The Netherlands select 2021 MXoN team!
A very strong selection of riders from The Netherlands will appear at the starting gates of the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) 2021. TeamNL – selected by the KNMV – will consist of Jeffrey Herlings, Glenn Coldenhoff and Roan van de Moosdijk.
The Netherlands have been reigning champion in the MXoN for two years now since the corona pandemic made it impossible to organize the event last year. The Dutch team became world champion back in 2019 when current riders Herlings, Coldenhoff together with Calvin Vlaanderen wrote history at the specially constructed MX track on the legendary TT Circuit in Assen. It was the first time The Netherlands won this race and claimed the prestigious title. This year, on September 26th, the very technical track of Mantova in Italy will be the theatre where TeamNL can defend its title for the first time.
‘A very strong team’
The MXoN brings out the best in Glenn Coldenhoff (factory rider for the Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP Team). In 2018 and 2019 he was able to show his excellence by winning all his races on Sunday. A unique achievement that he will obviously be wanting to continue in Mantov. Coldenhoff: “If you have to start like this, expectations are high… But, I am very happy to be part of it again because we have a very strong team. We were already working with Roan back in 2019. He is quick and has had the chance to build up a lot more experience in the Grand Prix’s. He is doing a really great job in the MX2. Jeffrey and I were able to finish first and second at the Grand Prix of Italy two weeks ago. On paper, this team can compete for the podium. We are going all in and hopefully we will be able to have a super weekend!”
Debutant Roan van de Moosdijk (F&H Racing Team) was part of the golden TeamNL back in 2019, but did not get to compete. Back then, Calvin Vlaanderen was favoured for the MX2 class. Van de Moosdijk: “I have had a taste of this whole circus before, but this will be a new experience. It has been two years since the last MXoN and I know now what it is like to be fighting in the top ranks of the World Championship MX2. Last year at Mantova, I managed to finish on the podium, so I am ready. I am proud that I am starting together with Jeffrey and Glenn.”
‘There is no weak link’
Jeffrey Herlings (factory rider for the Red Bull KTM Racing MXGP team): “They say staying a champion is harder than becoming a champion. I know all about that. But, I feel strong and I am currently in the midst of a battle for my second World Championship title in the MXGP. The ultimate goal is the double. With Glenn, Roan and I, there is no weak link. So it looks promising. But first, the focus is with the upcoming Grand Prix. This weekend I want to win my home race. As does Glenn, so you can expect a good fight.”
Team manager and director of the KNMV, Patrice Assendelft, cannot help but travel with great confidence to Mantova. “It is actually an unprecedented luxury. For me, as team manager, but for every motocross fan in the Netherlands really. We have so many great riders, including with the women and youth. Across the board we belong here, at the international top of the sport. So yeah, the pressure is high. We are definitely in for the medals. And that huge sensation we experienced on the podium, high above the TT Circuit… I can beat around the bush for as long as I like, but of course we are going for gold once more. And with these guys, nothing is impossible.”
A tough program awaits the riders towards the MXoN. In the 10 upcoming weekends, there are no fewer than 7 Grand Prix’s on the calendar starting with our home race at Oss!
Words: KMNV
Image: Ray Archer
