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MXGP World Championship

Analysis: MXGP Contenders

Six premier-division favourites.

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It still feels quite surreal that the 2021 FIM Motocross World Championship is going to begin in just a couple of days, yet this is actually happening. It has been a long drought and one that has prompted some to grow accustomed to life without the Grand Prix series. Buckle up though, race fans, because the upcoming term promises to be one of the best and the action will file in at an unprecedented rate. There will be nine events in eleven weeks. Yikes! 

Jeffrey Herlings

Jeffrey Herlings has raced in eleven of the last thirty-six Grands Prix, which is a number that those naysayers tend to cling to. It is an alarming figure and one that has to be considered. How often can one be struck by bad luck though? Misfortune is the sole reason for his last two injuries – that most recent health issue was caused by his foot slipping from the pegs on a slow lap. Why did that happen? A lingering foot injury caused him to place his foot in a weird angle and that meant he was riding in pain for quite some time. Surgery was done on that foot late last year, and he is in a better position now.

Yes, he is in a better spot now. Yes, better than he was when he built a lead of 60 points in six rounds. Is that not a worrying prospect for his competition? It has to be. Herlings has done so much in his time on the bike that he almost has a hold over his rivals, because there is no telling what could be coming. What if he comes out and is at his 2018 level? Is there really anyone on the starting line who could stop him? It is safe to assume that is something that most of his competitors have considered, because it is a real threat. Firstly though, he must stay healthy and avoid misfortune. Easier said than done.

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J.P. Acevedo

Tim Gajser

Tim Gajser is an underrated champion. Well, he was at least. The way that he performed at the end of last year far surpassed anything he had done in his career before then. There is simply no doubt that the Gajser who won the 2019 MXGP title would not have been able to compete with the Gajser who claimed the 2020 MXGP title. This is where things get interesting: Jeffrey Herlings has not faced that Tim Gajser yet. What is going to happen when that battle occurs? Time will tell. That is the on-track fight that is causing mouths to water. The only problem is that these two are like ships passing in the night – they rarely meet at top form. 

The worry would be whether Gajser can start at that level, because it took him so long to start flowing after the first lockdown last spring. What if he starts off slow again this time around? That is simply not going to work when battling with Herlings, especially considering that he needs to capitalise on the hard-pack tracks that are going to kick off the campaign. That could be his downfall, along with the violent crashes that he typically bounces right back up from. Flirting with the edge has to bite at some point. It is worth noting that those monstrous crashes have subsided somewhat in the last twelve months though.

“It took him so long to start flowing after the first lockdown last spring. What if he starts off slow again this time around? That is simply not going to work when battling with Herlings.”

Jorge Prado

Jorge Prado is arguably the perfect title candidate, more so than the aforementioned guys. Prado manages to get amazing starts more than not, rarely crashes, rarely misses races with health issues and is extremely consistent. Where would one find a counterpoint for him being the favourite to win the title? Perhaps someone could argue that he lacks the raw speed that both Tim Gajser and Jeffrey Herlings possess, but then that is not a necessity for him to claim a title and his incredible race craft more than makes up for that. What else is there to say about the two-time world champion?

There still seems to be a stigma that surrounds Prado, regarding his fitness and ability in warmer climates. Those are irrelevant though – his recent rankings prove that he has overcome those issues. Prado even learnt a lot last year about his physical limits, so that knowledge will contribute to making him a formidable threat this term. It is also worth noting that he has had a full off-season about his 450 SX-F, whereas that was not the case at all a year ago. Seriously, try to find a negative about Prado!

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J.P. Acevedo

Antonio Cairoli

Antonio Cairoli is in an intriguing position, as he is one of the most recent Grand Prix winners in the division and yet he has been written off by many. Few are including him in the championship discussion and only a handful of pundits have him pegged to win more overalls this year. What could have possibly changed since the Grand Prix of Trentino at the end of the previous season? One could argue that he is in a better position now – he had knee surgery and spent a majority of the winter period on the sidelines to ensure that he got the most out of his recovery. Does that not sound encouraging as round one beckons? 

Cairoli has not been healthy since early on in 2019 – two full years ago – and he was running the same pace as Tim Gajser with relative ease at that point. What is to say that he is not going to go straight back to those heights now that the knee is fixed? Father Time waits for no one, of course, and maybe those days are gone. There is not categoric proof either way though, and that is tantalising. It is worth noting that there is a palm injury now, suffered at home a week ago, so that could restrict him somewhat to begin with. Cairoli is still going to be one of the most interesting guys to observe early on in the campaign though.

“One could argue that he is in a better position now – he had knee surgery and spent a majority of the winter period on the sidelines to ensure that he got the most out of his recovery. Does that not sound encouraging as round one beckons?”

Jeremy Seewer

Jeremy Seewer is very underrated in every way imaginable, but will that be the case in a week or two? The step that he took in the previous campaign was noteworthy – he went from a consistent podium threat to a consistent threat for wins. Heck, the red plate was in reaching distance at the halfway point in the season. Things derailed somewhat after that, admittedly, but he is in a better place now and appears to have made another step in the right direction in the wintertime. Could he come out and immediately remind everyone, including his fellow riders, that he is a force to be reckoned with? 

That is why one could argue that these early events are more pivotal for Seewer than anyone else. Although he won a Grand Prix last term, it was in strange circumstances and a legitimate premier-class win at rounds one or two would alleviate any doubts that are floating in the background. Consistency is a strength of his, as he has raced 128 Grands Prix in succession at the time of writing. MXGP has been ravished by injuries in recent years, so perhaps that consistency could really come into play as this thing starts to wind down? It is worth noting that it is a contract year for him as well.

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Bavo Swijgers

Romain Febvre

Can Romain Febvre claim a second world title? That is not necessarily the conversation here – a lot of things would have to go right for him to take gold. Febvre can be a consistent contender for race wins though, as proven by his two moto wins last term. Antonio Cairoli acquired the same amount and Jeremy Seewer had just one more, so he has to be mentioned in that group. The role of spoiler is arguably more fitting for him; he will steal points from the title rivals and slip between them a lot. The question is whether or not he can win more races than anyone is even considering currently.

Febvre has been impressive this off-season – he has taken advantage of being healthy (far from the case a year ago) and actually got momentum under his belt. The way that he rode in France last weekend, sticking with Jeffrey Herlings and running lap times three seconds quicker than his factory counterparts, drops fuel onto this fiery discussion. It has been a long time since he has done that consistently though, hence why a lot of people are hesitant to place too many expectations on his shoulders. It is a pivotal contract year for him as well – that is sure to add some disruption.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: J.P. Acevedo

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MXGP World Championship

Stark Speaks! Stark believes MXGP should reconsider electric bike inclusion.

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Following numerous questions, comments, and opinions, Stark Future would like to offer its take on the recent Press Conference held at VILLA LA ANGOSTURA (Argentina) on 8th March 2024, during the first MXGP event of the season.

Stark Future, a prominent innovator in motocross, firmly opposes MXGP/ Infront’s proposal to introduce a separate Electric Support Class alongside MXGP events. While recognizing the goal of driving technological advancements, Stark Future believes that segregation is not the solution. Instead, seeing integration as an opportunity for all sides to thrive. By embracing new technologies at the highest level of racing, Stark Future envisions making racing more captivating for fans while fostering the strongest technological improvements across the board.

With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of motocross performance and innovation, Stark Future firmly believes in true competition and integration, where the fastest machines go head-to-head, driving innovation and pushing the sport to new heights. The vision of Stark Future is to build the fastest motocross bike in the world and demonstrate that Electric is not a compromise but a formidable contender.

“As CEO and Founder of Stark Future, I firmly believe that segregating electric bikes into a separate class undermines the essence of true competition in motocross. Our mission is to break barriers and showcase the potential of electric technology on equal footing with internal combustion engines, Motocross thrives on innovation and pushing boundaries, and segregation only hinders our collective progress towards a more inclusive and dynamic sport. World Trials have done a great job on including Electric with combustion and have shown that when the platform is competitive it has it´s place amongst combustion counterparts”

Stark Future understands The creation of a separate class for electric bikes, as proposed by MXGP, compromises the essence of competition and risks stifling progress. Instead of fostering innovation, this approach fragments the championship and dilutes the level of competition. Stark Future advocates for the integration of electric bikes into the existing MXGP grid framework, which would promote innovation and benefit the broader motocross community while offering better viewing figures for MXGP programs.

Stark Future recognizes the importance of innovation in the future of motocross. Integrating electric bikes into MXGP would revitalize innovation within the sport and address challenges such as noise pollution, maintenance costs, and accessibility.

In conclusion, Stark Future urges MXGP/ Infront to reconsider the proposal for a separate Electric Support Class and explore avenues to seamlessly integrate Electric bikes into MXGP and MX2 grids. Stark Future is ready to embrace this challenge, and invites industry stakeholders to join in promoting innovation and ensuring that motocross continues to thrive for generations to come.

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Features

Stat Attack: MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina

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With the first round of MXGP in the books, statistics maestro Paul Pearcy has provided MX Vice with some brilliant numbers to tuck into from what was a great round of action. Enjoy

MX2

Timed Practice

  • Top 3
  1. Lucas Coenen: 1:42.114
  2. Kay de Wolf: 1:42.454
  3. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 1:42.895

Qualifying Race

  • Top 3
  1. Lucas Coenen
  2. Kay de Wolf
  3. Andrea Adamo
  • Laps Led
  1. Andrea Adamo: 11
  2. Lucas Coenen: 2
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Kay de Wolf: 1:44.697
  2. Lucas Coenen: 1:45.272
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 1:45.342
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Lucas Coenen: 1:46.123
  2. Kay de Wolf: 1:46.369
  3. Thibault Benistant: 1:46.976
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Lucas Coenen: 1.832
  2. Quentin Marc Prugnieres: 2.173
  3. Andrea Bonacorsi: 2.511

Race 1

  • Top 3
  1. Simon Laengenfelder
  2. Kay de Wolf
  3. Thibault Benistant
  • Laps Led
  1. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 11
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 5
  3. Thibault Benistant: 2
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 1:46.688
  2. Thibault Benistant: 1:46.917
  3. Simon Laengenfelder: 1:47.243
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Simon Laengenfelder: 1:48.666
  2. Kay de Wolf: 1:48.734
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 1:49.257
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Mikkel Haarup: 3.139
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 3.372
  3. Jack Chambers: 3.337

Race 2

  • Top 3
  1. Kay de Wolf
  2. Mikkel Haarup
  3. Lucas Coenen
  • Laps Led
  1. Lucas Coenen: 7
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 6
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 4
  4. Kay de Wolf: 1
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Lucas Coenen: 1:48.402
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 1:48.617
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 1:48.924
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Kay de Wolf: 1:50.323
  2. Mikkel Haarup: 1:50.655
  3. Lucas Coenen: 1:51.021
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Hakon Fredriksen: 2.538
  2. David Braceras: 2.67
  3. Thibault Benistant: 2.897

Points

  • Qualifying Points Top 10
  1. Lucas Coenen: 10
  2. Kay de Wolf: 9
  3. Andrea Adamo: 8
  4. Simon Laengenfelder: 7
  5. Thibault Benistant: 6
  6. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 5
  7. Hakon Osterhagen: 4
  8. Andrea Bonacorsi: 3
  9. Sacha Coenen: 2
  10. Ferruccio Zanchi: 1
  • Race Points Top 10
  1. Kay de Wolf: 47
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 43
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 38
  4. Thibault Benistant: 34
  5. Andrea Adamo: 29
  6. Ferruccio Zanchi: 27
  7. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 27
  8. Sacha Coenen: 26
  9. Camden Mc Lellan: 25
  10. Rick Elzinga: 23
  • Total Points Top 10
  1. Kay de Wolf: 56
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 50
  3. Thibault Benistant: 40
  4. Mikkel Haarup: 38
  5. Andrea Adamo: 37
  6. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 32
  7. Lucas Coenen: 30
  8. Ferruccio Zanchi: 28
  9. Sacha Coenen: 28
  10. Camden Mc Lellan: 25

MXGP

Timed Practice

  • Top 3
  1. Romain Febvre: 1:41.071
  2. Pauls Jonass: 1:41.412
  3. Tim Gajser: 1:41.447

Qualifying Race

  • Top 3
  1. Tim Gajser
  2. Romain Febvre
  3. Pauls Jonass
  • Laps Led
  1. Tim Gajser: 13
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Tim Gajser: 1:44.173
  2. Romain Febvre: 1:44.571
  3. Pauls Jonass: 1:45.478
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Tim Gajser: 1:46.294
  2. Romain Febvre: 1:46.738
  3. Pauls Jonass: 1:46.757
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Jeffrey Herlings: 1.9
  2. Ben Watson: 3.044
  3. Valentin Guillod: 3.487

Race 1

  • Top 3
  1. Jorge Prado
  2. Romain Febvre
  3. Pauls Jonass
  • Laps Led
  1. Jorge Prado: 18
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Jorge Prado: 1:46.699
  2. Romain Febvre: 1:46.750
  3. Maxime Renaux: 1:47.151
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Jorge Prado: 1:48.446
  2. Romain Febvre: 1:48.807
  3. Paul Jonass: 1:49.149
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Kevin Horgmo: 2.908
  2. Ben Watson: 3.128
  3. Jeremy Seewer: 3.728

Race 2

  • Top 3
  1. Tim Gajser
  2. Jorge Prado
  3. Romain Febvre
  • Laps Led
  1. Tim Gajser: 18
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Jorge Prado: 1:47.787
  2. Tim Gajser: 1:47.980
  3. Romain Febvre: 1:48.319
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Tim Gajser: 1:49.097
  2. Jorge Prado: 1:49.587
  3. Romain Febvre: 1:50.050
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Glenn Coldenhoff: 3.222
  2. Jeffrey Herlings: 3.259
  3. Jeremy Seewer: 3.371

Points

  • Qualifying Points Top 10
  1. Tim Gajser: 10
  2. Romain Febvre: 9
  3. Pauls Jonass: 8
  4. Jorge Prado: 7
  5. Maxime Renaux: 6
  6. Jeffrey Herlings: 5
  7. Jeremy Seewer: 4
  8. Ivo Monticelli: 3
  9. Calvin Vlaanderen: 2
  10. Valentin Guillod: 1
  • Race Points Top 10
  1. Jorge Prado: 47
  2. Romain Febvre: 42
  3. Tim Gajser: 41
  4. Pauls Jonass: 38
  5. Maxime Renaux: 33
  6. Jeremy Seewer: 30
  7. Glenn Coldenhoff: 28
  8. Jeffrey Herlings: 27
  9. Calvin Vlaanderen: 24
  10. Kevin Horgmo: 20
  • Total Points Top 10
  1. Jorge Prado: 54
  2. Romain Febvre: 51
  3. Tim Gajser: 51
  4. Pauls Jonass: 46
  5. Maxime Renaux: 39
  6. Jeremy Seewer: 34
  7. Jeffrey Herlings: 32
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff: 28
  9. Calvin Vlaanderen: 26
  10. Valentin Guillod: 21

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MX Vice Podcasts

Between The Races Podcast: Jeffrey Herlings Fanpage

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The Between The Races podcast returns with Geert from Jeffrey Herlings Fanpage and Ed Stratmann, as they talk all things Jeffrey Herlings following the MXGP opener.

The Between The Races podcast is always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Fly Racing, Fox Racing, Parts Europe, Scott, AS3 Performance, Kawasaki UK, KTM UK and Even Strokes for supporting the show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Lead Image: Ray Archer/KTM

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