Stage talk: The reactions MX1 + MX2
Antonio Cairoli: It's the first time I've won the GP here in the MX1 class, so I'm super happy. Due to the rain there were many more tracks in the area, so perhaps my driving style came into its own better. In the first heat I took the holeshot but was immediately passed by Gautier. He was faster than me and I didn't want to take any risks with my ankle in these difficult conditions. However, I have not had any problems with my ankle at any time so that is good. In the second heat it was very slippery due to the rain and completely different from the first heat. I immediately had a comfortable gap, but I still had to pay attention because the circuit changed every lap. Now we're heading to the sand, which I love, so I'm looking forward to going to my second home for the Valkenswaard GP.
Gautier Paulin: I am satisfied with my second place today. My neck hurt a lot this morning, I initially didn't think I could ride that well, but it turned out well in the end. I was super happy with the win in the first moto and the riding went really well. We had completely different circumstances in the second round, but in the end the most important thing is that we are back on the podium after last week's setback. There are still many points to be earned, so I am certainly not giving up the fight for the championship. I'm already looking forward to the GP of Valkenswaard. I have good memories there, love the circuit and I like riding in the sand.
Jeremy van Horebeek: This is not my favorite circuit and it's the first time I'm on the podium here, so I'm super happy. Before the competitions I was actually struggling a bit. I was not feeling comfortable and my back was still bothering me after the fall in Arco last week. But together with the team we managed to find a good setting that made it all much easier. I'm back on the podium so that's great. I still have to work on my starts if I want to go for the win, they can still be improved a bit. I had actually prepared well in advance for a race like the second heat, which also ensured that I still had my glasses on at the end. I'm really looking forward to Valkenswaard now, it's close to home and I've trained hard this winter with the motorcycle in the sand. Last year I felt that I had not yet fully mastered sand riding with the MX1, but now I feel great again on the sand tracks!
Jeffrey Herlings: Yesterday I suffered a lot from arm pump because we had little training, but second was ultimately good enough for the starting choice. In the first heat today my start was not too good, I had to pass many riders and only at the end was I able to put some pressure on Arnaud. He then made a mistake and I won the match. I had a good start in the second series and quickly took the lead. I haven't ridden much on a circuit in these conditions before, so it was good to get this experience first and foremost. I won both series so that's great, and I'm lucky to have a great team behind me. I still need some extra time on the bike to hopefully win by a little more in the next races. The goal is to regain the red plate, but it is clear that Arnaud has taken a big step forward and it will not be easy.
Arnaud Tonus: In the first series I lost concentration for half a second and that was enough for that mistake in the first series. I tried to ride more consistent laps in the second series but it wasn't enough to pass Jeffrey. Overall the speed was good and I enjoyed both motos. There are many more competitions to come and I will continue to work hard to improve. In Valkenswaard I'm just going for the win. Jeffrey will be difficult to beat in his home GP, but I will try hard to keep the red plate in our camp.
Jordi Tixier: Finally on the podium again, because the first GPs didn't really go well I put too much pressure on myself. Last week I fell in qualifying and broke a bone in my hand. I couldn't ride this week, but I'm still on the podium here. Yesterday I had some trouble with the settings, but together with the team and WP we changed the suspension setting, which made the bike run much better. A big thank you to the entire team for supporting me so much and believing in me.
Photos: Bavo Swijgers /Ray Archer-KTM images
Also to read
Competing for the MX AIR TIME 2024 prize pool? Subscribe …
A new edition of MX AIR TIME will be held on Sunday, May 19. Place to be is the Dutch municipality of Beckum. Register now via Motoinside and who knows...Gallery: MXGP Portugal 2024 XXL from NiekFotografie
The riders and mechanics had a hard time in Agueda. This also applies to the photographers because the weather conditions were harsh! Yet our #NiekFotografie made this XXL gallery...Jorge Prado in Simon Laengenfelder over Agueda
The Grand Prix of Portugal will be remembered for a long time and may be one for the history books. The heavy rain that descended on Agueda made this 2024 edition a rush…Danee Gelissen on stage in Italy
During the second match of the Italian Women's Championship, Danee Gelissen was allowed to climb onto the podium. The Limburg rider finished second behind Kiara Fontanesi in both heats in Lovolo. The Ceres71 driver starts…
Your reactions