Jeffrey Herlings triumphs in Mantova to set-up MXGP title showdown

MXGP of Lombardia: this weekend took the seventeenth Grand Prix of the 2021 Motocross World Championship in Mantova.

MXGP

98th win and 130th GP podium for Herlings at Mantova with 3 point gap in the championship and one Grand Prix remaining.

Jeffrey Herlings: “I knew I had to win the second moto because I had my work cut out in the first moto and came up to 2nd even though the seat on my bike was loose. In the second one I passed Jorge and Romain and made a little gap. I did all I could and now it’s down to three points. It’s going to be really interesting. Every point counts right now. I think it is basically down to me and Romain and there is a lot on the line. It will be a good one on Wednesday.”

Tony Cairoli: “I’m happy about the result and I really enjoyed the track. If I can make the podium for both of my two last races as a Pro it would be amazing. The second moto start was not that good and when I got behind Jorge I lost a lot of laps there. I lost the rhythm a bit but, anyway, I’m very happy, especially here in front of this crazy crowd.”

Jorge Prado: “Overall an ‘OK’ day and nothing special. The second moto start was better than the first when I had to come through from the back and lost a lot of time. I’m missing rhythm and the lack of riding and training in the last month means I don’t have the pace of the guys in front…but I always fight 100% and do my best. My goal right now is to try and start first and hold onto the leading positions as much as I can, have good battles and not go too crazy. One race left and we’ll try our hardest to go into the off-season in the best way.”

MX2

Two MX2 holeshots and tenth podium result of the season for Vialle in 3rd.

Tom Vialle: “Difficult day. I didn’t feel a good flow on the track. My foot was not bothering me too much but I struggled on this terrain. We’ll work on Wednesday to be a bit better for the last Grand Prix. I’m still 2nd in the championship and that’s pretty nice but we still have a battle ahead.”

Rene Hofer: “It was an unlucky day but I’m super-happy with how I am riding at the moment. In the morning I was able to grab my first Pole Position, which was quite exciting because I put a really good lap together. Both of my starts were fast but it was a shame to fall out of 2nd place twice! The first moto was my fault but in the second one I came-together with another rider and it was a pretty big crash. I still made some solid points today but I think a podium would have been possible, so a pity. Anyway, I’ll enjoy the last race. I’m a bit bashed and bruised at the moment but I should be fine for Wednesday.”

Mattia Guadagnini: “I had a small crash and some arm-pump in Timed Practice. It was tricky to find the rhythm. A bad start in the first race but I passed a lot of riders until I had a stupid ‘off’ and then the arm-pump came again. It was hard to hold on by the end. So, I was 12th in that one. The second moto was much better, I felt fast and was pushing to take 4th. We’ll try to be positive and to enjoy the last Grand Prix on Wednesday. It was great to have the fans back and so noisy here.”

Motocross World Championship 2021, Round 17 – Mantova 1 (ITA)

MXGP
1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM)

3. Tony Cairoli (KTM)

7. Jorge Prado (KTM)

MX2
3. Tom Vialle (KTM)

6. Isak Gifting (GasGas)

7. Rene Hofer (KTM)

8. Mattia Guadagnini (KTM)

9. Simon Längenfelder (GasGas)

19. Filippo Zonta (Honda)

21. Filip Olsson (Husqvarna)

credits: press.ktm.com and gasgas press center