DThe opening race of the Dutch season was a resounding success. I'm convinced that every organizer, even an MXGP organizer, would dream of such crowds. Even before a single race had been held, the normally ample parking lots were full. All hands on deck, and they know a thing or two about that in Lierop, a large parking lot was also prepared. And that, too, was practically full. The only downside – for us, anyway – was that a bad guess left us stranded in the parking lot for an hour. And well before the scheduled time, we saw the awnings of the sales booths closing: sold out!
The presence of a pair of world champions certainly played a part. And yet, Andrea Bonacorsi surprised everyone. For just one lap, Calvin Vlaanderen took over from Glenn Coldenhoff and world champion Romain Febvre. Jeffrey Herlings, making his Honda debut, wasn't in the opening race, but he did quickly overtake Max Nagl. At the front, things quickly moved for Febvre. After six laps, he became the leader for Vlaanderen. Herlings was already third. He had to chase Vlaanderen for two laps before he gave in. With a cat-like leap, he launched himself towards Febvre, but the Frenchman held on. He was still less than two seconds ahead of him. Vlaanderen finished third, ahead of Coldenhoff. Brent Van Doninck rode a superb race and would move from twelfth position to fifth. Jago Geerts finished eighth after a mediocre start.
In the final heat, 'The Bullet' immediately seized the initiative. Febvre knew what was in store. On his chosen terrain, Herlings is never caught off guard. The admirable Febvre was forced to retire, but limited his losses to a quarter of a minute. Behind these two, the battle for bronze was between Vlaanderen, Coldenhof, and Van Doninck. Vlaanderen won the heat and thus the final standings. Brent finished fourth, but narrowly missed out on the podium. Jago Geerts had crashed on the first lap. He persevered bravely and finished twelfth.
Kay de Wolf's debut in the 500m was cancelled as he injured his thumb and withdrew.
Final score (unofficial): 1. Herlings 47; 2. Febvre 47, 3. Vlaanderen 40, 4. Van Doninck 34, 5. Coldenhoff 34.
