Dutch glory in Argentina?
Next weekend the 2019 GP season for the motocross riders will kick off in Neuquen, Argentina. The MXGP and MX2 classes will be at the start. A total of five Dutch people are taking action in South America. Motocross expert Jan Boer discusses the chances of Brian Bogers, Glenn Coldenhoff, Calvin Vlaanderen, Bas Vaessen and Davy Pootjes.
Last year was extremely successful for the Netherlands due to the performance of Jeffrey Herlings. He won the opening GP in Argentina and continued to do excellently afterwards. Despite missing one GP due to a broken collarbone, he was able to win the MXGP world title at the penultimate GP in Assen. Due to a fracture to his right foot suffered in a training accident in Spain at the end of January, Herlings will not be able to be there at the start of the 2019 season. He has had surgery and his foot is in a cast. On March 11, his doctor will check the condition of the foot. The chance that Herlings can start in the second GP (March 24 in England) does not seem to be too great, because the injury is so serious that it must be completely healed before Herlings can ride again. Hopefully he can be there in Valkenswaard during the last weekend of March.
Dutch number two in the MXGP, Glenn Coldenhoff, has not been able to prepare well for the Argentine GP. He suffered injuries in a fall in December and has only recently been able to resume training. Without any competition rhythm, Coldenhoff will be behind the starting gate this weekend. Brian Bogers (intro photo) is fit. The Honda factory rider was sidelined for almost the entire 2018 season due to a serious foot injury. He has now fully recovered from this, so he can start fit.
Nine-time world champion Tony Cairoli rode very well in 2018, but was unlucky that Jeffrey Herlings was just a little bit stronger. The Italian has already completed a few excellent races this year and secured the international Italian title. In the absence of Herlings, he is the clear favorite to win in Argentina. His main opponent seems to be Tim Gajser.
Podium chances in MX2?
In the MX2, the South African, with a Dutch passport, Calvin Vlaanderen is the most important Dutch participant. Flanders is the only Honda factory rider in MX2. Davy Pootjes was in good shape last year until halfway through the season. In a fall in Indonesia he suffered a shoulder injury, which turned out to be more serious than initially thought, meaning he could not participate in the GPs for the second half of the season. Bas Vaessen is the third Dutch participant in MX2.
Jorge Prado defends his world title won last year. The Spaniard has shown in recent weeks that he is in good form early on. He seems to be the main candidate for victory in Argentina and is also the main title candidate in this category.
Tekst: John Boer
Photos: shotbyBavo
Also to read
MXMag went to see the Free Energy Trailer in Olmen
The automotive sector is leading the way in vehicle electrification, and now the motorcycle industry is taking a similar step. However, developing a machine intended for competition use is a completely different matter…Robert Fobbe at the start in the USA!
Robert Fobbe will be in action for the first two (2) races of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship! The 23-year-old rider will…Ian Ampoorter makes his return to Portugal
After a lot of injuries, Ian Ampoorter will appear behind the starting gate next weekend. The GasGas rider travels to Agueda in good spirits for the third race of the European Championship…Australia returns to the MXGP calendar!
From 2025, Australia will be back on the FIM MXGP-MX2 World Championship calendar. After 24 years, another Grand Prix 'down-under' will be held and this will happen...
Your reactions