HOT: Herlings starts in MXGP Lommel!
After Jeffrey Herlings (Red Bull KTM) suffered a fracture in his shoulder blade during the Dutch GP, it was unclear for a long time when he would ride again. After a check-up with Dr. Claes on Friday, the four-time world champion was given the green light to ride in Lommel. To test himself, Herlings first completed a training session today.
“I personally estimate the chances that he will ride at 50-50,” KTM's sporting manager Joël Smets had indicated earlier this week. However, it is one thing that Herlings is allowed to drive. Dealing with the severe pain on the most demanding circuit on the World Cup calendar is quite another.
It is now well known that Jeffrey can handle the pain like no other. During the first heat in Oss, where he suffered the much-discussed fracture in his left shoulder blade just after the start, the Dutch superstar broke through the pain barrier and won the first series! Due to the rapid succession of matches, a forfeit could weigh heavily in the final bill this weekend. After all, Herlings missed the Czech Republic GP last weekend and the second race in Oss. As a result, he is currently sixth at 51 points behind World Cup leader Tim Gajser.
How Herlings will deal with the physical discomfort in his shoulder will therefore be decisive for his chances. Teammate Tom Vialle, injured in the wrist, first tried to ride in Maggiora but ultimately had to postpone his return. Ex-GP winner Brian Jorgensen preceded Jeffrey Herlings. Years ago he also rode with a fracture in his shoulder blade.
Tekst: Editorial office
Photos: Pascal Haudiquert, Ray Archer
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