Race10. August 2020
MXGP of Latvia Number 2 – Kegums: this week took fourth Grand Prix of the 2020 Motocross World Championship at Kegums in Latvia.
MXGP
Tony Cairoli registered his 90th career win and the first since the Grand Prix of Lombardia in May 2019 while series leader Jeffrey Herlings filled 3rd position for his first trophy since the 2020 restart.
Tony Cairoli: “I’m really happy to be back on the podium and with a win. Last Sunday wasn’t my day and I was dealing with another injury to my knee. I didn’t know what to expect. I went to the hospital to get some fluid and anti-inflammatory treatment. It was pretty sore and swollen. In the first moto I stayed out of trouble, made my rhythm, kept smooth and tried to keep my feet up. I was really happy with how it went. In the second moto I made another good start but Jeffrey and [Arminas] Jasikonis were riding really fast. I just tried to follow, and I knew my condition was OK: if I could be with them then I could push even more at the end. At one point in the waves I saw the yellow flags and Jeffrey on the floor. He picked up and started very fast in front of me and I was a bit shocked and had to brake. I lost the front wheel. I had a gap over the others so held my position and watched what would happen. I’m really happy with the result and the improvement over last weekend – especially with the starts – so now I’m looking forward to the next Sunday. Hopefully the knee can be a bit stronger and ready for the battles we all want to see.”
Jeffrey Herlings: “After getting stuck behind the pile-up in the first moto I had to pretty much regroup and come back again, like I did in the second moto last Sunday. I made it to third and was on the rear wheel of [Romain] Febvre but couldn’t pass him. The start was way-better in the second moto – up to 3rd and my best since we arrived in Latvia – I passed Tony and was leading up until two laps to go when my front wheel washed-away. I still managed 3rd and apologized to Tony because he might have crashed because of me! Anyway, we are both on the podium and we extended our points lead in the championship. Hopefully next Sunday we can finally be on top of the box.”
Jorge Prado: “I had a better gatepick compared to last Sunday and had a perfect jump out of the gate. It was good to lead for a while but then the front wheel broke and I had re-join the race, more or less in the same place but a lap down! I let Tony through and then just followed him. Just bad luck. Another rider hit me from behind at the start of the second moto and pushed me completely to the outside. I had to start charging hard and passed many guys until [Gautier] Paulin blew-out a full berm in front of me and I was already committed to the line. My front wheel grabbed the sand and I almost went over the bars. It was another situation that I could do nothing about, and I lost the rhythm. It’s a pity. Luck was not on my side today but I’m happy in a way because I made big progress with my riding from last Sunday. I’m hungry for even better this weekend.”
MX2
Tom Vialle finished 4th in both MX2 motos and had little answer to the speed of rival Jago Geerts. Teammate Rene Hofer was part of a first corner melee in the opening race and unfortunately crashed and fractured his left shoulder. The Austrian traveled to the local hospital for a full examination but plans to leave Latvia for surgery to repair the joint.
Tom Vialle: “I made the starts today but struggled a bit with my rhythm. I was able to fight with Mathys [Boisrame] and Roan [Van de Moosdijk] for a little bit although I lost the tow after. We will work a little bit on my suspension setting for next Sunday. We still lead the championship and it is not too bad to take a 4-4 on a track where I wasn’t feeling so good today. Sunday will be a new day and I hope we will be able to fight for the win again.”
Next race at Kegums 15th & 16th of August.
Motocross World Championship 2020, Round 4 – Kegums, Latvia (number 2)
MXGP
1. Antonio Cairoli (KTM)
3. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)
16. Michele Cervellin (Yamaha)
17. Jorge Prado (KTM)
26. Alessandro Lupino (Yamaha)
MX2
4. Tom Vialle (KTM)
8. Ruben Fernandez (Yamaha)
9. Simon Laengenfelder (GasGas)
20. Rene Hofer (KTM)
27. Joakin Furbetta (KTM)
credits: press.ktm.com
follow: Airoh Helmet Racing
