It was a fantastic weekend for Alfie contesting the 85cc class at the Coupe de l’Avenir representing team Ireland. The competition was tough but Herron had a superb event finishing eighth overall – superb!
We caught up with Herron to discuss his weekend and more…
GateDrop: Alfie, what a weekend for you at Coupe de l’Avenir – finishing eighth overall in the 85cc class! Can you talk me through your weekend representing Ireland at the event?
Herron: I am so proud to be representing Ireland again. I had great results at the weekend. I’m feeling really comfortable with my bike again after a mixed season following an injury in April. It’s my third year at the Coupe and my best results so far. My training and bike time is bringing my confidence and speed back to where it should be. Thanks to the boys for their hard work in getting us there. Wayne Garrett, Mick McGinn and the rest of the team behind the scenes. The gear was class.
GateDrop: Coming into the weekend what did you expect? Did you maybe surprise yourself with the first and third moto’s?
Herron: I knew what to expect from the track, although it was rough. I was aiming for top 10 in the first race. I got a good start and was fourth around the first corner. I made a mistake and two boys got passed but I was happy with the result of sixth. I was so disappointed with my second race… I dropped the bike in the first lap. I made it difficult for myself. I worked so hard to gain twelve places at the finish. I wasn’t going to do that again. In the third race I got a bad start and pushed so hard to finish sixth. My lap times were top six in each race so I am proud of that.
GateDrop: That third moto you beat two of the Frenchies, that Lopes kid is very highly rated and I believe a GP team have even signed him up for next year. It must have felt great to beat them guys? They’re talented and will most likely have good careers…
Herron: Yes it felt amazing to race with them and beat them. Just to say I got a better result feels amazing.
GateDrop: What was the track like? It looks old school and we’ve old school tracks in Ireland so probably not too much out of your comfort zone?
Herron: It is an old school track – my dad says it hasn’t changed much over the years. Coming from Co Down there are a lot of hard pack tracks at home like the Coupe. The track at Foxhills is also similar. I had great racing there in September with a last race win. But the jumps at the weekend were like nothing anywhere else I have been. They are massive and unforgiving so you need to ride with aggression and be fully committed to everyone.
GateDrop: You did the Junior World Championship earlier in the year at Heerde, what an event that was! It didn’t go as well for you but did you enjoy that? The track was brutal!
Herron: The championships at Heerde at the start of July was a great opportunity to ride at a world level. I realize now that I was not at full fitness and strength. Unfortunately it was just too soon in the season for me – I was still building up after injury and I didn’t have enough time to prepare myself the way I wanted. The track was unbelievable but I do need more practice on the Dutch sand to take me to the next level.
GateDrop: You clearly have something about you to do what you did at the weekend… but our riders often get left behind because they don’t race in Europe. Any interest to do any national racing outside the UK in the next year or two? What’s the plans for 2025?
Herron: Throughout my mx career I have raced in Ireland and the UK, from the 50’s. It definitely helps with the nerves at the big races. I am now finished with my 85cc racing and next season I will move up to a 125cc. I will see how I progress over the winter with fitness, strength and speed. I will race in England in the British and Bridgestone championships and hopefully get the opportunity to race some in Europe. In our own national championship in Ireland, hopefully they will get the insurance problem sorted out and run a championship that gets the support from all the riders. I would like to thank my Dad and my sponsors at Herron Trailers, FXR, IFS, PPG Paints, and Cutting and Welding for all their support during the year. It is great to finish on a high. See you all next year!
