The Selaparang circuit ran in the reverse direction today for the MXGP of Lombok, but the heat and humidity of the island on the edge of the Indian Ocean remained, and even increased from last week, to test some of the most elite athletes in the world of sport across two gruelling races for each class!
This event was part of the fourth Indonesian double header in the last seven years, and the MXGP class had always seen riders sweep both rounds, until this year when that trend was halted by Jeffrey Herlings, completing a perfect weekend when he won every race and topped every practice session for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. “The Bullet” claimed his 105th Grand Prix win, although he faced stiff opposition from Championship leader Tim Gajser, whose second overall increased his points lead as he holds onto the red plate for Team HRC.
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP rider Calvin Vlaanderen earned his second trip to the podium in as many weekends with two strong third places.
The MX2 class was dominated by Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Lucas Coenen, enjoying his own perfect weekend for his fifth career Grand Prix win, and eating into his teammate Kay De Wolf’s points lead in the process. Mikkel Haarup equalled his best career result with second overall for Monster Energy Triumph Racing, ahead of Simon Laengenfelder who took third for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing.
Before the racing began, the opening ceremony for the event saw speeches of thanks from Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo, FIM CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, before the Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Mayjen TNI (Purn) Dr. Hassanudin, S.I.P. welcomed the MXGP organisation to another day of racing and wished the best of luck to all competitors, all in the presence of Chairman of MXGP Indonesia Dr. Hassanudin Zulkieflimansyah S.E. M.SC, Deputi 3 for Sport Cultivation and Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs, Komjen. Pol. (Purn) Drs. Rudy Sufahriadi and FIM Asia President Stephan Carapiet.
