Eighth GP Victory Of The Season For Herlings in France

Jeffrey Herlings of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team claimed his 8th MXGP victory of the season at St Jean d’Angely in France.

Herlings won both heats, and has extended his lead in the world championship series to 62 points.

The track at St Jean d’Angely is spectacular with many elevation changes. Jeffrey dominated proceedings on Saturday and was fastest in every session. He also won the qualifying heat.

Heavy rains on Sunday turned the track into a rutted-out technical monster. Jeffrey opted for a start gate in the far outside, which offered firmer traction. The gamble worked for him, because he shot into the lead and was not troubled as he raced to victory.

Jeffrey chose the same start gate for the second race, but this time he only got away in fifth spot, with Romain Febvre claiming the early lead.  Herlings worked his way up to third and then concentrated on closing the gap with Tony Cairoli and Tim Gajser. He moved into second, and then hauled in Cairoli who had a nine second lead. Once past, he rode to a comfortable victory.

Herlings now has a 62 point lead in the world championship series. The series continues next weekend at Ottobiano in Italy.

Overall Grand Prix of France:
1 Jeffrey Herlings 50 Pnt
2 Antonio Cairoli 42 Pnt
3 Tim Gajser 38 Pnt
4 Clement Desalle 37 Pnt
5 Romain Febvre 32 Pnt

World Championship Standings MXGP:
1 Jeffrey Herlings 486 Pnt
2 Antonio Cairoli 424 Pnt
3 Clement Desalle 351 Pnt
4 Romain Febvre 323 Pnt
5 Gautier Paulin 296 Pnt