a fantastic job. They listened carefully and set up the bike exactly how I wanted it. The bike was so good and I enjoyed it so much that it completely restored my motivation. I even enjoyed the training sessions, not just the races. During the week, I was happier and could fully concentrate on my training. That definitely contributed to the results. We actually didn't change anything on my bike after the first test. And if you look at my career, I was usually stronger towards the end of the season. This was the first time I was there from the start, and that was special. Because I had been riding the same bike since November without any major changes, I got to know it better and better. That explains why I felt so good all year – and why we had such a great season.
It was indeed a top season – you started with a win at Hawkstone Park, then six GP podiums, the first ever MXGP series win for the Fantic XXF 450, seven holeshot awards and, the icing on the cake, third in the final MXGP World Championship standings.
Coldenhoff: "Yes, all those podiums were definitely highlights. Cozar, for example—that was a really great one, along with my teammate [Andrea Bonacorsi]. Already at the second GP, there were two Fantic riders on the podium. Incredible. Before that race, Fantic had never achieved a podium in MXGP, and suddenly there were two of us. That was something special for the brand and fantastic for the team and the atmosphere. It proved that we had worked well over the winter.
And for you personally, was there a particular stage that stood out? What was your favorite moment?
Coldenhoff: "I think it was Loket, even though I finished third there. My family was there, and taking my daughter up on the podium was something special – even though she started crying and had to get off again (laughs). When I look at the photos now, they're truly wonderful memories. And of course, the victory in Great Britain, with that big whip over the finish jump. Ultimately, it's all about winning, right? Even though I didn't win the GP, I did win a moto, and that's what you get up for every morning. That feeling that you can still do it – that's fantastic."
For Fantic, it was a historic first MXGP series victory. For you personally, it was the fifth bike manufacturer you've won with. Do you ever think about statistics or records?
Coldenhoff: "No, not at all. I just live in the moment. I don't dwell on it, but it's certainly beautiful. Fantic isn't a big brand, so an achievement like this is enormous. We achieved this with a small group of people, and that makes it even more special."
It's clear you really enjoyed this season.
Coldenhoff: Yes, this was probably the most enjoyable season of my entire career. This was also thanks to my teammates. We had a great atmosphere with "Bona" and Brian [Bogers]. We got along incredibly well. We also got along really well with our coach, Kevin Strijbos – a top guy. We found the perfect balance between hard work and fun. The atmosphere was fantastic, and you could see that from the outside. Everything just clicked. We had everything we needed to perform, and that's a key part of our success.
The teamwork really made the difference – and it almost seemed like a dream when you climbed to third place in the World Championship standings after your second podium in Sardinia.
Coldenhoff: "Yes, I almost won the GP there. Okay, "almost" doesn't count in the end, but it was a podium, and any podium was good. Actually, we deserved two more, especially in Finland, where I crashed in the second moto but was definitely fast enough for a podium, maybe even the win. In the end, I finished fourth with the same points as the second-place finisher – that was a bit of a bitter pill to swallow.
So you just missed out on a GP victory with Fantic, which was the goal at the start of this project. But returning to Fantic Motor headquarters with a bronze medal is perhaps even more impressive?
Coldenhoff: "We can be satisfied, and everyone can be proud of what we've achieved together. Of course, it's a bit of a shame we didn't get that GP victory. But on the other hand, the goal was also to consistently ride in the top five and, with a bit of luck, finish third in the World Championship. And we achieved the latter. It was an ambitious goal, but we achieved it. That's a huge reward for everyone who put in the effort. What we achieved with Fantic is truly special – this was perhaps the best season of my career, and certainly one I'll never forget. I don't know what happens next, but above all, I'm very grateful and proud of what we've achieved together.
Photos: Fantic
