Column Olav Heijt: Whimsical Mantova!
It reminds me of Axel. The loose sand that ensures that no two laps are the same. Special, especially when you realize that Mantova is located in Italy. It has been a weekend of contrasts for years. Forecasts and bets are not worth the effort or money.
Tastes differ
Where the established order does what is expected of them, the cards are mixed up considerably among the rest of the field. Cairoli and Prado are exceptionally talented, which is evident from the consistent scoring of the two Red Bull KTM riders. What is striking is the continuation of riders in both the MXGP and MX2 classes. A number of things stand out when it comes to Mantova. Opinions are divided about the track itself. Tastes differ, so there is little point in sharing such an opinion. Yet the track turns out to be more treacherous than you might think. Despite the fact that Tim Gajser hangs over the edge of the slope with appropriate regularity, it was remarkable that he was off the mark five times in one heat. What no one has anything to say about is the weather. There is always something going on in Mantova. This edition also had several surprises in store. Saturday was a day as expected. A nice temperature, which makes for a nice day of motocross with hay fever pollen and fairly normal results.
He could be from Rotterdam
Jorge Prado had been the coming man for a while, but it has now reached the point where he has driven poorly if he does not win. In normal demeanor unapproachable and unbeatable. Belgian honor has recently been upheld again. The always calm and friendly Jago Geerts remains unstoppable in his rise to the absolute top. He could be from Rotterdam; 'actions rather than words'. Bas Vaessen stands out, but Davy Pootjes in particular seems to be finally recovering to get involved with the top. Calvin Vlaanderen scores moderately as a gifted sand rider and the F&H train of Jacobi and Sterry also seems to have suffered a delay in the first heat.
'The show will go on'
While seven suns shone on the first day, the weather suddenly changed around seven o'clock. A storm arises that causes many easy-up tents to unintentionally change places. It then starts to rain and never stops. The track quickly turns into a large mud puddle, which an amateur would probably not even enter, let alone ride on. As is often the case with the MXGP circus, cancellations are rarely made. Never actually. In the worst cases, something is sometimes killed, but in most cases it is just bad luck. 'The show will go on'. Prado seems to be an all-rounder and once again sets the tone in the second heat. The mud riders like to expose themselves. Dylan Walsh is in his element and we have known for some time about Davy Pootjes that the surface does not matter to him. Just carry on. Thomas Kjer Olsen is back in good shape and Tom Vialle also appears not to be afraid of a little dirt.
'Bikkel' Bogers
Among the 'big men', nine-time world champion Tony Cairoli clearly indicates that he is serious with his plans. The performance of Pauls Jonass is striking, who also seems to have found his niche again. Jasikonis also seems to be becoming an established name at the top of the MX1 class by finishing at the front with increasing regularity. Tim Gajser cannot find the lines and has to get his Honda out of the sand several times. Glenn Coldenhoff has difficulty getting used to the Italian sand, while Kevin Strijbos, who has been plagued by injuries a little too much, makes a very respectable return.
Start crash
In game two the ace falls to Tony again, but the rest of the cards seem to be shuffled slightly differently. 'Bikkel' Bogers takes off like a rocket and holds his ground with character. If you wish it for anyone, it's Brian. Pauls Jonass once again joins the top and we also know from Glenn from the Nations that wetness does not bother him. Jasikonis is having a little less fun. Tim Gajser also shows character by working his way back to an honorable sixth place after a starting crash. The battle is still open with many changing positions, but that also makes it fun to watch. On the eve of the MXGP Portugal, we are very curious about the developments there. With Herlings on the list of participants, the battle for first place will again be up for discussion...
Text: Olav Heijt – Photos: Gino Maes
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