Factory Suzuki rider Glenn Coldenhoff is one of seven riders at the top of the MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship leaderboard that has to move out of the category at the end of the season after reaching the age ceiling of 23 years.
The Dutchman, who has already given the Rockstar Suzuki Europe crew their first podium result in three seasons when he finished second overall in Thailand almost two weeks ago, is also one of the first to seal a contract for his move into the premier class and will stay ‘yellow’ for 2015.
The Geboers Brothers’ controlled factory operation in MXGP has fielded Clement Desalle and Kevin Strijbos in 2013 and stuck with the Belgian duo this year. The works squad has hardly ever shifted from a two-rider set-up and unless the Europe team start to run a RM-Z450 for Coldenhoff then one of those sought-after 450 Suzukis for 2015 will already be taken. Curiously the slight Dutchman could be Geboers’ first non-Belgian racer since Mickael Pichon in 2003.
“This was something very important for me when I signed the contract because most of those who have to move for 2015 don’t yet have a ride confirmed for MXGP,” affirmed Coldenhoff in his first Blog for Suzuki, which can be found on www.suzuki-racing.com. “For sure Suzuki have a very competitive 450 and, from what I’ve learnt so far, they can make a bike that handles really nicely for me.”
Coldenhoff was one of just three riders to win a Grand Prix (his first, in Great Britain) in 2013 and has started the 2014 campaign strongly.
Whatever the outcome through the remaining 16 rounds of the season the youngster is not perturbed by his forced move onto the bigger bike, although he admits he’ll need some special preparation: “I’m not too worried because I rode the 450 in the winter and have some experience,” he said. “In the beginning I really liked it but after about six weeks I was ready to get back on the 250! I’m not 100% ready yet for the 450. I need a different training programme and a bit more weight because I’m very light.”
