Does Herlings write history in 'The Cathedral'?
Never before has a Dutchman become world champion in the 'king class' of motocross. Jeffrey herlings is about to make history on home soil in the 'Cathedral of Motorsport' during the Motocross Grand Prix at the TT Circuit Assen, September 15 and 16 next.
Impressive winning streak
After a 'learning year' in which his Red Bull KTM teammate won the title, Herlings is now showing the same dominance he exercised for years in the MX2 category. In the MXGP class this season, from the first Grand Prix in Argentina, it will revolve around the duel between Jeffrey Herlings and 9-time and reigning world champion Antonio Caïroli. The old master, on the hunt for a tenth world title to equal Stefan Everts' record, won the first round of the year. But the Italian's sharp weapon, accelerating in the closing minutes, moved camps. In an impressive final offensive, Herlings closed the gap on Cairo in no time and won his first MXGP of the season. A fall in the first heat in Valkenswaard took Caïroli down as leader. In the second heat, Herlings showed in the chicane how to deal a sledgehammer to the opposition. Cairoli was really impressed by that. Cairoli in Spain won its first GP of the season at the Red Sands circuit. Herlings was not involved this time after a bad start.
After three Grand Prix's, the Italian even managed to take over the red plate from Herlings, who, however, hit back into the lion's den by winning the Italian Grand Prix. The rider from Oploo then started a winning streak and built up a lead of 62 points. That winning streak was stopped by Jeffrey himself, as the Dutch Red Bull KTM rider broke his collarbone during training, forcing him to miss the Ottobiano Grand Prix and seeing his lead shrink to 12 points. After Herlings' accident, Cairoli took full advantage by reducing the wide gap by fifty points. However, 'The Bullit' was only sidelined for one match before continuing his impressive winning streak.
From Semarang via Loket, Lommel and up to and including Frauenfeld-Gachnang, Sevlievo and the GP of Turkey, Herlings won all heats, all GPs! Strong, but even stronger is the way in which it is done. Good or bad start, it didn't matter to Herlings. He often took the lead on the first lap. The battle in Loket was indicative of Herlings' dominance. Twice Cairoli had holeshots, twice Herlings came to catch him in the first laps. Painful, because Caïroli in turn stands head and shoulders above the rest.
National motocross history
The Netherlands has never had a Dutch world champion in the premier class, but since the 70s 'the Dutch' have collected more than 100 GP victories and a handful of world titles in the lighter classes of the motocross world championship. Gerrit Wolsink was the first Dutch motocross hero with 13 victories. In 1975 and 1977 Wolsink finished third in the 500cc world championship and in 1979 he even became vice world champion in the premier class, competing against major champions Roger De Coster, Heikki Mikkola and Brad Lackey.
In the 80s, Kees van de Ven was the best Dutch motocross rider. Van de Ven won 18 GPs and became vice world champion in the 1980cc category in 250 behind Georges Jobé. In '81, '82 and '83 he finished third in the 250cc World Championship, in '84 third in the 125cc World Championship and in 1987 he was third in the 500cc World Championship.
Dave Strijbos became the first Dutch motocross world champion in 1986 with the 125 cc World Championship title and John van den Berk took the title a year later. Together the duo represented 'golden times' for motocross-loving Netherlands, with Van den Berk also becoming world champion in the 1988 cc category in 250. Strijbos won 27 GPs, became vice world champion 4 times in addition to his title and third in 1993. John van Den Berk won 9 GPs and, in addition to his world titles, the vice championship behind Strijbos in '86 and third in the 250 cc class in '89 and '90.
Pedro Tragter became the third Dutch world champion in 1993, again in the 125cc category. Tragter won 7 GPs and, in addition to his world title in '91, '92 and '94, came third in the World Championship.
However, Jeffrey Herlings is the most successful Dutch motocross rider with more than 80 victories and 3 MX2 world titles. 'Insiders' see him as the man who will dominate MXGP in the coming decade. Dutch fans are now preparing for a grand finale in the 'Cathedral of Motorsport' where the fireworks have now been set up.
'Elbow to elbow along the TT stands'
The world's best motocross riders elbow to elbow, the motorcycles at high revs ready for the drop of the starting gate and a blood-curdling sprint to the first corner. The 'scrub' of the first bumps and spectacularly high jumps with man and machine floating at great heights in front of the famous TT stands... That is the Motocross World Championship on the TT circuit, the 'cathedral of motorsport'. On a course specially designed for the event, a unique Grand Prix will be held with sand from the adjacent defense site along the famous TT stands, with competitions in MXGP, MX2, the European Championship 125cc and 250cc and the World Championship for women. With one ticket, visitors gain access to the stands and can walk around the track. Tickets are available via MXGP-assen.com, VanPlan and Primera from 32,50 euros (children 5 to 15 years 12,50 euros, under 5 FREE entrance).
Posted: Steven van Kempen/KEMCO
Photo: Unknown
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