One of the more experienced riders in the MXGP World Championship, Glenn Coldenhoff had a strong season in what was his last year racing with the Factory Yamaha. The Dutch talent ended up fourth overall in the MXGP World Championship standings which is impressive when you consider the depth and talent of the MXGP field.
The final round of the series went well for Coldenhoff as he led laps at the front of the pack but a bittersweet feeling as he missed out on the overall podium.
We caught up with Coldenhoff to discuss his season, plans for the future and more.
GateDrop: Glenn, that is another MXGP season done and dusted and the final round was really good for you. Good starts and you could lead laps, I feel like it has been a while since we have seen in the lead so it must have felt great to lead laps again…
Coldenhoff: Yeah, sure. Holeshots are always good and that is what I have been missing throughout the season. Today was an okay today, in the first moto I rode too much on the protection I would say which meant I started to ride tight and stuff. It was a tough moto and in the second one I just didn’t feel it, I was a little bit off the pace and was struggling a bit. I couldn’t hold onto my lead which was a shame because finally good starts but not being able to hold on, it is disappointing. But in the end fourth overall today and fourth overall in the championship, it is definitely not a bad year but of course we are always working for more. I was really pushing hard to get a medal which is disappointing but I will keep working. I will be in MXGP for another two years so it is looking good.
GateDrop: I mean you had the speed there today for 20-25 minutes but maybe just lacked a little but of intensity at the end of the moto’s but that’s maybe just because it has been a while since you’ve been at the front?
Coldenhoff: Yeah, I think so. You know, leading and having pressure all moto long, it is not that easy. Especially for me I am used to coming through the pack and playing catch up. Today, two holeshots, I am defiantly not used to that but we take the experience. We still have one more race at the Motocross des Nations and I am looking forward to do really well there.
GateDrop: Just on MXGP and the level, especially at the end of this season because all the top guys have been there except for Jeffrey so the level looks sky high meaning starts are important…
Coldenhoff: It is unbelievable. If you don’t get the start it is really really difficult. You need to be 1-2 seconds faster to make a pass on the other guys. Starts are so important and we have always been working on them but just before this week we found something and it definitely worked out.
GateDrop: I mean you are 33 years old…
Coldenhoff: I am 32 (laughs)…
GateDrop: Sorry, sorry! But I mean still to finish fourth overall in MXGP World Championship, being one of the more experienced riders in the class I think you can be pretty happy with your season even though you probably want more but who doesn’t…
Coldenhoff: Sure, if I look at my career I started quite late coming into the GP’s and my age isn’t one of the youngest anymore. But I do take really good care of myself and get some really good treatment week in, week out. I think that is what keeps me going and of course I also have the experience of going to the hospital a little less, I think my experience has helped with that. I am always there and on a good day I believe I can still win.
GateDrop: Just on the new Yamaha, what was it like at the start of the year? It now looks like your bike to end the season so it looks like you’ve done a good job there…
Coldenhoff: Sure, they put in an amazing job. We had to work hard at the beginning but after it has been working great. The new machine definitely fits me better than the older one so they did good changes for me.
GateDrop: How does it feel having your last race as a factory Yamaha rider? You’ve had an amazing time here but a new chapter at the same time…
Coldenhoff: I think the news will come out soon with what I am going to do for next year and the year after. Then you will see it but it is looking good, I am going to work with good people and good material. I am confident of doing at least two more years and by then I will be 35 so then we’ll see what’s next after that.
GateDrop: The MXoN is up next and that is an event you love and have so many good memories. It looks like you are hitting form at the right time and the Dutch team looks good even without Jeffrey…
Coldenhoff: Yeah it is a shame that Jeffrey is injured, with him normally you have for sure two top five moto’s. But anyway we still have a strong team, Kay de Wolf did really good today and Calvin is doing a good season as well. If all three can have a good day with good starts, why not finish on the box? Okay, maybe it is a little high but we will do everything. I feel confident now taking the starts and that is what you really need at the Nations and especially Ernee. It is such a tight track but I go there with confidence.
GateDrop: Away from the track, you recently become a Father, what is it like being a Dad and I guess it makes the bad days a little bit easier to deal with…
Coldenhoff: Yeah, with the birth of my daughter it has definitely changed quite a bit but so far, I am a guy that is really focussed and really structured. Sometimes too much and that is not working it should want. I believe now it is a good combination of being relaxed and still being focused on having a structure. It is a good combination for me and I am enjoying that life a lot.
Interview: Andy McKinstry
Images: Nigel McKinstry
