Interview with Jeffrey Herlings!
Although Jeffrey Herlings is still only 23 years old, he will be at the start of the motocross Grand Prix in Valkenswaard for the ninth time this weekend. From his first participation in 2010 in the MX2 class, he won seven times in a row. All those times he crossed the finish line as winner in both heats.
Last year Herlings switched to the MXGP, the Formula 1 of motocross. Injuries in the preparation for the new season meant that he could not start the competition fit. When he started in Valkenswaard he was already quite fit, but he had not yet reached his top level. By finishing third in both heats, Herlings became second in the daily rankings and was therefore once again on the podium after the race.
After his fantastic performance during the opening GP of this year in Argentina and the dominance he demonstrated in the strong Dutch Masters of Motocross in Markelo, Herlings is considered the clear favorite for victory in Valkenswaard. The Brabander comes to the Eurocircuit with confidence
Herlings: “I came back from Argentina with a very good feeling. It was close in the last round, but a win is a win. To now come to Valkenswaard, my home GP, as classification leader is very nice. That is very satisfying.”
His victory in the second round of the Argentine GP was particularly impressive. From such a seemingly beaten position, he came back very strongly in the final phase of the race and managed to make up for the seemingly unbridgeable gap to his Red Bull KTM colleague Antonio 'Tony' Cairoli. The nine-time world champion is known for always being able to do something extra in the last ten minutes of a race.
Herlings: “Tony is very good and fit, so I could still get that... Especially from the position I came from. That was a very good match from my side.”
It can be expected in advance that this year it will be a battle between Cairoli, who is keen to equal Stefan Everts' record of ten world titles, and his nine-year-younger Dutch challenger.
Herlings: “It's hard to say whether it will be a battle between Tony and me this year, but I think we will be key players. I won't underestimate the rest of the riders. I expect that Tony will be my biggest competition in the title fight.”
Tony Cairoli recently extended his contract with KTM for two years. How long will your contract continue?
Herlings: “Both our contracts run until 2020. Besides the fact that it provides certainty, I am very satisfied with KTM. I have been there since 2009, so almost ten years.”
At the beginning of your career you often talked about wanting to go to America. I won't hear you about that anymore.
Herlings: “My contract with KTM is for the world championship for the coming years, not for America. There is nothing wrong with staying in the Netherlands. The world championship is good. The people I work with are good. I am super satisfied, so why change to the other side of the world?”
Considering your past results at the Eurocircuit, will any result less than two wins be a disappointment for you?
Herlings: “No, if I don't win twice next weekend, I definitely won't be very disappointed. I'm riding for the title. Two times one is beautiful, yes certainly. But am I angry if I come second twice, no, certainly not. Of course I'm going for the win, but for the championship it's important to perform consistently. There will certainly be a slight disappointment if I don't win, but if I'm angry with myself, absolutely not. The condition is good. I had a good winter, without injuries. I was able to do what I had in mind. That already gave me a lot of confidence. To receive confirmation in Argentina against one of the best riders is very nice.”
Herlings: “I hope it will be busy in Valkenswaard. I wish that for the organizers and everyone involved. I hope it will be a successful GP, hopefully it will be busy and the GP will be held for several years to come.”
Tekst: John Boer
Photos: Ray Archer, ShotbyBavo
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