After eleven long rounds, Jeffrey Herlings is back on top of the MXGP World Championship standings. The red plate returns to his hands for the first time since the second round of the season in Almonte.
Lucas Coenen’s absence played a significant role in the championship shake-up. The Belgian rider, still dealing with the effects of the injury he sustained at Foxhills, was unable to score points in any of the three point-paying races over the weekend. However, Herlings also did everything required on his side, delivering a perfect 1-1-1 performance in Loket.
«It is tough on him and I hope he can recover and we can battle in the remaining rounds, but right now I’m just trying to do what I can do.»
The Honda HRC Petronas rider has completely turned the championship around. Just two weeks ago, he was trailing by 61 points. Now, he holds a 49-point advantage over Coenen at the top of the standings.
Even so, Herlings knows better than most how quickly a championship lead can disappear. The Dutchman has experienced similar situations throughout his career and remains fully focused with only six rounds left on the calendar. The next stop is Lommel, taking place this weekend.
«I know I have the red-plate right now, but I also know that it doesn’t really mean anything and that I have to keep performing like this for the last six rounds. We’ve seen what has happened already this year, and I’ve lost big leads before myself, so I’m not going to stop working until we have the gold plate.»
Meanwhile, Lucas Coenen has not ruled out competing in Lommel. According to the Belgian rider, he will continue working throughout the week in an effort to arrive at his home Grand Prix in the best condition possible. You can read his full comments here:
