This is Jeffrey Herlings’ race schedule as he bids to get himself into world-beating shape for his home Motocross of Nations in Assen. It’s five vital races that The Bullet will use to build up his fitness and find his racing legs before taking on the best that world motocross can serve up in the Netherlands on Septemeber 28/29.
The former world champion will make his return to racing this weekend at the MXGP of Sweden set to take place at Uddevalla. The team and Herlings are trying to dampen down expectations for this weekend’s racing. “Itās good to have Jeffrey riding and racing again but we have no expectations for this weekend,” said Team Technical Co-Ordinator & MX2 Team Manager, Dirk Gruebel.
But this is The Bullet and some fans will expect to see podium pace from the Dutchman.
Herlings’ first race back was thought to be on September 1 at the penultimate round of the ADAC MX Masters in Bielstein. Although he’s now competing at Uddevalla first, you can still expect to see Herlings using this as a way to improve his pace and stamina.
All being well, the four-time world champion will then head to the MXGP of Turkey on September 7/8 followed by the inaugural MXGP of China on September 14/15 at the Shanghai International off-road circuit. We’re not expecting a very full gate at this one, nevertheless, Herlings will treat it as an important stepping stone on his road back to full fitness.
Although the Shanghai GP in China will be the race that motocross fans will use to judge his progress, it’s his final race before the MXdN that’s possibly the most interesting choice…
On September 22, Herlings gets a sand race in before ‘Nations crunch time with an entry into the Loon-Plage Beach Race in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in France. We’ve spoken with the event organiser and Herlings is confirmed for this one.
If you’re not familiar with the Loon-Plage event, it’s a motocross race consisting of three 30-minute motos with around 50 pro riders. There’s also around 150 amateurs and 100 vets and kids expected on Loon-Plage tracks on September 22.
More on this event coming soon…
So that’s Herlings’ plan to get back to the top of world motocross and prove he’s still the fastest man on the planet.
Will this be enough to get himself in top shape? He will certainly be fresh and many of his fellow competitors will be starting to feel the rigours of a full motocross season. Drop us your comments on Twitter and Facebook.
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