i-Moto
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23-year-old Jeffrey Herlings continues to do things nobody expected. After breaking his collarbone a month ago, it was expected he would limp through the two rounds in Indonesia and head to Loket in the Czech Republic without the red plate. Instead he went 2-1-1-1 and extended his lead over Antonio Cairoli to 24 points. The tough Dutchman was as surprised as anyone to take two more Grand Prix victories, and make it 77 GP wins in his career, but no doubt his mental approach and determined mentality got him home. Flying home to Holland on Sunday night there is no doubt the three time World MX2 champion was smiling ear to ear. “It is awesome” Herlings said. “I never expected to win, crashing before Ottobiano, and when I saw I had a bad crack and I had surgery and before Indonesia I couldn’t even lift my arm, I wasn’t sure if I could race, but I went home with 97 points and it’s a dream come true. We didn’t lose points but gained some. It wasn’t my normal speed or normal Jeffrey Herlings, but I hadn’t ridden for nearly a month. I am looking forward to Loket, it isn’t my favourite track, but it’s a nice atmosphere. I go to the doctor and see if my collarbone is okay and I didn’t bend the plate. I want to train again, and we have a Dutch race next weekend, but first I need to
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see if the plate is okay. Going 1-1-1 for the Saturday and Sunday in Semarang last weekend, really boosted the Red Bull KTM Factory rider’s confidence and knowing he can handle his rivals even with a major injury must give him a lot of joy heading into Loket in 10 days’ time. “I don't think we could have dreamt of these results. We came to Indonesia totally unprepared but to go 2-1 last week and then even better today – with the Qualification Heat and both races – is absolutely awesome. We couldn't have wished for anything better. As I said, this is not the ‘normal’ Jeffrey Herlings yet but to leave Indonesia with two GP wins is a blessing. Red Bull KTM have done such an incredible job and I loved spending all this time with them. The team gave me a perfect bike and I would not be winning without them.” So now let’s see what Herlings can do around the rock-hard Loket circuit, a circuit he has enjoyed good results, but for sure not a circuit like Lommel (the following round), where he is expecting to win easily. As far as his toughness, it might take a rifle to stop the Dutchman from taking his fourth Motocross World Championship in 2018, because at the moment, he is seemingly unbeatable.