Today's winners have their say
As always, a press conference took place on Saturday evening. So it's time to hear the reactions of Jeffrey Herlings and David Philippaerts. And noblesse obligation, superstar Cairoli who finished second in the MX1 qualifying was also allowed to have his say.
Jeffrey Herlings (Red Bull-KTM): “I am super satisfied, Mantova is a very nice track and it means a lot to me to take pole here. Does that mean I can celebrate my first podium tomorrow? Well, I certainly don't want to put any pressure on myself. Just make 2 good starts, holeshots, whatever you can and then we'll see. In Bulgaria I was also at the top in the qualifying, but this was very different. In Sevlievo it was my first GP and it was all very hectic, so you naturally get a bit nervous. And I never thought I would be in the lead right away. Things went well on Sunday. Here I knew much better where I stood. Especially where I stand against the other pilots.”
After Herlings was allowed Gautier Paulin just explain why he had wisely decided not to start after all. The Frenchman, who broke his fibula just before the first Grand Prix, wants to be back when he has fully recovered and can compete for GP victories again.
David Philippaerts (Monster Energy-Yamaha Motocross): “It went very well, of course it is nice to be able to beat the world champion in front of our own audience. Winning the Lovemytime award is a bonus, even though it is 'only' a qualifying race of course. Tomorrow promises to be a completely different match. Moreover, it will also be difficult because of the European Championship 125 race and the veterans in front of us. I don't know that Mantova suits me better than Sevlievo, because it was also difficult there, but I am fit and the bike is going great."
Tony Cairoli (Red Bull-De Carli-KTM): “In the beginning I tried to push to pass Nagl and Philippaerts, but I made a mistake and almost crashed. Then I adjusted my pace to David (Philippaerts). Together we passed Max (Nagl) and I stayed in his wheel the entire race. I tried to drive economically and not waste too much energy, because tomorrow will be very tiring for everyone. You also have to be careful here because with the jumps and the many tracks it can be treacherous. But I do think that tomorrow it will be more exciting for the public because the track will be more suitable for overtaking, now you mainly had to count on strong action in the corners.”
Photo credit: CDS
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