Cairoli takes MXGP qualifying ahead of Herlings & Coldenhoff
In a sunny Matterley Basin, Jeffrey Herlings set the fastest time in timed training, but arch-rival Cairoli hit back in the qualifying heat. The nine-time world champion grabbed the holeshot and then rode to victory with dominance.
Opposite the MX of Nations the track was ultra-fast. Tony Cairoli got off to a perfect start with Coldenhoff, Gajser, Herlings and Guillod behind him. Almost immediately Cairoli was able to extend his lead. Tim Gajser did everything he could to pass Coldenhoff, but 'The Hoff' delivered excellent resistance and held off the HRC-Honda rider!
Although Clément Desalle started poorly, he delivered a solid series and finished fifth. That fifth place was long in the hands of home rider Max Anstie - for the occasion in Union Jack Fox equipment - but he crashed a few laps before the end. Searle had started well and would finish seventh, just ahead of Jeremy Van Horebeek who fought back the pain after his shoulder injury sustained in Teutschenthal. Herlings first measured Gajser and then dealt with Coldenhoff in the final phase. However, Glenn did not simply give in. Finally, 'The Bullit used his bag of tricks to fly past his teammate with a beautiful low jump!
At the finish the difference between Cairoli and Herlings was more than 20 seconds. For Cairoli it was his second qualifying victory of the season. Coldenhoff's third place was his best performance on Saturday yet! Julien Lieber qualified 14th, just ahead of Kevin Strijbos and Valentin Guillod.
Despite his fall, Max Anstie still came back to ninth place, a few seconds behind 'The Jerre'. We wonder if his British flag outfit will bring good luck tomorrow!
MXGP Qualifying Race
1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 25:51.194; 2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:20.021; 3. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:24.133; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:28.038; 5. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:32.821; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:35.508; 7. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:37.473; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:44.604; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:46.521; 10. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:48.041; 11. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +0:48.924; 12. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:49.619; 13. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:49.680; 14. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:59.600; 15. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +1:03.386; 16. Valentin Guillod (SUI, KTM), +1:05.947; 17. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +1:07.301; 18. Graeme Irwin (GBR, KTM), +1:10.242; 19. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Honda), +1:10.511; 20. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +1:16.473; 21. Jose Butron (ESP, KTM), +1:20.770; 22. Tanel Leok (EST, Husqvarna), +1:21.426; 23. Maxime Desprey (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:30.013; 24. Paul Albert (POR, Yamaha), +1:32.425; 25. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, Yamaha), +1:38.751; 26. Tomasz Wysocki (POL, KTM), +1:49.143; 27. Matiss Wagon (LAT, Kawasaki), +1:56.242; 28. Nathan Renkens (BEL, Honda), +1:57.873; 29. Stefan Ekerold (GER, KTM), +2:00.025; 30. Simone Zecchina (ITA, Yamaha), +2:22.467; 31. Jaromir Romancik (CZE, KTM), +2:33.588; 32. Ander Valentine (ESP, Husqvarna), -1 lap(s); 33. Petar Petrov (BUL, Honda), -5 lap(s); 34. Jonathan Bengtsson (SWE, KTM), -7 lap(s);
Photos: Ray Archer
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