Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Calvin Vlaanderen maintained his strong and consistent start to the 2024 MXGP World Championship with seventh overall at round three of the series in Riola Sardo, Sardinia.
A strong start in race one set Vlaanderen up for a positive result at the same venue in which he secured his debut MXGP victory in 2022. Making multiple passes on lap one moved the South African up to fourth where he remained until lap four when he was demoted by Jeffrey Herlings. A small crash a few laps later halted what looked set to be a solid result, with the Yamaha YZ450FM rider ultimately claiming seventh.
Lining up for race two with a clear strategy, Vlaanderen focused on delivering consistent laps and keeping any mistakes to a minimum. Able to execute his pre-race plan, the 27-year-old finished sixth for seventh overall and now moves up to seventh in the championship standings.
Joining the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP team for the MXGP of Sardegna was reigning FIM Sand Races World Cup Champion, Todd Kellett. No stranger to racing on sand, the Brit improved upon his race one 21st to score points in race two with his 16th place finish.
The 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship now heads to back to mainland Europe and to Pietramurata in Italy for the MXGP of Trentino on April 13th and 14th.
— Calvin Vlaanderen:
“I’m a little disappointed about my weekend. I always come here with high expectations after winning here in the past. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially as the track was really rough and the weather was really hot, but it was the same for everyone out there. It was a pity about my crash in race one as it pushed me back a lot and I lost my rhythm. For race two, I just wanted to hit my marks and ride consistent laps and that’s what I did. I’m scoring good points every weekend and that’s really important so now it’s on to Trentino next weekend.”
— Todd Kellett:
“It was damn hard, but at the same time I really enjoyed this Grand Prix. A huge thanks to Yamaha and the team for this opportunity. The intensity is a lot higher than in the beach races. Not normal how crazy these guys go here. I felt like a squash player trying to play tennis. The crashes in both motos were a bit frustrating. But all-in all: a fantastic experience.”
Words: Press Release
Image: Full Spectrum Media
