1-2 for Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado at Spanish MXGP

MXGP of Spain: this weekend took the thirteenth Grand Prix of the 2021 Motocross World Championship in Intu Xanadu Arroyomolinos.

MXGP

Jeffrey Herlings celebrated his sixth MXGP victory of the season ahead of Jorge Prado around the Spanish hard-pack of Intu Xanadú Arroyomolinos for round 13 of 18 in the current series.

Jeffrey Herlings:“We started off strong in Timed Practice and I had a good jump off the gate in the first moto but rode into the first two turns too careful; like an old grandma! I got up to 10th but a good start is crucial now because the guys in 7th-8th are riding so fast and when they have good lines it is hard to pass. It took me some time to get going. The first 15 minutes were awful but the last 15 were really good. I came from far back and closed-up to the leaders. The second moto start was better. Tim [Gajser] made a mistake and I was into 2nd. Jorge was tough to pass but he was riding the right lines. Once I managed it, I was able to check-out and control the race. It was good. I’m looking forward to Arco and the shorter start straight there!”

Jorge Prado: “I loved it with the fans today. It’s the first time I’ve had such support. After my two MX2 titles we haven’t had a home GP with a full crowd, so this is the first time I’ve felt this positive energy. They were amazing today. Last weekend was a real struggle but I managed two days of riding this week and could get a bit more into the rhythm. Even though I was not 100% coming into the weekend I gave my all as always. I think you could see it. I had two good starts and those were key. I rode quite OK, and I was difficult to pass! I think I will make it even harder in the next couple of rounds with even more bike time.”

Tony Cairoli: “A tough race today but I’m actually happy about my feeling, and my health is getting better. I didn’t have the same problem as the last few races where I had to ride with painkillers. The starts were important again and in the first moto I messed up. My pace was improving when I had a stone come into my boot; something very strange that has never happened to me before. I had to stop and open the boot because it was hurting a lot. So, I lost a couple of positions that I then fought to regain. I enjoyed riding this weekend and made the most of a good start in the second moto. I caught Jorge but never really had the chance to pass him. 4th was OK and we’ll take the positive thing about my chest and ribs feeling better, which means we’ll hopefully be even more competitive in Arco.”

MX2

Tom Vialle finished runner-up in MX2 for his sixth rostrum appearance in a row.

Tom Vialle: “Two great starts and I had a very good feeling on the bike in the first moto. It took me a bit more to get going in the second moto and Maxime had some nice lines. I got faster and was closing-up to Jago [Geerts] when I had a small crash, and that was it. Trying to win every moto every weekend is not easy! Sometimes you have to accept that it won’t happen and when the others are faster. I will go again in Arco. The goal is to try and finish 2nd in the championship and I like the track next week, so I’ll give my best again.”

Mattia Guadagnini: “The day started quite badly with a big crash in Free Practice and I had to change the bike and wasn’t feeling too good, especially in Timed Practice. I had a good start in the first race and although I made an error and [Maxime] Renaux past me I ran some decent lines. It was a pretty lonely race in 3rd. I went too wide in the first corner of the second moto but too many mistakes, especially when I was trying to pass [Jed] Beaton for the podium. I jumped too long and lost control of the bike. I then tried not to lose many points and 8th was OK, even though I’m not happy with that second race. I should have been on the podium. We’re close for second in the championship and we’ll have plenty of home races now.”

Rene Hofer: “A solid day: nothing more, nothing less. It was all about the position after the first lap. In both motos I got stuck behind some guys almost stopped in the ruts and lost a few places. My speed was good. I cannot be too disappointed. Perhaps I need to make some better line choices on the first laps. It was difficult to get a flow in the ruts here. Anyway, some decent points for the championship and we’ll try again next weekend.”

Motocross World Championship 2021, Round 13 – Intu Xanadu Arroyomolinos (ESP)

MXGP
1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)

2. Jorge Prado (KTM)

5. Tony Cairoli (KTM)

MX2
2. Tom Vialle (KTM)

4. Mattia Guadagnini (KTM)

5. Rene Hofer (KTM)

10. Simon Längenfelder (GasGas)

14. Stephen Rubini (Honda)

15. Isak Gifting (GasGas)

16. Gianluca Facchetti (KTM)

25. Filippo Zonta (Honda)