Jeffrey Herlings celebrated his first FIM Motocross World Championship Grand Prix of the season at Kegums in Latvia last weekend. Herlings took the overall with a 1-3 performance on the KTM 450 SX-F.
An overdue stint of sunshine greeted MXGP for the Grand Prix of Latvia at Kegums. Round nine dipped into the soft shallow soil of Kegums but the fast layout and hard base meant a typically deceptive and tricky circuit. Now fifteen years as a staple part of the MXGP slate and former Motocross of Nations venue; Kegums was nevertheless hit by a heavy but brief rainstorm that affected the end of the first MX2 moto and the opening MXGP outing.
Before the weather could have its say for the motos, warm and dry RAM Qualification Heats took place on Saturday where Herlings labored to 6th place in MXGP.
On Sunday the passing Latvian clouds made sure the track was soft and very rough in places (braking bumps and ruts) but also fast and inviting in others. Herlings started well in the initial MXGP moto with his KTM 450 SX-F and seized the lead on the first lap. He controlled the race all the way for his third success of 2024. In the second moto Herlings had no answer for the pace of Jorge Prado and Tim Gajser (despite a late rally) but his 3rd position ensured the top step of the rostrum for his first success of 2024 and his fifth trophy of the year (his eighth career GP feat at Kegums). #84 is 3rd in the standings and 68 points from P1
Jeffrey Herlings, 1st and 3rd for 1st overall in MXGP: “Definitely happy. Yesterday was so bad but today I was able to show people I could still ride a bit! The podium was the goal but to come out with a win was amazing. I didn’t quite have the pace for Jorge and Tim in the second moto; I was able to close them down but didn’t have the speed to pass. Anyway, very happy and two good starts today. I hope to keep that going because it’s been a weak point. Pleased with my riding and it’s nice to finally get off that #103 to #104!”
Results MXGP Latvia 2024
1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 1-3
2. Tim Gajser (SLO), Honda, 2-2
3. Jorge Prado (ESP), GASGAS, 7-1
11. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA), Husqvarna 13-9
Standings MXGP 2024 after 9 of 20 rounds
1. Tim Gajser (SLO), Honda, 454 points
2. Jorge Prado (ESP), GASGAS, 450
3. Jeffrey Herlings (NED), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 386
14. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA), Husqvarna, 97