Team Netherlands is looking ahead to the weekend
During previous editions it sometimes happened that all countries were discussed during the Friday MX of Nations press conference. This time, only the top countries of the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Great Britain, France and Germany were given speaking time. We collected some responses.
Jeffrey Herlings: “I feel good. This weekend is also a great opportunity to try things out outside the World Cup. Together with Glenn (Coldenhoff) and Roan (van de Moosdijk) we form a strong team, even though there are other good teams. We are just going to do everything we can to keep the 1, 2, 3 number plates for next year.” When asked whether this victory would mean as much as a 'normal' edition, Jeffrey replied: “If you look in history books in 10, 15 or 20 years to see who won, there will no longer be any talk about who was or was not present. Now, I also understand the riders who couldn't be here for whatever reason. That doesn't matter to us. I am proud to ride for my country and we came here to win.”
Glenn Coldenhoff: “We made history during the previous MX of Nations in Assen. Of course it is a little more pressure if you go to the MXoN as a winner, but for us there is only one place that counts and that is the first! However, there are still privateers on the coast, so we will certainly not be given the victory. But all three of us are very motivated. I have a positive feeling for myself, although the results in the last matches were not great. Hopefully I can do just that little bit more here than I did during the past two Nations editions when I won both heats each time.”
Presenter Paul Malin wanted to know whether there was more nervousness in the team now that the Netherlands is taking over as defending champions. “Not really, not at all. Many top riders are not there because MXGP is their main goal. On the one hand I understand that, but last year there was no motocross of nations, which I thought was a shame. Because we now have so many good Dutch drivers. I'm happy that there is now another Motocross of Nations and no matter where or when or where I am in the championship I will participate. Just like Jeffrey (Herlings) who leads the World Cup and still participates. I love that attitude!”
Roan van de Moosdijk: “Two years ago I was already part of the team, although I was not in the final team, we did some preparation together. It was nice to get to know each other that way. However, now it was impossible to train together because we all have our own busy GP season. Personally, I feel a little better every day after coming back from injury. The second round in Riola Sardo was much better than the first. So that is positive. I'm looking forward to riding for the Dutch team!”
Photos: Gino Maes
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