MX2

KEGUMS (Latvia) 16 June 2019 – Round 9^th of the FIM Motocross World Championship provided unpredictable racing actions combined with electric crowd attendance and incredible weather conditions that was a cherry on the cake of an epic MXGP of Latvia.

The MXGP of Latvia proved a tough round of the MXGP and MX2 championships  though. It was Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado who walked away from the white sand of Kegums in Latvia with the Grand Prix victories. The two red plate owners continue to build their GP win list, Gajser scoring his 20^thand Prado his 24^th GP victory. They also extended their lead in the MXGP and MX2 championship points race indeed. 

Second overall in MXGP was Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre  and third  Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Arnaud Tonus. In MX2 second overall was Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geert and third Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen.

With a mix of sunshine and overcast skies, a large crowd and the always beautiful Kegums circuit made sure there was more than enough positives to leave the circuit satisfied with the racing and results.

Amazingly the winner of the MXGP qualification race on Saturday, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings crashed in the warm-up lap and his injured foot was run over by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory’s Arminas Jasikonis, causing the Dutchman a lot of pain prior and during the opening MXGP race. It was later learnt that Herlings had broken his ankle, that injury obviously saw him pull out of the second MXGP race.

Red Bull KTM Factory racing’s Jeffrey Herlings took the FOX Holeshot in the opening MXGP race but got past straight away from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli. The pair of Red Bull KTM riders were followed by Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Arnaud Tonus, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Romain Febvre and Team HRC’s Tim Gajser who got past by Febvre at lap 2. 

Tonus moves past both Herlings and Cairoli and Herlings then also went past Cairoli for second and was looking stronger as the race moved into the second half. 

Tonus had extended his lead to more than three seconds over Herlings, but then Herlings started closing ground on Tonus for the lead and it was clear the Dutchman wanted to take the win. Cairoli had also pushed harder to get away from Febvre.

It was a brilliant battle the one Tonus and Herlings put on a show for the Latvian crowd, then he swept up the inside of Tonus and then around the outside for the race lead. Herlings won Race 1 from Tonus and Cairoli.

As the gate dropped at the second MXGP Race Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer led the second MXGP race from Tonus and Gajser, but then the race lost yet another rider with Cairoli crashing out hard and injured his shoulder, he could not continue the race, luckily no major issues are reported for the moment and more details on his injury conditions will be communicated shortly. 

Seewer continued to lead with Tonus and Gajser battling for second just behind and close enough to the leader, the three of them think about the race win. Gajser managed to move into second place and started to push Seewer and look for a way into the lead. It seemed just a matter of time before the HRC rider would take the lead and on lap 12 he did just that. Seewer though was not about to hand the race win to the red plate owner.

Febvre moved past Tonus and the chance for a GP victory for the time being was gone for the Swiss rider. Gajser, Seewer and Febvre were all close together in the final lap of the race, Febvre blasted past Seewer for second, but it was Gajser who won the race and the overall followed by Febvre and Tonus, all of them with 40 points 

Local hero Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass experienced a though Latvian GP as did his teammate Arminas Jasikonis. Jonass fell down in race 1 dropping to 28^th but managing to finish 17^th while Jasikonis was forced to finish the race earlier due to a technical issue. 

Tim Gajser: “I am so happy about today. First race I was struggling, but the second one I found a good rhythm and I had a good battle with Jeremy. I am so happy for the team. Yesterday I had good speed but at the qualification race I had a big crash and I was a little sore today with some pain in my neck, but I got enough for sixth in the first race. Second race I tried to ride my race and I didn’t know I had won the overall. This is everything we work for and I am happy for the team.”

Romain Febvre: “Today was okay, much better than yesterday. I made some mistakes with bike set-up yesterday. We changed it a lot for today and I felt better. My start was not there, and I struggled a bit. I could have finished fourth but I got really bad arm pump. Tony was in front of me and I couldn’t catch him. The second race I had a good first lap and kept my moment. Middle of the race I struggled in the wave but I could catch the guys in front. Maybe I needed two or three extra laps to catch Tim. I thought I won the overall, but I am happy even if a bit disappointed. It isn't so long after I came back from my injury, so I feel satisfied.”

Arnaud Tonus: “I had a good feeling, at the beginning I got passed by Jeffrey and I followed him, then I found some good lines and it was great to lead. I had a good lead, but Jeffrey passed me, and he got the win. I will take every race to learn and just get better. I have to be happy. Sure, a bit frustrated, coming so close to the win, I will keep working and it is great to be on the podium, I enjoy this a lot. The way I was riding today, it’s maybe the best I have ridden in these types of conditions. It’s been years that I am trying to work on myself to compete at this level and if you look at the last few GPs, I am super happy. My mechanic told me if I could pass Romain, I could win the GP, but the track was sketchy, and I tried to keep it on two wheels.

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten:1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:02.925; 2. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:01.599; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:12.059; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:14.205; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:15.980; 6. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:17.943; 7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:24.661; 8. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:26.842; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:27.942; 10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +0:34.864.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten:1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 35:56.037; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:02.189; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:02.738; 4. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:15.871; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:22.078; 6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:26.723; 7. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:30.127; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:32.947; 9. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:39.120; 10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +0:46.611. 

MXGP Overall Classification Top 10: 1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 40 points; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 40 p.; 3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 40 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 36 p.; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 30 p.; 6. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 25 p.; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 23 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 22 p.; 9. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), 22 p.; 10. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 20 p.

MXGP - World Championship Classification Top 10:1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 391 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 358 p.; 3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 256 p.; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 254 p.; 5. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 246 p.; 6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 226 p.; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 208 p.; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 200 p.; 9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 190 p.; 10. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 186 p.

MXGP - Manufacturers Classification: 1. Honda, 400 points; 2. KTM, 395 p.; 3. Yamaha, 356 p.; 4. Kawasaki, 281 p.; 5. Husqvarna, 265 p.;

Main Photo: Tim Gajser

Bottom Photos: 1. Romain Febvre; 2. Arnaud Tonus

In the opening MX2 race of the day it was pole setter Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado who led from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen and Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson.

Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts who was looking for a way to past his teammate did it for third place and after five laps the lead was three seconds between Prado and Olsen, and 

Prado held a four second lead on lap seven, and Honda 114 Motorsports’ Mitch Evans moved past Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton for ninth spot on the same lap. Soon after Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee’s Bas Vaessen also went past Beaton, but Beaton wasn’t about to give up and passed the Dutchman back. Eventually Vaessen did pass for 10^th.

Geerts was all over Olsen on lap 12 and looked for a way into second place, but Prado was long gone, nearly eight seconds ahead of the two fighting for second. 

On the 17^thlap Prado was five seconds ahead of Geerts, who had passed Olsen, then Watson and Maxime Renaux filled out the top five. While Vaessen made charge when he passed Evans, Tom Vialle and Michele Cervellin to move into sixth position Prado won his 14^th MX2 heat in 2019. 

Prado crossed the white line of Race 2 for first taking the second FOX Holeshot of the day with Olsen and Vialle in second and third. Well back in the pack were Evans in 19th place, F&H Kawasaki’s Henry Jacobi 26th and BIKE IT Yamaha rider Darian Sanayei in 28th.

Great riding by Mitchell Harrison from BUD Racing Kawasaki as he moved into 12th place, but not so good from Evans as he crashed and dropped out of the top 20. After five laps Prado held a five second lead from Olsen, with Vialle third.

A massive lead after 11 laps and Prado was as smooth as silk in first place, while Olsen fought hard to keep Geerts off his back wheel, the Belgian looking quicker.

Geerts passed Olsen with two laps to go and Vaessen again moved up to seventh place. Prado eventually won from Geerts and Olsen. 

Jorge Prado: “It is my first time to win here, I was fourth two times here. I won the qualification race and two races today, so that makes me happy. Another great weekend going 1-1 and making the gap bigger in the points. I felt comfortable and I want to thank the team, my family and my girlfriend. It is making me stay in the top level like I am doing now."

Jago Geerts: “Pretty good start, but the first three corners I messed up a little, I tried everything I could do to pass Thomas and I am really happy with the weekend.”

Thomas Kjer Olsen: “I am finally getting good starts and being up there I learn a lot. The speed is high from the beginning and it is a bummer I couldn’t stay there, but I gave my all and I want to thank everyone behind me.”

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten:1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 34:06.293; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:04.953; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:09.229; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.798; 5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:01.552; 6. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +1:02.074; 7. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +1:05.903; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +1:09.602; 9. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +1:11.443; 10. Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +1:12.339; 

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten:1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:45.289; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:16.407; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:17.948; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:34.377; 5. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:51.633; 6. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:55.760; 7. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +1:00.908; 8. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +1:03.748; 9. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +1:04.762; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +1:06.145; 

MX2 Overall Top Ten:1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points; 2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 44 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 40 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 36 p.; 5. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 29 p.; 6. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 29 p.; 7. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 26 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 24 p.; 9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 22 p.; 10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 19 p.; 

MX2 Championship Top Ten:1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 397 points; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 367 p.; 3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 301 p.; 4. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 251 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 246 p.; 6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 242 p.; 7. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 226 p.; 8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 191 p.; 9. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 157 p.; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 156 p.;

MX2 - Manufacturers Classification :1. KTM, 435 points; 2. Husqvarna, 372 p.; 3. Yamaha, 346 p.; 4. Honda, 285 p.; 5. Kawasaki, 283 p.;

Main Photo: Jorge Prado

Bottom Photos: 1.Jago Geerts; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen

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: 1780

Type of ground: sand

Temperature: 24°

Weather conditions: Overcast

Weekend Crowd attendance: 33,000

MXGP was available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

NEXT STOP

The next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship is taking place at Teutschenthal in Germany on June 23.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Latvia

KEGUMS (Latvia) 16 June 2019 - The Latvian round for European Championship classes of EMX250 and EMX2T presented by FMF Racing proved exciting atmosphere with two dominant winners. In the EMX250 class it was Roan Van De Moosdijk from F&H Kawasaki team who scored the win with 1-1 results, and in the EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Swedish rider Ken Bengtson also went 1-1 for his first ever win in the class.

F&H Kawasaki team’sRoan Van De Moosdijk proved to be very strong in the sand of Kegums and also closed up on new series leader Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna’s Alberto Forato, who finished second overall with 3-4 results. Third overall in the EMX250 class was Jeremy Sydow with 2-5 results obtaining his first podium of his career. 

The opening EMX250 race saw Van De Moosdijk leading from Jeremy Sydow and Jorgen-Mattias Talviku, while Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Stephen Rubini was down in 13th place. Van De Moosdijk continued to lead and after two laps held a three second lead over Sydow and a further two seconds over third placed man Talviku. On lap three Rubini moved into the top ten with ninth place, and KTM Junior Racing’s Rene Hofer had moved into 14th place. 

Hutten Metal Yamaha Racing’s Raivo Dankers moved into third place as he passed Talviku, and after six laps the lead was eight seconds with Van De Moosdijk in total control. Rubini in the meantime moved into seventh place on lap seven. Buildbase Honda rider Josh Gilbert held down a consistent fifth place.

After nine laps Van De Moosdijk extended his lead to 10 seconds, Rubini moved into sixth position and Gilbert dropped to eighth. On lap 11 Rubini moved into fifth place but was quickly back in sixth. A brilliant battle for fourth place featured Yamaha Europe EMX125 MJC’sThibault Benistant and Forato, whotried to get the upper hand. Eventually it was Forato who finished ahead of the Frenchman. Van De Moosdijk ended ahead of Sydow and Forato.

Rene Hofer led the second EMX250 race ahead of Sydow, Van De Moosdijk, Talviku, and Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna’s Mattia Guadagnini,while Rubini was down in 16th place. Van De Moosdijk was quickly in second and then moved into the lead by the end of lap 1.

After two laps Van De Moosdijk held a three second lead over Sydow, who had also passed Hofer, with Rubini up to 11th place. Van De Moosdijk looked brilliant up front, floating his way around the technical sand circuit in Latvia and managing to lead the whole race.

Rubini kept climbing through the field moving into seventh place on lap four, while race leader Van De Moosdijk was six seconds ahead of Sydow, and Hofer was a further four seconds behind Sydow.

Rubini made a small error and fell, then dropped back to a spot after moving into sixth position, but more importantly lost a lot of time on the guys in front.

Van Moosdijk had built up a lead of around nine seconds and once again was controlling the race up front. Guadagnini moved past Hofer for third place. While the Dutchman led up front, Rubini was trying to keep his red plate and moved into fifth place to secure it for now.

With an 18 second lead, it was an easy sailing for Van De Moosdijk, and Rubini moved into third place with the ride of the race. Guadagnini moved into second as Sydow dropped to fourth. Also an epic race from Alberto Forato, who finished fourth after a poor start in 24^thand managed to take back the red plate leading into Germany next week. Van De Moosdijk won race 2 from Guadagnini and Rubini. 

EMX250 Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), 31:15.560; 2. Jeremy Sydow (GER, Husqvarna), +0:13.759; 3. Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:15.693; 4. Raivo Dankers (NED, Yamaha), +0:19.021; 5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:25.735; 6. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:36.282; 7. Bastian Boegh Damm (DEN, KTM), +0:41.210; 8. Nicholas Lapucci (ITA, KTM), +0:42.994; 9. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:45.219; 10. Rick Elzinga (NED, Yamaha), +0:45.823.

EMX250 Race 2 Top Ten: 1. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), 30:52.100; 2. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:10.395; 3. Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:17.412; 4. Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:21.376; 5. Jeremy Sydow (GER, Husqvarna), +0:24.294; 6. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:26.196; 7. Raivo Dankers (NED, Yamaha), +0:31.933; 8. Thibault Benistant (FRA, Yamaha), +0:35.958; 9. Bastian Boegh Damm (DEN, KTM), +0:40.510; 10. Caleb Grothues (AUS, Yamaha), +0:41.532.

EMX250 – Overall Classification Top 10:1. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 50 points; 2. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 38 p.; 3. Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 38 p.; 4. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 36 p.; 5. Raivo Dankers (NED, YAM), 32 p.; 6. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 29 p.; 7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 28 p.; 8. Bastian Boegh Damm (DEN, KTM), 27 p.; 9. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 24 p.; 10. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 18 p.

EMX250 – Championship Top 10: 1. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 201 points; 2. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 201 p.; 3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 194 p.; 4. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 138 p.; 5. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 114 p.; 6. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 112 p.; 7. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, KAW), 88 p.; 8. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 86 p.; 9. Karlis Sabulis (LAT, KTM), 74 p.; 10. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 73 p

EMX250 Manufacturers: 1. Husqvarna, 216 points; 2. Kawasaki, 210 p.; 3. Honda, 203 p.; 4. KTM, 182 p.; 5. Yamaha, 177 p.

Main Photo: EMX250 Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Roan Van De Moosdijk; 2. Alberto Forato

Sweden’s Ken Bengtson might have made his debut in the EMX2T presented by FMF Racing but he looked solid in the sand of Kegums. With second place overall, Team Ecomaxx Fuels team’s Mike Kras scored 2-2 results leading the series points with a two point over Verde Substance KTM team’s Brad Anderson. Third overall was Andero Lusbo with 4-3 scores.

The first EMX2T presented by FMF Racing race started with Brad Anderson leading from Mike Kras and Nick Leerkes. Anderson rode safe early getting a one second lead over Kras after a lap, and Ken Bengtson and Todd Kellett moved into third and fourth positions. Bengtson was on fire as he caught and passed Kras for second place on lap three, and after four laps the lead by Anderson was still around one second. 

Showing great sand skills Bengtson moved past Anderson on lap six, but the British rider fought back to take the lead again. The two then battled backwards and forward. Behind them Kras was nearly five seconds off the pace, with Kellett and Andero Lusbo in fourth and fifth.

On lap seven Bengtson again led and quickly got away from Anderson and Kras was suddenly just a second behind Anderson. On lap nine Kras flew past Anderson as the Dutchman showed why the riders from Holland are considered the best sand riders in the World. The lead by Bengtson was nearly four seconds.

As the race closed down Bengtson continued to control the front pace, and despite Kras did his best the Swedish rider won from Kras and Kellett.

In the second EMX2Tpresented by FMF Racing race Anderson took the lead early from Leerkes, Kay Ebben, Del Coco, Jeff Oxelmark. Mike Kras was back in seventh place.

After two laps the lead by Anderson was four seconds, and Bengtson had moved into second place, with Kras third. Just as he had done in the opening race, Bengtson started putting pressure on Anderson and on lap four the two were locked together in a battle.

To make things more interesting, Kras joined the two leaders and the beautiful sand of Kegums was making for brilliant racing once again. After huge pressure, Bengtson moved into the lead in the air, over a jump. Kras was quick to follow and also moved past Anderson.

Lusbo closed up on Anderson and on lap nine Lusbo moved into third place, knocking Anderson off the podium. Todd Kellett made nice ground as he moved into fifth place on lap eight.

Bengtson and Kras had pulled well away from the others, with Lusbo and Anderson around 10 seconds behind as they continued to battle for third and fourth places. A small mistake by Bengtson and Kras was all over him for the lead.

Bengtson held on for the race win and took the overall victory. Kras was second in the race and in the overall. Third in the race and overall was Lusbo.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Race 1 Top Ten: 1. Ken Bengtson (SWE, Husqvarna), 31:15.312; 2. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), +0:06.098; 3. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:09.247; 4. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:09.917; 5. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:20.578; 6. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), +0:48.028; 7. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +1:07.344; 8. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), +1:18.251; 9. Kay Ebben (NED, KTM), +1:19.783; 10. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +1:23.025;

EMX2TPresented by FMF Racing - Race 2 Top Ten 1.Ken Bengtson (SWE, Husqvarna), 30:33.435; 2. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), +0:03.479; 3. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:06.842; 4. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:20.452; 5. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:41.071; 6. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), +0:51.323; 7. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), +0:53.102; 8. Nick Leerkes (NED, KTM), +1:05.336; 9. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +1:08.524; 10. Joshua van der Linden (NED, KTM), +1:14.253; 

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing - Overall Classification Top 10: 1. Ken Bengtson (SWE, HUS), 50 points; 2. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 44 p.; 3. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 38 p.; 4. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 36 p.; 5. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 34 p.; 6. Mario Tamai (ITA, KTM), 29 p.; 7. Gianluca Deghi (ITA, KTM), 28 p.; 8. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 26 p.; 9. Nick Leerkes (NED, KTM), 23 p.; 10. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 20 p.; 

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing - Championship Classification Top 10: 1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 199 points; 2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 197 p.; 3. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 178 p.; 4. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 162 p.; 5. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 153 p.; 6. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 88 p.; 7. Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 86 p.; 8. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 79 p.; 9. Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 72 p.; 10. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, YAM), 72 p.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Manufacturers: 1. KTM, 239 points; 2. Yamaha, 198 p.; 3. Husqvarna, 194 p.; 4. Gas Gas, 153 p.; 5. Honda, 23 p

Main Photo: EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Podium

Bottom Photos: 1. EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Start; 2. Ken Bengtson

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: 1780

Type of ground: Sand

Temperature: 25°

Weather conditions: Sun and at times overcast

Weekend Crowd Attendance: 33,000

MXGP was available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

NEXT STOP

Next round of the EMX250 will be held in Teutschenthal, Germany in 1-week time while the next round of the EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing will be held in Imola, Italy on August the 18^th.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM Europe

MXGP of Latvia

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KEGUMS (Latvia) 15 June 2019 – The sandy track of Kegums is where the  9^th round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship season is taking place, as the MXGP of Latvia kicked off today with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado both taking the victory in the Saturday qualification races. For Herlings it was his first MXGP qualifying race win in nearly nine months after missing the first seven rounds of the MXGP championship with a foot injury. For Prado it was a different story than the one of Herlings. The Spanish rider has been just about unbeatable this year as he goes for his second consecutive MX2 championship and he continued to show the competition that he isn’t going to slow down any time soon.

The Latvian round also included racing from European Championship classes of EMX250 and EMX2T presented by FMF Racing. Saturday saw the first of the two races in each category and while Sunday will host the overall results and championship standings, Saturday’s action was intense.

The EMX2T presented by FMF Racing provided great action and an unexpected first time victory of Swedish rider Ken Bengtson who controlled the front pace after catching and passing Team Ecomaxx Fuels’ Mike Kras & Verde Substance KTM’s Brad Anderson and despite Kras did his best the Swedish rider won from Kras and Todd Kellett.

While the opening EMX250 race saw F&H Kawasaki rider Roan Van De Moosdijk leading the whole race from Jeremy Sydow. Series leader Honda Redmoto Assomotor’s Stephen Rubini was down in 13th place early and was able to catch up until the 5^thplace. Eventually Van De Moosdijk won from Sydow and Maddii Racing’s Alberto Forato. 

When the MXGP gate dropped in Latvia it was Red Bull KTM Factory racing’s Jeffrey Herlings who took the early lead in the MXGP qualifying race, home hero Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass got the crowd screaming as he moved into the lead on lap one while Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official team’s Arnaud Tonus held third place.

Well back was Red Bull KTM Factory racing’s Antonio Cairoli, who was struggling due to a back problem. TeamHRC’s Tim Gajser was also working hard, moving from sixth place to fifth, but then back to sixth when Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory racing’s Arminas Jasikonis started making good progress. 

After five laps Herlings started closing up the lead of Jonass, and Cairoli continued to lose places, going from 11th to 12th. Series leader Gajser went down hard and fell back to 20th place.

Herlings moved back into the lead on lap seven, and Tonus followed him past Jonass. Jasikonis was moving fast as he passed Tonus for second meanwhile Jonass and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory’s Jeremy Seewer battled for the top five, with Seewer getting the upper hand and fifth place.

The final laps were interesting as Herlings led and Jasikonis chased the defending World MXGP champion. Herlings would win it from Jasikonis and Tonus.

Jeffrey Herlings: “I am not 100%. Not even close, but it is getting better and better. The foot is still sore, but also getting better and better. The doctor told me it would be minimum six months before I start riding and it is now only four and a half months in and I win a qualification race in MXGP. It is pretty crazy with just four weeks on the bike. I didn’t expect this result but I feel very happy about this result today. This track suits me and I think the track was really good. Definitely it’ll be a dream comes true to  stand on the Podium tomorrow”

Pauls Jonass: “This is my first home GP in MXGP, when I was a kid and I used to watch the riders I was surprised about the speed they had and now I’m here battling in MXGP. It’s very exciting. Today I had a good start which I hardly had lately and I managed to pass Jeffrey as he made a small mistake, I started to be a bit nervous, it was the first time I was leading the MXGP class, I wanted to stay calm but at some point I started to struggle on the waves and I lost some positions. Anyway It’s super nice to start the weekend with a good note”

Tanel Leok: “It’s almost my home GP here and I could not expect to ride so many Gran Prix in my life. My team is growing and I’m very happy about that, I just feel good when I ride out there. Today I had a great start indeed and I’d like to be around the Top 15 tomorrow”

MXGP - Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 24:36.646; 2. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:04.138; 3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:12.069; 4. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:16.422; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:19.591; 6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:22.128; 7. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +0:24.301; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:25.651; 9. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:30.560; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:35.372.

Main Photo: Jeffrey Herlings

Bottom Photos: 1. Arminas Jasikonis 2. Arnaud Tonus

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado did what he does every week, with a strong showing to win the MX2 qualifying race from start to finish. The Spanish rider will now go into tomorrow’s two races with the same confidence he has shown on so many occasions this year. He had a kind of perfect day topping both the free and time practice and grabbing his 5^thMX2 Qualifying win of 2019.

The MX2 qualification race started with Prado into the lead on the first corner and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Olsen coming through to second place after batting with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle. 

Vialle was under attack first from Olsen and then from Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official’s Ben Watson who made easy pass. In the meantime the pair of F&H racing Riders Henry Jacobi & Adam Sterry battled for 6^th until Jacobi moved briefly on 5^th place and managed to finish in 4^th. 

Honda 114 Motorsports’ Mitchell Evans hadn’t even started the race due to a shoulder injury but expected to be racing tomorrow, Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts and Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee’s Bas Vaessen, BIKE IT DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei were at the back of the pack after a crash in the early going, as was Team DIGA-Procross Husqvarna’s Davy Pootjes.

As Prado clocked off the quickest lap times of the race, Watson moved up from seventh place and into third. Vialle had dropped outside the top ten as he fell down and Geerts moved into the top 15 with a strong comeback after a bad crash at the start of the race. Prado ended up winning the race by more than 10 seconds over Olsen and Watson back in third place.

Jorge Prado :“It was a good race. The track was tough, bumpy, but I enjoyed riding. After a good start it was easier, and I found a good flow in the track. I hope to do well tomorrow. Two years ago, I missed the podium, I had the same points as the third placed guy and last year I won the Saturday qualification race, but Sunday I missed the podium again. Hopefully we can get two races wins tomorrow and get on the podium tomorrow.”

MX2 - Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 24:53.213; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:06.686; 3. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:13.975; 4. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:32.553; 5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Honda), +0:33.470; 6. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:36.268; 7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:42.911; 8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:43.900; 9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Honda), +0:45.697; 10. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Husqvarna), +0:46.180.

Main Photo: Jorge Prado

Bottom Photos: 1. Thomas Kjer Olsen; 2. Ben Watson

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: 1780

Type of ground: Sand

Temperature: 25°

Weather conditions: Sunshine

MXGP is available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

Timetable (GMT+3)

SUNDAY:09:45 EMX2t Race 2, 10:25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10:45 MXGP Warm-Up, 11:30 EMX250 Race 2, 13:15 MX2 Race 1, 14:15 MXGP Race 1, 16:10 MX2 Race 2, 17:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Latvia

KEGUMS (Latvia) 15 June 2019 – Youthstream and Finnish based Lahti Events are very pleased to announce the FIM Motocross World Championship makes his return to Finland in KymiRing motor circuit in 2020. The media center of the MXGP of Latvia hosted the announcement of the 2020 MXGP of Finland with Youthstream COO Daniele Rizzi, FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela and MXGP of Finland and Lahti Events Project Director Jesse Kiuru presenting the future of the event in front of national and international media. 

Motocross has had a great history in Finland with legendary World Champions. Last time MXGP visited Finland was back in 2014 providing a memorable event. The 2020 MXGP of Finland will be nothing less than outstanding assuring both fans and riders the best of the MX spirit: friendship, courage, passion and respect for nature. 

The brand new track which will host the 2020 MXGP of Finland has been built at KymiRing motor circuit, which is situated only 50 km from Lahti and 140 km from Helsinki. All the international MX fans travelling to Lahti will have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience with the most characteristic elements of Finland: motorsports, friendly people, safe environment and nature with lakes and forests.

Chief Operating Officer of Youthstream Daniele Rizzi: "We are very happy to have come to an agreement with Lahti Events for the return of MXGP to this beautiful and innovative country. There is indeed a very innovative, ambitious, fan-oriented project behind the Finnish MXGP and we, like all parties involved, are eager to support it: it will definitely do good to the sport. This event will add a bit of Motocross fashion to the outstanding location of KymiRing which, thanks to Lahti Events’ choice of venue, will broaden its horizons to include the sport of Motocross in its program"

FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela: “On behalf of the FIM I would like to let you know that we are really looking forward to coming back to Finland for MXGP. We all have really good memories of the last MXGP held in Finland in 2014 as the organization in Finland shows the high level of professionalism, the kind of professionalism that nowadays is expected from all MXGP Organizers. I would also like to thank Youthstream to make all the necessary efforts to have MXGP back in this country which shows the level of confidence Youthstream reserve for the Finnish Federation, SML, and the local Organizer.”

Managing Director of Finnish Motorcycling Federation Kurt Ljungqvist: "World Championship races have always a very special meaning when it comes to awareness of the sport. When the youth gets to see the stars of the motocross world championship ride, it awakes an interest to try the sport and eventually they become our future stars and champions. The return of the race to our home soil also creates good opportunities to make it to the highest level of the sport and serves as a good motivator to believe in success and reaching the World Championship level. Motorcycling federation is very happy that Lahti Events has chosen to bring the highest level of motocross to the future heart of motorsport, the KymiRing circuit," 

Managing Director of Koko Lahti Emilia Mäki: "The MXGP of Finland in 2020 will be our first ever motocross race for our Lahti Events company at the KymiRing and with this event we will set the standards of this venue. As the event organizer in Lahti region, we can also guarantee that the events will have their presence regionally,"

Finland is also home race of Ice1racing team; Antti Pyrhönen, former motocross rider himself, is one of the internationally known faces of Finnish motocross and he is currently the Team Manager of Team Ice1Racing, now Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing owned by the F1 driver Kimi Räikkönen.

"The return of MXGP to Finland after several years is great news for our team, whose origins are in Finland and whose owner is Finnish, too. I’m sure that all the MX community, including teams and riders, will be also very excited to be back to Finland for an MXGP event.”

Photo: From Left to right: MXGP of Finland and Lahti Events Project Director Jesse Kiuru, Youthstream COO Daniele Rizzi and FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM