Herlings thoughts on having the MXoN during the MXGP season

Four times world champ, Jeffrey Herlings has given his thoughts on holding the Motocross Des Nations during an MXGP World Championship and not at the end of the season which is tradition.

“Well, I have nothing to say about that. If my team [KTM] says I have to ride, I will do it. It is certainly not nice, if you are in the middle of a title fight, such a race naturally brings extra risk. Especially the Nations. If you ask me, I would rather not have it (during the MXGP season). After this season it’s no longer possible, because then you will be in December. Perhaps if we were to ride in Dubai, but if it was to be held in Finland so to speak, it will be a very difficult story”, Herlings told Tim Gerth at Motorsport.nl.

We got the thoughts of the Dutch MXoN team manager, Patrice Assendelft recently and he shares Herlings thoughts that the event is better taking place at the end of the MXGP World Championship season.

“To be honest, I don’t think it’s a good idea, that’s my personal opinion which you asked for. Especially the riders that are fighting for World Championships, they won’t be willing to take risks during the season which could harm them in the World Championship chase. I would always prefer to have the Motocross Des Nations at the end of the season and preferably a week in between the last GP as well and not the week after. You need a week to meet your team and prepare yourself for the next venue/race with them. That would be my most ideal scenario – after the World Championship and after the last race, one-week rest and then the Motocross Des Nations”, Assendelft told GateDrop.com.

I think for the manufacturers, it’s a great opportunity to show their products to the rest of the world. I mean it’s the biggest event with the most spectators live and worldwide on television and the internet. I think the manufacturers will always participate at the Motocross Des Nations with the top riders available”, added Assendelft.

Pic: Nigel McKinstry