Glenn Coldenhoff: “Now it's time to win a GP with Fantic”
After his first win on the XXF 450 at the Hawkstone International, Fantic Factory MXGP rider Glenn Coldenhoff talks about his mindset and goals in the Motocross World Championship. This will start next weekend in Villa La Angostura (Argentina).
Glenn, in your second race at the Fantic you took your first overall win in the new colors at Hawkstone Park. You wrote history for the Italian brand with your first 450 victory at international level. A promising start to the new season.
Yes, we have done a lot of work this winter to get the bike ready for the season. We spent most of the time in Spain and later went to Italy. We did the first race of the season in Riola and we showed some good things. Over the last few weeks we have continued to work and I must say that at the moment I feel very comfortable on the bike, both in terms of the suspension and the engine. The speed was good, my fitness was good and I think everything is falling into place.
A lot of work has gone into it in the last few weeks and Hawkstone Park was good, even though I didn't win any heats. I finished second three times, which was a bit disappointing because I felt like I was fastest at least in the second and third motos. I was able to put a lot of pressure on Jeffrey Herlings in these two motos and that's not bad. I was chasing him the whole time and pushing hard to win. It didn't work out in the end, but pace-wise it was really good and I took the overall win – the first win for Fantic and the first win of the season against some big names. Hawkstone Park always suits me well, I always feel good there, there were a lot of crowds and fans and it was good racing.
You obviously know the Wilvo team very well, you have already won together in the past, but you have changed colors and will start a new chapter with Fantic in 2024. Does it take some of the pressure off to get that first win in preseason and know that you can compete for the top spots from the start?
Yes, I'm confident, but at the same time I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself. The most important thing for me is that I feel good and that I feel good with the bike. And if I feel good and if I'm happy, then I believe the results will come. I know we did a good job in the winter. I feel more than ready to go.
You also have a new teammate with Roan van de Moosdijk, a rookie in the MXGP class. Does that make you feel more responsible, do you feel like the team leader with all your experience?
I think so, yes. Roan is a rookie in the class, of course I know him because he is also Dutch. We get along well and have a lot of fun together. I hope he is ready for Argentina. It's good to have him there. I also have new mechanics this year and I am very happy with them too. There are some new things, but I feel like we're all in a good place right now.
You recently turned 33 and you have actually spent half your life competing at the highest level in perhaps one of the toughest sports in the world. 2024 marks your tenth season in the top flight and you've experienced everything from GP wins to setbacks. Can you describe your love for the sport and what keeps you motivated to challenge yourself and push your limits every day?
You know, I still think this is the best thing in life. I still love racing, I still love cycling and pushing myself. Even though I'm getting older now, I'll keep pushing hard. The drive comes from the good results and it is mainly about winning. I'm still very motivated to win and I still believe I can do it, which is also very important. I believe that with the right people and the right engine, if everything falls into place, I can still win. For example, at the beginning of last year I was struggling a bit and not having great results. But when you get results and are on the podium, that's when it really becomes fun.
Does it also give new motivation to start a new season in new colors?
It certainly does. I quite like it because I've won GPs on Suzuki, GasGas, KTM and Yamaha – so now it's time to win on the Fantic. I can be part of Fantic history and I'm really looking forward to doing that and giving them some great results this year.
Now that the new MXGP season is just a few days away, do you still feel that special excitement for the first round in Argentina?
I'm still very excited for the first round and also a little nervous, I would say. It's the first time again; everyone is healthy and fit and ready to do well. The first round is also a bit crazy, they go crazy. I think it is important to 'survive' the first round, to be around the top 5.
We expect a long, demanding and highly competitive season with a full MXGP field. How did you approach the first GP and do you think that will change as you get more experience?
Certainly. It's important to be there, to be fit for the first one and to have decent speed, but you won't win at the first GP. I've had years where I came back from injury and finished 18th or 19th at the first round in Argentina – but still finished third during the season. You don't have to worry too much about the first GP, but of course I want to join the boys, get a good feeling and some confidence for the rest of the season.
I've gained some experience over the years. I know what I need to do to stay healthy and push at the same time. That is also important, being there every weekend. The risk in our class is quite high and I think you have to find a good balance.
Is there anything you want to improve this season, do you still find something to work on year after year?
Yes, certainly, we always look at the past years, we evaluate things and make new plans. We have already changed small things, with the aim of achieving as many victories as possible. We also have Kevin Strijbos as our new team trainer. We are good friends and at the same time we think the same way about how I should train as a motocross rider. I think it's working well so far. Now that we are just a few days away from the season opener, I feel very strong physically and if you feel strong physically, it is also reflected on the mental side. It's good to have him, he has a lot of experience after 20 years in MXGP and I think it's good to have this experience in our team.
Speaking of mental aspects, you also became a father last year. Has that changed your perspective on racing and given you a different outlook on life in general?
I am a very structured boy. I like to follow a plan. This time last year my daughter was born, a day and a half before I left for Argentina. But yeah, it definitely changed me a little bit because sometimes I'm too focused. That doesn't work either if I want it too much. I think I have a good match now between still following the plan and being a little more relaxed at the same time. I think it's positive for me.
What would make you proud if you looked back on your first season as a Fantic Factory rider a year from now? What is your goal for the 2024 MXGP season?
I think getting a medal, so top 3 overall, that is always the goal. Of course the goal is to become world champion, but we also have to be realistic. It's very, very tough. My goal will always be a medal and it's crazy what you have to do for that. I work hard every day, we try to get better every day, with the team and with myself. I do everything right, so I don't have to blame myself or anyone afterwards. I feel like we all have the same spirit right now. The aim is certainly to get a medal at the end of the season and to do that I think we need a lot of podium finishes and hopefully a lot of wins.
Photos: shotbyBavo, Fantic Factory Racing en Danny Hermans
Also to read
VIDEO: Highlights MXGP Galicia 2024
After the mud of Agueda, the FIM MXGP-MX2 World Championship continued on Jorge Prado's home circuit. The local hero wins and takes the lead...Perfect Prado takes back the lead
In his hometown, Jorge Prado let the crowd enjoy a perfect match. The Spaniard won both heats on Sunday afternoon at the Lugo circuit. Jeffrey Herlings (4-2) climbs…Lucas Coenen wins his first of the year
Lucas Coenen booked his first Grand Prix victory of this season in Lugo. The Husqvarna rider won with a fourth and first place. Andrea Adamo (1-4) and Liam Everts (3-2)…Wilkinson takes the 2nd heat in Heerde but Lielbardis wins the Grand Prix!
The British Wilkinson/Millard have won the second heat of the Dutch Grand Prix sidecar cross. However, we saw other teams on the overall podium. The Dutch Hermans/Van den Bogaart came third, ...
Your reactions