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MXGP World Championship

Gifted van de Moosdijk building for 2023

Dutchman ready to shine in 2023

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Since returning from injury at Lommel back in July, Roan van de Moosdijk’s progressed steadily in his search to get back to a level resembling his best.

Enduring a hugely challenging 2022 MX2 campaign, which was scuppered by a series of injuries suffered due to his devastating crash at round three in Argentina, it’s been great to see him back in the saddle after a long road to recovery.

Needing to not only have shoulder surgery but also breaking his collarbone and fracturing his wrist, this was quite the setback for the Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing starlet, who was eager to impress in his debut campaign with the team.

Making his long awaited comeback at the familiar confines of Lommel at the MXGP of Flanders, many positives could be extracted from his weekend. Leading laps, quickly finding his groove and adapting to the blistering pace in the sweltering conditions to ultimately go 6-5 for fifth overall, he was justifiably content with his efforts. 

Having gotten some vital bike time under his belt, he then immediately switched his focus to Sweden, where he topped the time sheets in free practice and in warm up. Unfortunately, the opening moto didn’t go entirely to plan, as the tip from his rear brake snapped off, leaving him to battle through without this key component. To his credit, though, he dealt with this adversity admirably by navigating around the issue to finish 10th.

With the bike fixed and keen to translate his earlier speed into the second moto, things went far better for him in the final race of the day. Duking it out with the heavy hitters in the class in the early exchanges and enjoying an especially lively duel with Jago Geerts, the 21-year-old produced an accomplished ride to claim fourth.

Up next for the #39 was Finland, where he instantly felt at home in the rough, sandy conditions. Indeed, this was aptly illustrated by the fact he was in the top three in all the four sessions prior to the race except warm up, with his second in the qualifying heat particularly catching the eye.

Performing brilliantly in the opening race alongside teammate Kay de Wolf, van de Moosdijk stayed within the top five for the entire moto, as he clicked off his laps in a calculated, measured fashion to secure fourth.

He then carried his momentum into the second moto, where he clearly had the speed to win the race, as he handled the treacherous, deep circuit with aplomb. Bagging the fastest lap time of anyone by nearly a second and the only man to put down a 1:51, it was a joy to watch him thriving out front. But just when he appeared destined for victory, disaster struck late when he crashed before eventually remounting to come home in third.

“I had a good gate pick today. My start was not too bad in the first moto and I made some good passes early on. I struggled in the middle of the moto, because I need to get used to the intensity,” he explained after his overwhelmingly positive day that earned him fourth overall.

“Where do I even begin with the second moto? I took the lead and just did my own thing. I led for more than half the moto, but hit an edge in a corner and crashed. I am angry with myself. This is a big improvement though.”

Venturing to France for the penultimate round of the series and hoping to build on his exceptional work from Finland, while his early spill in moto one hindered his chances, with him forced to come through the pack to 13th, he constructed another excellent ride in moto two to capture fourth.

Hitting his stride in the rugged, rock filled terrain at St Jean d’Angely, how he remained composed and stuck to his task even though the likes of Tom Vialle, Thibault Benistant, Geerts, Liam Everts and Kevin Horgmo posted quicker times underlined his maturity.

Heading to Turkiye hoping to close out the season with a bang, van de Moosdijk did precisely that by putting in a showing that was littered with upside. Consolidating on his handy recent form by riding with speed, clarity and precision to claim third overall, there was no better way to sign off on what’s been a challenging 2022.

Entering race day knowing he had what it takes to mix it at the pointy end of the field, the first moto saw him start in seventh before strategically pushing his way up to fourth. He then eclipsed his first moto efforts in the second stanza, for he got off the line smoothly to give himself an ideal platform to piece together a polished moto. 

In a race where he was one of only five men to post a lap time in the 1:52s or under, finishing in third to secure his place on the podium was the perfect way to rubber stamp his turbulent year. “It was very good in the end. I worked my way up to fourth in the first moto with some really good lap times,” gleamed the Dutchman.

“I was happy with that and knew it was possible to get on the podium. I knew I could get a trophy here, so I’m really happy. It was emotional! My shoulder injury was the biggest injury I’ve had, so finishing the season like this is great.”

His team manager, Rasmus Jorgensen, was equally delighted for van de Moosdijk when speaking to Lewis Phillips in his Fly Racing post-race podcast from Turkiye. “It’s been pretty impressive with Roan how he’s come back from that big of an injury and how fast he was back to top three. Obviously the intensity was missing in the beginning, which is normal. But to finish with a podium, I’m so proud of him,” he insightfully insisted.

“Roan has the full package. We really, really do believe in him. Seeing him ride this weekend, he’s very good on the bike. Very efficient. It doesn’t even look like he’s pushing like hell and then you see the lap times. He’s riding super good and feels really comfortable on the bike.”

Having notched eight top five moto finishes from the final five GPs of the year he attended, much encouragement could be drawn from his terrific results, as he reminded the world just what a special athlete he is.

Competent on all surfaces and unquestionably one of the fastest men in MX2 when fully fit and firing on all cylinders, if he can remain healthy there’s every chance he can fulfil his immense potential to emerge as a title contender in 2023.

But with him only featuring in 16 GPs in the last two terms due to injury, making every gatedrop will be imperative if he’s to harbour any intentions of becoming champion in what will be his final year in MX2.

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.

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.

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