MXGP Insider No.21: Dangerous Tracks

Transmoto’s weekly web-exclusive column, the MXGP Insider, penned by David Bulmer, presented by KTM Australia. 

Another MXGP, another injury. It seems to be a recurring theme and one that now is starting to get taken seriously by all involved. Just this week I received an email informing me that there will be a meeting at the Latvian GP between the media, Youthstream and the FIM regarding the recent state of the tracks and what can be done. This is very much off the back of a large amount of criticism on this issue from both riders and the press so it’ll be interesting how it all plays out. Of course, the main concern has been with the hard-pack terrain and now we hit up Latvia (sandy), Loket (hard), Lommel (very sandy), Assen (sandy) and Mantova (sandy) so really it is only the Czech GP that has the potential for more watering problems that we saw in Sweden with riders complaining of it being like riding on an ice rink.

The injury I am referring to this time was of course Jeffrey Herlings’ and his gnarly little finger which I’m sure you’ve all seen on Facebook or Instagram by now. I had the “pleasure” of seeing it in person as he walked past me on the way to the medical centre and I have to say, it was as gross as it looked in all the photos. At first I thought he was just holding his wrist as support for his collarbone, but then it became apparent his little finger was barely hanging on. Word is he’ll still be able to ride in Latvia this weekend but I can’t imagine it’ll be feeling very good holding onto a dirt bike with 9 ½ fingers.

There is also rumours that this weekend was the weekend he’d announce his plans for 2016 and whether he’ll go up to MXGP or stay down in MX2. Now, before this latest injury, I thought it possible he may go up, but now… I think the chances are very slim indeed. This will lead to more internet backlash but at the end of the day, it’s his life and his career and as awesome it would be for fans to see him in the MXGP class (and the inevitable free-for-all in the MX2 class), he can’t really be blamed for staying down after this latest injury.

The current MX2 champ hasn’t got that option though, but has landed himself the factory KRT ride alongside (probably) Clement Desalle. Tixier signing was announced over the weekend and it is thought Desalle will be soon to follow. Right now, KRT have drafted in Steven Frossard (who left his KTM ride under acrimonious circumstances) for the rest of the year on Villopoto’s bike, which is practically the final nail in the coffin of his short MXGP career. Word is, he’ll announce his retirement very soon and put an end to all this “will he, won’t he” gossip that has surrounded the pits since that infamous crash at Arco di Trento. Joining him in retirement will be his teammate, Tyla Rattray, who at least seems to be just about seeing out his racing obligations before calling it a day, so it really will be all change in 2016 for the green machines.