MX2

KEGUMS (Latvia) 9 August 2020 – With sunshine and a crowd of excited fans the FIM Motocross World Championship officially made its return with some epic action from the MXGP and MX2 riders in Kegums for the MXGP of Latvia.

The MXGP of Latvia was the first of three events that will be taking place in Latvia, with the MXGP of Riga and MXGP of Kegums both due to take place next week, in the FIM Motocross World Championship’s first triple-header.

In the opening MXGP race it was Team HRC’s Tim Gajser who claimed the first FOX Holeshot. He was closely followed by Standing Construct GasGas Factory rider Glenn Coldenhoff and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Arnaud Tonus.

During lap 2, Coldenhoff was able to jump into the lead, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings was down in P9, following a crazy crash in the Time Practice session.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Arminas Jasikonis had a pretty good start and in the early stages of the race was chasing Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jeremy Seewer and Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing’s Clement Desalle for P6.

On lap 4, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing’s Romain Febvre was all over the back of Jorge Prado of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and eventually found his way past the Spaniard to take 4^th place.

As Gajser clinched the lead from Coldenhoff halfway through the race, Jasikonis was trying find a way past Desalle and Herlings, and as he passed the two riders a couple of laps later, then set his sights on 5^th place.

With 5 minutes and 2 laps to go, Herlings was on a mission passing Prado, Jasikonis and breathing down Seewer’s neck. By the end of the race he managed to pass the Yamaha rider and move into 4^th place where he finished.

In the end it was Gajser who won, with Coldenhoff 2^nd and Febvre 3^rd.

As the gate dropped for the second MXGP race of the day, it was the Factory GasGas machine of Coldenhoff that reached the FOX Holeshot line first, followed by Gajser and Seewer who were also quick out of the gate.

On the opening laps it was Coldenhoff who led Gajser, Seewer, Prado, Desalle, Febvre and Jasikonis, all while Tonus was not having the best of luck coming back from the back of the field.

Jasikonis, with a crowd of Lithuanian fans supporting him, was keen to put on a show as he moved quickly past Desalle for P5 and then Prado for 4^th position.

As the top 5 continued to battle amongst themselves, Tonus found himself caught in more trouble as he crashed out and was left fighting from dead last.

A couple of laps later and Febvre was chasing down Jasikonis for 4^th, as the two had a brief battle where they changed positions among one another for a couple of corners, though it was Febvre who came out on top in the end.

Antonio Cairoli of Red Bull KTM Factory had a tough day in Kegums as he made his way through the back end of the field, finishing 17^th in the end.

But all eyes were on the 3 riders out front, with Coldenhoff, Gajser and Seewer all close together. During that point of the race it was hard to predict a clear winner with all 3 putting a lot on the line. As a result, Gajser may have pushed a little too hard and went down pretty hard in the wave sections.

This gave Coldenhoff a little bit of breathing room, though not for long as Seewer was straight on the back of him. In the last two laps we saw the GasGas and Yamaha factory riders locked in battle, though Coldenhoff was able to keep it cool and ended up as the race 2 winner.

Seewer finished 2^nd with Febvre, Herlings, Gajser and Jasikonis who was 6^th.

Overall, it was a historic day for GasGas and Glen Coldenhoff as they claimed the first race win and podium for the manufacturer. Tim Gajser was 2^nd overall, with Febvre occupying the 3^rd step of the podium, an incredible achievement for his first MXGP race of the year.

Despite missing out on the podium, Jeffrey Herlings still managed to hold on to the championship lead as we head into round 4 on Wednesday with the MXGP of Riga!

Glenn Coldenhoff: “It was an amazing second race, I did not make any mistakes and just did my own thing, in the end Jeremy was pushing hard and then I saw on his pit board pass for the win and I didn’t know where Gajser was so I really pushed hard for it and I’m so happy for the win”

Tim Gajser: “I was feeling great, riding was good in the beginning, it was not so easy to find a line to pass, so I followed Glenn for half the race and then I got really close so I tried to pass him then I switched the line on the waves and got sideways; I had a big crash, thankfully I could re-join. I tried to pass at the end, I tried to push for Jeffrey, but I couldn’t find the rhythm again. Overall, I’m happy, it’s just the first race coming back from such a long break, so I want to say a huge thanks to everyone”.

Romain Febvre: “It was good. This is my first MXGP race of the year, we came far with my injury and not racing the first two GPs, so I’m really happy about that and also for the team even if I want more. At some point I was faster and was catching the leaders at the end but the last few laps were complicated, finished 3^rd twice so I’m happy to be on the podium.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 1 – Classification Top 10: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:47.632; 2. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GASGAS), +0:01.912; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:04.757; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:05.903; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:07.037; 6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:11.673; 7. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:22.461; 8. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:24.847; 9. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:41.423; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:47.902.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 – Classification Top 10: 1. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GASGAS), 34:42.555; 2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:01.225; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:18.203; 4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), +0:21.007; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:23.205; 6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:24.274; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +1:03.287; 8. Benoit Paturel (FRA, Honda), +1:07.883; 9. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), +1:15.846; 10. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:18.969.

MXGP - GP Classification Top 10: 1. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 47 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 41 p.; 3. Romain Febvre (FRA, KAW), 40 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 38 p.; 5. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 36 p.; 6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 30 p.; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 27 p.; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 22 p.; 9. Benoit Paturel (FRA, HON), 20 p.; 10. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 20 p.

MXGP - Championship – Top 10 Classification: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 130 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 126 p.; 3. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 103 p.; 4. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 86 p.; 5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 83 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 80 p.; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 80 p.; 8. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 80 p.; 9. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 74 p.; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 50 p.

MXGP Manufacturers: 1. Honda, 133 points; 2. KTM, 130 p.; 3. Yamaha, 104 p.; 4. GASGAS, 103 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 100 p.; 6. Husqvarna, 86 p.

Main Photo: Glenn Coldenhoff 

Bottom Photos: 1. Tim Gajser; 2. Romain Febvre

The MX2 riders were the first to take to the line today with their opening race of the day. As the gate dropped it was the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle with the FOX Holeshot followed by Jago Geerts of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2, then came F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Roan Van de Moosdijk and Ruben Fernandez of SDM Corse Race Team.

Geerts then crashed out of second, dropping down to ninth position which meant he had a tough job on his hands to catch the leaders.

By lap four the top five was made up of Vialle, Moosdijk, fellow F&H Kawasaki Racing rider Mathys Boisrame, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Rene Hofer and Thomas Kjer Olsen of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.

As Vialle continued to pull away from the rider in second, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton was making his way back up from P20, despite starting in the top 10.

Geerts’ bad luck continued on lap 6, during which he went down, dropping from P9 to 22^nd place. Then a few laps later and we were treated to a nice battle between Boisrame and Hofer who chased top positions. Though not long after Hofer dropped to P5 was Fernandez executed a pass on the KTM rider.

Meanwhile, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Ben Watson was locked in a battle with Maxime Renaux of S.M Action – M.C Migliori – J1 Racing. Watson then made a mistake and went off track though he did lose any positions straight away.

With 3 laps to go Vialle continued his lead, as Van de Moosdijk tried to keep a healthy distance, meanwhile Fernandez separated the two Kawasaki riders with Boisrame in 4^th followed by Hofer, Watson, Renaux and Alvin Ostlund of Honda Assomotor was the rider in 8^th.

In the end it was Vialle who crossed the finish line first, followed by Van de Moosdijk and Fernandez.

In race two, it was Vialle once again with a flyer out of the gate as he took the second FOX Holeshot here in Latvia, with Boisrame and Van de Moosdijk right there as well. Though Geerts was making quick moves and was in the top 3 by the end of the lap.

Band luck for Red Bull KTM Factory rider Rene Hofer who had a DNF in the second race due to a problem with the front wheel. While Beaton was having a much better race and was making moves in P8.

With a bad first race, Geerts was not wasting any time in the second race as he was moving quick to try passing Van de Moosdijk. A few laps later and Geerts was pushing for Vialle as they came around towards the start side-by-side. Geerts was able to find a gap and muscle his way past the Frenchman to become the new race leader.

While charging for Boisrame, Fernandez lost his balance and had a big crash which resulted in a few lost positions, though he made a good recovery and eventually finished the race in P7.

Towards the later stages of the race Watson was eager to catch Van de Moosdijk for 4^th place, though after a few failed attempts, settled to finish 5^th.

We were treated to a real last lap showdown, as Vialle pushed Geerts, eventually passing him as they crossed the line to take the 1 lap board, and while they made their way around the track, eager to win Vialle made a mistake allowing Geerts to jump back to 1^st where he remained until the end of the race. Boisrame finished 3^rd with his team-mate right behind him in P4.

Overall it was Vialle who took the GP victory at the MXGP of Latvia with a double podium for F&H Racing as Moosdijk and Boisrame finished 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

Tom Vialle: “I passed Jago on the last lap and he passed me again, I was really tired, the first race was good, the second race it was really hot and in Belgium the weather hasn’t been so hot so it was a little bit hard but it was perfect, to win overall I am very happy, a big thanks goes to my team for their hard work”.

Roan Van de Moosdijk: “I had two good starts in the top 5 and then I just stayed calm the whole day, it was really hot and I had some consistent speed. In the first race I got my best result in MX2 and in the second race, I had a small problem with my bike, but we managed to finish. I am now looking forward to Wednesday”.

Mathys Boisrame: “For me it was a good day, in the first race it was a little bit difficult because I broke my front brake in the start, then all race with no brakes is not easy and I finished fourth. In the second race I started in fourth, I was fast and just wanted to keep cool but overall it was a good weekend and I’m happy to be on the podium”.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 1 – Classification Top 10: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 35:20.720; 2. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:06.879; 3. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:13.493; 4. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:19.006; 5. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:21.761; 6. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:24.001; 7. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:37.867; 8. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Honda), +0:38.066; 9. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, Kawasaki), +0:39.837; 10. Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:44.055.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 2 – Classification Top 10: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), 35:16.839; 2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:04.270; 3. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:07.537; 4. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:10.503; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:12.790; 6. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:33.495; 7. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:37.681; 8. Nathan Crawford (AUS, Honda), +0:44.907; 9. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:49.347; 10. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:55.007.

MX2 - GP Classification Top 10: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 47 points; 2. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 40 p.; 3. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 38 p.; 4. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 34 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 31 p.; 6. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 30 p.; 7. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 25 p.; 8. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 22 p.; 9. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 21 p.; 10. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 21 p.

MX2 - Championship – Top 10 Classification: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 134 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 112 p.; 3. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 95 p.; 4. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 86 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 79 p.; 6. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 73 p.; 7. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 71 p.; 8. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 70 p.; 9. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 69 p.; 10. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 64 p.

MX2 Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 137 points; 2. Yamaha, 133 p.; 3. Kawasaki, 105 p.; 4. Husqvarna, 101 p.; 5. Honda, 55 p.; 6. GASGAS, 38 p.

Main Photo: Tom Vialle

Bottom Photos: 1. Roan Van De Moosdijk; 2. Mathys Boisrame

With the first GP since the return of MXGP, done and dusted now we set our sights on the second of the three events here in Latvia with the MXGP of Riga on the 11-12^th of August!

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos from the MXGP of Latvia will be available HERE

MXGP OF Latvia – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1780m

Type of ground: Hard Sand

Temperature: 28°

Weather conditions: Sunny

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Latvia

MXGP rider Tanel Leok started his 500^th FIM Motocross World Championship race at the MXGP of Latvia!

The A1 Motorsports Husqvarna privateer lined-up during the second race here in Kegums, making it his 500^th Grand Prix race attendance of his professional racing career, an incredible achievement for the Estonian rider. 

Leok, a former factory rider, now turned privateer and team manager of his own A1 Motorsport Husqvarna team, first lined up for a World Championship race back in 2001 at Valkenswaard, for the MXGP of the Netherlands, where he competed in the 125cc class.

The Estonian’s first GP win came in 2008 at the MXGP of Ireland in Fairyhouse, where a 2-1 result gave Leok the upper hand over Ken de Dycker and Steve Ramon who were 2^nd and 3^rd in the, then, MX1 class.

Throughout his career Leok has been a regular challenger within the top 10 and has represented Team Estonia at the prestigious Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations for nearly two consecutive decades! He has also won a total of 3 GPs, with a win at the MXGP of Ireland (2001), MXGP of Italy in Faenza (2009) and MXGP of Catalunya, Bellpuig (2010), along with a total of 14 podiums and 4 race wins included in his rider stats.

Now with his 500^th GP race done and dusted, we look forward to celebrating the next milestone for Tanel Leok!

KEGUMS (Latvia) 8 August 2020 – Infront Moto Racing is pleased to officially present the MXGP much-anticipated return for the first of three events to take place in Latvia as the MXGP of Latvia, the MXGP of Riga and the MXGP of Kegums.

The EMX250 and EMX Open action from today saw the first gate-drop in five months since the last race took place at Valkenswaard in March.

As the European Championship riders lined-up for their races in sunny Kegums, they were welcomed by a crowd of fans who were eager to cheer on their favourites from the public area which made for an even more special day. 

Following today’s action on track here in Kegums, Latvia, the opening press conference took place to welcome everybody to MXGP of Latvia which marked the official return of the FIM Motocross World Championship in action.

The panel of officials included Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, Latvian Motorcycle Federation President Martins Lazdovskis as well as the MXGP of Latvia Organizer Kristers Sergis who shared a few words on the comeback of the FIM Motocross World Champiomnship as well as more details on the three events which are taking place in Latvia. 

Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo: “Eventually we are back and I’m sure it was a very long wait for everybody. We have worked hard over the last five months to find the best solution that would allow us to return to racing and continue this 2020 season, it was challenging as we have also explained in our press releases, the situation has changed on a daily and weekly basis, country by country, regarding logistics, safety restrictions and the possibilities of holding events.

The work of the promoter is to keep the Championship alive and Infront Moto Racing had to work very hard in order to make this season happen and finally we are here in Latvia as a result of the the cooperation with the FIM, the Latvian Motorcycling Federation and the local organizer. I would like to thank the FIM for the great support and trust they gave in order to run this new 2020 calendar as well as the local Organizer who welcomed the restart of the championship in Kegums and especially the Latvian Motorcycle Federation President Martins Lazdovskis for the effort he put these past months, because he has been in constant contact with the Latvian government which supported Infront Moto Racing, as Motocross is a very important sport for Latvia. In order to make this event possible we have had many safety requests from the Latvian government, thus in the last weeks Infront Moto Racing have put together an official protocol thanks to the cooperation of the FIM, the Latvian Motorcycle Federation and the Local Organiser, we all cooperate to set and respect all protocol procedures to host an international event here in Latvia with the authorisation to welcome the public as well. The fact to have the public is very exciting because this is one of the first international sporting events worldwide welcoming spectators.

This is also the first time in the history of the FIM Motocross World Championship that 3 events will take place in just over a week, this is very demanding but it shows the motivation and the professionalism of all the people involved in the sport who couldn’t wait to be back racing respecting all duties and protocol given. “

FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela: "On behalf of the FIM and, in particular, the CMS I would like to thank Infront Moto Racing for all the efforts they have put together to make this comeback to racing activity a reality. It goes without saying that without the cooperation of the Promoters, Organizers and the Federations it would have been impossible to present a calendar under the present situation we are going through these days. However, the will to overcome this situation is stronger than the restrictions and limitations we have to put up so here we are, in Kegums, Latvia, to resume the FIM Motocross World Championship with new procedures and attitudes that every single person involved in the MXPGs accepted with an open mind in order to adapt to comply with the national requirements and to guarantee the success of the whole series. At the FIM we have been preparing for these days and together with Infront Moto Racing will do our best to achieve this goal."

Latvian Motorcycle Federation Martins Lazdovskis: “First of all I want to welcome all the MXGP community here in Latvia, Kegums. I cannot describe how proud and happy I am today. A few months ago, it all was still unclear whether we could organize a GP or not. All postponements and the worldwide uncertainty made us also consider the cancellation of GP this year but eventually thanks to the cooperation of all parties we made it, for a week Latvia will be in spotlights of all motorsport world.

But I have to be honest, it was the most challenging GP we are organising and there no enough words to thank Infront Moto Racing for encouraging and supporting us to make it happen. Without the strong relationship and cooperation we have with Infront Moto Racing, the FIM Motocross World Championship would not take place. 

It also wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of responsible government bodies who supported on the setting of a proper safety protocol. Safety protocol was one of the most complicated matters especially regarding those who are coming from yellow/red listed countries. But all of us have to understand how crucial is to stick with these safety requirements to make the MXGP World Championship back again in Latvia”

MXGP of Latvia Organizer Kristers Sergis: “I wish to thank everybody for finding the opportunity to visit our country for MXGP despite the worldwide pandemic. I want to express how proud I am of my country, Latvia, and its people as well as the Latvian Government for the successfully management to establish the environment in which we can organize the MXGP and visitors as well as local spectators can feel safe. I also want to thank Infront Moto Racing, the FIM and the Latvian Motorcycling Federation for the smooth cooperation which has led us to a historic event to have three GPs in a bit more than 1 week. I really think that all of us as a motocross community can be proud of facing together during this difficult time and proving to the world than FIM Motocross World Championship can handle these moments.”

As tomorrow the FIM Motocross World Championship will see its return for round three of the calendar, the whole MXGP community is thrilled for the first of the three EPIC races at the Kegums circuit which will be available to follow LIVE from home on MXGP-TV.com.

Click HERE to watch the FULL official Welcome Press Conference Video

Photo, from left to right: Latvian Motorcycling Federation Martins Lazdovskis, Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela and MXGP of Latvia Organizer Kristers Sergis

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Latvia

KEGUMS (Latvia) 8 August 2020 – The 84^th issue of the MXGP Magazine is now available to read online!

The August cover features the current MXGP and MX2 World Championship leaders, Jeffrey Herlings and Tom Vialle of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing as we find out more about their season so far and the preparation they’ve been doing during lockdown.

Additionally, the 84^th issue includes the MXGP of Latvia preview for our Racing Catch-Up, along with a special article which takes a look at the history of Infront Moto Racing.

And speaking of history, this month’s Hall of Fame will feature Claudio Federici, the Italian motocross rider that won 7 GP races and represented Team Italy at the 1999 Motocross of Nations. Furthermore, in our Vintage Bike section will showcase Trampas Parker’s 1989 KTM 125cc.

Click HERE to read the 84^th issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play.

Users who have already downloaded other issues on their iOS device can automatically download the new issue by opening the News Stand and clicking on the cover of the MXGP Mag. Whereas those readers using an Android device will be able to download the magazine for free thanks to this app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP Mag

KEGUMS (Latvia) 7 August 2020 – The FIM Motocross World Championship is BACK! After a long five-month break, the MXGP is making a return with a triple-header in Kegums, beginning with the MXGP of Latvia this weekend.

Over the years, Kegums has been a great host of the FIM Motocross World Championship, showcasing some of the best battles and action, along with the epic 2014 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations that saw Team France rise to yet another victory.  In 2020, the hard sand circuit of Motocenter "Zelta Zirgs will once again host the fastest riders in the world, starting with the EMX250, the EMX250 and of course the MXGP and MX2 riders, for THREE epic events!

The return of the MXGP series will see several changes, including an all-new timetable schedule, with EMX Open and EMX250 races taking place on Saturday, while MXGP and MX2 riders will take to the track on Sunday.

Fans in the Baltic countries (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia) will be able to enjoy the MXGP of Latvia LIVE with Best4Sport TV, as the popular Latvian channel will be on-site to provide complete coverage of all three Latvian events, including the Free/Time Practice and ending with the main MX2 and MXGP races, along with the EMX250 and EMX Open action.

Additionally, TV3 Sport 2 in Baltics will also show the MXGP races one and two LIVE on Sunday for the Baltic countries, who will be able to enjoy the best action from Kegums from the comfort of their home!

BALTICS (Estonia – Latvia - Lithuania)

TV 3 Sports 2

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 local time LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 local time LIVE 

Best 4 SPORT TV 

Saturday 8 August – EMX Open Race 1 – 13:05 local time LIVE 

Saturday 8 August – EMX 250 Race 1 – 13:55 local time LIVE 

Saturday 8 August – EMX Open Race 2 – 15:05 local time LIVE 

Saturday 8 August – EMX 250 Race 2 – 15:55 local time LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 12:00 CET local time LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 13:00 CET local time LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 15:00 CET local time LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 CET local time LIVE 

USA - CANADA

CBS Sports Network

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 20:00 ET Delayed 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 21:00 ET Delayed 

EUROPE

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

BELGIUM 

PLAY SPORTS 1

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

FINLAND

CMORE

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 16:00 local time LIVE

FRANCE

AUTOMOTO LA CHAINE  

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 13:00 CET Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 00:00 CET Delayed 

ITALY

RAI SPORT 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET Delayed 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

RAI SPORT WEB

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

EUROSPORT 2

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

NETHERLANDS

NOS

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET Livestreaming 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

PORTUGAL

Sport TV 3

TBC

SLOVENIA 

Sport TV1

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 11:00 CET LIVE

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 12:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 14:00 CET LIVE 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

SPAIN

TV Galicia

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 14:00 CET Delayed 

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:00 CET LIVE 

ASIA

FOX SPORT SEA

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 12:45 Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 13:45 Delayed 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 14:45 Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:45 Delayed 

FOX SPORTS 3 SEA 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 17:00 Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 18:00 Delayed 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 19:00 Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 20:00 Delayed 

STAR SPORTS CHINA

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 13:45 Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 14:45 Delayed 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 15:45 Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 16:45 Delayed 

FOX SPORTS INDONESIA

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 1 – 12:45 Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 13:45 Delayed 

Sunday 9 August – MX2 Race 2 – 14:45 Delayed

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 15:45 Delayed 

BRAZIL 

Bandsports

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 1 – 07:00 LIVE

Sunday 9 August – MXGP Race 2 – 10:00 LIVE

Like always, the entire event including the MX2 and MXGP Free/Timed Practice along with all the races from EMX Open, EMX250, MX2 and MXGP will also be streamed LIVE worldwide from Kegums on MXGP’s own online TV service, www.MXGP-TV.com, and as usual fans can also watch the 26min Behind the Gate special feature via our TV partners or MXGP-TV.

26 min magazine partners:

USA – Canada: Motortrend // MAV TV 

Croatia: Kreator TV 

Finland: MTV 

France: Automoto la Chaine 

Portugal: Sport TV 

Slovenia: Sport TV 

Spain: Movistar 

Latin America: FOX Sports

Brazil: Bandsports

Asia: FOX Sports 

Africa: Sport connect

MXGP of Latvia LIVE MXGP-TV Schedule

TIMETABLE (Local Timing GMT+3)

SATURDAY: 09:00 EMXOpen Free Practice, 09:30 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 10:00 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 10:35 EMXOpen Qualifying practice, 11:10 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying practice, 11:45 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying practice, 13:00 EMX Open Race 1, 13:50 EMX250 Race 1, 15:00 EMXOpen Race 2, 15:50 EMX250 Race 2.

SUNDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 12:05 MX2 Race 1, 13:05 MXGP Race 1, 15:00 MX2 Race 2, 16:00 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP of Latvia

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 5 August 2020 – MXGP is back! Following a five month break due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the FIM Motocross World Championship is making its much-awaited return with a triple header in Latvia, with the MXGP of Latvia, MXGP of Riga and MXGP of Kegums.

The hard sand circuit of Motocenter "Zelta Zirgs", located just under 50km from the capital city of Riga, first hosted the Motocross World Championship race with the MX3 and 125cc championship in 2005. Since then, Kegums has put on some of the best MXGP racing, including the epic Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in 2014, that saw Gautier Paulin, Dylan Ferrandis and Steven Frossard rise to yet another victory for Team France.

With its awesome track layout and wonderful on-site facilities, plus the amazing Latvian fans, Kegums has become a favourite among teams and riders, who look forward to the event every season.  

Though the return of the MXGP series will see several changes, including an all-new timetable schedule, with the European support classes out on track for both their races on Saturday, meanwhile MXGP and MX2 riders will take to the track on Sunday for their Free/Timed Practice and races one and two.

This year the Latvian triple-header will also see the second, third and fourth rounds of the EMX250 Championship that is currently led by Bastian Boegh Damm of WZ Racing KTM, followed by Isak Gifting and Andrea Adamo of SM Action MX Migliori J1 Racing sitting third.

With his double race win in Valkenswaard, Boegh Damm was looking strong and will no doubt aim to carry this momentum in Latvia. Meanwhile both Adamo and Gifting will be right there alongside, to challenge for the win.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory rider Kay de Wolf is also in with the chance of challenging in the top end of the field, following an impressive ride at his home GP.

Maddii Racing Husqvarna’s Mattia Guadagnini is also among the riders that will be looking for top results in Kegums, along with Thomas Sileika who will enter his home rounds with the support of his local fans.

The EMX Open class is a brand-new European Championship for 2020. With the first three rounds taking place in Latvia, the championship is very much open and ready for the taking.

The EMX Open class will see the likes of Miro Sihvonen, who has previously contested in the popular EMX250 class where he won the MXGP of Europe round back in 2017, along with the former 85cc Junior World Champion, Kim Savaste of 137 KTM Motorsport who will also line up in Kegums.

Also making the trip to Latvia is PAR Homes RFX Husqvarna rider Nathan Dixon, along with Federico Tuani of Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii and Greg Smets just to name a few.

More local faces include Arnolds Snikers, as the only Latvian rider to take part, while Domantas Jazdauskas will make the trip from neighbouring Lithuania for the occasion also.

With plenty of fresh faces in the EMX250 and EMX Open classes, along with the MX2 and MXGP riders, the tripled header in Latvia is set to be an exciting event, that will no doubt see plenty of intense competition and battles throughout the three events.

In 2019, Team HRC’s Tim Gajser was victorious in the MXGP class, though he was tied on points with second and third place finishers Romain Febvre and Arnaud Tonus. With all three riders on exactly 40 points each, it was Gajser’s race two victory that handed him the overall win. 

In the last year, Gajser has come on leaps and bounds when it comes to his sand riding and therefore could be in with the chance of repeating last year’s win and clinching yet another victory in Latvia; his race wins from Matterley Basin and Valkenswaard go to prove that the Slovenian is perfectly cool with leading the field, even when he’s being chased down by Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli.

His team-mate Mitch Evans will also be making a return to racing in Kegums, following months of rehab on his should injury, which he picked up in Valkenswaard. Before the Australian got hurt, he did give us a glimpse of what he is capable of in Great Britain, with a third-place finish in race one, so it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him battle within the top five once again.

Taking a look at the Red Bull KTM Factory squad, the Latvian GP was somewhat eventful for the team. Both Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli were forced out of race two with injury and with that had to sit out the rest of the season, meanwhile the MX2 rider (at the time) Jorge Prado rode two solid races and took the overall victory. Though with both of these injuries behind them, and Prado’s recent rehab on his own leg injury, the team will be back stronger than ever.

All three riders have a good track record in Kegums, with Prado’s win last season, then Cairoli on four wins to his name (2009, 2011, 2012, 2013) and the current MXGP championship leader, Herlings, with five (2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018), three of those victories from his MX2 days, it would be a safe bet that we may see at least one of these three on the podium of each event in Latvia.

Though that’s not to say that, that will be guaranteed as there will be a field of riders up for the challenge, three of those being the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jeremy Seewer, Arnaud Tonus and Gautier Paulin.

Tonus had a fantastic ride in Kegums last year, as already mentioned, finishing tied on points for first place, though his fourth-place finish in race two was the decider that meant he’d not only missed out on the top step but would also have to settle for third instead. Though a podium is still a podium, and one that puts Tonus among the group of strong contenders to take a trophy home again this year. Meanwhile his team-mate Jeremy Seewer also put on a strong performance with a fourth overall, and so did Gautier Paulin, finishing just outside the top five in seventh place.

Of course, they are not the only ones aiming high as we return to racing in a matter of days. Romain Febvre and Clement Desalle of Monster Energy Kawasaki Team both have won in Latvia in previous years, with Febvre winning races in 2015 and 2016, with Desalle also wining in 2009 and finishing second on the podium behind Cairoli. For Febvre the Latvia GP will be the first time that we see the Frenchman line-up on an MXGP start-gird, as the Kawasaki rider was forced to miss the races in Great Britain and the Netherlands due to a leg injury sustained in practice leading up to the first round of the championship. Now with months of preparation under his belt, this could be the weekend we could see Febvre challenge for top positions.

Then there’s Arminas Jasikonis of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing who will represent the team in Kegums alone, as Pauls Jonass will not be lining up at his home GP’s due to a practice crash in which the Latvian sustained three broken ribs and five spinous processes. With doctors’ recommendations of an extended period of rehabilitation, it is unclear when we will see Jonass back.

Last year Jasikonis went DNF-7 at the Latvian Grand Prix, though his third place finish in Valkenswaard earlier in year, and his ability to ride in the sand, plus with the added bonus of Lithuanian fans, will sure give him a boost and it could be that we see the Lithuanian stand tall on the podium for a second time in 2020.

Standing Construct GasGas Factory riders Glenn Coldenhoff and Ivo Monticelli respectively finished 8^th and 9^th last season, and will be there to do the same again this time around. Monticelli had a consistent ride to finish 10^th in both races, while Coldenhoff had a result of P12 and P8.

Another stand-out rider from last year was Jeremy Van Horebeek of Team Honda SR Motoblouz who had a top 5 ride. Having had a strong ride at the last GP in Holland back in March, and plenty of time to prepare for Kegums, we could see Van Horebeek come out swinging.

MXGP Championship Top 10: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 94 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 85 p.; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 68 p.; 4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 60 p.; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 58 p.; 6. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 56 p.; 7. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 53 p.; 8. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 47 p.; 9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 42 p.; 10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 39 p.

2019 MXGP of Latvia Top 3

1.Tim Gajser (40 points)

2.Romain Febvre (40 points)

3.Arnaud Tonus (40 points)

Main Photo: MXGP Start_MXGP of Latvia 2019

Bottom Photos: 1. Jeffrey Herlings; 2. Tim Gajser

Meanwhile in MX2, the door is open for a brand-new winner in Latvia. In 2019, it was Jorge Prado who won both races 1 and 2, but with the Spaniard moving up and focused on his rookie season in MXGP, the door is open for a new winner.

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Tom Vialle is the current championship leader with the shot of making the podium in Latvia. This season so far, he has finished on the podium in both Great Britain and the Netherlands, going on to take his first GP victory in Valkenswaard of the season earlier this year. With a 7^th overall in Kegums last time around, he is more than capable of challenging for the podium and race wins.

Meanwhile his team-mate and MX2 rookie, Rene Hofer has also had a positive start to his campaign. Though he is yet to finish on the podium, he has however finished races within the top 5, with his best race result in Matterley Basin where he crossed the line in P2. Last season Hofer contested in the EMX250 Championship, and at the Latvian round he finished the races in 8^th and 6^th and this could be similar, if not even better results that we can expect to see from the Austrian this weekend.

A rider that we will no doubt see at the front end of the field, at some point throughout the races, is none other than the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 rider Jago Geerts. Geerts has showcased his determination this season with some fantastic results, despite finding himself in trouble on several occasions. He was also the winner of the very first GP of the season in Great Britain, with a 4-1 result that saw the Yamaha rider take the red plate and become the early series leader, at the time.

Last year, the Belgian finished both races behind the MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado, but with Prado now no longer a threat, this leaves the Yamaha rider with the opportunity to add another GP victory to his 2020 stats.

The second Yamaha factory rider, Ben Watson, will also be heading to Latvia with the opportunity of a podium on his mind. Having finished 4^th overall last season, 4 points shy of 3^rd, this will be another opportunity for Brit to show that he is a real threat for the title this season.

We cannot forget the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory MX2 squad, who have spent the lockdown period much like any other team, working on their weaknesses and making sure they are ready to go when the championship returns.

Going into the season Thomas Kjer Olsen was one of the favourites to challenge for the MX2 title and though his injury got in the way during rounds one and two, with plenty of time for recovery during the lockdown period there is no reason why we couldn’t expect TKO back at the top end of the field. The Dane has a strong track record in Latvia, he finished 3^rd overall last season and was the overall winner both in 2018 and 2017, so a victory could be on the cards in 2020 for the Husqvarna rider.

Then there’s the second factory Husqvarna rider, Jed Beaton, who has so far this season been pretty consistent. During the first two GPs, the Australian finished 4^th on both occasions just a few points shy of the podium. If he carries on this consistent form, we could see Beaton on the podium at some point during the three events in Kegums.

F&H Kawasaki Racing Team’s Mikkel Haarup, Roan Van de Moosdijk and Mathys Boisrame have showed strong form this year and though they didn’t have the luckiest home GP in Valkenswaard, the rest of the season is long, and more can be expected from all three riders. Roan Van de Moosdijk was the overall winner in Latvia in 2019 for the EMX250 round, which shows that he is clearly strong on the hard sand and could be a threat this year in MX2.

He is not the only MX2 rider who did well in the EMX250 round in Kegums last season, with Alberto Forato of Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna finishing second overall, just ahead of Jeremy Sydow of Diga Procross GasGas Factory Juniors who occupied the third step of the podium.

Other riders who can impress in Latvia include Bas Vaessen of Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee who finished 5^th overall last year, along with Alvin Ostlund from Team Honda Assomotor and SM Action MX Migliori J1 Racing’s Maxime Renaux who has already one podium to his name in 2020, and could be a real threat in Latvia. 

MX2 Championship Top 10: 1. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 87 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 82 p.; 3. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 74 p.; 4. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 61 p.; 5. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 53 p.; 6. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 52 p.; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 51 p.; 8. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 48 p.; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 48 p.; 10. Jeremy Sydow (GER, GAS), 35 p.

2019 MXGP of Latvia Top 3:

1.Jorge Prado (50 points)

2.Jago Geerts (44 points)

3.Thomas Kjer Olsen (40 points)

Main Photo: MX2 Start - MXGP of Latvia 2019

Bottom Photos: 1. Tom Vialle; 2. Jago Geerts

See the action unfold this weekend and make sure you tune-in and watch the MXGP of Latvia LIVE on MXGP-TV.com!

TIMETABLE (Local Timing GMT+3)

SATURDAY: 09:00 EMXOpen Free Practice, 09:30 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 10:00 EMX250 Group 2 Free Practice, 10:35 EMXOpen Qualifying practice, 11:10 EMX250 Group 1 Qualifying practice, 11:45 EMX250 Group 2 Qualifying practice, 13:00 EMX Open Race 1, 13:50 EMX250 Race 1, 15:00 EMXOpen Race 2, 15:50 EMX250 Race 2.

SUNDAY: 09:15 MX2 Free/Time Practice, 10:15 MXGP Free/Time Practice, 12:05 MX2 Race 1, 13:05 MXGP Race 1, 15:00 MX2 Race 2, 16:00 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Latvia