Jeffrey Herlings dominates Montearagon with two wins
By Andrew Hill on 31st Jan 22
European Motocross Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings ran out a comfortable winner at the opening round of the RFME Spanish Motocross Championship at Montearagon, Toledo, in central Spain.
On Sunday, the Motocross World Champion continued his preparation to defend his title with another pre-season event where he looked very comfortable in the two Elite MX1 motos.
At the helm of his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, the world champion faced limited MXGP competition at the Circuito Tajoa Racing and was never troubled on a well-prepared but challenging track.
The #84, who will switch to an unfamiliar #1 plate for the start of the FIM Motocross World Championship, dominated the opening MX1 race practically leading from the start, Herlings was unchallenged to the chequers with an impressive performance where he pushed the pace. Carlos Jimenez was second and Ander Lasheras was third.
It looked like a training moto in the second outing, with Herlings soon taking over the lead from Brian Bogers. The 27-year-old Red Bull KTM Factory Racing star looked comfortable and never pushed the pace as he raced to the moto and overall victory. The Standing Construct man took the chequers second while Jose Butron was third.
Herlings' two victories earned him the series red plate, while Carlos Jimenez and Jose Butron took second and third. Sadly, for organisers and fans of the championship, Herlings will not defend the red plate at the next round due to his packed race schedule.
Rider reaction: Herlings enjoys the test
"It was good it was a good test," said the five-time world champion. "The track was very sketchy. Especially in the second moto when it dried out. It was really good to test the bike that's what we came here for.
"I'm looking forward to the next race coming obviously the completion will be a bit stronger there, but today was a good day.
"It's good to be back with fans. There were many fans here it's really nice to see them again, and spend time with them. And for them to see us ride again."
What next?
Herlings will continue his pre-season preparation next weekend at Lacapelle Marival in France, then it will be on to one of his favourite circuits the iconic Hawkstone Park on February 13. The opening round of the FIM Motocross World Championship is set for Matterley Basin in southern England on February 19-20.
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