Following the controversy surrounding Jeffrey Herlings’ absence from Team Netherlands for the 2025 MXoN which took place at Ironman, KTM team manager Joel Smets has spoken out to clarify the situation. Rumours have been circulating that KTM were unwilling to provide Herlings with a bike for the event, but Smets was quick to dismiss those claims – insisting that the team was fully prepared to support the five-time world champion had he been selected to represent his country.
“I still keep hearing the rumour that KTM didn’t want to make a bike available for Jeffrey for the MXoN,” Smets began. “I’d like to put that to rest right now. We were 100% prepared in case Jeffrey had been selected. Whether we find the (non-)selection strange or unfortunate, it’s something we have to respect. But the bike was definitely not the issue.”
Smets then turned his attention to the handling of the selection process by the KNMV (the Dutch federation), expressing surprise at how the situation developed.
“What surprised me more than the selection itself was that the KNMV turned their decision-making into a soap opera and surrounded it with a cloud of mystery. That goes completely against their DNA of solid governance and transparency – and shows very little respect towards the parties they work with. Why was all that secrecy even necessary?”
The former five time world champion went on to explain that, in his view, if Herlings had chosen not to participate for personal or physical reasons, that decision should have been respected and communicated clearly.
“If Jeffrey Herlings, for whatever reason, didn’t want to be selected – not fit enough, financial implications, fear of the competition, or anything else – that’s his right, isn’t it? Respect that choice, communicate it as such, end of story. Tom Vialle, for example – a four-time world champion and surely France’s first choice – also didn’t want to take part. But with the French, there was no drama.”
Smets also shed light on some awkward moments behind the scenes, particularly during the Swedish Grand Prix, when the Dutch team management informed them of their decision.
“When the team manager told us about their choice, he looked about as comfortable as a polar bear in the desert. He did his utmost to justify their choices with a few pre-rehearsed stories. Now, he’s certainly not stupid, but acting or lying isn’t exactly his greatest talent – and it was obvious he didn’t believe his own story. Poor Barry, we actually felt sorry for him.”
According to Smets, the KNMV even instructed those involved to stay silent about the team decision.
“It also seems that in the KNMV offices they must watch a few too many mafia movies, because a ‘code of silence’ about the team was suddenly declared. Because of that, Calvin unfortunately didn’t get the credit he deserved.”
Despite his frustration, Smets closed on a more reflective note, acknowledging that mistakes happen and hoping lessons will be learned for the future.
“What’s done is done. But I dare say the KNMV has probably realised by now that they could have handled this a lot better. Still, who doesn’t make mistakes? And to reach great heights, sometimes you have to go through deep valleys. It’ll all be fine.”
