Race One: Jeffrey Herlings controlled the moto Jett Lawrence style after passing holeshot man, Glenn Coldenhoff, but the big story was Lucas Coenen. The Belgian went down in turn and put in one of the best races of his life, showing how badly he wants this MXGP title. Coenen passed everyone bar Herlings, including a vital pass on Romain Febvre for second on the last lap to somehow, gain two points on Febvre despite being on the ground in turn one with Febvre gating third – what a ride from the 18 year old!
Race Two: Jeffrey Herlings fended off an electric Lucas Coenen in a breathtaking final few laps after Lucas Coenen came from 17th and caught the bullet! When Herlings saw Coenen get into second with five minutes to go he hit full throttle but Coenen still inched closer to be right on Herlings on the last lap but the Dutchman’s fighting spirit and elite sand skills held the 18 year old Belgian at bay. The duo put 20 seconds on third place Gajser in four laps as Herlings did enough to win his 110th GP.
Herlings, who somehow is not on the Dutch MXoN team said: “I am lucky it wasn’t two laps more, I was at the end. Lucas had unbelievable speed, I think he was just faster than me today. 1-1-1, really pleased. I remember when I was 18, I could do two 35 minute motos no problem, now he is that age and I am on the way down!
Lucas Coenen had one of the best rides of his life and has slashed Febvre’s lead by 10 points, it’s now 31 with three rounds to go.
Coenen said: “The starts were really bad. It was really tough for me, second moto I gave everything I had, they say he’s the best sand rider, I wanted to beat him in the sand. We need to figure out the starts.”
Overall:
Updated championship standings:
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