It was a day we don’t really enjoy, a day when two of the greats of the sport suffer injuries. It is in fact hard to put into words how the GP paddock feels as we leave Kegum in Latvia. Jeffrey Herlings, back to winning after just a handful or MXGP races. A broken ankle from an unfortunate accident in the warm-up lap of the MXGP race. Antonio Cairoli, a big crash in the second MXGP race, and a damaged shoulder, which came out and looks like he might keep him out for some time.

When Jeffrey Herlings won the MXGP qualification race, and Antonio Cairoli came back from a poor Saturday and looked strong on Sunday, we all felt that we might be able to enjoy more of their 2018 battles. The two guys with around 200 GP wins between them and 13 World motocross championship. I would find it hard to think of a day I have enjoyed less than this Sunday in June.

Sure, the celebrations of two of the new breed in Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado. Themselves three World championships and possible five as this season ends. Also, around 40 GP wins between them, and the motocross World at their feet.

But still, I sit here in Latvia with a bad feeling. We already saw Clement Desalle and others injured in Russia a week ago, so we should be used to all these injuries. It is hard of the sport, but for sure it is the part we all hate.

At least we will see both Herlings and Cairoli back sooner rather than later, hopefully winning quickly again, and showing off the fact MXGP is the toughest motocross series in the World, and the most intense.

Unfortunately, with these high speeds and high intensity, you get injuries, and for another weekend, the sport has suffered.

Ray Archer image