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MXGP World Championship

Chat: Calvin Vlaanderen

Calvin Vlaanderen on his start in MXGP.

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Calvin Vlaanderen has not had the start to his premier-class that he would have wanted – one point has been acquired during the first two rounds of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship. There are a lot of different things that have contributed to that though, most of those being out of his hands. Vlaanderen breaks all of that down in this candid MX Vice interview.

MX Vice: We will actually talk about that injury that you had in December first. What happened exactly, how did it set you back, and what did the months of January and February look like for you?

Calvin Vlaanderen: That was not really an injury that we were hoping for. I was training at Grevenbroich trying to get used to the bike, and we were actually testing some suspension. It was the last lap of the moto and last lap of the day. I just came around a corner and just fell over, because it was so muddy and slippery. I put my leg out to stop the bike from falling over and it just twisted the knee. It was painful straight away, but I could still support it. I have done my ACL before and know how that feels. It was not the ACL.

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Ray Archer

I drove home contemplating whether I should go to the doctor or not and they told me not to worry, just to take two weeks of rest and it would be back to normal. I flew back to South Africa – my brother had a thing on that I had to go to – and it was just getting worse and worse. I could hardly walk anymore, so I had another scan done as soon as I came back. The first time that I went I did not get a scan done. The doctor I saw just thought it was all good after doing a check with his hands.

The guy said, “The meniscus is torn, and we are going to have to operate.” We just operated that day, luckily, and I could get out of there to get the recovery going. The doctor said it would be like three or four weeks of recovery, but I was back on the bike after like four weeks and it was just so tough to ride. I still had so much pain and swelling. I was in Spain at that time, so I was trying to ride as much as I could. It was not anywhere near proper training though.

The first week that I had proper training was the week before LaCapelle [Marival] – that is why I did not race at Hawkstone. I actually had not had one good day on the bike yet. After Hawkstone I had like two days, because I went to France, and I just thought I may as well race. I needed the race time before Matterley anyway. I did that and it was fine, but I was really far behind where I needed to be with speed and fitness.

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Ray Archer

You rode before the injury, obviously, so had time on the Yamaha. Did you actually get testing done though? Were you just logging motos before the injury to get used to the bike, thinking that you would have another two months to hammer down?

I started testing quite early on, to be honest with you. The testing here is quite different to the testing at Honda though – here you just have your suspension testing. I just rode my training bike at LaCapelle, which was standard, and then the week before England I rode my race bike for the first time. Before then I had not really done any engine testing or stuff like that. It was just before England that we did our first engine test.

I was riding and there was still a lot of suspension testing going on, basically every day at the track. We are lucky enough to have the guy who is working with us on suspension close to the workshop – he comes out whenever we need him. I just asked for him to come along for most of the training days before my injury.

At those first two rounds then, was it a case of working through things as you went? Trying something in free practice, throwing it out if it did not work and then trying something new next time out. 

Yeah, that was one thing I was a bit frustrated about. I wanted to come into the MXGP series one hundred percent ready to be up there. It should not be a test, but it felt like a bit of a test for me and team with the bike and suspension. We should have done that before the race, but that’s just how it is. We were quite late with some things and also with my knee. It is unfortunate that we cannot ride now, because everything is closed with the coronavirus. I was hoping that we would get a good few weeks of riding and testing done before the next round. We are just going to have to wait until we can get back on the bike.

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Ray Archer

I guess the thing people have got to remember is that it is a new bike and class for you, you have never ridden with Solva suspension before and the team has never dealt with Yamaha. There is plenty of new stuff to deal with on both sides.

Exactly. I do not think many people realise how difficult it is to change from one brand to another brand. When I changed from KTM to Honda, it was a big change and took me at least three months to get used to the bike. Again now, from Honda to Yamaha, it is a completely new bike and plus the switch to the 450F. I am not used to the Yamaha, even now. The first few laps, going out on the bike, I do not feel comfortable, because I miss my Honda in that sense. Not that I miss my Honda, but you get used to the bike after that many years.

The bike issues that you had at Valkenswaard. Was that the same thing in each moto or was it a load of different stuff?

It was the same thing on Sunday, both with me and [Alessandro] Lupino. I personally do not know what went wrong. Hopefully the team have it sorted out. It was an electrical issue on Saturday though – I went down on the start and a wire kind of moved to the point where it was touching the frame. After a few laps it just was not working anymore, which is why it stopped. It was a completely different thing that happened in both motos on Sunday though. 

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Ray Archer

I guess you have not really had a chance to properly race in MXGP yet, because of different things, but are you stoked to be on a 450 with your size and everything? Is there a part of you that is watching MX2 and desperate to have another go at that class?

No, not at all. I am completely over the 250F. Even last year I was really looking forward to getting up onto a 450F. I feel like I was ready to move up last year. I have not really had a proper race on the big bike yet. I lined up in the first race in England – obviously we did not have a qualifying race – next to [Clement] Desalle and someone like [Gautier] Paulin. I remember that I went into that gate, and it is so difficult to change the mindset from someone who you look up to over to a competitor.

I had an awful start and I said to my manager after the race, “I did not know what to think.” I looked to the left and to the right, and just needed to focus on myself to get to the first corner first. It was the first time that I had ever lined up to them and for many years I looked up to them as heroes. Now I have to race against them, and it is very difficult to change that mindset. I think that it will come with time. I think that as soon as I get comfortable with the bike and my speed back to where it needs to be, then I think it will come.

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Ray Archer

I was going to ask you what you think your biggest challenge is, but I guess it is a combination of all of those things. First and foremost, you need to get comfortable with the bike and then after that it is the mentality thing… It all goes together.

I think the biggest thing is getting comfortable with the bike. I know that mentally I am quite strong, but just getting comfortable is such a big thing in this class. Everyone is either on the limit or dealing with perfection with their bike set-up and things like that. In MX2 it was a bit different, but now you have to be really specific with what you want. Getting comfortable on a bike that you have not had much time on is really difficult. I need to spend more on the bike and with the team because, to be honest, I am just not comfortable at all.

We have got this massive break now, and you are not riding at all. Is it helpful? I guess the team can look into the problems. Does this help with your knee? Is it one hundred percent? Is it just bike time that you need now?

The knee is one hundred percent. It was nice to get back to racing, to be honest with you, because I was improving each week. Getting behind the gate was good for me and I was enjoying getting back into the routine of racing. For me, this does not help at all. My knee was great. I do not know if the team are doing much with the bike or anything like that, so I do not think it is helping me or the team at all.

Interview: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Ray Archer

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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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