The Selaparang circuit ran in the reverse direction today for the MXGP of Lombok, but the heat and humidity of the island on the edge of the Indian Ocean remained, and even increased from last week, to test some of the most elite athletes in the world of sport across two gruelling races for each class!
Words | Press release
This event was part of the fourth Indonesian double header in the last seven years, and the MXGP class had always seen riders sweep both rounds, until this year when that trend was halted by Jeffrey Herlings, completing a perfect weekend when he won every race and topped every practice session for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. “The Bullet” claimed his 105th Grand Prix win, although he faced stiff opposition from Championship leader Tim Gajser, whose second overall increased his points lead as he holds onto the red plate for Team HRC.
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP rider Calvin Vlaanderen earned his second trip to the podium in as many weekends with two strong third places.
Jeffrey Herlings: “Very happy. The KTM kept being so strong, so I have to give it up to the guys and the whole Red Bull KTM team; Pit, Roberts and the crew at home. 1-1-1 for the first time this year so I’m very pleased. Tim was pushing today. This is a good way to head back to Europe and I feel like we are getting better and better.”
The MX2 class was dominated by Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Lucas Coenen, enjoying his own perfect weekend for his fifth career Grand Prix win, and eating into his teammate Kay De Wolf’s points lead in the process. Mikkel Haarup equalled his best career result with second overall for Monster Energy Triumph Racing, ahead of Simon Laengenfelder who took third for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing.
Lucas Coenen: “First race was very difficult like for everybody. The heat was really high but I could cool down quite well between the races. I really did my own race in the second one, just passed Simon (Laengenfelder) and took it easy. I feel good so now we keep on going for the next one”
HIGHLIGHTS:
